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Author Bio
Chris Sanner

Home Town: Bethany, OK
Sports: Football, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling
Games: The Show, NCAA Football, NHL, FIFA, NBA 2K
Teams: The Sooners, Rangers, Thunder, Chiefs
OS Username: MMChrisS
Tags: Live: MMChrisS PSN: OSChrisS
Sunday, June 12, 2016


EA Sports has detailed new additions to this year's franchise mode on their website.

The first blog post EA detailed a faster way to play franchise and new gameplanning features.

Play The Moments: Experience Franchise faster than ever. Jump into game-defining plays, drives and situations that matter to you, speeding up your experience and delivering more fun. For players who want to span their career the entire 30 years but are limited in time, Play the Moment will be your new way to play.

Quote:
"How does it work?

Before heading down to the field, choose between Play the Moments, Offense Only, Defense Only, or the Full Game. When you choose Play the Moments, the game will be simulated until it detects a key moment and then prompts you to jump right into the action. If you don’t want to play that particular moment, you can easily skip it. Choosing Offense Only or Defense Only before loading into the game allows you to easily play just one side of the ball.

You’ll be able to switch in and out of all the modes easily as you play your game. For example, you can start by playing the Full Game and then switch to Play the Moments at half-time once you have a sizable lead. It’s up to you on how you use it."
There will be different times you are called to 'play a moment'.

EA says that sometimes you will be prompted to play a full drive at the beginning of a game in order to get a lead early. In the last two minutes of a half you may be called upon to drive down the field and manage the clock and perhaps on defense you'll be called in on 3rd downs to get the ball back for your team. Really any 'big' moment of a game you can be called in on.

There will be a new sim speed feature which allows you to slow the game down and watch it unfold in real time during super-sim and during moments. This is an oft requested feature that is now being fulfilled.

Another big addition is that super-sim will now take into account quarter speed in order to try to deliver a game as close as possible to the 120 play-per-game NFL average as well.

Check out all of the new additions to 'Play the Moment' and Super-Sim on EA's site!

Game: Madden NFL 17Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes: 17 - View All
05:03 PM - June 12, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


EA is touting new ways to attack in order to finish in front of the goal in FIFA 17.

  • Driven Finish - A new shot mechanic lets players keep the ball low in any situation - finesse, volley, or when simply slotting it home.
  • Threaded Through Pass - Curved, Precise, Into Space. Create new scoring chances with a perfectly executed threaded through pass.
  • Driven Goal Kicks - Start a quick counter attack by passing it out from goal with power and direction.
  • Downwards Headers - Greater control in direction allows players to head the ball down and into the ground, making keepers work harder.

What do you think about the new attack methods in FIFA 17?

Game: FIFA 17Reader Score: Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes: 0 - View All
04:56 PM - June 12, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


EA today unveiled new changes to the FIFA 17 gameplay which will improve the AI on the pitch. As EA touts, they have, "a brand new system introduces constant spatial analysis, increases activity off the ball, and changes the way players move, read, and react."

  • Constant Spatial Analysis - Now every player analyzes the proximity of their opponents and the space around them to better identify opportunities in attack. When you are on the ball your teammates understand if you can make a pass and adjust their movement to show for you or make a new run.
  • New Run Types - Smarter players and increased activity off the ball give you new and creative ways to open up the opposition. Orchestrated runs with multiple players, fake runs, stunt runs, and calling a player to show support are just a few ways you take control in the build up.

What do you think of these two AI improvements within FIFA 17? Will the off-ball movement and better runs help improve the feel of the gameplay?

Game: FIFA 17Reader Score: Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes: 0 - View All
04:52 PM - June 12, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


FIFA 17 is addressing the physical side of football with changes to aspects of the gameplay. EA promises control is now in your hands as players battle for space and possession.

  • Pushback Tech - Pushback Tech innovates in trapping, dribbling, physics, and defending to create true-to-life battles for position and the ball. This is especially important when you want to control the ball and buy time for a teammate to make a run or get into a supporting position.
  • Physical Interactions - Player interactions come to life in realistic detail across the entire pitch, like goalkeeper collisions, across-body tackles, 50/50 battles, jostling while ball is in the air and ball control while shielding.
  • 360 Degree Shield Dribble - New proximity-based shielding will help you fend off opponents and keep possession. Defenders can be shielded out as you dribble in any direction.
Do you think the new changes to the physicality within FIFA will help improve the experience of battling for position on the pitch?

Game: FIFA 17Reader Score: Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3 / PC / PS4 / Xbox OneVotes: 0 - View All
04:45 PM - June 12, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


EA Sports today detailed big changes coming to the set piece part of the game in FIFA 17.

  • Direct Free Kicks - Customize your run up on free kicks to create more variety in the spin and movement on the ball. You can now deliver worldies like outside of the foot direct free kicks that bend around the opposition.
  • New Corner Kicks - A new targeting system from corners lets you pick out teammates with greater precision and changes the way your teammates move as you deliver the pass. Switch to a player in the box and have your teammate pick you out for the perfect header.
  • New Penalty Kicks - Move freely in your run up on the ball, approach from different angles and at different speeds, and put some personality on your penalties to take control from the spot.
  • User Controlled Throw Ins - Walk the line to gain a better position on your throw. Fake your throw to keep your defender guessing. And throw it with pace to a teammate.
What do you think about the changes to the set piece game in FIFA 17?

Game: FIFA 17Reader Score: Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3 / PC / PS4 / Xbox OneVotes: 0 - View All
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
12:34 PM - June 8, 2016. Posted by dietdoubledew. Written by Chris Sanner

EA Sports posted a new blog detailing Presentation improvements in Madden NFL 17.

Quote:
"Madden NFL 17 on Xbox One and PlayStation®4 brings even more authenticity to Broadcast Presentation this year. From the beginning sequence of heading into game you will notice the “rock concert” feel that you see so often on real NFL Broadcasts."

And with that, we begin to learn about some of the new improvements coming to the Presentation in Madden NFL 17.
  • Each stadium and jumbotron has been updated to improve authenticity at each venue around the NFL.
  • Pylon cams are now part of the game.
  • New camera angles on the field.
  • In-game stat overlays now will be shown over replays as well as live.
  • Multi-Cam is a new camera angle which can target multiple players in one cut after a play concludes.
  • Players and the UI exist with one another in a 3D environment.
  • The look and behavior of coaches has been improved on the sidelines so that they look and act more lifelike.

What do you think of Madden NFL 17's presentation improvements?

Game: Madden NFL 17Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes: 17 - View All
Tuesday, June 7, 2016


A new blog post on EA's website details a new approach from EA on teaching users hockey and how to play NHL 17.

Quote:
"Whether you’re competing online for elite status or lacing up the skates for the very first time, the next generation of the critically acclaimed Visual On-Ice Trainer and Coaching Feedback tools return to teach you the skills needed to sharpen your game. Unprecedented control over gameplay settings and sliders give you the tools to go from fast, action-packed gameplay all the way to the most authentic simulation so you can play the style of hockey you love."

Some of the new training features include a Visual On-Ice Trainer which has been revamped to make improving your skill level easier and faster than ever before.

Coaching feedback is designed to help you perfect your game, with deeper and more dynamic and finely tuned feedback in this year's game. Lastly, complete gameplay customization will allow you to finely tune your gameplay experience however you want to tune it with sliders.

So what do you think of the training and gameplay customization options? Up your alley? Sound off in the comments!

Game: NHL 17Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS4 / Xbox OneVotes: 5 - View All
01:26 PM - June 7, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


EA Sports NHL 17 will feature new ways to play your favorite modes, according to a new blog post.

Quote:
"Take your EA SPORTS Hockey League team to the next level by progressing through ranks to unlock customization items and give your uniform a unique look, or use the all-new Arena Creator to build the home ice you’ve always wanted. Celebrate career defining Moments in Be a Pro and immerse yourself into the most exciting Hockey Ultimate Team ever with the introduction of team Synergy, completely changing the way you build and play your dream team."

There are several new additions to already popular modes which are detailed in the blog post:
  • EASHL - New EASHL Player Rank System which allows you to earn badges and unlock new customization items.
  • EASHL Arena Progression - Start off in a community rink and grow your following and arena into an internationally renowned cathedral.
  • Arena Creator - The new arena creator (which is an obvious addition given the above) will feature customization options from the ice surface, goal lights, scoreboards, and arena sounds.
  • Team Editor - New editing tools for uniforms, logos, and more.
  • Career Definining Moments - From things such as your first goal, first fight, etc. -- you can now look back on these moments in your Be a Pro and other modes to celebrate career milestones.
  • HUT Synergy - The most played mode in NHL is introducing an all-new team building system which will challenge you to pair player strengths together to get perks for your roster across lineups.
  • HUT Dynamic Sets - Collect sets to unlock rewards, including thematic sets, to constantly build and upgrade your team.
  • ECHL - The ECHL is debuting this year with 27 teams, jerseys, and rosters all authentically reproduced.
What do you think of the improvements to the various modes in NHL 17?

Game: NHL 17Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS4 / Xbox OneVotes: 5 - View All
Monday, June 6, 2016
02:23 PM - June 6, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


The Chicago White Sox pulled off what is being described as a shrewd trade with the San Diego Padres to acquire James Shields.

In a deal you'd typically see at the Trade Deadline, the White Sox gave away a couple of younger talents to acquire Shields from the Padres. White Shields hasn't been up to his old standards this year, he's still eating innings and is a good addition to any rotation.

Quote:
"Nevertheless I love what the White Sox did here. Pitchers like Cole Hamels, David Price and Johnny Cueto are not going to be available to acquire via trade this season like they were a year ago. Sonny Gray was thought to be one of the best that might be available, but he just came off the DL and was not having a strong season.

The White Sox beat everyone to the punch, landing a key rotation piece much earlier than what is usually expected."


Shields will slide right into the White Sox Rotation. He's an 84 ovr pitcher in MLB The Show 16, boasting some good stuff. He has a 4-seam fastball at 92mph alongside a 2-seamer and an 83 mph change-up. On top of that, he also features an 86mph cutter and a 78mph Knuckle Curve.

The White Sox are currently in third place in the AL Central, just three games back from the Indians. This is a trade intended to improve the White Sox rotation enough to make a run at a division title. At least on the surface, the new look rotation certainly seems to be capable of doing just that.

What do you think of the James Shields trade? Did the Padres get any value in return and did the White Sox make a smart move?

Game: MLB The Show 16Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4Votes: 23 - View All
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
12:48 PM - June 1, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner

Don't look now, the Kansas City Royals at 29 wins and 22 losses are in first place in the American League Central Division.

The defending World Champs have been highly challenged by injury this year, but they are continuing to win because they have a deep farm system and a winning culture built from within.

Quote:
"Third baseman Mike Moustakas, left fielder Alex Gordon and catcher Sal Perez are in various states of disrepair. Their replacements include two 27-year-olds who recently made their major-league debuts, Whit Merrifield and Brett Eibner, a highly regarded third-base prospect, Cheslor Cuthbert, and oft-overlooked backup catcher Drew Butera.

And somehow, the Royals are back in first place."

With the Royals' continued success (along with several other top clubs who have built their way to titles), you can't help but wonder how good MLB The Show 16 captures the build to win long-form strategy.

The Royals success was built by developing a winning culture from the ground up, literally building a culture to win within the minor leagues which eventually translated to the majors after long and brutal seasons of losing.

Do you think The Show captures this aspect of franchise management well? What do you think the game could do to improve the long-term build to win strategy?

Game: MLB The Show 16Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4Votes: 23 - View All
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
09:34 PM - May 31, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner

The time has come for Kevin Durant to make a decision, at least for one offseason.

Kevin Durant is facing a decision on whether to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder short-term, long-term, or not at all. The smart money is on Durant staying in Oklahoma City for at least one more year where, at that point, he will decide his future alongside long-time teammate Russell Westbrook.

Thanks to an even higher cap coming at the end of next season, it does tend to make some sense for Durant to give OKC one more go next season -- especially considering the Thunder were one win away from playing in the NBA Finals (never mind that epic collapse).

There are plenty of suitors for KD's talents from Washington, to Houston, to even Golden State or San Antonio. Really, its likely if any NBA franchise knew they could somehow land Kevin Durant they'd send him a contract yesterday. As far as teams where Durant fits, that's another story entirely.

So what do you think? Will Durant return to OKC? Will he be leaving the Thunder this offseason? Will he be playing for OKC in 2017? Sound off on what you think Durant should do and what you think he will do!

Game: NBA 2K16Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes: 45 - View All
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
01:18 PM - May 18, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


Quick, name the best undrafted free agent you've ever signed in Madden who turned out to be a superstar with a greater than 90ovr rating.

While most all undrafted players who sign contracts will never amount to more than a transient practice squad member, sometimes franchises hit pay-dirt on undrafted free agents.

Take these names: John Randle, Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Wes Welker, Tony Romo.

This year's undrafted free agent class includes names like Trevone Boykin, Jack Allen, Devon Cajuste, Darius Latham, Jeremy Cash, and Brian Poole.

Somewhere, one of these undrafted players (or another not listed) will make a big impact on the league. And yet, it feels as if this crucial aspect of roster building just has never really been represented well in Madden NFL.

I can remember a couple of times I found some real value in this period -- but it feels like its never been represented as well as it could in the Madden NFL series.

As a former GM puts it, "The John Randle time" is a crucial time for franchises to choose paths which may alter a team's course for years:

Quote:
"We’re talking about players like quarterbacks Trevone Boykin and Jake Coker in Seattle and Arizona, respectively; linebacker Jeremy Cash in Carolina and Gronk's little brother, fullback Glenn Gronkowski, in Buffalo.

Each NFL team has filled out its roster by signing approximately 25 of these undrafted free agents to minimum-salary deals with modest signing bonuses, mostly in the $5,000-to-$10,000 range. These players are true underdogs who must compete with veterans in minicamps and OTAs as they prepare for training camp and battles for roster spots."


So what about you? Do you have any stories of picking up undrafted free agents who turned out to be superstars? What do you think Madden could do to represent 'John Randle Time' better for franchises?


Game: Madden NFL 17Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3 / PS4 / Xbox OneVotes: 17 - View All
11:07 AM - May 18, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


The NBA Draft Lottery concluded last night, with the full draft order in the 2016 NBA Draft now set.

Now that we're through the anticipation of who lands where, we can start really digging into how teams are going to change for next year's NBA 2K by looking at Mock Drafts.

The 76'ers are going to have to choose between Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram -- and the Lakers will almost certainly take the other piece of that duo after Philadelphia's pick.

Here are the top 12 picks in this year's draft:

Quote:
"Round 1

1. Philadelphia 76ers
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Boston Celtics (via Nets)
4. Phoenix Suns
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Sacramento Kings
9. Toronto Raptors (via Knicks)
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Orlando Magic
12. Utah Jazz"


There are numerous other interesting storylines heading into draft night. What are you looking for with your team from the 2016 NBA Draft?

Game: NBA 2K17Reader Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes: 14 - View All
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
05:31 PM - May 17, 2016. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chris Sanner


Last year, the creators of MLB The Show went all in on making sure you could finish a game of The Show in a reasonable amount of time. The results since then have been a streamlined experience with the ability to play through games at a pretty fast pace.

The folks at Major League Baseball are similarly concerned with the pace of play, as games this year are taking about four minutes longer on average than they were last year.

Quote:
"Baseball games are getting longer this season, though. According to ESPN, the length of average MLB game in 2016 has stretched three hours and 26 seconds. That doesn't sound like a huge increase, but when you add four minutes to 2,430 games a year in the regular season, it adds up to an additional 6.83 days worth of baseball. If you watch all 162 games of a given team, a four-minute increase per game adds up to 10.8 hours over the course of a season."

The pace of play in baseball is something which is always an interesting debate. Pitch clocks have been instituted in the minor leagues with great results at shortening the game.

Another change the MLB may look at include limiting the amount of mound visits which can be made during the course of a game.

The latter two proposals both could have big impacts on how you play The Show in the future. What do you think? Does baseball need to change the rules to speed up to the pace of play?

Game: MLB The Show 16Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4Votes: 23 - View All
Thursday, May 12, 2016


Max Scherzer struck out 20 batters last night, tying the all-time record.

While Scherzer's performance wasn't the greatest of all-time for sure, he still put up a plethora of impressive stats.

Zero walks. Twenty-four of thirty-three batters faced hit with first pitch strikes. Only twenty-three balls thrown.

That's the type of stats that, if you had them in The Show, you'd instantly start adjusting the control slider to make the game more realistic. Scherzer isn't the only pitcher tearing it up this year, so is Jake Arrieta of the Cubs.

In your time playing MLB The Show 16, have you had a performance similar to that of Scherzer's 20K performance Wednesday night? Let us know in the comments if you've done anything similar!

Game: MLB The Show 16Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4Votes: 23 - View All