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Dustin Toms

Home Town: Washington State
Sports: Basketball, Tennis
Games: NBA 2K, NBA Jam, NCAA, Mass Effect
Teams: Tennessee Titans, Seattle Sonics, Seattle Mariners, New York Knicks
OS Username: DustinT
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Tuesday, June 12, 2012
01:27 PM - June 12, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms


When it comes to getting their game down pat, the EA teams up in Vancouver, Canada, are masters. Especially the NHL folks; because once you get your own hands on NHL 13, you won’t want to put down the controller.

By introducing momentum, and by being the first team-sports game to implement real-time physics in skating, NHL 13 is already an early favorite for sports Game of the Year – yes, even above Madden NFL 13 and all of its improvements.

Read More - NHL 13 E3 Hands-On Preview

Game: NHL 13Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 23 - View All
Friday, June 8, 2012
04:16 PM - June 8, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms


With all of the hype surrounding Madden NFL 13 and its new Infinity engine, most people are forgetting about the other football game: NCAA Football 13.

Though not as big of a drastic gameplay change as Madden, NCAA does plenty of things right that should keep you entertained.

Read More - NCAA Football 13 Hands-On Preview

Game: NCAA Football 13Reader Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 60 - View All
Thursday, June 7, 2012
12:37 PM - June 7, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms


When I first heard that the franchise and superstar modes were taken out of Madden NFL 13, I was livid. Why on Earth would you destroy the offline gamer’s dream? Not cool EA, not cool.

But after getting my hands on the game, I know exactly why they “ditched” the modes. Connected Careers is basically the three modes combined into one, creating what seems to be the most immersive football gaming experience to date. You may not understand it – I didn’t at first – but in time you will.


Game: Madden NFL 13Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 77 - View All
Sunday, May 27, 2012
10:18 PM - May 27, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms

Looks like Kotaku has gotten their hands on some information regarding the next Need for Speed title. If there really is going to be a sequal/reboot to Most Wanted, I'm going to be a very happy camper.

Quote:
Not too much of a huge surprise, as Electronic Arts earlier this month told everyone it'd be publishing another Need For Speed title in the final three months of the year, and everyone figured that would be Need For Speed: Most Wanted 2. Yesterday, IGN reported that an EA E3 booth schedule being sent around confirms the game will be shown in Los Angeles.

Read More - Kotaku: Whether Sequel or Reboot, New Need For Speed: Most Wanted is Basically Confirmed

Game: Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2Hype Score: 10/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 1 - View All
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
11:11 AM - May 16, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms

Last year's draft Golden Boy, Cam Newton.

Dustin Toms and TD St. Matthew-Daniel return to dissect the draft on the other end now. After taking a look at the draft before it happened, their postmortem on what it all means for Madden is here! Read their thoughts after the jump!

Read More - Evaluating the NFL Draft for Madden NFL 13

Game: Madden NFL 13Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 77 - View All
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
06:00 PM - April 25, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms

EA AND ESPN ANNOUNCE CALVIN JOHNSON, JR.
AS THE FAN-VOTED MADDEN NFL 13 COVER ATHLETE

Nearly 20 Million Votes Cast through ESPN’s SportsNation, Shattering Last Year’s Award-Winning Campaign

New Features Unveiled for Madden NFL 13 during Kickoff Event in Times Square

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., - April 25, 2012 - Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and ESPN announced today that Calvin Johnson, Jr., wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, was selected by millions of fans across the country to grace the cover of Madden NFL 13, which will hit store shelves August 28. Johnson, a No. 6 seed, defeated fellow NFL Pro Bowler Cam Newton, a No.1seed, in a thrilling matchup culminating in a live unveiling on ESPN’s SportsNation and a cover photo shoot for the winner in New York City’s Times Square. This year’s vote campaign surpassed last year’s totals by 54% (19.6 million vs. 12.7 million), ending with Johnson triumphing over Newton by a final margin of 52% to 48%.

Nearly 20 million votes were cast during the seven week campaign (March 7 to April 25) through SportsNation online and via the mobile web, marking a new engagement record for an ESPN poll. Supported by integrations across multiple ESPN platforms, including TV, radio, online, mobile, social media, ESPN Deportes and more, fans rallied and supported Johnson as he beat teammate Matt Stafford in the newly introduced play-in round. He carried his strong momentum through the bracket of 32 all the way to victory beating No. 11 seed Dwayne Bowe, No. 3 seed Arian Foster, No. 2 seed Rob Gronkowski and No. 1 seed Aaron Rodgers in the final four before triumphing over Newton in the finale.

“The Madden NFL 13 Cover Vote has been bigger and better than ever thanks to all of our fans voting in record-setting fashion to honor Calvin Johnson, Jr. and we are thrilled to have him be the next face of the Madden NFL franchise,” said Anthony Stevenson, Madden NFL 13 director of marketing. “This year’s cover voting campaign had more rounds, more players and more votes than ever before, generating great conversations and debates amongst the fans and NFL players across multiple ESPN platforms and throughout social media. The amount of support that Johnson generated nationally and in his home market of Detroit was staggering.”

“This is the second year SportsNation was the home for the Madden NFL Cover Vote and it has been even more engaging than expected,” said Jamie Horowitz, VP of Original Programming and Production, ESPN. “SportsNation created a cross-platform experience like no other at ESPN, launching a play-in round on Facebook with more than 4 million votes, driving traffic to ESPN.com for a month of record-setting voting, and culminating with a live reveal show from New York City that was an exciting way for Johnson to learn of the fan’s ultimate decision.”
“This campaign is the latest example of what ESPN and EA have been doing for years together to serve sports fans,” said Raphael Poplock, Vice President, Games and Partnerships, ESPN. “From in-studio technology with Virtual Playbook, to authentic ESPN broadcast treatments within EA franchise games, and cross-platform social campaigns for the Madden NFL Cover Vote, our relationship continues to produce successful integrations and activations that engage fans in new and innovative ways.”

To celebrate and commemorate Johnson’s Cover Vote win and to kick off the Madden NFL 13 season, EA SPORTS conducted a photo shoot in New York City’s Times Square to capture the iconic image that will appear on the cover of this year’s game.

Game: Madden NFL 13Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 77 - View All
05:46 PM - April 25, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms


This video is also available on the OS Youtube channel, please subscribe while you're there.

REAL BALL. REAL SKILLS. NBA BALLER BEATS CHANGES
THE GAME. COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO KINECT FOR XBOX 360 THIS FALL

The First Ever Full Body Motion-Based NBA Video Game Lets You Perform Like A Pro Using A Real Ball

Edison, NJ—April 25, 2012 - Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), publisher of the wildly successful Zumba® Fitness video game franchise, today revealed plans to release NBA Baller Beats, a fun, high energy and first-of-its kind participative basketball video game launching this fall exclusively on Kinect™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Developed by HB Studios, NBA Baller Beats gets players on their feet mastering mad ball handling skills using a real basketball while playing to the beat of an eclectic soundtrack.

The Kinect motion sensor captures every movement of both player and ball to create an entirely new basketball gaming experience.

“NBA Baller Beats introduces an unprecedented way to experience basketball through a video game like never before,” said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Majesco Entertainment. “Our innovative play mechanic combined with Kinect technology puts the ball in players’ hands, tracking both full-body gameplay and ball movement, so players are going to have to get up and actually play basketball to get in the game. Ballers and fans alike will love this game.”

“We are excited to work with Majesco to provide basketball fans and gamers with a unique experience like NBA Baller Beats,” said Vicky Picca, Senior Vice President, Licensing & Business Affairs, NBA. “Showcasing the energy and dynamic elements of the NBA against the backdrop of a compelling soundtrack will be fun for fans of all ages."

Aspire to perform like a pro in NBA Baller Beats as you train alongside your favorite NBA franchise unlocking songs, difficulty levels, and over 100 posters and trading cards showcasing NBA players’ greatest moves. The music is your guide as you master ball handling skills, dribbling, and baller moves with a real basketball as Kinect technology tracks your every crossover, pump fake, behind-the-back, around-the-world and more! Become the ultimate baller and increase your stamina in single player mode, break it down and practice different skills in Move School mode or show-off in multiplayer mode and go head-to-head against up to 8 players – the highest score wins bragging rights. No matter the level of your skills, players of all abilities will enjoy getting off the couch and raising their game with NBA Baller Beats.

The NBA Baller Beats soundtrack features a mix of music across decades and genres including hip-hop, rock, and old school classics, with tracks from Kanye West, Run DMC, Gorillaz, Them Crooked Vultures, Common, Tiesto and more. Majesco Entertainment will unveil NBA Baller Beats gameplay, as well as additional soundtrack artists and songs, during the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo held in Los Angeles this June before setting out to give fans a try at exclusive basketball camps this summer.

NBA Baller Beats will launch exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360 this Fall. To watch the teaser trailer and find out more, please visit: http://www.NBABallerBeats.com.

Game: NBA Baller BeatsHype Score: 5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360Votes: 4 - View All
12:38 PM - April 25, 2012. Posted by jpdavis82. Written by Dustin Toms

Click the link below to follow along with the Madden 13 live webcast. EA will be covering presentation and a bit of gameplay today. Plus, stay tuned shortly after for OS' own detailed information from Madden NFL 13.

Watch Now!

Game: Madden NFL 13Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 77 - View All
11:47 AM - April 25, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms


The NFL Draft is something that we all get excited over, unless you're a Saints fan. The past few months have given us countless mock drafts and scenarios our favorite teams are looking into. And finally, tomorrow, the draft will kick off and give a new generation of players a chance to prove they belong. But what if teams were drafting for their Madden franchise, and not the real-life counterparts?

Well, Dustin and TD thought about it and decided to make a mock draft of their own by taking a look at how the draft might play out if it were done in Madden 13. This means we aren't picking who we think teams are going to pick, but who they should if the NFL was like Madden NFL 13 and favored the same types of attributes.

Ladies and gentleman, we present to you the Top 13 of Madden 13 Mock Draft...

Read More - OS Mock Draft With Madden NFL 13 Ratings Projections

Game: Madden NFL 13Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 77 - View All
Saturday, April 21, 2012
07:19 PM - April 21, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms

If you don't manage your farm system right, this guy will be your best option.

5. Using the Farm System


I told you to build it, but you also need to know how to use it.

Once September hits you will face plenty of decisions. Should you bring up Matt Moore (as if he already isn't), or maybe Manny Machado to give him experience? Ultimately, do what is best for your team given the situation.

Bring in some depth for a playoff team if you must, or bring up your AAA guys to see if they can cut it in the big leagues. In real life, this is where the teams out of contention can bring up prospects to see how the future looks and to give teams a look at potential trade bait.

The AI in the show isn't that good, but it doesn't hurt to throw guys out to see what they can do in game.

What is your strategy when the rosters expand to 40 teams in September?

Game: MLB 12 The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3Votes: 55 - View All
Friday, April 20, 2012
02:13 PM - April 20, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms

In case you've been under a rock, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is in the finals of the Madden Cover vote against Calvin Johnson. Well, Newton has been seen as the clear-cut winner since the bracket started and he isn't about to give up now.

In his CAMpaign Challenge Video, Newton is giving all players a chance to play him at Madden to prove his loyalties to the EA football game.

Simply send him an email and a few pieces of information for your chance to play Newton himself.

Send an email to [email protected] and give him the following info:
  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Gamertag (XBL or PS3, he has both)

Good luck!

Game: Madden NFL 13Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 77 - View All
Thursday, April 19, 2012
01:21 PM - April 19, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms


Take Risks

There are never rewards without the risks.

I'm talking about the playoffs here. Is your No. 1 ace too tired to play on three days rest? Even if he is, don't pay attention to his stamina bar. You're in it to win it once you reach the fall season, so five or six good innings from your top-of-the-rotation guy is better than seven innings of mediocrity. But remember, the risk is that you're pitcher will have a terrible outing and lose the series for you. It's a big risk, but if you've mastered the art of your top pitcher, do it.


What are some other risks you've taken in an MLB 12: The Show franchise?

Game: MLB 12 The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3Votes: 55 - View All
Wednesday, April 18, 2012


Quote:
In a title update scheduled to arrive on April 20, gamers with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 and a Kinect sensor will be able to face the screen as they execute a golf swing, a more natural way to play video game golf, and a feature whose absence at launch made for some nonplussed reviews and gamer reaction.

Source - Kotaku

Game: Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13Reader Score: 7.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 10 - View All
01:36 PM - April 18, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms

The crew over at IGN do a nice job of clumping yesterday's information into a short, quick article. They also made a pretty sweet graphic to get all the info out, too.

Quote:
It's always easy to write off an annual sports game by saying -- "It's just the same thing as last year." As always, EA is looking to keep you from uttering that; this time with NCAA Football 13. You already know about what developer Tiburon is bringing to make the game feel more like college football, but now it's time to talk about what NCAA 13 is doing to play more like college football.

Read More - Tweaking the Gameplay of NCAA Football 13 (IGN)

Game: NCAA Football 13Reader Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 60 - View All
01:00 PM - April 18, 2012. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Dustin Toms


Be Active on the Trade Market


Playing simulation baseball is entertaining, so why not keep it real and try and be active in trading like the pros constantly are?

Obviously, depending on how well your team is performing, you could be trading young prospects for veterans or vice-versa. Either way, the trade deadline is the perfect place to keep building a solid foundation for your organization.

Every good baseball businessman knows how to wheel and deal, your success in an MLB 12: The Show franchise will be made in knowing how to do the same.

What was your best trade you ever pulled off?

Game: MLB 12 The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3Votes: 55 - View All