Author Bio
Chase BecotteHome Town: Nomads don't have home towns
Sports: A bunch
Games: Too many to list
Teams: Sixers, Flyers, Pirates
OS Username: ChaseB
Tags: PS3: Slizeezyc / 360: Slizeezyc
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
01:50 PM - June 7, 2011. Posted by ChaseB. Written by Chase Becotte
Operation Sports has set up shop at E3, and we plan to provide as many updates and as much content as humanly possible during this week.
Be sure to follow Chase Becotte, Christian Mcleod, and TD St. Matthew-Daniel on their Twitter pages to keep up to date with live thoughts from the show floor -- plus the official Operation Sports Twitter account. We will also be providing updates and previews from the show right here on the OS frontpage throughout the week.
As for today, we plan on trying to get to as many of the big games today as we can. We will be checking out Madden NFL 12, NCAA Football 12, SSX, FIFA 12, NHL 12, WWE '12, UFC Undisputed 3 and more today. You can expect those hands-on impressions to hit the site tonight (or late tonight for you EST folks out there, sorry) and into tomorrow morning.
While you may have to wait for our impressions until late tonight, we are providing those Twitter updates throughout the day, and we'll also be doing a live chat for NCAA Football12 and Madden 12 tonight at 5:15 p.m. PST/8:15 p.m. EST.
Friday, June 3, 2011
07:29 PM - June 3, 2011. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Chase Becotte
There's plenty of information already out there in terms of what Dynamic Player Performance is and how it will work. The point of this feature is to detail Dynamic Player Performance in small chunks while also combining it with how players will change during the season. In other words, think of this article as a CliffsNotes for Madden NFL 12 Dynamic Player Performance.
Read More - Madden NFL 12: Dynamic Player Performance Cheat Sheet
Friday, May 27, 2011
02:13 PM - May 27, 2011. Posted by RaychelSnr. Written by Chase Becotte
We recently had a chance to speak with Aaron McHardy, FIFA 12's gameplay producer, about many of the gameplay changes happening on the virtual pitch this year. It was such an extended chat that we felt the need to share the entirety of the interview with all of you. So check out the link to listen to all the gameplay details you can handle.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
04:22 PM - May 26, 2011. Posted by mr janny. Written by Chase Becotte
NCAA Football 12 developer Ben Haumiller talks at great length about the addition of custom conferences in today's blog at EA.com.
This addition ties in with what seems to be the team's overarching goal of providing users with more customization options throughout the Dynasty mode this year.
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Check out the rest of the blog to get all the details.
02:41 PM - May 26, 2011. Posted by ChaseB. Written by Chase Becotte
It seems like everyone wants to get in on announcing their pre-order bonuses this week. Naturally, Forza Motorsport 4 wants to be a part of that cool crowd. However, the pre-order deals seem a little more confusing when it comes to Forza 4.
First off, there is the "limited quantity" of first-run copies of Forza 4 that will include an in-game pack of five cars. When this limited supply runs out, the cars go with it.
Here is the list of cars:
- Ford Mustang GT Coupe 1965: Take to the road in this classic American stallion, one of Ford’s most successful launch cars behind the Model A.
- Koenigsegg Agera 2011: “The Agera--from the Swedish verb “to act”--celebrates 15 years of Koenigsegg’s uncompromising philosophy of making dream cars.”
- Lexus SC300 1997: A classic personal luxury coupé, the SC300 combines a powerful racer with a 225bhp I6-powered engine.
- RUF RGT-8 2011: The spectacular RGT-8 is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine that has been fine tuned to deliver unmatchable sports car power and curb appeal.
- Tesla Roadster Sport 2011: For luxury car fans, the Roadster Sport is electric heaven. Get behind the wheel of this electric two-seater and go zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with a peak rating of 288 horsepower.
In addition to those limited-edition copies of Forza 4, there is a specific pre-order bonus depending on where you buy the game:
- Available at Amazon.com - Subaru Impreza WRX STI: The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is the highest standard-edition trim in the Subaru compact car line. The STI is recognized as a speed demon on race tracks, winning first place at Super GT in 2008.
- Available at Best Buy - BMW 1 Series M Coupe: Reaching top speeds of 250 km/h, the 1 Series M Coupe is the high-performance version of the famed BMW 1 Series Coupe.
- Available at GameStop - Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde: The creation of Italian automaker Alfa Romeo and first introduced at the March 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Giulietta contains an exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration with a 1.7L turbocharged engine that will steer you to victory.
- Available at Wal-Mart - MINI John Cooper Works Clubman: MINI enthusiasts around the world rejoice! The JCW Clubman sports a 1.6-liter four-cylinder MINI engine that has been tuned and turbocharged to include 208 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque.
- Available at Target – Honda CR-Z EX: The Honda CR-Z EX is Honda’s sport hybrid with an ultra-modern and sporty look, featuring 16” wheels and tires, low-to-the-ground stance and swooping bodywork. Additionally, its six-speed manual transmission makes it the only hybrid with three pedals.
This type of pre-order bonus is a little peculiar in a racing game because there are different cars in each version, rather than just a re-skinned version of a car already in the game. For example, Forza 3 did something like this, but the pre-order cars just varied from a cosmetics perspective rather than a driving perspective. In other words, my guess is that these pre-order cars will end up in one big DLC pack at some point because people will want to be able to get all of these cars.
Finally, there is a "Limited Collector's Edition" of the game that is not yet available to be ordered in advance because it's unclear what will be included in that version of Forza 4.
Phew.
Beyond the pre-order details, the best part of this announcement is the explanation of "Profile Import" being included in Forza 4.
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Other sports games could learn a thing or two from that type of functionality.
Source - Forza Motorsport 4 - Pre-order and boxart announcement (NeoGAF)
02:12 PM - May 26, 2011. Posted by ChaseB. Written by Chase Becotte
GameTrailers posted three gameplay videos showcasing DiRT 3, two of which show off the game in snow and rain. Folks on the forums seem to really be enjoying the game so far -- even if multiplayer is not working on PS3 right now -- so check the videos out if you're still on the fence.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
05:51 PM - May 25, 2011. Posted by ChaseB. Written by Chase Becotte
As promised, EA has been posting blogs all week detailing some of the changes to NCAA Football 12. Today's blogs include one on the Online Dynasty web improvements, while the other is about the the addition of custom playbooks to the game.
I found that the web improvements blog was more interesting because of all the functionality that has been added for Online Dynasty users. I know a couple OS'ers who are addicted to this mode, and I really just want to see how much more obsessed they become with these new additions now being included. I'm thinking I'll see at least one set of OS'ers finish a season of Online Dynasty in a single day.
In addition, EA's Ben Haumiller clarified some things that relate to the paid content you can buy for Online Dynasty:
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EA's Jordan "Mr. Peterson" Peterson, talks about creating, shaping and organizing a custom playbook. The whole process looks really clean and easy. One thing of note is that you will be able to use your custom playbook in every game mode, both online and off.
It's also worth mentioning, once again, how big or small the playbooks can be:
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So what do you guys think?
03:31 PM - May 25, 2011. Posted by ChaseB. Written by Chase Becotte
If you checked out the debut NHL 12 footage and immediately said "I must buy this game," then this news is for you.
Amazon.com is offering http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WL4LP8/...=operasport-20 in September if you pre-order NHL 12, while Gamestop.com is offering the "Bauer Boost Pack" to those pre-order believers out there.
Here is the description of the Bauer Boost Pack via Gamestop.com:
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Basically, you can pre-order at Amazon if you want to drop hockey knowledge bombs on people, or you can pre-order at Gamestop if you just want to get a leg up on the competition from day one.
01:14 PM - May 25, 2011. Posted by ChaseB. Written by Chase Becotte
While you are technically able to play PS3 games online again, the PlayStation Store is still down. This mean's PS3 users who just purchased DiRT3 can't play the game online yet.
DiRT 3 sports a VIP pass, not unlike the "online pass" found in EA Sports games these days. The VIP pass comes free with new copies of DiRT 3, while it costs money if someone buys the game used. Regardless, since the PS Store is down, users can't register the VIP pass that came with the game. Now, this would not be an issue if the VIP pass could be disabled -- this was done in the latest Mortal Kombat game as a workaround until the PlayStation Store is resurrected -- but that's not possible with DiRT 3, according to Codemasters.
So what users are left with is half a game on the PS3, which I'm sure Codemasters is thrilled about.
As of now, the latest update for the PlayStation Store is just that it will be back up sometime before the end of May. Until then, enjoy that single-player action in DiRT 3 PS3 users, it's all you're getting for now.
Source - DiRT 3 online impossible on PS3 until PS Store returns (VideoGamer)
Source - Codies can't disable DiRT 3 online pass (Eurogamer)
12:34 PM - May 25, 2011. Posted by prowler. Written by Chase Becotte
This video is also available on the OS Youtube channel, please subscribe while you're there.
Part one can be found here for those who missed it.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
02:12 PM - May 24, 2011. Posted by ChaseB. Written by Chase Becotte
The PlayStation Store is still down as of today, so once again it's sort of an odd week for those who like to buy extra attempts for the Challenge of the Week. This week's pitcher-batter duel is a Freeway Series showodown between Andre Ethier and Jered Weaver.
The prize for the top score this week is a signed ball from one of six MLB players: Cole Hamels, Jose Reyes, Prince Fielder, Buster Posey, Upton (unclear if it's Justin or B.J.) or Cliff Lee. The monthly prize for May is $2,000 cash.
The challenge itself is one that is one of the easier ones to be posted this year. Weaver does not have a dominating fastball, so if you can handle his changeup/curveball combo, then you should be in good shape. Plus, Weaver is not a left-handed pitcher, so Ethier should have no problem taking him over the right-field wall at Dodgers Stadium.
01:15 PM - May 24, 2011. Posted by Roggie. Written by Chase Becotte
This video is also available on the OS Youtube channel, please subscribe while you're there.
IGN checks in today with the first hard info about NHL 12. The coverages includes a first-look preview, and an EA-created video featuring NHL 12 line producer, Sean Ramjagsingh.
As of now, it looks like presentation, physics and chaos are the highlights so far. The video shows off big checks that send players through glass, onto benches and into goalies. The video also seems to be showing off some nice pregame presentation touches for (at least) the Winter Classic, which was earlier confirmed to be in the game via the first screen released for NHL 12. Lastly, stuff like helmets being knocked off and goalies being able to fight goalies highlights some of the chaos we can expect to see in the game this year.
The IGN preview highlights a lot of small things (or big ones, depending on your viewpoint), including new TSN/Versus styled in-game overlays, an NHL GameCenter-like summary system in the pause menu, jockeying for position in front of the goalie, and general discussion about how goalies will act differently and fight to look through screens and jumbled messes in front of the net.
Jockeying for position in front of the net and interacting with goalies are two big elements that should add a lot to the game, but I can't help but be a bit concerned about all the big checks and so forth shown in the first video. NHL 11 was a great game, but the physical play got more and more out of hand as the season went on this year. It's going to be important that the developers figure out how to balance out the chaos and checking with sound defensive plays and proper positioning. If the game once again devolves into going for open-ice checks because it's the easiest and most effective way to play defense, then the developers will have missed an opportunity to properly show off the type of physical play that is really important in the NHL. It is those moments in front of the net where you fight for position or battle for a rebound that are truly important if you want to get a win.
As for the release date, the video showed that the new release date for NHL 12 is September 13, 2011. This is only a week later than last year, which is surprising and yet not at the same time. EA does seem to want to sync up its video games with the start of the real sport's season, but unless FIFA's release date changes from late September in the US, NHL 12 can only be so close to October before it starts to get sucked into FIFA's release-date window.
Operation Sports will be at E3 this year to get a look at NHL 12, so stay tuned for more coverage in the coming weeks.
Source - The Little Things Count in NHL 12 (IGN)
*UPDATE*
We received a press release that sheds a bit more light on a couple things:
Be a Pro mode updated:
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Presentation touches:
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Monday, May 23, 2011
01:38 PM - May 23, 2011. Posted by canes21. Written by Chase Becotte
The Gaming Tailgate has posted a bunch of specific and in-depth details about Dynasty mode that might not find their way into standard previews and press releases. These details come via a community-based Q&A session, and as with most Q&As about very specific details, there is more negatives than positives to be found here.
One negative thing coming from the Q&A is the confirmation about the lack of individual coaching ratings, which means the Coaching Carousel loses a bit of luster. If you put the pieces of the puzzle together, you sort of already knew this was coming based on some of the details that had previously been released about Dynasty mode, but it's still a little disappointing to hear. However, coach prestige will impact results during simulations, and it will still impact recruiting via the "pitches" previously in the game. These caveats should not be overlooked. Since coaches will now recruit for their playbook and style of play, if you take over a job and want to recruit for a new system, that will provide a whole new layer of challenge that was not there previously.
In addition, you can't hire your own coordinators once you're the head coach, and really, why would you if the coaches don't have ratings -- the only thing playing a part in the decision would be the playbook at that point, and you have control of that if you want. However, if you want an extra layer of challenge, you could build your team based off each coordinator's playbook, which could change your recruiting strategy at various points because the CPU Athletic Director could hire/fire coordinators.
On the positive side of things, it does seem it will be a slow burn to get from a "D" prestige to an "A" prestige level. You can also share coaches within the roster, so roster makers can now edit all the coaches in addition to all the players. Continuing with the customization positives, you can edit conferences throughout a dynasty, not just before the first year. Lastly, early signs point to simulated stats being more on point this year.
Head over to The Gaming Tailgate to get the rest of the details.
Source - Dynasty Info Q&A Thread (The Gaming Tailgate)
11:45 AM - May 23, 2011. Posted by reco. Written by Chase Becotte
This video is also available on the OS Youtube channel, please subscribe while you're there.
Game Informer posted a story today detailing all of the changes to NCAA Football 12's biggest modes. However, it appears the outlet may have jumped the gun when it comes to revealing the Road to Glory details because they were removed shortly after publication -- of course, we will attach those RTG details at the bottom of the story since OS user illwill10 saved the info.
Most of the info about Dynasty mode was revealed by IGN on Friday, so even the video Game Informer posted does not provide much new info on this front, but it's still another chance to listen to the smooth-sounding Kirk Herbstreit -- he's so dreamy. In the video, you can see the implementation of custom conferences, the Coaching Carousel and creating a coach.
Beyond the video, one new aspect that we previously did not know about Dynasty mode is the real-world cost of some of the "premium" features included with the Online Dynasty mode.
Online Dynasty Mode
- Commish can advance the week from the web – but only if you pay a one-time fee of $2.99 or 240 Microsoft Points
- You can super-sim your games versus the CPU on the web -- including calling plays, modifying your depth chart, and more. You can also pause the game at any time, sim forward a quarter, etc. Again, however, this will cost you a one-time fee of $2.99 or 240 Microsoft Points.
- Both of the above browser features can be bought in one Commissioner Pack for $6.99/560 MP, and the pack also includes the ability to be commish to up to five dynasties.
Some people will obviously be upset about these micro-transactions, especially because they are web-only features, but it's really up to consumers to decide whether or not these things are worth their money. Last year, folks had to pay extra if they wanted to run more than one online dynasty, and that cost is still here, but it's being grouped in with a bunch of other "premium" features that can be purchased in the "Commissioner Pack" for $6.99. It is also worth noting that it cost $14.99 to commish five online dynasties in NCAA Football 11, while this year the cost is considerably less.
The other interesting part of this story is how the Road to Glory mode will seemingly be devoid of ways to make your way through it in a quicker fashion via micro-transactions.
Road to Glory Mode
- XP you earn during your college career is spent on item packs in the Upgrade Store. These packs are built around groups of attributes for specific types of players. For example, the scat back pack boosts your acceleration and juke ability
- There are 600 item packs total, and they’ll be six different ones available each week. Rarity, cost, and duration vary, but they will all be based around your position
- Upgrade Store items cannot be bought via micro-transactions
Of course, there could be other micro-transactions we have just not heard about yet for RTG, but for the time being, this type of design decision flies in the face of previous EA Sports efforts where you could buy your way to being the best if you did not want to spend the time to build up your character on your own.
Lastly, as promised, here is the full list of Road to Glory details that were originally in the Game Informer story:
This year's [Road to Glory] mode is designed by former Auburn running back Alex Howell. He says his aim is to "create as much of my high school and college experience that I could through Road to Glory."
High School
- Explores your high school years more in depth, so you'll play a full senior season and gain recruiting points that are based on your stats.
- After each game you'll pick three local schools of varying prestige that are interested in you
- Your recruiting board shows which schools you've picked and how far you are to earning a scholarship for each one. You can walk on to any school, but if you have a scholarship, you'll be able to transfer your recruiting points into XP for college
- You'll play and be recruited on both sides of the ball
- You can edit your HS senior season from seven to eleven games, and can import online browser-built Team Builder teams as your opponents. This lets you recreate your real-life high school team's schedule if you want
College
Coach's Trust
- You work your way up the depth chart by earning Coach's Trust Points, and even when you have enough points to catch the player who's higher than you on the chart, you can then only take that position by winning a Position Battle – which is a glorified practice session
- Non-starters will earn Trust Points through practices and occasions when you see the field during mop-up time, etc.
- Coach Trust Points extend to your on-the-field power. QBs won't be able to call audibles or hot routes until they have earned the coach's trust
- Earn enough points and you can have the chance to call plays from "Extra Plays" – an extended selection of plays than what the coach has already called. This is available in varying frequency during a game the more Trust Points you earn
- The development team is also working on improving the AI play calling
XP and the Upgrade Store
- XP you earn during your college career is spent on item packs in the Upgrade Store. These packs are built around groups of attributes for specific types of players. For example, the scat back pack boosts your acceleration and juke ability
- There are 600 item packs total, and they'll be six different ones available each week. Rarity, cost, and duration vary, but they will all be based around your position
- Upgrade Store items cannot be bought via micro-transactions
Misc.
- Calendar system scrapped, and the Road to Glory presentation is similar to the Dynasty Mode's menus
- The mode's menus, replays, montages, etc. will be centered around your player
- Practices are now 25 reps per practice
- Can save all your Road to Glory replays onto your NCAA browser page
- No more study sessions on your calendar
Source - Deep Inside NCAA Football 12 (Game Informer)
09:08 AM - May 23, 2011. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Chase Becotte
NEW YORK, May 23, 2011 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced new multiyear agreements with Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), extending the league’s longstanding relationship with each company to continue to develop, publish, and distribute NBA video games.
The new agreements will provide fans with a diverse offering of NBA video games, including 5-on-5 simulation and arcade style games that will be available on video game consoles, online, and through mobile devices.
“We have had successful and longstanding relationships with both 2K Sports and EA SPORTS,” said Sal LaRocca, Executive Vice President of NBA Global Merchandising. “Extending our agreements with the top sports video game developers continues to maximize our presence in this category, while ensuring our fans the best selection of NBA video games.”
Take-Two and EA will each have the rights to use NBA teams and players in their NBA video game titles. Throughout the agreements, the league will work closely with Take-Two and EA to promote the basketball video games through global marketing, promotional programs, and multiple assets including NBA TV, NBA.com, and grassroots events.
Take-Two
Take-Two, an NBA licensee since 1999 and with the new agreement, an official marketing partner of the NBA, will continue to publish the NBA 2K franchise through its 2K Sports publishing label. NBA 2K, a 5-on-5 simulation which originally debuted in 1999, will be released on a yearly basis on all leading video game platforms.
This year, NBA 2K 11 which features Michael Jordan on the cover, has sold more than five million units to date, a record for the NBA 2K franchise.
“We’re pleased to extend our successful relationship with the NBA, that will allow 2K Sports to continue to innovate the basketball video game category with our critically acclaimed NBA 2K franchise,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “Our partnership ensures that we can continue to marry innovative gameplay with the authenticity of the NBA that today’s sports fans demand.”
Along with the acclaimed NBA 2K franchise, 2K Sports will have the opportunity to explore and develop new NBA licensed gaming opportunities, including online on social media platforms.
Electronic Arts
EA, an NBA licensee since 1991, will debut a new 5-on-5 NBA simulation title in fall 2012. The game is being developed at EA Tiburon in Orlando. EA SPORTS originally unveiled their simulation game, NBA LIVE in 1995.
Along with a new simulation game, EA will continue to publish their arcade-style video game franchise EA SPORTS NBA JAM. The latest edition, NBA JAM: On Fire Edition is being developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, and it will be available on PlayStation® Network and Xbox LIVE® Arcade this fall. EA SPORTS revived NBA JAM, the popular arcade game from the early 1990’s, in October 2010.
“We’re pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the NBA,” said Jordan Edelstein, Vice President of Marketing, EA SPORTS. “With our all-new digital download of NBA JAM coming this fall and a new simulation title in development for release next year, we have a strong lineup of innovative NBA titles coming soon from EA SPORTS.”
Operation Sports' Take: These renewals are not surprising. The NBA seems to think the best way to get its product out to the most people is by avoiding exclusive licensing contracts in this area. With that in mind, it was more up to EA and Take-Two to extend their contracts. Since Take-Two is having its best year yet with NBA 2K, and EA has confirmed that it is working on a new NBA title, it never appeared like either was likely to walk away from a new licensing agreement.
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