PixlBit

For the first time in years, the Madden series has seen some major upgrades.

Over the past few years, I have been very disappointed by the Madden series and have chosen EA’s alternative series, NCAA Football. Each progressive entry only saw minor changes and a noticeable lack of substance. Perhaps worse, most modes in the game were minor variations of the core sport, with some simple roster adjustments. This year EA finally brought some new material to the table making for a great football experience.

Read more »

No, not that Megatron.

For the second year in a row EA has put the Madden cover honors to a bracket styled vote – a concept that sparked some controversy last year when running back Peyton Hillis of the Cleveland Browns won out over the polarizing Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.  This year proved to be less exciting and we expect that there won’t be as much disgruntled grumbling this year as Calvin “Megatron” Johnson has been awarded the cover of Madden NFL 13.

Read more »

NFL Blitz fumbles the pigskin ...

NFL Blitz is a franchise with an interesting history. Going from being an actual NFL-licensed property with a relatively deep strategic angle, to an unlicensed product that seemed like it was truly gunning for ESPN’s highly-supported television drama, “Playmakers,” Blitz: The League (as it was re-branded) attempted to take a more “realistic” approach to the concept of video game football. This “realism” included bone-shattering and skull-destroying injuries that could be inflicted upon players. Despite these changes, Blitz: The League found its way into my heart very quickly, eclipsing the merits of both its arcade and home console predecessors.

Read more »

Kolbe Launchbaugh leaves SCEA San Diego for Tiburon.

Longtime developer of the famous Madden NFL franchise, Tiburon has seen quite the turnover this year.  Earlier this spring some top level talent left the studio and were replaced by Cam Weber as GM of football products, Roy Harvey as executive producer, and internally elevated Mike Young in the role of creative director.  The team is still patching holes and is now adding some significant talent, as Kolbe Launchbaugh has announced via Twitter that he is leaving SCEA San Diego to become creative director on Madden NFL.

Read more »