Borderlands 2 Will Open Gun Season This Autumn

There are a lot of things that come with autumn – in gaming it is gun season. 

Over the next couple of months we will be covering some of the most anticipated titles of ‘gun season’.  The first game to grace us with its wonderful firearms is Borderlands 2.  Next week you will have the chance to continue the adventures on the planet of Pandora.  While you won’t be controlling the same characters during this story, you will have the ability to see even more amazing weapons and experience a new type of enemy intelligence. 

The best part of Borderlands is the weapons and we will give you a quick guide on some of the companies that make the weapons of Borderlands 2.

Dahl – These weapons tend to be some of the more solid performing guns in the game.  They often look like military surplus with their camouflage and firing modes.  Think of these as being go-to weapons when you need consistency.
Hyperion – These weapons are elemental in their damage (fire, electricity, poison, etc.) when they are fired for a long period of time they will develop better accuracy (especially as you hold down the trigger).
Jakobs – Jakobs weapons are like the MK14 in MW3 – they fire rounds as fast as you can pull the trigger.  This tends to mean that you should have steady aiming ability or just hope that recoil on your weapon isn’t too drastic.
Maliwan – These are also primarily developed around elemental damage.  It should be no surprise for you to find one of these guns late in the game as you level up and be impressed with some of the massive damage bonuses that come with their elemental powers.
Tediore – You should be careful when you use these weapons.  They will be rather unreliable and also have the ability to be discarded as active grenades (if you have ammunition in them) – this might be the only perk to using Tediore weapons.  I don’t see these being enjoyable to use early in the game but crappy weapons are often something you will start with in any game.
Torgue – this company’s weapons use Gyrojet ammunition – essentially giving the user an opportunity to have more damage-per-shot but in exchange you will have fewer rounds per clip.  This gives you a choice to make when you come across a Torgue weapon that can do massive damage but only has four rounds and perhaps using a weapon with less damage but more rounds to fire at a target.  *Reload speed is vital when using weapons with small capacity.
Vladof – Consider Vladof weapons to be speed focused.  These guns are often for the class of player that uses a Gunzerker or Commando character.  Think of Vladof guns as being really fast guns with little control.

EA Announces First ‘Real’ Patch for Madden 13

So much for waiting around for the patch EA made no promises on.  Madden 13 will have a patch tomorrow for the 360 and PS3.

From EA’s Facebook Page

“Madden NFL 13 Title Update #2 will be available tomorrow on the Xbox 360 & PS3. The update includes a new instant start option when creating your player in Connected Careers, numerous stability fixes, and GameFace improvements.

We’d also like to remind fans who have been asking about the ability to edit players and rosters in Connected Careers that based on your feedback, the development team is currently exploring the potential option to include additional functionality in Madden NFL 13 in an upcoming title update. We’ll update you with more information in the coming weeks after the team has time to investigate and assess the situation.”

 

Madden 13 Roster Update Is Live (Only For Online and Play Now)

Meet the Ratings Czar – EA Tiburon’s Donny Moore

While it isn’t exactly surprising that Madden 13 has a roster update out before a necessary patch, it is none the less not surprising that you can’t even use this roster update in your Connected Careers Mode as an offline gamer.  EA has already made it their mantra to either ignore their fan base’s cries for a much-needed patch or make their ‘new features’ more of a hindrance than anything close to a better experience of the game.  You can expect the roster update for CCM to come out around Tuesday or Wednesday this week if they keep their promises.

For those of you looking for the list of updates for online and play now – here you go:

LaRon Byrd WR ARZ Added to game
Marshay Green CB ARZ Released
Crezdon Butler CB ARZ Released
Alfonso Smith HB ARZ Released
Ronald Talley DL ARZ Released
Thomas Clayton HB ARZ Released
Clark Haggans LB ARZ Released
D.J. Young OL ARZ Released
Quan Sturdivant LB ARZ Released
Richard Bartel QB ARZ Released
Antonio Coleman LB ARZ Released
Jaymar Johnson WR ARZ Released
DeMarco Sampson WR ARZ Released
Landon Cohen DL ARZ Released
Blake Gideon S ARZ Released
Russ Hochstein OL ARZ Released
Javarris James HB ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Brandon Williams LB ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Stephen Williams WR ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeremy Bridges OL ARZ Removed from depth chart (injury)
Gerell Robinson WR ARZ Signed
Blake DeChristopher OL ARZ Signed
Jamaal Westerman LB ARZ Signed
Steven Baker OL ARZ Signed
Pat McQuistan OL ARZ Signed
Phillipkeith Manley OL ATL Added to game
Josh Harris LS ATL Added to game
Kevin Cone WR ATL Jersey change to #15
Tyler Horn OL ATL Released
Dominique Franks CB ATL Released
Darrin Walls CB ATL Released
Mike Cox FB ATL Released
Spencer Adkins LB ATL Released
Andrew Jackson OL ATL Released
Richard Medlin HB ATL Released
Dimitri Nance HB ATL Released
John Parker Wilson QB ATL Released
Chris Redman QB ATL Released
Suaesi Tuimanei S ATL Released
Louis Nzegwu DL ATL Released
Joe Zelenka LS ATL Released
Max Gruder LB ATL Released
Kerry Meier WR ATL Released
Michael Calvin WR ATL Released
James Rodgers WR ATL Released
Jason Slowey OL ATL Released
Shann Schillinger S ATL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Luke McCown QB ATL Signed
Adam Nissley TE ATL Signed
Mark LeGree S ATL Signed
Chase Coffman TE ATL Signed
Justin Tucker K BAL Added to game
Cecil Newton OL BAL Released
Danny Gorrer CB BAL Released
Nicolas Jean-Baptiste DL BAL Released
Cyhl Quarles DB BAL Released
Billy Cundiff K BAL Released
Josh Bynes LB BAL Released
Curtis Painter QB BAL Released
Tony Wragge OL BAL Released
Chavis Williams LB BAL Released
Davon Drew TE BAL Released
Patrick Williams WR BAL Released
Devin Goda WR BAL Released
Emmanual Cook DB BAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Damien Berry HB BAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Ryan McBean DL BAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Anthoyn Levine S BAL Signed
James Ihedigbo S BAL Signed
Dennis Dixon QB BAL Signed
Delano Howell S BUF Added to game
Mark Asper OL BUF Released
Prince Miller CB BUF Released
Kevin Brock TE BUF Released
Naaman Roosevelt WR BUF Released
David Clowney WR BUF Released
Derek Hagan WR BUF Released
Ruvell Martin WR BUF Released
Fendi Onobun TE BUF Released
Keith Williams OL BUF Released
Kellen Heard DL BUF Released
Dwan Edwards DL BUF Released
Joshua Nesbitt S BUF Released
Vince Young QB BUF Released
Danny Batten LB BUF Released
Tank Carder LB BUF Released
Scott McKillop LB BUF Released
Robert Eddins DL BUF Released
Jake Vermiglio OL BUF Released
Johnny White HB BUF Released
Torrel Troup DL BUF Removed from depth chart (injury)
Kamar Aiken WR BUF Signed
Tarvaris Jackson QB BUF Traded to BUF (from SEA)
Jimmy Clausen QB CAR Jersey change to #7
Matt Reynolds OL CAR Released
Darius Butler CB CAR Released
Terrell McClain DL CAR Released
Ogemdi Nwagbuo DL CAR Released
Jordan Pugh S CAR Released
Josh Vaughan HB CAR Released
Olindo Mare K CAR Released
Eric Norwood DL CAR Released
Roger Allen OL CAR Released
Kion Wilson LB CAR Released
Jason Williams LB CAR Released
Jonathan Nelson S CAR Released
Reggie Smith S CAR Released
Greg Smith TE CAR Released
Seyi Ajirotutu WR CAR Released
Darvin Adams WR CAR Released
Brandon Hogan CB CAR Removed from depth chart (injury)
Nate Ness CB CAR Removed from depth chart (injury)
Andre Neblett DL CAR Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Ron Parker CB CAR Signed
Dwan Edwards DL CAR Signed
Armond Smith HB CAR Signed
Justin Medlock K CAR Signed
Jeremy Jones S CHI Added to game
Evan Rodriguez FB CHI Changed position to FB (was TE)
Evan Rodriguez FB CHI Jersey changed to #48
Geno Hayes LB CHI Jersey changed to #58
Cheta Ozougwu DL CHI Jersey changed to #95
Jonathan Wilhite CB CHI Released
Cornelius Brown CB CHI Released
Greg McCoy CB CHI Released
Brian Price DT CHI Released
John McCargo DT CHI Released
Jordan Miller DT CHI Released
Kahlil Bell HB CHI Released
Thadddeus Gibson DL CHI Released
A.J. Greene OL CHI Released
Adrien Cole LB CHI Released
Dom DeCicco LB CHI Released
Jabara Williams LB CHI Released
Josh McCown QB CHI Released
Chauncey Davis DL CHI Released
Ricky Henry OL CHI Released
Rashied Davis WR CHI Released
Brandon Hardin S CHI Removed from depth chart (injury)
Sherrick McManis CB CHI Traded to CHI (from HOU)
Trevor Robinson OL CIN Added to game
Reggie Stephens OL CIN Released
T.J. Heath CB CIN Released
Nick Hayden DL CIN Released
Vaughn Meatoga DL CIN Released
James Develin FB CIN Released
Aaron Brown HB CIN Released
Micah Johnson DL CIN Released
Roddrick Muckelroy LB CIN Released
DeQuin Evans DL CIN Released
Matthew O’Donnell OL CIN Released
Matt Murphy OL CIN Released
Colin Cochart TE CIN Released
Vidal Hazelton WR CIN Released
Kashif Moore WR CIN Released
Pat Sims DL CIN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Robert Sands S CIN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeff Faine OL CIN Signed
Jeff Adams OL CIN Signed
L.J. Fort LB CLE Added to game
Josh Gordon WR CLE Jersey change to #13
James Dockery CB CLE Released
Kiante Tripp DL CLE Released
Brian Schaeffering DL CLE Released
Adonis Thomas HB CLE Released
Seneca Wallace QB CLE Released
Dominc Alford OL CLE Released
Stanley Daniels OL CLE Released
David Sims S CLE Released
Evan Moore TE CLE Released
Quinton Spears LB CLE Released
Carlton Mitchell WR CLE Released
Rod Windsor WR CLE Released
Dan Gronkowski TE CLE Released
Scott Paxson DL CLE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Emmanual Acho LB CLE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Marcus Benard LB CLE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Scott Fujita LB CLE Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen DL CLE Signed
Tank Carder LB CLE Signed
Tedy Williams CB DAL Released
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB DAL Released
Shaun Chapas FB DAL Released
Javarris Williams HB DAL Released
Jeff Adams OL DAL Released
Baraka Atkins LB DAL Released
Rudy Carpenter QB DAL Released
Clifton Geathers DL DAL Released
Raymond Radway WR DAL Released
Daniel Loper OL DAL Released
Stephen McGee QB DAL Released
Kevin Kowalski OL DAL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Colin Cochart TE DAL Signed
Ryan Cook OL DAL Traded to DAL (from MIA)
Steven Johnson LB DEN Added to game
Ronnie Hillman HB DEN Jersey change to #21
Omar Bolden CB DEN Jersey change to #31
Jim Leonhard CB DEN Jersey change to #36
Austin Sylvester FB DEN Released
Rafael Bush S DEN Released
Syd’Quan Thompson CB DEN Released
Ramzee Robinson CB DEN Released
Drayton Florence CB DEN Released
Mike Mohamed LB DEN Released
Cyril Obiozior DL DEN Released
Ryan Harris OL DEN Released
Jason Hill WR DEN Released
Gerell Robinson WR DEN Released
Mark Dell WR DEN Released
Jerry Franklin LB DEN Released
Adam Weber QB DEN Released
Tony Hills OL DEN Released
Adam Grant OL DEN Released
Jason Hunter DL DEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeremy Beal DL DEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
D.J. Williams LB DEN Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Virgil Green TE DEN Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Quentin Saulsberry OL DEN Signed
Mario Fannin HB DEN Signed
Drew Coleman CB DET Released
Alphonso Smith CB DET Released
Andre Fluellen DL DET Released
James Bryant FB DET Released
Ugo Chinasa DL DET Released
Everette Brown DL DET Released
Dan Gerberry OL DET Released
Jonathan Scott OL DET Released
Ryan Donahue P DET Released
Jacques McClendon OL DET Released
Sean Jones S DET Released
Maurice Stovall WR DET Released
Lance Long WR DET Released
Nate Hughes WR DET Released
Terrence Toliver WR DET Released
Jarrett Dillard WR DET Released
Ricardo Silva S DET Released
Mikel Leshoure HB DET Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Slade Norris LB DET Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Drayton Florence CB DET Signed
Shaun Chapas FB DET Signed
Kasim Osgood WR DET Signed
Kris Durham WR DET Signed
Kevin Barnes CB DET Traded to DET (from WAS)
Dale Moss WR GB Released
Sampson Genus OL GB Released
Anthony Hargrove DL GB Released
Daniel Muir DL GB Released
Jon Hoese FB GB Released
Anthony Levine S GB Released
Jarius Wynn DL GB Released
Herb Taylor OL GB Released
Shaky Smithson WR GB Released
Tori Gurley WR GB Released
Derek Sherrod OL GB Removed from depth chart (injury)
Vic So’oto LB GB Removed from depth chart (injury)
Erik Walden LB GB Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Chris Scott OL GB Signed
Alan Ball CB HOU Jersey changed to #22
Duane Brown OL HOU New deal, 7yrs/56MIL
Shelley Smith OL HOU Released
Torii Williams S HOU Released
Loni Fangupo DL HOU Released
Derrell Smith FB HOU Released
Davin Meggett HB HOU Released
Ra’Shon Harris DL HOU Released
Kasey Studdard OL HOU Released
Shawn Loiseau LB HOU Released
Rennie Moore Jr. LB HOU Released
Nick Mondek OL HOU Released
Bryant Johnson WR HOU Released
Juaquin Iglesias WR HOU Released
Jerrell Jackson WR HOU Released
Randy Bullock K HOU Removed from depth chart (injury)
Rashad Butler OL HOU Removed from depth chart (injury)
Ryan Harris OL HOU Signed
Keyaron Fox LB HOU Signed
Tyler Clutts FB HOU Traded to HOU (from CHI)
Matt Overton LS IND Added to game
Dominique Jones TE IND Added to game
Mewelde Moore HB IND Jersey change to #26
Moise Fokou LB IND Jersey change to #58
Kris Adams WR IND Jersey change to #81
Steven Baker OL IND Released
Chris Rucker CB IND Released
Terrence Johnson CB IND Released
Antonio Fenelus CB IND Released
Darren Evans HB IND Released
George Foster OL IND Released
Greg Lloyd LB IND Released
Mike Tepper OL IND Released
David Caldwell S IND Released
Jermale Hines S IND Released
Justin Snow LS IND Released
Quan Cosby WR IND Released
Andre Smith TE IND Released
Jarred Fayson WR IND Released
Jeremy Ross WR IND Released
Korey Lindsey CB IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Brandon McKinney DL IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Mike Newton S IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Tim Fugger LB IND Removed from depth chart (injury)
Mike Person OL IND Signed
Sergio Brown S IND Signed
Kashif Moore WR IND Signed
Alvester Alexander HB IND Signed
Vontae Davis CB IND Traded to IND (from MIA)
Antwon Blake S JAX Added to game
Julian Stanford LB JAX Added to game
Kevin Elliott WR JAX Added to game
Aaron Morgan DL JAX Jersey change to #58
Corvey Irvin DL JAX Released
J.K. Schaffer LB JAX Released
Leigh Torrence CB JAX Released
Ashton Youboty CB JAX Released
Courtney Greene S JAX Released
Rod Issac CB JAX Released
Naufahu Tahi FB JAX Released
Brock Bolen FB JAX Released
DuJuan Harros HB JAX Released
Richard Murphy HB JAX Released
William Robinson OL JAX Released
Jordan Palmer QB JAX Released
Nathan Enderle QB JAX Released
Nate Bussey LB JAX Released
Chastin West WR JAX Released
John Estes OL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Will Rackley OL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
John Chick DL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jason Spitz OL JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Zach Miller TE JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Clint Session LB JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Reggie Corner CB JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Taylor Price WR JAX Removed from depth chart (injury)
Will Ta’ufo’ou FB JAX Signed
Keith Toston HB JAX Signed
John Parker Wilson QB JAX Signed
Shaun Draughn HB KC Jersey change to #20
Junior Hemingway WR KC Released
Jeremy Horne WR KC Released
Rob Bruggeman OL KC Released
Cam Holland OL KC Released
Darryl Harris OL KC Released
Mikail Baker CB KC Released
Caleb Campbell LB KC Released
Amon Gordon DL KC Released
Brandon Bair DL KC Released
Dexter Heyman LB KC Released
Shane Bannon FB KC Released
Gabe Miller LB KC Released
Leon Williams LB KC Released
Donald Washington S KC Released
Edgar Jones LB KC Signed
Martin Rucker TE KC Signed
Josh Samuda OL MIA Added to game
Marcus Thigpen HB MIA Added to game
Jonathan Wade CB MIA Released
Marcus Brown CB MIA Released
Quentin Lawrence CB MIA Released
Chas Alecxih DL MIA Released
Isaako Aaitui DL MIA Released
Ryan Baker DL MIA Released
Tyrell Johnson DB MIA Released
Steve Slaton HB MIA Released
David Garrard QB MIA Released
Lydon Murtha OL MIA Released
Gary Guyton LB MIA Released
Will Barker OL MIA Released
Tyrone Culver S MIA Released
Roberto Wallace WR MIA Released
Julius Pruitt WR MIA Released
B.J. Cunningham WR MIA Released
Clyde Gates WR MIA Released
Artis Hicks OL MIA Removed from depth chart (injury)
R.J. Stanford CB MIA Signed
DeAndre Presley CB MIA Signed
Sammy Brown LB MIA Signed
Troy Nolan S MIA Signed
Anthony Armstrong WR MIA Signed
McLeod Bethel-Thompson QB MIN Added to game
Quentin Saulsberry OL MIN Released
James Kirkendoll WR MIN Released
Chris DeGeare OL MIN Released
Zack Bowman CB MIN Released
Chris Carr CB MIN Released
Ryan D’Imperio FB MIN Released
Trevor Guyton DL MIN Released
Sage Rosenfels QB MIN Released
Tydreke Powell DL MIN Released
Tyler Nielsen LB MIN Released
Solomon Elimimian LB MIN Released
Reggie Jones CB MIN Released
Nick Reed DL MIN Released
Levi Horn OL MIN Released
Eric Frampton S MIN Released
Patrick Brown OL MIN Released
Bryan Walters WR MIN Released
Kerry Taylor WR MIN Released
Mickey Shuler TE MIN Released
Jerome Simpson WR MIN Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Mark Asper OL MIN Signed
Tori Gurley WR MIN Signed
A.J. Jefferson CB MIN Traded to MIN (from ARZ)
Marcus Forston DL NE Added to game
Justin Francis DL NE Added to game
Jeff Demps HB NE Added to game
Don’t’a Hightower LB NE Jersey change to #54
Mike Rivera LB NE Jersey change to #59
Visanthe Shiancoe TE NE Jersey change to #80
Jake Bequette DL NE Jersey change to #92
Kyle Love DL NE New deal, 2yrs/3MIL
Aaron Hernandez TE NE New deal, 5yrs/40MIL/10MBonus
Dan Koppen OL NE Released
Ross Ventrone CB NE Released
Gerard Warren DL NE Released
Eric Kettani FB NE Released
Marcus Harrison DL NE Released
Tim Bulman DL NE Released
Brian Hoyer QB NE Released
Bobby Carpenter LB NE Released
Niko Koutouvides LB NE Released
Brian Waters OL NE Released
Donte Stallworth WR NE Released
james Ihedigbo S NE Released
Jabar Gaffney WR NE Released
Deion Branch WR NE Released
Jeremy Ebert WR NE Released
Jesse Holley WR NE Released
Myron Pryor DL NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Will Allen S NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Kyle Hix OL NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Josh Barrett S NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Dane Fletcher LB NE Removed from depth chart (injury)
Malcolm Williams CB NE Signed
Lex Hilliard HB NE Signed
Thomas Austin OL NE Signed
James Develin FB NE Signed
Greg Salas WR NE Traded to NE (from STL)
Remi Ayodele DL NO Released
Kamaal McIlwain CB NO Released
Elbert Mack CB NO Released
Matt Tennant OL NO Released
Lawrence Wilson LB NO Released
Greg Camarillo WR NO Released
Sean Canfield QB NO Released
Kadarron Anderson LB NO Released
Swanson Miller DL NO Released
Johnny Thomas DB NO Released
John Kasay K NO Released
Will Smith DL NO Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Jerome Murphy CB NO Signed
Ricky Henry OL NO Signed
Rafael Bush S NO Signed
David Wilson HB NYG Jersey change to #22
Jayron Hosley CB NYG Jersey change to #28
Chris White OL NYG Released
Antwaun Molden CB NYG Released
Dante Hughes CB NYG Released
Dwayne Hendricks DL NYG Released
Marcus Thomas DL NYG Released
Joe Martinek FB NYG Released
Greg Jones LB NYG Released
Ryan Perrilloux QB NYG Released
Chris Horton S NYG Released
Ryan Purvis TE NYG Released
Isaiah Stanback WR NYG Released
Brandon Mosley OL NYG Removed from depth chart (injury)
Tyler Sash S NYG Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Matt Kroul OL NYJ Released
Ryan Steed CB NYJ Released
Julian Posey CB NYJ Released
D’Anton Lynn S NYJ Released
Terrance Ganaway HB NYJ Released
Josh Brown K NYJ Released
Jay Richardson DL NYJ Released
Brett Roy LB NYJ Released
Matt Simms QB NYJ Released
Robert Griffin OL NYJ Released
Terrance Campbell OL NYJ Released
Josh Baker TE NYJ Released
Dedrick Epps TE NYJ Released
Dexter Jackson WR NYJ Released
Eron Riley WR NYJ Released
Raymond Webber WR NYJ Released
Konrad Reuland TE NYJ Signed
Clyde Gates WR NYJ Signed
Jason Smith OL NYJ Traded to NYJ (from STL)
Wayne Hunter OL NYJ Traded to STL (from NYJ)
Ron Parker CB OAK Released
DeMarcus Van Dyke CB OAK Released
Bryan McCann CB OAK Released
Terrail Lambert CB OAK Released
Dominique Hamilton DL OAK Released
Jamie Cumbie DL OAK Released
Kyle Efaw TE OAK Released
Derek Carrier WR OAK Released
Tory Humphrey TE OAK Released
Eddie McGee WR OAK Released
Thomas Mayo WR OAK Released
Manase Tonga FB OAK Released
Curtis Taylor S OAK Released
Hall Davis DL OAK Released
Kevin Haslam OL OAK Released
Nick Howell OL OAK Released
Mason Brodine DL OAK Released
Ed Wang OL OAK Released
Lonyae Miller HB OAK Released
Aaron Curry LB OAK Removed from depth chart (injury)
Brandon Underwood CB OAK Removed from depth chart (injury)
Zach Hurd OL OAK Removed from depth chart (injury)
Joselio Hanson CB OAK Signed
Phillip Adams CB OAK Signed
Coye Francies CB OAK Signed
Vaughn Meatoga DL OAK Signed
Keenan Clayton LB OAK Signed
Willie Smith OL OAK Signed
Steve Vallos OL PHI Released
Kevin Thomas CB PHI Released
Trevard Lindley CB PHI Released
Cliff Harris CB PHI Released
Antonio Dixon DL PHI Released
Joselio Hanson CB PHI Released
Tom Nelson S PHI Released
Julian Vandervelde OL PHI Released
Ollie Ogbu DL PHI Released
Mat McBriar P PHI Released
Mike Kafka QB PHI Released
Brandon Washington OL PHI Released
Mike Gibson OL PHI Released
Keenan Clayton LB PHI Released
Thomas Welch OL PHI Released
Oshiomogho Atogwe S PHI Released
Brett Brackett TE PHI Released
Mardy Gilyard WR PHI Released
Chad Hall WR PHI Released
Jamel Hamler WR PHI Released
Chase Beeler OL PHI Signed
Emil Igwenagu TE PHI Signed
B.J. Cunningham WR PHI Signed
Matt Reynolds OL PHI Signed
David Sims S PHI Traded to PHI (from CLE)
Robert Golden S PIT Added to game
Drew Butler P PIT Added to game
Chris Scott OL PIT Released
Terrence Frederick CB PIT Released
Mortty Ivy LB PIT Released
Kade Weston DL PIT Released
Trai Essex OL PIT Released
Jerrod Johnson QB PIT Released
Walter McFadden CB PIT Released
Corbin Bryant DL PIT Released
Kyle Jolly OL PIT Released
Myron Rolle S PIT Released
Justin Peelle TE PIT Released
Derrick Williams WR PIT Released
Jimmy Young WR PIT Released
Marquis Maze WR PIT Released
Sean Spence LB PIT Removed from depth chart (injury)
Jeremy Kapinos P PIT Removed from depth chart (injury)
Weslye Saunders TE PIT Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Corey Lynch S SD Jersey change to #41
Colin Baxter OL SD Released
Jacob Hester FB SD Released
Nick Novak K SD Released
Jarrett Lee QB SD Released
Bront Bird LB SD Released
DeAndre Pressley CB SD Released
Darryl Gamble LB SD Released
Roscoe Parrish WR SD Released
Phillip Payne WR SD Released
Stephen Schilling OL SD Released
Jacques Cesaire DL SD Released
Brad Taylor TE SD Released
Kory Sperry TE SD Released
Mario Henderson OL SD Released
Sean Cattouse S SD Removed from depth chart (injury)
Chris Owusu WR SD Signed
Jermaine Kearse WR SEA Added to game
Jeremy Lane CB SEA Jersey changed to #37
Mike Morgan CB SEA Jersey changed to #57
Phillip Adams CB SEA Released
Dexter Davis DL SEA Released
Deuce Lutui OL SEA Released
Jameson Konz LB SEA Released
Lazarius Levingston DL SEA Released
Tyrell Sutton HB SEA Released
Alex Barron OL SEA Released
Paul Fanaika OL SEA Released
Roy Lewis DB SEA Released
Kellen Winslow TE SEA Released
Deon Butler WR SEA Released
Terrell Owens WR SEA Released
Cameron Morrah TE SEA Removed from depth chart (injury)
Allen Barbre OL SEA Removed from depth chart (suspension)
Charly Martin WR SEA Signed
Allen Bradford LB SEA Signed
Garrett Celek TE SF Added to game
Darcel McBath S SF Jersey change to #28
Demarcus Dobbs TE SF Jersey change to #83
Chris Owusu WR SF Released
Mike Person OL SF Released
Chase Beeler OL SF Released
Cory Nelms S SF Released
Rock Cartwright HB SF Released
Joe Holland LB SF Released
Eric Bakhtiari LB SF Released
Ikaika Alama-Francis LB SF Released
Josh Johnson QB SF Released
Kourtnei Brown LB SF Released
Derek Hall OL SF Released
Colin Jones S SF Released
Konrad Reuland TE SF Released
Brett Swain WR SF Released
Joe Hastings WR SF Released
Parys Haralson LB SF Removed from depth chart (injury)
Clark Haggans LB SF Signed
Rodney McLeod S STL Added to game
Matthew Conrath DL STL Added to game
Quinton Pointer CB STL Added to game
Rocky McIntosh LB STL Jersey change to #50
Aaron Brown LB STL Jersey change to #54
Sammy Brown LB STL Released
Jamaar Jarrett DL STL Released
Ryan McKee OL STL Released
Brian Mattison OL STL Released
Quinn Ojinnaka OL STL Released
Garrett Lindholm K STL Released
Ovie Mughelli FB STL Released
Cornell Banks DL STL Released
Jerome Murphy CB STL Released
Kendric Burney CB STL Released
Noah Keller LB STL Released
Alex Hoffman-Ellis LB STL Released
Kellen Clemens QB STL Released
Tom Brandstater QB STL Released
Kevin Hughes OL STL Released
Jose Valdez OL STL Released
Michael Hoomanawanui TE STL Released
Brody Eldridge TE STL Released
Deangelo Peterson TE STL Released
Ben Guidugli TE STL Released
Danario Alexander WR STL Released
Mike Campbell WR STL Released
Trevor Laws DL STL Removed from depth chart (injury)
Shelley Smith OL STL Signed
Terrance Ganaway HB STL Signed
Brandon Washington OL STL Signed
Mason Brodine DL STL Signed
Brandon McDonald CB TB Released
Frank Okam DL TB Released
Cody Johnson FB TB Released
Mossis Madu HB TB Released
Kai Forbath K TB Released
Mike Ingersoll OL TB Released
E.J. Wilson DL TB Released
Brian Smith LB TB Released
Tramain Thomas S TB Released
Zach Pianalto TE TB Released
Collin Franklin TE TB Released
Larry Asante S TB Released
Rennie Curran LB TB Released
Moe Petrus OL TB Released
Brett Ratliff QB TB Released
Jordan Shipley WR TB Released
Ed Gant WR TB Released
Greg Ellingson WR TB Released
Tiquan Underwood WR TB Released
Jordan Shipley WR TB Released
Davin Joseph OL TB Removed from depth chart (injury)
Cody Wallace OL TB Signed
Corvey Irvin DL TB Signed
D.J. Ware HB TB Signed
Dale Moss WR TB Signed
Markus White LB TB Signed
J.K. Schaffer LB TB Signed
Adam Weber QB TB Signed
Quinn Johnson FB TEN Jersey changed to #45
Jason McCourty CB TEN New deal, 6yrs/42MIL/6MIL bonus
Terrance Wheatley CB TEN Released
Chris Hawkins CB TEN Released
George Bias OL TEN Released
Cameron Graham TE TEN Released
Aaron Francisco OL TEN Released
Kyle DeVan OL TEN Released
Malcolm Sheppard DL TEN Released
Lamar Divens DL TEN Released
Herb Donaldson HB TEN Released
Marc Mariani WR TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Leger Douzable DL TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Kevin Malast LB TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Ryan Durrand OL TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Dave Ball DL TEN Removed from depth chart (injury)
Chris DeGeare OL TEN Signed
Darren Evans HB TEN Signed
Videal Hazelton WR TEN Signed
DaJohn Harris DL TEN Signed
Evan Royster HB WAS Jersey change to #22
Markus White LB WAS Released
Anthony Armstrong WR WAS Released
Willie Smith OL WAS Released
Graham Gano K WAS Released
Neil Rackers K WAS Released
Terrence Austin WR WAS Released
Richard Quinn TE WAS Released
Darrion Scott DL WAS Released
Jonathan Crompton QB WAS Released
Bryan Kehl LB WAS Released
Lennon Creer HB WAS Released
Tim Hightower HB WAS Released
Erik Cook OL WAS Released
Tanard Jackson S WAS Released
Brandyn Thompson CB WAS Released
Travon Bellamy CB WAS Released
Chris Cooley FB WAS Released
Morgan Trent CB WAS Released
Jammal Brown OL WAS Removed from depth chart (injury)
Emmanuel Arceneaux WR WAS Signed
Darryl Gamble LB WAS Signed
Doug Worthington DL WAS Signed
Jason Shirley DL WAS Signed
Billy Cundiff K WAS Signed
Crezdon Butler CB WAS Signed

Madden 13 Patch Should Be Arriving Within A Month

If you consider the past, it is usually a pretty safe bet to plan on a patch coming from EA Tiburon within seven to eight weeks of release.  Madden 13 has received relatively rave reviews this year – outside of the users that apparently need fantasy drafts in order to survive.  The biggest issues facing Madden relate to the problems found in their vaunted Connected Careers Mode.  There are also numerous gameplay issues that could use help from Tuner Updates and other such attention from EA Tiburon.

We will be keeping you updated on Madden 13 patch information as the month keeps moving on.  One thing is certain – the longer EA waits to support the game they put out every year the more people will abandon it for real football on TV, Borderlands and maybe even NBA 2K13.  In other words – EA needs to act like they care about their product for once and be a bit more proactive with their patch and tuner support.

This is yet another reason why we can’t wait for competition in football gaming.

Battlefield 3 Has Yet Another Texas Sized Patch

Usually when something needs ‘patched up’ it is in reference to something small that needs a little bit of a touch up where serious in-depth work isn’t needed.  Sometimes a game will require a few patches here and there to clear some things up in the coding.

EA DICE has made it a habit to duct tape their Battlefield 3 title together with patches that resemble changes that would be made for a completely new game.  While this update is primarily in regards to new DLC (which could be called a new game, I suppose) the fact remains that they keep putting out patches that take hours (at times) to download.  Hopefully this is the last ‘patch’ for awhile as Battlefield 3 has seemingly sunk into the background as Borderlands 2 and Halo 4 get closer to release.

Here is your lovely list of updates to BF3

Weapons Balancing
Reload timer adjustments
A number of weapons have had their reload timers adjusted to better fit their animations and gameplay balance. For most of these weapons the gameplay timers were slightly out of sync with the actual reload animation, meaning the player could either fire before the animation was done, or had to wait longer than the animation played. Primarily this is a cosmetic change (around 0.1sec); however for a few weapons (M416, F2000, FAMAS, KH2002, MK3A1, JNG90, MG36 QBU-88, SVD, Pecheneg, SCAR-H, AN-94) this should also improve the performance of the weapon. Full details below:
• Short and Long reload reduced: SCAR-L, AEK-971, F2000, AN-94, AK-74, PP2000, G3A3, SKS, MG36, JNG-90, MK3A1, SCAR-H, SVD, QBZ-95B
• Long reload reduced: AUG A3, 44 Magnum, KH2002, Pecheneg, L85A2, QBB-95, M1911, MP7
• Short reload reduced: M417, FAMAS, M39 EBR, M416, PP-19, QBU-88
• Short and long reload increased: ASVal
• Long reload reduced, shot reload increased: M4A1
• Long reload increased: P90

Damage output/range adjustments
• UMP: Increased the close range damage of the UMP but reduced its damage over range. The UMP now has a sweet spot in CQB but suffers compared to the PP2000 at longer ranges.
• PP2000: Increased the long range damage of the PP2000 to highlight its role as a mid-range, low recoil PDW.
• M1911: Increased the minimum damage of the M1911 to make it fit better between the Magnums and the M9/MP443
• M93: Reduced the M93R’s damage and range, as it was an obvious go to pistol compared to the M9/MP443. Its recoil has been reduced for a smoother burst action to counter the reduced damage.
• 12G Frag rounds: These rounds have been adjusted to do their damage in a smaller area but to be more consistently apply the maximum possible damage.
• AA: Slightly increased the damage of the AA against infantry, the AA was simply over nerfed in a previous update. The AA guns now also properly do damage to MBTs again.
• 12 Gauge buckshot close range damage has been slightly increased.
• Slightly reduced the range penalty for the suppressor on the SCAR-H.
• Increased bullet velocity for the coaxial HMG, making it easier to hit targets over longer ranges.
• Increased the minimum range of the 40mm Flechette and tightened the cone of fire for more consistent damage levels.
• Slightly reduced the range bonus added by the heavy barrel on the 5.56mm, 5.45mm, 6.5mm Assault Rifles.
• Slightly reduced the range penalty for the suppressor on 5.56mm, 5.45mm, and 6.5mm weapons: AR, Carbine, and LMG.
• Slightly reduced the range penalty for the suppressor on the SCAR-H.
• Slightly reduced the range penalty for the suppressor on 5.56mm, 5.45mm, and 6.5mm weapons: AR, Carbine, and LMG.
• Slightly reduced the range bonus added by the heavy barrel on the 5.56mm, 5.45mm, 6.5mm Assault Rifles.
• Increased the damage of the M5K.

A select set of weapons have had their recoil adjusted based on joint community feedback and statistical analysis to provide greater balance in the weapon choices players make. Specifically, the M16A3 and M4A1 have increased recoil to make them less attractive in all situations. Competing weapons like the SG553, G36C and M416 have been improved to also increase viable player choice in primary weapons.
• SG553: Horizontal recoil reduced to help make this weapon more controllable.
• MG36: Vertical recoil reduced to make this weapon more controllable.
• M416: Vertical, Horizontal, and First Shot recoil have all been reduced to make this weapon clearly different from the M16A3.
• M16A3: Recoil amounts slightly increased.
• M4A1: Recoil amounts slightly increased.
• G36C: Vertical and First Shot recoil amounts reduced.
• M16A4 and M4: These weapons have been adjusted for the increased recoil they now have. The burst versions of these weapons give the player a reduction in horizontal recoil for greater control.

Miscellaneous weapons changes
• FIM92 and IGLA now lock on to air vehicles at both lower altitudes and longer distances.
• Added Burst Fire to the M5K as an available fire mode.
• Increased the bonuses provided by a number of bipods: F2000, G3A3, M27, M416, Pecheneg, Type88, FAMAS, MG36
• Belt Fed Machine guns are now more accurate when standing and firing while aiming. This affects the M240, M249, Type88, Pecheneg, and LSAT.
• 44 Magnum: Rate of fire reduced slightly to highlight this side arm’s role as a slow firing heavy hitter and differentiate it from the MP412 REX.
• Increased the fire rate and reload time of the MP412 REX to better highlight the improved CQB performance over the 44 Magnum.
• Removed burst fire from the L85 and added Single Shot to the L86 as is authentic for these weapons.
• Slightly increased the radius for maximum damage of the 40mm LVG. While the overall damage level remains the same, the LVG will be lethal over a larger area.
• Reduced the aimed accuracy bonus of the M417 with a suppressor to balance it with the other weapons in the game.
• Increased the aimed accuracy bonus of the ACW-R, L86 LSW, LSAT, MP5K and MTAR with a suppressor to balance with the other weapons in the game.

Weapons fixes
• Underslung weapons on the AUG and SCAR-L now properly benefit from the hip accuracy bonus of an attached laser sight.
• The SOFLAM will no longer lock onto your own vehicle if deployed and not immediately activated by the player.
• SCAR-L: Fixed the heavy barrel not increasing recoil when zoomed and standing.
• Corrected some incorrect descriptions of clip sizes and bullet types for weapons added in Close Quarters: M5K, LSAT, and ACW-R
• The PKS-07 is now available on QBB-95
• The M417’s foregrip was incorrectly reducing horizontal recoil by too large an amount. It has been adjusted to be balanced with other foregrips.
• The ACR Foregrip, MG36, QBB-95 and RPK Extended magazines as well as the RPK and SKS Heavy Barrel are now able to be unlocked and equipped in the accessory screen.
• Fixed an issue with incorrect damage for the M320 buck when used with certain attachments.
• MK3A1 now uses flechette rounds instead of Frag rounds in Gun Master mode (in Close Quarters).

Vehicle Related Tweaks and Fixes
• Removed flares from gunner position in helicopters. With the right combination of unlocks, an attack helicopter could be effectively invulnerable to lock on missiles. Removing the flares from the gunner balances the attack helicopter against ground fire.
• Air Radar now shows friendly vehicles as well.
• Helicopter weapons can now destroy equipment with splash damage.
• The Laser Designator unlock on the Scout Helicopters has been changed from a Pilot Upgrade to a new stance in the Copilot seat (position 4). Like the CITV turret on the Main Battle Tanks, the Scout Helicopter’s Laser Designator is permanently available to players who have received the unlock.
• Repair tool damage against enemy vehicles lowered by 10%.
• Changed reload behavior on Tank / Tank Destroyer cannon weapons to prevent being able to fire 2 shots from different weapons quickly one right after another.
• Firing mode can now be seen from the vehicle passenger seats where you are allowed to fire your own weapons.
• Fixed the hit indicator showing when entering a vehicle after previously shooting a soldier.
• Increased the damage helicopter and jet rockets do to helicopters, jets and infantry.
• Increased the damage helicopter gunners and IFVs do to helicopters and jets.
• Fixed Jets not getting top attack damage bonuses on Laser Designated targets.

Persistence Related Tweaks and Fixes
• Changed how MCOM station defend/attack kill score is calculated. Victim no longer needs to arm/disarm the crate but rather be in a 5 meter radius of the crate. Also increased kills needed for the Crate Defend Ribbon from 2 to 4. Overall, these changes should make it somewhat easier to get the ribbon, while increasing the opportunity for strategic play around MCOM stations.
• Premium Engineer assignments are now counting all shotgun kills independent from the class using it.
• Fixed so you can get score from awards in coop.
• Accuracy dogtags now show the correct stats.
• Coop Stars and dogtag are now properly unlockable and equip able.
• Gun Master and Domination Winner ribbons and medals added.
• Fix for assignment with multiple dependencies showing as unlocked in frontend. (Jack of All Trades & Only for the Dedicated)

UI Related Tweaks and Fixes
• Added letters to the capture point icons displayed directly over the mini-map.
• Fixed the grenade counter acting strangely when entering a vehicle with a grenade in hand.
• Fixed the damage indicator which showed the wrong direction if the damage dealer was dead.
• Fixed the hit indicator showing when spawning or closing the in game menu.
• PC specific: Fixed laser designator related icons disappearing from the screen when you enable the chat.
• Fixed a bug where the clan tag sometimes shows as the player ID.
• Added clan tags in nametags and kill card.
• PC specific: Fixed the vehicle hit indicator being shown each time you re-enter the first person camera of a ground vehicle.
• Fixed so commorose VO works when sitting in an AA vehicle.
• Fixed so you get the critical health fullscreen color tint while in the post revive state.
• Removed the join button in the server list for non-Premium users on Premium exclusive servers.
• Fixed so the spawn menu always disappears when you are revived.
• Bugfix the colorblind objectives showing the wrong icons and blinking with a black background.
• Fixed M-Com distance not updating if user moves towards it with EOD Bot.
• Mortar strike explosions are now shown on the HUD for the shooter.

Miscellaneous Tweaks and Fixes
• Fixed so the MAV gadget will not remain floating in midair if the user exits it while still flying.
• Fixed bug where it was possible to shoot while transitioning from sprint into prone.
• Fixed so you can’t revive a player who switched team since he died.
• Fixed two exploits on Donya Fortress that allowed players to get on top of the level.
• Fixed bug where you could get an incorrectly calculated longest headshot with the EOD bot.
• PS3/Xbox 360 specific: Added map rotation settings to preset list in detailed server info. Players can now see all relevant settings that are being run on the server.
• Xbox 360 specific: Introduced a clickable promotional spot on the main menu.

Madden 13’s Biggest Gameplay Problems

Chances are good that Urlacher will get injured when he crushes AP… why? Because Madden 13’s injuries are broken… or random at best.

Madden 13 has a lot of potential to be one of the best Madden games every made – if not the best.  However, there are still some things that are occurring that make for a rather annoying experience.  Here are a few –

CPU Play Calling – While this isn’t truly ‘gameplay’ it is something that you have to deal with every single moment of a single player game.  It seems as if the CPU Coaching Staff was programmed to mimic Pat Shurmur.  Why is it that on 3rd and long the CPU will almost always pick either a running play or a passing play with routes that are 3-5 yards short of what is needed for a first down?  The CPU play calling AI has always been bad in Madden, but this kills the experience when you are playing in a tight game and they seemingly throw in the towel.

The CPU Running Game Doesn’t Exist – No matter what you do in Connected Careers, it is almost impossible to face the CPU without dominating their runningbacks.  This is an issue that involves bad blocking and seemingly immobile runningbacks.  It is a constant struggle to feel like you have having a legitimate experience when you end up crushing the opposition every time they try to run the ball.

Human Pass Rush Is Unstoppable – I am currently playing a single player online CCM with the Browns.  Jabaal Sheard has 23 sacks through 12 games.  Chances are good that he will finish the season with over 30 sacks and this is without ever controlling him.  The funny thing is that I picked up Shawne Merriman in the pre-season to play RE (opposite of LE, Sheard) and he has zero sacks.  Sure, he is constantly facing the opponent’s best blocker, but to have ZERO sacks is almost laughable.

Left Ends Are Beasts – For some reason EA Tiburon has had a major problem programming the blocking in Madden.  This was something that was pushed strongly for by the community for Madden 13 in the new Infinity Engine.  It never made it into the final build and the interactions between lineman are still showing this lacking development.  If you have a somewhat decent Defensive Left End – prepare to dominate and set records almost every year.

WR Drops Are Infuriating – In one game I counted over 14 drops by my receivers.  This was a major issue in the demo and seems to still be a major issue in the game.  While these dropped passes might not keep you from defeating a seemingly stupid CPU AI Opponent, they can ruin your experience as you are being artificially prevented from having great games (even if they aren’t ‘sim’ with your receivers).  You can move the WR Catch slider but you shouldn’t have to do this.

Injuries Are Random and Silly – After crushing Mike Vick in week one with D’Qwell Jackson it was Jackson, not the injury-prone Vick that ended up on the injury report with a torn achilles.  What makes it better is that his foot never really hit the ground as he made the tackle.  Vick on the other hand was twisted up like a pretzel and was smashed into the ground.  He got up… Jackson didn’t.  Please, for the love of all things football – fix the injury system in Madden!

Do Legacy Games Get A Reprieve From Letting You Down?

Madden 13 has received great reviews from mainstream media, but when it comes to hardcore users – not so much.  Why is it then, that this game is selling like hot cakes with crack sauce?

If you don’t get your annual Madden fix will it be an itchy year?

It seems as if this is true to some extent.  While EA Tiburon made significant strides with the development of Madden 13 they still somehow managed to anger a faction hardcore community enough that they are up in arms over numerous ‘scandals’ that they seem to be taking personally.

Tebow for a moment and consider a world without annual releases.

Why is it then that they buy the game every year even if they think it is terrible or a let down?

Many of the problems that are prevalent in the gaming and software world revolve around giving the end-user just enough improvement or subtle tweaks that they want to give it a chance.  The expectations are so high that consumers don’t even look for things that will impress them.  Their eyes are studying every pixel for a flaw and every player movement for the slightest inaccurate animation.  This doesn’t mean they are wrong to be angry about not seeing the improvements they want to see… it just means they aren’t privy to what the corporation’s plan for consumer development and profit margins – rather than actual game improvement.

Don’t think for a moment that the developer is the only ‘guilty’ party.  The fact of the matter is that you are enabling a company to continue making what you term to be ‘broken’ games because you are buying them every single year.

If someone came to you asking for advice on how to deal with a person that continuously lets them down.  Every time they make plans something comes up.  Every time they say something, they find out it is a lie or maybe just an exaggeration.

What would you tell them?

Chances are good that you would advise them to end that relationship or step away from it slowly if they are worried about hurting feelings.

My question to those of you are continuously disappointed with Madden every year (or any other game – Call of Duty, Assassins Creed, etc.) is –

Are you obligated to purchase any of these things every single year?

If you don’t like the product you are buying every year, stop giving the company that makes it the power to keep making it.  Talk with your pocket-book rather than your angry fingers… money is the only language businesses speak.  If that means you have to take a course on Rosetta Stone in order to learn how to grow a monetary backbone – do it.

Stop giving annual releases a reprieve if you don’t like what you are getting – take the power back.

Madden 13 – How To Run The Ball Quick Tip

If you are having trouble running the ball in Madden 13 we have a quick 2-minute tutorial that should help you out.  Keep checking in with NoobTubeTV for more updates on Madden 13!

Is Black Ops 2 Suffering From Disinterest?

Call of Duty was one of the most impressive franchises for this console generation.  When it started to become a yearly online shooter version of Madden it lost a lot of luster.  If you were among the people that purchased an Xbox 360 early on and made Call of Duty 2 your first 360 game.  Something drastically changed when Infinity Ward (thankfully) changed the time period from World War 2 to modern times with Call of Duty 4 – Modern Warfare.

Something even more drastic happened after Call of Duty took a more modern approach – the creation of prestige, leaderboards and record keeping of Kill/Death ratios.  One of our first articles talked largely about leaderboards and their negative impact on online gaming and the catalyst for the current state of online shooters was Call of Duty 4.

We have since made it through four iterations of Call of Duty and the process has seen the online community grow to new heights and sales of the game to go through the roof.  Call of Duty is one of the most action-packed and entertaining games to play online or offline – but why does it feel so bland now?

It seems like Black Ops 2 is one of the most underwhelming and least hyped CoD titles to be released.  The last time I remember not looking forward to a Call of Duty game was when CoD 3 was announced to once again focus on World War 2.  Black Ops has shifted from the Cold War era to the ‘near future’ in Black Ops 2.  Outside of the time-shift, there have been a few tweaks and changes to gameplay as well as a new set of weapons (which we will be covering in the coming months).  The question that must be asked again and again is whether or not the Call of Duty series will command the same attention that it has in the past.

Where do you stand with Black Ops 2?  If your opinions are anywhere close to those for Madden 13 it could be an interesting reaction.

Fantasy Drafts In Sports Games – Are We Really Missing That Much?

Now that the reviews are pouring in from publications and regular users all over the internet, we are looking at the comments that many of our readers are leaving.  Many of these comments are focused towards the lack of a Fantasy Draft or roster editing before starting Franchise Mode (what is now called Connected Careers).  For those of you that don’t know what Fantasy Drafts are, we will break it down for you now.

Fantasy Drafts essentially take every player off of every team and put them into a pool in which you will pick any of those player for your team of choice.  Every other team will follow suit in this 53-Round draft.  This has been in Madden for over a decade – until now.

The developers of Madden 13 have decided to remove the Fantasy Draft (as well as some other roster editing abilities for career modes).  While there are serious questions about roster editing, it is puzzling why so many people are angry about Fantasy Drafts from the aspect of longevity in career modes.  It isn’t because someone can’t have a long-lasting career mode with a fantasy draft, but more along the lines of trying to figure out how much of a challenge it is to build a team in a Fantasy Draft – in Madden no less.

When I was between the ages of 12 and 14 I was a big fan of being able to trade players between teams and make my own ‘all star’ or ‘fantasy’ team in Triple Play Baseball on Playstation One.  I would build a team to play against my friends and their ‘fantasy’ team in exhibition games.  Outside of that, I also built a team in the fantasy draft in Madden, years later.  When you could bring this fantasy drafted team into a Franchise Mode it made some people think that it would be the best thing that ever happened to the mode. 

While it seems there are a few people out there that prefer to run an offline franchise or online league with a fantasy draft – I have yet to personally finish a season with a fantasy team in any sports game (especially Madden).  There are a few reasons behind this, at least from my point of view. 

·         If you build a team of dominating all stars – where is the challenge?

·         Doing a fantasy draft for career modes often results in the user taking younger players with higher speed ratings (speed has always been the most important rating in Madden)

·         Knowing which players are on other teams involves going into the player management screen and scrolling through the players. 

·         Longevity of a fantasy drafted team in a career mode is something I have  yet to see go more than two seasons. 

That said, it remains that fantasy draft is gone with the wind and many people are stuck wondering why.  This is one of the more confusing situations that is happening across the board in Madden 13.  Between roster editing and importing draft classes and superstars from NCAA Football – a lot of users are left wondering if there is any part of career modes that will be left to their own customization or personal preferences.

The fact that EA Tiburon has tried to do something so vast with Connected Careers should make most people happy to see some sort of attempt to change from the same old and dry franchise and superstar modes. 

Where do you stand on fantasy drafts and other customization?  Are you among the group of people that hates everything about the changes or are you part of the faction that are happy to see some sort of originality, even at the initial cost of user customization?