Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Wii and friends: A Great Match]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/wii-and-friends-a-great-match/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/wii-and-friends-a-great-match/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/wii-and-friends-a-great-match/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Why do we love the Wii with friends? Because we want all to share the splendor and majesty that comes from playing the best home gaming console around. So that's why we set out to bring you a nice, easy package of great multiplayer games for the Wii.

Both online and local multiplayer is covered, as well as games that have released and those that are still in production. We hope you find this useful in your own life, in some small way, or at least a good place to link a friend who has no idea what they're getting into with the Wii. So read on and see what we have in store, then come back here and tell us what multiplayer experiences you enjoy most on the Wii!

JoystiqWii and friends: A Great Match originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombermanbwiicapcomdeca-sportsendless-oceanguitarherohudsonjoysoundjoystiqfeaturesmadden08mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiimario-partymarioparty8mariostrikerschargedmp8multiplayernintendonintendo-wiipbrpokemonresident-evilreucrock-bandsmash-bros-brawltetristrauma-centertraumacenterumbrella-chronicleswariowarewiiWed, 09 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTrailers Super Bowl simulation also picks Patriots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/gametrailers-super-bowl-simulation-also-picks-patriots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/gametrailers-super-bowl-simulation-also-picks-patriots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/gametrailers-super-bowl-simulation-also-picks-patriots/#commentsFiled under:


You might have watched EA Sports' Madden '08 simulation for Super Bowl XLII when it surfaced a few days ago, where it was predicted that the Patriots would take home the Lombardi trophy by a narrow margin -- then again, you might have fallen asleep in the middle of that video, which was more or less a glorified gameplay montage, completely devoid of commentary and music.

Taking a cue from classic NFL films, GameTrailers recently performed their own Madden simulation of the Super Bowl, yielding similar, and much more watchable results. Our knowledge of the mechanics of football is limited, but basically, GameTrailers predicts that the Patriots will run the brown ball into the score zone more times than the Giants, winning with a score of 20 touchdowns to 10 touchdowns. They also predicted the entirety of Tom Petty's halftime show set list -- strangely enough, it is sans "Free Fallin'".

JoystiqGameTrailers Super Bowl simulation also picks Patriots originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MaddenMadden08Super-BowlSuperBowlSuperBowlXLIISun, 03 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 08 gets a roster update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/madden-08-gets-a-roster-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/madden-08-gets-a-roster-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/madden-08-gets-a-roster-update/#commentsFiled under:

Just released yesterday in preparation for the first Sunday of NFL football action, EA released the second Madden NFL 08 roster update which should download the next time you play the game connected to Xbox Live. The roster update updates various teams' rosters (no, really?) and also switches up the overall rankings of a few players. You can view the complete roster changes that the update brings by downloading them from here (Word document) or by looking after the break.

And after giving the new Madden 08 roster changes a look through we noticed that Michael Vick has been removed due to a suspension. We're wondering what he could have possibly done to be suspended from the NFL and Madden. Can anyone throw us a bone and help solve this mystery?

[Via Game Stooge]

Continue reading Madden 08 gets a roster update

JoystiqMadden 08 gets a roster update originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamaddenmadden08maddennfl08Sat, 08 Sep 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Come and get your Madden 08 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/come-and-get-your-madden-08-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/come-and-get-your-madden-08-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/come-and-get-your-madden-08-demo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Patiently awaiting your download this morning is a brand new Madden NFL 08 demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo weighs in at a nice 813MB and is available to North American as well as most European Xbox Live members. We aren't sure how long the demo lasts or what teams you get to play as since the description for the demo only reads "Download the demo.", so you'll have to feel this one out for yourself. Cue up Madden 08 for download fanboys, we know you're curious to see what EA has done with the series this year.

JoystiqCome and get your Madden 08 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamadden08maddennfl08xblmFri, 24 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Probably not Madden 08 online edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/wrup-probably-not-madden-08-online-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/wrup-probably-not-madden-08-online-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/wrup-probably-not-madden-08-online-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Despite Madden 08 being the only release for the Wii this week, many of you who've picked it up have probably either sold it online or called over a local priest to exorcise the demons within. And, with our pre-weekend question, we'd like to know: are you playing Madden 08 this weekend? Or, have you waited for reviews on the game and steered clear of it due to all the latest news?

JoystiqWRUP: Probably not Madden 08 online edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamadden08Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[One Madden 08 player chronicles the impossibility of online play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/one-madden-08-player-chronicles-the-impossibility-of-online-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/one-madden-08-player-chronicles-the-impossibility-of-online-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/one-madden-08-player-chronicles-the-impossibility-of-online-play/#commentsFiled under: ,


Reader Brian has been fed up with his copy of Madden 08. See, he has been going through the trouble of trying to actually connect to one game online and play, but as you can see in his embedded video, he'd probably have more fun slamming his head against a wall for a couple of hours. He's been having the same issues that some of you have reported on. Even after receiving several different updates, it has still not helped him get his game online.

Please note: Brian, the great guy he is, uses some profanities in his video. So, it's kind of NSFW.

Continue reading One Madden 08 player chronicles the impossibility of online play

JoystiqOne Madden 08 player chronicles the impossibility of online play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamadden08Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA is already on the Madden 08 issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/ea-is-already-on-the-madden-08-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/ea-is-already-on-the-madden-08-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/ea-is-already-on-the-madden-08-issue/#commentsFiled under: ,


Only a mere few hours after we first heard about people having problems taking Madden 08 online, EA has dished out a release stating that they're well-aware of the issue and already working on a patch. Ea states that "there is currently a high volume of people playing online, this is the best time for us to monitor and maximize the experience." Sounds good to us, but what sounds even better is EA's assurance that within the next 24 hours, they should have a fix ready to go for this.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqEA is already on the Madden 08 issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>madden08Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Madden 08 online play broken?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/poll-madden-08-online-play-broken/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/poll-madden-08-online-play-broken/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/poll-madden-08-online-play-broken/#commentsFiled under:


We recently received a letter from one of our readers complaining about the online play in Madden 08. Having not taken the game online yet ourselves, we figured we would ask you all how it's been. So, in a completely scientific and valid experiment, we figured it'd be proper to poll our readers and see how it's been for you all.

Have you had problems playing Madden 08 online?
Nope, not a problem yet.
Here and there, someone will drop mid-game
Many, so much so that connecting to anyone has been a royal pain
Nothing but, as I have yet to connect to or finish a single game

JoystiqPoll: Madden 08 online play broken? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>madden08Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden '08 Xbox 360 vs. PS3 comparison video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/madden-08-xbox-360-vs-ps3-comparison-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/madden-08-xbox-360-vs-ps3-comparison-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/madden-08-xbox-360-vs-ps3-comparison-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here we have GameTrailers presenting a side-by-side comparison video of Madden '08 on the PS3 and the Xbox 360. We know what USA Today thinks is better -- they went with the Xbox 360. We also know what "EA tech support" thinks on the issue. They "fully understand and respect" if you go with the Xbox 360 version, because with the PS3 version it was "very difficult to get it right the first time."

Now, it's very difficult to get a proper grip on how much of a difference the two console's respective frame rates bring to the presentation in this video, because the video goes at its own frame rate, so whatever that's set at is what you're watching. Essentially, you're just looking at whatever pops out as being different. What do you all think?

Update: We added GameVideos comparison video after the break.

Continue reading Madden '08 Xbox 360 vs. PS3 comparison video

JoystiqMadden '08 Xbox 360 vs. PS3 comparison video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisoncomparisonvideoEAEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFootballgametrailersMaddenMadden-08Madden-NFL-08madden08MicrosoftPS3SportsXbox-360Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Madden 08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/metareview-madden-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/metareview-madden-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/metareview-madden-08/#commentsFiled under:


With Madden 08 being on store shelves for two days now, we're sure the game has sold half a billion copies. Unlike the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, which are almost exact copies of each other, the Wii version stands out as a unique title. Also, we can play online without friend codes. Oh, how sweet it is.

What did the critics have to say about the game?
  • IGN (85/100) says it's a big improvement over last year, but still has its faults: "The game makes great use of motion with better-implemented and easier to pull off moves than 07, it has more modes, far more multiplayer both locally and now online, and is generally superior in nearly every regard. On the flipside, Wii's second Madden still suffers from a ton of last-generation bugs, with everything from moronic AI and cheap pass defense to disappearing pass icons and odd camera glitches that cloak the entire playfield in blur effects."
  • Cheat Code Central (84/100) lauds the game's new additions: "A great game. The new additions to the title are innovative and impact the gameplay positively. Online play will prove to be a boon for Wii owners, the Party mode helps make the title stand out on this console, and the high quality graphics make it competitive with the other versions."
  • GameSpot (80/100) finds the game to be appealing to fans of football and those curious as to what it's all about: "As it is, it's a great follow-up with a few quirks that are mostly forgivable. For fans of last year's game, or those curious for the first time about football on the Wii, Madden 08 is worth checking out."
  • GameDaily (80/100) thinks not only the football is fun, but all of the other extras, as well: "Don't purchase Madden NFL 08 expecting beautiful visuals and slick looking menus. Buy it because you crave a more interactive experience as well as modes that you can't find in the other versions. With 22 mini games, trivia and fun controls, this gridiron giant runs the pigskin into the end zone."
So, have any of you picked this up? What do you think so far?

Gallery: Madden 08

JoystiqMetareview: Madden 08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamaddenmadden08Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA 'tech. support' explains PS3 Madden frame rate issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/ea-tech-support-explains-ps3-madden-frame-rate-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/ea-tech-support-explains-ps3-madden-frame-rate-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/ea-tech-support-explains-ps3-madden-frame-rate-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been no secret that the Xbox 360 version of Madden '08 was going to be better than the PS3 version, but nobody really expected it to be this big of a difference. Less than 24 hours into Madden's release, the difference between the two versions has become a serious point of contention. Maxconsole has the alleged response from EA technical support about the frame rate issues on the PS3 version of Madden '08.

"Rob M." from EA Sports technical support says he understands gamers "frustration," but says that EA has been "developing titles for the Xbox 360 for over 3 1/2 years" and has only been working with the PS3 for over a year. He goes on to say it's "very difficult to get it right the first time." He goes on to say that that 30 frames per second is the same for all PS3 sports games, and they're happy to point out that the same holds true for 2K Sports as well. He finishes by saying that "if you choose not to purchase the [PS3 version], it is a choice [they] fully understand and respect." Definitely expect a little bit more ire about this PS3 Madden thing as people start making lists of all the issues.

JoystiqEA 'tech. support' explains PS3 Madden frame rate issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFootballframeratemaddenMadden-08Madden-NFL-08madden08PS3SportstechissuesXbox-360Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[USA Today picks Madden for 360 over PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/usa-today-picks-madden-for-360-over-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/usa-today-picks-madden-for-360-over-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/usa-today-picks-madden-for-360-over-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Trying to decide which version of Madden 08 -- PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 -- you want to buy? If you want USA Today's advice, the Xbox 360 version is the way to go.

Issues cited include stutters in action and half-second delays. "Even close-ups between play look dull when lined up against the 360's sleeker cut scenes," the article reads.

Of course, there's always an explanation available for technical deficiencies, from the rational to the conspiratorial. Let's see how the two version stack up for Madden 09.

Gallery: Madden 08


[Thanks, Marty]

JoystiqUSA Today picks Madden for 360 over PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maddenmadden08PS3usatodayXbox-360Tue, 14 Aug 2007 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[CAG's Madden '08 buyer deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/cags-madden-08-buyer-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/cags-madden-08-buyer-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/cags-madden-08-buyer-deals/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Is paying full price for Madden '08 just not going to cut it? Need a little bit more incentive? Well, CheapAssGamer found the best deals to go with your Madden purchase if you're looking for a little bit more. Toys R Us takes the cake with their deal that when you buy Madden '08, you get a second game of equal or lesser value at half off. This applies to all systems, despite the sporadic placement of the deal on their website. Toys R Us really does find ways to treat gamers well.

The other deals are the Blockbuster $10 off coupon and, if you still don't have an Xbox 360, you can get the premium system with an extra controller and Madden for $410 at CompUSA (that's about $50 off). If you know of any other Madden deals, drop them below in the comments. GameFly subscribers, if you've rented Madden, let us know the "Keep It" price.

JoystiqCAG's Madden '08 buyer deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cagcheapassgamermaddenmadden08PS2PS3WiiXbox-360Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ozzy Osbourne celebrates Maddenoliday in Times Square]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/ozzy-osbourne-celebrates-maddenoliday-in-times-square/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/ozzy-osbourne-celebrates-maddenoliday-in-times-square/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/ozzy-osbourne-celebrates-maddenoliday-in-times-square/#commentsFiled under: , ,

maddenoliday
"I can't hear you!" shouted Ozzy atop the Hard Rock marquee. "I wanna fucking hear you!" he spat, as several onlookers chuckled at the sound of the massive F-bomb amplified throughout Times Square. A few cheers followed, but mostly silent bemusement. "What are we standing here for?" somebody wondered aloud.

Just the day before, we'd received a last-minute invitation from Microsoft PR inviting us to "Maddenoliday," a public celebration of the Xbox 360 version of Madden 08. (A Microsoft representative insisted that we not blog about the event prior to its start -- though sister site X3F gave late word by way of Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog.) With little publicity beforehand, the event mostly preyed on the droves of tourists who spend these comfortable summer nights in crisp 'I ♥ NY' tees, shuffling up and down Broadway and 7th Avenue. Set up a few iron blockades, blow some smoke, and they'll stop and linger.

Gallery: Maddenoliday hits Times Square

Continue reading Ozzy Osbourne celebrates Maddenoliday in Times Square

JoystiqOzzy Osbourne celebrates Maddenoliday in Times Square originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsmaddenmadden08maddenolidayOzzyOzbourneTimesSquareXbox-360xbox360Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Times Square to host Maddenoliday tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/times-square-to-host-maddenoliday-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/times-square-to-host-maddenoliday-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/times-square-to-host-maddenoliday-tonight/#commentsFiled under:

For our friends in or around New York City, this year's Madden release spectacle officially dubbed Maddenoliday is going down with events planned in Times Square. Tonight, starting at 5:00PM, the Times Square festivities will be kicking off with the best Madden players going head to head, NFL stars including Jerome Bettis, Marshall Faulk, Jamal Anderson and Eric Dickerson making appearances, and an Xbox 360 Madden 08 ball drop at midnight. Maddenoliday, it's like Thanksgiving and Christmas rolled together mixed with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign and consumer craziness. We wouldn't have it any other way.

JoystiqTimes Square to host Maddenoliday tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamadden08maddennfl08Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: just Madden edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/shipping-this-week-just-madden-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/shipping-this-week-just-madden-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/shipping-this-week-just-madden-edition/#commentsFiled under:


It's that time of year once again. No, it's not time to go visit Grandma and sample her famous Apple Brown Betty (although that does sound pretty tasty), it's time for yet another edition of Madden to hit the shelves. Football fans look to be in luck, as Madden seems to have overcome its new generation jitters and delivers a solid football experience. At least, that's the impression we're getting from the early reviews. Besides, if you want NFL football, it's not like you really have a choice, right?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqShipping this week: just Madden edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaeasportselectronicartsmaddenmadden08Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Madden '08 edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/new-games-this-week-madden-08-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/new-games-this-week-madden-08-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/new-games-this-week-madden-08-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


First off: Best new release week image ever. Second: It's Madden week! And this one's apparently pretty good. But what if you don't crave the feel of the pigskin in your grip? Well, there are a few oddball releases in the portable arena, but is it worth the risk? For the next couple of weeks, the game store is going to be hostile ground, with a jock-to-geek ratio that's going to be downright dangerous. Go get your DS RPG, just be careful to avoid a wedgie.

Gallery: Madden 08

Continue reading New games this week: Madden '08 edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Madden '08 edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSmaddenmadden08newgamesPCPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Jericho and Madden Trailers and Rumble Roses DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/jericho-and-madden-trailers-and-rumble-roses-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/jericho-and-madden-trailers-and-rumble-roses-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/jericho-and-madden-trailers-and-rumble-roses-dlc/#commentsFiled under: ,


In today's Marketplace Roundup, we've got a couple trailers for you. First off, for Madden NFL 08, EA Sports Producer David Ortiz gives a demonstration of "Hit Stick 2.0", which should be interesting for those into 26% of the 360's retail library. Next up, Clive Barker's Jericho also has a trailer available for your viewing pleasure which isn't available in Asia. Finally, a slew of downloadable costumes are available for Rumble Roses XX, each set costing you 80 Microsoft Points. Oh Joy.

JoystiqJericho and Madden Trailers and Rumble Roses DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JerichoMadden08MaddenNFL08MarketplaceRumbleRosesXXXBLMFri, 10 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A reason to consider Madden for DS: paper football]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/a-reason-to-consider-madden-for-ds-paper-football/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/a-reason-to-consider-madden-for-ds-paper-football/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/a-reason-to-consider-madden-for-ds-paper-football/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sure, we know, we could just fold up a piece of paper and knock everything off a table, but there's no excuse not to be excited about the inclusion of paper football as a side game in the next iteration of Madden. There are a number of other additions coming to the handheld version as well (like some much-needed improvements to gameplay), but this is certainly the one we're most giddily excited about. Could this be an offshoot of EA's take on the casual game revolution? If so, it's an aspect we're favoring, and we can only hope that paper football matches are part of the coming online elements. Because, really, if we have to be in close proximity to our sliding-paper opponents, what's the point? We've got some scrap paper around here somewhere ....

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqA reason to consider Madden for DS: paper football originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAfootballmadden08paperfootballsportsThu, 26 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden really wants you to Ring in '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/madden-really-wants-you-to-ring-in-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/madden-really-wants-you-to-ring-in-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/madden-really-wants-you-to-ring-in-08/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Want to wear your Madden skillz on the street as bling? EA is giving you the chance this season with a customizable, unlockable "Ring of a Champion" that you can actually order from Jostens -- ring maker of the Super Bowl ring ... and countless graduation rings across the nation. You might even be able to convince some gullible soul that you actually scored a real Super Bowl ring, and possibly get yourself bumped up to first class on occasion. Plus, if you get into a street brawl, you've got some serious hardware on your fingers.

The rings are unlocked by progressing to various levels as you play the game. Once you reach level three, you'll get a code in the game that will let you order the ring. The further you progress, the more you can customize your ring. You'll also be able to stick any of the NFL teams on there, and you can get the cheapo version in a "non precious ring" (Gollum will be so upset) for $149, or the flamboyant 14k gold version for $495. The finger bling comes studded with cubic zirconium, but Jostens will let you add real diamonds if you have a bottomless savings account and a real desire to toss your money away.

The rings will be available only on the "next gen" (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) systems, sorry Wii-ers. Check out the pix of the bling below, and you can read the press release after the break.

Gallery: Madden 08 "Ring of a Champion"

Continue reading Madden really wants you to Ring in '08

JoystiqMadden really wants you to Ring in '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today is Sunday and that means it's time to talk about this week's Xbox 360 super-Sunday-deals-of-money-savings-greatness! As usual, Circuit City has all the savings this week by offering up a free year of Xbox Live with purchase of any Xbox 360 console. You want video game deals? Well, if you're looking to get your Madden on later this year, plop down a preorder on Madden 08 and Circuit City will give you $25 towards a FansEdge.com order. And if Madden is too long of a wait to play football, this week NCAA Football 08 is available and if purchased at Circuit City they'll give you $10 gift card to boot.

There you go, that was the best of the best Xbox 360 deals this week. Pull out your plastic and shop, shop the day away!

JoystiqSunday deals offer free Live and gift cards too originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Football is a game of split second decisions, and simulating the sport on the Xbox 360 will soon let you split those seconds more finely. 1UP is reporting that this summer's major pigskin simulators -- EA's Madden NFL 08 and NCAA Football 2008 and 2K Sports' All-Pro Football 2K8 -- will run at 60 frames per second on the Xbox 360 and 30 frames per second on the PS3. The move represents a jump from previous Madden games, which ran at 30 frames per second on all platforms, including the Xbox 360 and PS3.

While the additional frames mean smoother, more fluid animation in the 360 versions, it's still unclear how the jump will impact graphical fidelity or resolution. A comparison between both versions of last year's Madden 07 conducted by Gamespot showed the 360 version had "sharper textures on the character models in the close-up shots shown between plays." In comparing this year's games, 1UP simply stated that "All-Pro Football 2K8 definitely runs better on Xbox 360."

The reasons behind this frame rate difference are hard to pin down. Todd Sitrin, EA Vice President of Marketing Sports Branding, told 1UP that there are trade offs in designing football simulations and that "every company making a football game this year made a decision that the best experience for the Xbox 360 included 60fps whereas the best experience for the PS3 was 30fps." Extra time and familiarity with the Xbox 360 hardware could have influenced the development, as could the purported difficulty in programming for the PS3's multi-processor architecture.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Joystiq1UP: 360 football games to run faster than PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K2K sports2kSportsall-proanimationDSEAEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFootballfpsframesframes per secondFramesPerSecondmaddenMadden 07Madden 08Madden-07Madden-NFL-07Madden07Madden08MicrosoftNCAANintendoPS3SportsWiiXboxXbox-360Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[60 FPS: Football will be better on the 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/60-fps-football-will-be-better-on-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/60-fps-football-will-be-better-on-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/60-fps-football-will-be-better-on-the-360/#commentsFiled under:

1UP is reporting that all the heavy hitting football games coming out this year (Madden 08, NCAA Football 08, and All-Pro Football 2K8) will be running best on the Xbox 360. 30 frames smoother to be exact. 1UP says that they've confirmed with developers that the 360 versions of each football game will run at a buttery smooth 60 frames per second while the PS3 version will have to settle for 30 frames per second. What does that mean? Well, it means animations will be smoother, faster and less jarring than the PS3 version. And that's a good thing.

We aren't sure why the PS3 versions of the games are stuck at 30 FPS, but we're thinking the dev teams just didn't find it worth the extra cash to optimize it for the platform. But even if that were the case it should still put a feather in Microsoft's ego cap, because it would just further prove that the 360 is easier to develop for.

Joystiq60 FPS: Football will be better on the 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boy oh boy has there been a bunch of Madden 08 news hitting the internet lately and we figured what better way to get you the dish than recapping all of it in one convenient post. Yeah, that kind of logic could only come from the smartest of bloggers. So, let's get right into all the crunchy Madden 08 news and media.

First off, EA released Madden 08's official soundtrack list including tracks from The Hives, Timbaland, Daddy Yankee and Xbox Artist of the Month Ozzy Osbourne. Madden 08 sounds like it's going to be a rocking good time. Also released were screenshots featuring all twenty-four new "weapons" classifications which are used to show players' crazy advanced abilities. It's a brand new way to identify stand out players and a first for the Madden franchise. The third piece of Madden 08 goodness comes in the form of a new trailer that we've embedded above. Give it a watch and you'll agree that stiff arms and side stepping never looked so nice. Finally, the Gamerscore Blog crew posted a few photos and a writeup of EA's little Madden 08 party which was held in LA the other night.

Now, if that's not enough Madden 08 news to keep you satisfied then by golly you're a football addict and need to drink some Gatorade. Go hit the showers and review all the new Madden news, because August 14th will be here soon enough.

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqTouchdown! EA unloads Madden 08 info originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the new features of Electronic Arts' Madden 08 is the use of weapons -- special medals associated with certain players to signify their strengths. These aren't real weapons, mind you, but O, how we long for the days of Mutant League Football. These are more like situation-specific special moves. A player with the Big Foot Kicker weapon, for example, can kick the ball "farther than anyone in the game."

IGN is outlining the 24 weapons featured in the game, so that enthusiasts can start planning and dreaming up their weapon combinations. Cannon Arm QB with a Quick Receiver? Let's hope one of their defenders doesn't have the Speed weapon.

Gallery: Madden 08

JoystiqMadden 08 pulls out its weaponry originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next installment of Electronic Arts' Madden 08 will feature online multiplayer but will not be using Nintendo's friend code system, according to associate producer Damian Zerr in an interview with IGN.

"Madden Wii doesn't support the Wii friends system during online play," he said. "This is something we're still working on with Nintendo. For now our online play uses your EA Nation Persona to search and manage your EA Messenger account." IGN does not press further as to why EA made this decision, leaving us to only speculate the reasons why. Perhaps EA is as distraught with the system as many Joystiq readers have conveyed.

No voice chat will be available during online play, relying instead on EA Messenger for communication (details on how were also not given), but alongside DS connectivity was not ruled out for Madden 09.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

JoystiqMadden 08 Wii online without friend codes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You thought we were done talking about sports? Heck no! We've covered baseball, golf, basketball... how could we pass up the opportunity to bring you some American Football news? We've got the latest screens from the 360 oven that's been cooking up Madden NFL '08 and guess what? It looks like football. It smells like football. It probably tastes like football, but we don't know since it's not done cooking yet.

Aside from the brightly colored uniform/outfits the players wear, all we see is nifty grass and football details -- kind of. Will the game still play exactly like its predecessors? Will John Madden ever, ever, ever just give up and marry his bags o' cash? We know that some other titles are re-building what made their franchise great... what's Madden going to do differently? We assume it'll stay the same and it'll be fun. If it isn't, we just have to wait until next year for another one.

JoystiqMadden NFL '08 screens to please originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Extremely obsessed and knowledgeable Madden fans know that the game has never given out a perfect 100 in any skill for any player, until now. Madden 08 will give Chicago Bears' crazy fast return man Devin Hester a perfect 100 ranking for speed. Hester's perfect 100 beats out previous high ranking players like Deion Sanders, Randy Moss, and Charles Woodson who all received 99s at their peak. So, is anyone pumped about Madden 08 or are you expecting just more of the same?

[Thanks, Chris]

JoystiqMadden 08 gives a perfect 100 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devin hesterDevinHestereaelectronic artsElectronicArtsmaddenmadden 08madden 2008Madden08Madden2008Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[For Madden speed, it don't get bester than Hester]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/for-madden-speed-it-dont-get-bester-than-hester/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/for-madden-speed-it-dont-get-bester-than-hester/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/for-madden-speed-it-dont-get-bester-than-hester/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Milestones in human speed:
  • May 6, 1954: Roger Bannister runs a mile in under four minutes.
  • June 14, 2005: Asafa Powell runs 100 meters in 9.77 seconds.
  • April 5, 2007: ESPN reveals Devin Hester will have a speed rating of 100 in Madden NFL '08.
Not only does EA think Hester is faster than any other football player in history, the noted kick returner is set to become the first player to get a perfect rating in any stat category in the perennial football franchise.

Hester said he was honored by the, er, honor, but not exactly surprised -- according to ESPN, "Hester has been known to have been lobbying members of the Madden NFL 08 development team for the top speed rating." NFL players exerting undue influence on developers? We smell a scandal. Maddengate!

Our main question now is what will happen if someone faster than Hester comes along? Will EA create a 101 rating? Or will the 100 rating eventually become like a "perfect ten" game review -- good, but not perfect?

[Update: Fixed the date above. Thanks Products]

[Thanks tevetorbes]

JoystiqFor Madden speed, it don't get bester than Hester originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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