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Wii and friends: A Great Match
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Wii_and_friends_A_Great_Match'; 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!
GameTrailers Super Bowl simulation also picks Patriots
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'".
Madden 08 gets a roster update
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]
Come and get your Madden 08 demo
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.
WRUP: Probably not Madden 08 online edition
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?
One Madden 08 player chronicles the impossibility of online play
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.
EA is already on the Madden 08 issue
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]
Poll: Madden 08 online play broken?
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
Madden '08 Xbox 360 vs. PS3 comparison video
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.
Metareview: Madden 08
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-4569%
EA 'tech. support' explains PS3 Madden frame rate issues
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.
USA Today picks Madden for 360 over PS3
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-4322%[Thanks, Marty]
CAG's Madden '08 buyer deals
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.
Ozzy Osbourne celebrates Maddenoliday in Times Square
"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-5881%
Times Square to host Maddenoliday tonight
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.
Shipping this week: just Madden edition
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]
New games this week: Madden '08 edition
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-4322%
Jericho and Madden Trailers and Rumble Roses DLC
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.
A reason to consider Madden for DS: paper football
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]
Madden really wants you to Ring in '08
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-4923%
