With 2K signing Steph Curry, James Harden, and Anthony Davis as its cover athlete super team for NBA 2K16, EA Sports wasn’t left with many other prime candidates to select as the cover star for NBA Live 16. But they didn’t need many choices, because they still got a worthy superstar to grace the cover of their PlayStation 4 and Xbox One hoops simulation.

Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star point guard with seemingly endless competitive rage and motor, is taking his MVP-candidate talents from the real hardwood to the mo-cap studio as the new face of NBA Live next season.

More details about the EA Tiburon developed NBA Live 16 will be revealed next week during EA’s E3 2015 press briefing. For now, visit www.easports.com/nba-live to get an early peek at the game’s basic features, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at Russell Westbrook’s covershoot.

It’s easy to Monday morning quarterback football games and second guess coaching decisions from the sofa, but fair or not Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll brought hell onto himself by choosing to have Russell Wilson throw a slant from the 1-yard line to go for the likely game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX instead of just handing the damn ball to Marshawn Lynch. Had the pass not been intercepted, no one would care, but it was, and with a dude nicknamed Beast Mode standing in the backfield it’s easy to look back and say they should have just run the ball a couple times–even though there was little time left and only one timeout remaining, so a pass in that situation really wasn’t a bad idea. Throwing a slant was ill advised; a bootleg pass/run option would have made more sense given Wilson’s skillset.

(I’d also remind folks criticizing the play call to look back at the Steelers vs. Colts playoff game from years back, when in a similar situation the Steelers appeared ready to ice the game by giving the ball to Jerome “The Bus” Bettis for a presumably easy goal line TD charge. He wound up fumbling the ball–and he was a player that was a short yardage beast and rarely ever fumbled–and the game was only saved by Big Ben making a miraculous shoestring tackle on the Colts defender who had picked up the ball and was running for a return TD the other way. Sometimes shit just happens, is all I’m saying.)

Anyway, EA Sports is getting in on the snarky fun by releasing an alternate ending video which uses Madden NFL 15 to show how the Super Bowl might have concluded had the ball been put in Beast Mode’s hands. Sorry to rub salt in the wound, Seahawks fans, but this is going to hurt!

Tonight, during the final round of the Madden NFL 15 cover vote on ESPN.com, Seattle Seahawks star cornerback Richard Sherman was elected cover athlete for this season’s football video game from EA Sports, topping Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton by a 56% to 44% margin. Throughout the voting, Sherman also won popularity contests against Alshon Jeffrey, Jimmy Graham, and Colin Kaepernick.

Richard Sherman is considered by many analysts to be the premiere cover cornerback in the NFL, so it’s only fitting that he landed the cover athlete gig. It’s also an appropriate choice since EA Tiburon’s main focus for this season is improving upon the Madden defensive game plan with a more intuitive tackling system, smarter coverage logic, new pass rush moves, and new camera angle options promising to add greater immersion and excitement to playing on the defensive side of the ball.

Another all-pro defensive player, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly, joins this evening’s festivities by appearing front and center in the first official Madden NFL 15 gameplay trailer. OK, so the trailer really only shows maybe 15 seconds of actual game footage, but hey, that’s better than nothing leading up to E3 where we’ll no doubt get a more in-depth look at the game.

Madden NFL 15 launches August 26th on lead platforms PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Last-gen versions for PS3 and Xbox 360 are in development as well.

Continuing our recent comparisons of next-gen console sports games to their current-gen counterparts, today we check in with new screenshots and the official gameplay trailer for FIFA 14 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Like Madden and NBA Live, you will be hard pressed to find a huge graphical upgrade. I mean, does the PS4 screenshot up top or this Xbox One screenshot…

…look significantly different from this one captured from the Xbox 360 version?

I would say not. Better, yes, but only marginally so. And the game doesn’t quite live up to the same high level of detail as these previous images released back at E3.

Still, it’s not like the game looks ugly or anything. From what’s been shown of EA Sports’ next-gen lineup so far, I would say FIFA 14 has a clear edge over Madden and NBA Live. In fact, when you see things in motion–check the new trailer below–the little details shine through and put on a more impressive showing. Those next-gen crowds are especially jaw-dropping, and details like that can make all the difference in terms of evolving the sports arena atmosphere from what has been possible on current hardware. It’s not just about having uncanny valley player models, ya know.

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Not to be upstaged by 2K Sports, EA Sports has taken to the internets to show off what its next-gen installments of Madden NFL 25 and NBA Live 14 look like on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Unfortunately, neither game looks nearly as impressive as NBA 2K14, and Madden NFL 25 in particular doesn’t look anywhere close to as photo-realistic as the “actual game footage” first shown at E3. I don’t see any of the same high quality skin texturing or jersey detail and wear and tear that was shown back in June. What happened?

For Madden, I will at least say that the animations look much improved. The true step locomotion looks like it has grounded the players to the field, opposed to the player models in current Maddens which always feel kind of floaty and slippery like they are sliding in the air just above the ground. NBA Live‘s animations on the other hand look pretty stiff, and the characters still have that slight cartoony video game appearance that just looks a bit off to me.

Both games look solid overall, but going by these new gameplay trailers neither one shows vast superiority over current-gen sports games, or leaves a lasting impression. What say you, video game sports fans?

No shock here: the next-gen edition of Madden NFL 25 will be a launch title for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Adrian Peterson, runner-up to Barry Sanders in the cover athlete fan vote tournament, will even star on the cover for these versions, upstaging Mr. Sanders’ appearance on the PS3 and Xbox 360 covers. Who won that cover vote again?

What next-gen features can you expect from Madden NFL 25? From EA Sports:

10X THE DETAIL

Next Definition Visuals: Madden NFL has never looked so real. See every nuance of a player’s face, equipment, and clothing as the line blurs between the players in the game and their real-life counterparts. Up to 4x the texture resolution breathes new life into stadiums, crowds, the field, and even the ball itself. Combined with high-fidelity animations that deliver the smoothest, most authentic looking player interactions ever, Madden NFL 25 delivers Next Definition visuals.

2X THE CONTROL

Every Step Is Calculated: The all-new True Step player motion system calculates every step, delivering unprecedented control. Players now have the ability to foot-plant, cut, and shift momentum in an authentic way, unlocking the agility and explosiveness of the NFL athlete. EA SPORTS IGNITE run-time physics calculate at twice the rate allowing for the most organic, user-driven outcomes in franchise history. Combined with the precision modifier’s vast combination of ball carrier moves, Madden NFL has never felt this good.

PLAYERS THINK

Brains & Brawn: All-new Player Sense unlocks the human element in Madden NFL. For the first time, players scan the field, anticipate situations before they happen, and maneuver with instincts and awareness. The ability to make up to 50x as many contextual decisions brings intelligent ball-carriers and defenders to life, as they sense obstacles and react on the fly. Ball-carriers leap over fallen players, blitzing linebackers slide past teammates on their way to the QB and so much more, combining the physical aspects of football with the mental.

War in the Trenches: Offensive and defensive line play is at the heart of football, and now it’s the foundation of Madden NFL 25. Lineman are more than just physical, they are intelligent. Coupled with the ability to make 4x more decisions per second, 300 new blocking interactions create the most realistic running lanes for the ball-carrier and passing pockets for the QB. Offensive lineman will dynamically sort and shift assignments based on threats and angles, starting with intelligently identifying the center of the defense, the “Mike” linebacker. The defensive side of the ball features over 3x more new defensive line moves, as well as the latest blitz packages. Authentic double teams, blitz pick-ups, and line shifts showcase units working together as one, highlighting the most physical and intense battles in the NFL. Welcome to the War in the Trenches.

THE GAME IS ALIVE

Madden Living World: The NFL is so much more than just what happens between the lines. It’s the crowds, sidelines, and commentary that truly bring the emotion of Sunday to life. In Madden NFL 25, feel the anxiety of the crowd as you step up to the line on 4th and goal. Watch your teammates and coaches erupt with excitement as you blaze down the sideline for a game-changing score. Hear the most intelligent commentary in franchise history, as Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and our new sideline reporter Danielle Bellini follow everything about your career. From injuries to accolades they’ll bring your career to life like never before.

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Ignite is the new game engine EA Sports has crafted to usher in the next generation of sports video games on Xbox One as well as PlayStation 4. For Xbox One in particular, EA and Microsoft have entered into a “strategic partnership” to bring four sports franchises to the console within the next 12 months, including Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, NBA Live 14 (yes, it does exist!) and UFC. Exactly what the strategic partnership with Microsoft means for the Xbox One versions of these games compared to PS4 is not clear at this time.

Human Intelligence, True Player Motion and Living Worlds are the cornerstones of the Ignite engine, as showcased in the following series of trailers. Ignite promises to deliver 10 times more animation detail, uncanny human AI and immersive stadium atmosphere on a level far above and beyond what has previously been possible. Sure looks and sounds impressive, but I’m not quite believing what’s on display in the trailer is truly representative of what the engine will be able to produce during live gameplay. But I’d be happy to be proven wrong.

We have reached the halfway point of the 2012-13 NFL season, and I have to say that so far this has been the most unpredictable season of American football that I can remember watching in a long time.

The replacement refs turned the first few weeks of the season into a bumbling display of game mismanagement and authoritative ineptitude. The Saints “Bountygate” scandal has developed into a twisting and turning legal battle between suspended players and Commissioner Roger Goodell. Perennial Super Bowl contenders like the Packers, Patriots, and Steelers have looked fairly average (although all three are finally beginning to return to form of late). The basement-dwelling NFC West has suddenly become a competitive division from top to bottom. And just when you think the Giants are going to lose, Eli Manning pulls off another 4th quarter miracle you couldn’t possibly see coming.

The only certainties so far this season seem to be that Michael Vick will turn the ball over at least once or twice a game, the Chargers appear to be nose-diving into their yearly collapse, the Cowboys still find the most heartbreakingly bone-headed ways to lose games that they should win, the Steelers have the most God-awful throwback jerseys ever made (they looked like a bunch of bumble bee convicts running around out there!), and Tim Tebow will be shoved out onto the field for a handful of plays for absolutely no purpose. Hey Sexy Rexy, Tebow may not be a prototypical drop-back QB, but using him as a decoy receiver and a punt protector is just stupid.

This season’s edition of Madden NFL 13 for PlayStation Vita has been just as unpredictable as the sports league it’s licensed from. At launch, the game’s performance was all over the place. I’ve been playing for over a month now, completing a full Franchise season and taking my created superstar through another, and in that time I’ve experienced no less than 10 system crashes (many resulting in lost progress), jittery framerates during play selection and post-play scenes (but oddly not during real-time gameplay), players getting stuck running in place on the field, shaky online performance, commentator gaffs aplenty, and a variety of other random glitch oddities. I know EA Sports wanted the game to launch for the NFL season kickoff, but the original build of this game never should have cleared the final QA certification process for retail distribution.

The announcing is particularly lousy. While the CBS Sports team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms bring broadcast-caliber professionalism to the content and quality of their commentary, the synchronization of what they’re saying as it relates to what’s happening on the field is way off. No, the game didn’t end in a tie, there is this extra period called overtime yet you two dolts just said the game was over…right in the middle of the pre-OT coin flip!

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to color commentary blunders. They’ll say a team needs to kick an onside kick after they just scored to tie the game or take the lead in the closing seconds. They’ll talk like the game is ending during the two minute drill at the end of the first half. They’ll say that the QB needed to slide to protect himself after a regular running play with the RB. After a near-sack of the opposing QB, who will throw the ball away as a result of the pressure, they’ll go off about how he should have thrown a better ball because the offensive line gave him all day to find an open receiver. Shoot, one time on a whim I went for it on 4th and 17 from my team’s side of the field, and when I failed to pick it up they said I should call more plays like that. Really?

Throwing up penalty flags on itself left and right, EA Sports issued a massive patch earlier this month, and fortunately the update has cured much of what initially ailed Madden’s Vita debut. Since applying the update, online performance has stabilized, the framerate has been locked in, and I haven’t had even a single crash. Of course, some glitches still exist (just the other day I encountered three instances of players getting stuck running in place on top of each other, all during a single game) and some new ones have cropped up (performance reports after games and practice sessions in Superstar mode now show a blank page). But overall the major game-breaking problems are gone.

This is all good news, because once you dig beneath the warts, on the Vita playing field Madden 13 presents a respectable, highly entertaining pigskin simulation. When you’re actually playing the game, players resemble their real-life counterparts close enough to be recognizable and the tackling animations are dynamic and realistic, not canned and repetitive. Optional features like Accelerated Clock and GameFlow playcalling streamline play selection and the overall pace of play for quick gaming on the go. The fundamental controls also feel tight and responsive across the board, whether you’re passing, running, or playing defense. Timing in the passing game is particularly smooth.

EA Sports’ extensive efforts to utilize the Vita hardware should be applauded as well. All of the basic football actions remain linked to face buttons and analog sticks, while the touchscreen and rear touch pad open up an complimentary set of mechanics that mostly enhance the game in a natural and effective way. Switching players requires a simple tap on the screen, a far quicker method than the usual tedium of repeatedly pressing a button to cycle through the lineup player by player. Dragging your finger across the rear touch pad has many uses, from performing spin moves with your running back, to swatting down balls as a defensive back, to subtle pocket movements for avoiding the pass rush as a QB. Even the gyroscope is used without feeling gimmicky—lining up kickoffs, punts and field goals by physically tilting the Vita in your hands actually works great. Off the field, you can also use the on-deck camera to snap a photo of your face to plaster onto your created superstar avatar.

The biggest advantage provided by the touch screen, though, is when it’s time to make pre-play adjustments. Sending players in motion is as easy as tapping and swiping the screen, and by tapping on the quarterback or wide receiver you can quickly access audible and hot route options. By pulling down on the left shoulder button, you can also pull up a Call Your Shots feature that literally allows you to trace out individual wide receiver routes like you are drawing things up in the dirt with your finger in a playground pick-up game. Scouting the coverage and drawing up the perfect route to beat the defense gives you the chance to feel like human football computer Peyton Manning, if only for a moment.

Except for the touch controls and other Vita-specific mechanics, this version of Madden 13 is largely based on last season’s content model. Disappointingly, console features like the Infinity Engine physics, Ultimate Team mode and Connected Careers are missing in action. Don’t expect to be able to transfer progress cross platform if you already own the PS3 version either, as such functionality is not supported. EA missed an opportunity to make some extra bucks on that one for sure.

However, even without some of these key players, this game suits up a strong mode roster. Exhibition, Franchise, Superstar, and Practice modes cover the basics, in addition to two-player online play with regular roster updates to download. Online connectivity in general deserves high marks. Once you’re connected to EA’s servers, a live news and scoreboard ticker scrolls across the bottom of the menus. Then there is Madden Moments Live, a mode that allows you to relive/rewrite signature games and player performances from the past few seasons, including regular updates from this season’s top weekly games.

For example this week you can jump into the end of the Cowboys vs. Giants game and attempt to finish off the comeback, erasing the heartbreak of Dez Bryant’s out-of-bounds-by-a-fingertip overturned touchdown grab. Similar challenges are available from previous weeks, from Big Ben’s game-winning drive against the Eagles to the Packers vs. Seahawks hail mary debacle, dating all the way back to games from 2010 and 2011. Once you’ve finished a scenario, you are given a score that can be compared against your friend list and a Top 100 leaderboard, adding a social beat-my-high-score touch that motivates multiple replays.

Madden 13 on the Vita reminds me a lot of last season’s New York Giants. During the regular season they were barely above average, just sneaking into the playoffs with a win in the final week to push their record up to an unimpressive 9-7. But once they got hot and performed up to their capabilities in the postseason, the Giants proved that they had the collective talent of a Super Bowl champion.

Madden 13 similarly underperforms in many areas on the Vita, but when it hits a bug-free groove it really is a great handheld NFL football simulator to keep in your pocket throughout the remainder of the season. Due to the incomplete level of polish and all around poor optimization for the platform, though, I can’t in good conscious outright recommend a purchase. The game just isn’t up to snuff in too many areas. However, as far as Vita football games go, this is your only option until next season. If you’re able to look past some technical faults, I think you will be pleased with the overall experience—just download the demo first to be absolutely sure you know what you’re getting in for.

Pros:
+ Solid core game of simulation football
+ Effective use of touchscreens/gyroscope/camera without going overboard
+ Madden Moments Live keeps you coming back for new weekly challenges
+ Post launch update fixed many major technical problems

Cons:
– Riddled with bugs at launch, with issues still lingering even after a patch
– Laughable commentary blunders
– Feature set, stats and rules largely based on last season

Game Info:
Platform: PlayStation Vita
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: EA Tiburon
Release Date: 8/28/2012
Genre: Sports – Football
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Players: 1-2 (online multiplayer only)
Source: Review copy provided by publisher

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I’ve been playing the PlayStation Vita version of Madden NFL 13 for roughly a month now. I’ve completed a full franchise mode season, and have just a few games left in my create-a-superstar campaign and some final online play testing to do before wrapping up my review.

Overall, I’ve been quite pleased by the game, despite how poorly optimized for the Vita hardware the initial build turned out to be. The game’s crashed on me nearly 10 times, and I’ve encountered many instances of chuggy frame rates and random animation glitches. It’s been an underlying disappointment for what has otherwise been a solid handheld performance from gaming’s only NFL franchise.

Fortunately, things have improved drastically of late. Earlier this week, I popped the game in to continue my superstar career and was greeted by a prompt to download a title update. I had patiently been hoping for such a patch, but when it came I didn’t expect much until I found the patch notes on the Madden website and restarted the game with the latest update applied. To my great surprise, EA Sports has addressed damn near every single issue I’ve had a problem with, and then some. Take a look:

Gameplay:

Noticeable hitches during cut scenes in between plays, which caused a drop in framerate, have been improved.

Call Your Shots on Defense can now be called during the Offense’s walk to the line instead of having to wait for the Offense to be set.

Gameplay camera adjustments. Cameras should now be closer to the field.

Call Your Shots camera can be accessed during the pre-play walk to the line and will indicate when it is able to be used after the players get set.

Out of memory crash has been fixed when loading in and out of games.

Fixed Left Stick issue during playcall when trying to scroll.

When the user exits from a playbook to a package and starts scrolling, the selection will now move to the top.

Coin toss cameras have been reworked.

Online:

Overall online stability improvement. Various issues that may cause a user to disconnect from another user have been addressed.

Unranked games will now influence player skill points.

Franchise:

Team Records have been updated for the previous NFL season in Franchise Mode.

Audio:

Various commentary issues have been addressed.

Fixed music stacking issues during gameplay.

Art/UI:

Sky textures during dusk have been improved.

Clear and Smoked visors will now show up correctly in game.

Players that had graphical issues where their skin was appearing glossy have been addressed.

Sideline players now have been assigned numbers.

Removed unsupported player equipment.

Cut scene camera issues have been fixed.

Dolphins’ alternate uniform pants issue has been corrected.

Players’ uniform pants flickering issue has been fixed.

Stadium wall texture issues fixed.

Fixed player model chin strap not being attached to the player correctly.

Cowboys Stadium texture issues resolved.

In my experience, the game is just a lot more stable and smooth after the patch, as it should have been from the beginning. So, if you put your Vita copy of Madden away (or deleted it from your memory stick) due to the glitchiness, dig it back out and try it again with the new update. If you’re still deciding whether or not to buy it in the first place, check back this coming week for our full review.

The launch of any new console is normally met with sports games aplenty, and that tradition will continue with the Nintendo Wii U. Sports games have mass appeal and are easy enough to adapt to new hardware tech without requiring a huge investment, so it makes sense from a business perspective.

A total of seven games are due out for the holiday season launch window, spanning a diverse range of athletic disciplines. This season’s Madden, FIFA and NBA 2K franchises have the major league sports sim category covered. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013 offers the obligatory fitness-trainer-on-a-disc exercise program. Finally, the exercise through mini-games casual category is well represented by Wii Fit U, ESPN Sports Connection and Game Party Champions, three games that look to put the Wii U GamePad to use in creative and potentially innovative ways.

Get those athletic juices flowing with a closer look at the Wii U’s launch sports games.

Madden NFL 13:
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FIFA Soccer 13:
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NBA 2K13:
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ESPN Sports Connection:
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Wii Fit U:
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Game Party Champions:
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Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013:
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