I just read the news and I’m heartbroken. I really knew nothing about rally racing until I played the Codemasters game and loved it. From what I’ve read, Colin was a great guy, really likable, and very approachable despite his fame. He was piloting a helicopter and crashed. His son died in the crash as well. It’s very sad. I think I’ll stop writing for the day and go play the game as a tribute.
Read the Reuters story.
I met with my good friends Anthony (from 2K Sports) and Katie (from Access PR) yesterday and they showed me Major League Baseball 2K7 on Xbox 360 and PS3. It’s going to be available on everything except GameCube and Wii (they would have had to create a whole new control system and couldn’t do it in time for the season) and it will ship in the first week of March 2007. i was pretty impressed with it. Overall, the graphics and sound are great. The details are all there, from Inside Edge statistics that affect AI on a play by play basis, to 150 signature style individualized player animations, and even to shirts rippling in the wind and little puffs of dirt coming up from player’s footsteps. The commentary was reasonably interesting, at least for the few innings that we played. The heckling “Hey, I stole your girlfriend Jeter”) was pretty cool.
Here’s a screenshot from PS3:
Pitching controls remain the same, using the “Payoff Pitching” system and now you can even control the catcher and have him call the game. Hitting is the same using the swing stick. On PS3 you also have the option to swing using the controller due to it’s 6-axis motion sensing capability. I couldn’t get the hang of this during the brief time that I had with the game. They reworked a lot of the fielding so that momentum when running seems more real than last year. They also revamped every stadium, including lighting down to the way that shadows affect hitting. The PIP baserunning makes it easy to control runners.
Here’s a screenshot from Xbox360:
There is online play with online leagues for both Xbox 360 and PS3.
Also new is the ability to manage your budget and set ticket prices in franchise mode.
Here’s a PSP screenshot:
NEW YORK, NY – November 22, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), proudly announced today that College Hoops 2K7 for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft is now available in stores across North America. The #1 rated college basketball simulation series for four-straight years*, College Hoops 2K7 continues the tradition of bringing the most authentic and thrilling college basketball experience anywhere.
“The hard work and incredible talent of our College Hoops team has produced our greatest college basketball game to date,” stated Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “There are so many unique details in college basketball – the tradition, the rivalries, the Cinderella stories – that make it one of the most complex sports video games. The College Hoops 2K7 team has complemented the outstanding gameplay with innovative features and authentic details, creating our most comprehensive college basketball title ever.”
Featuring over 200 fight songs to enhance the overall college atmosphere, College Hoops 2K7 also introduces the unique Chant Creator, allowing gamers to construct over 20 million chant combinations. Focusing on the importance of team chemistry, College Hoops 2K7 debuts Team Unity where players are encouraged to focus on team dynamics of defense, setting up plays, and the fundamentals of passing to maximize the potential of each squad. Commentators Greg Gumbel and Clark Kellogg, and their trademark colorful personalities, make a triumphant return to College Hoops 2K7, hosting College Hoops Tonight, a brand-new studio show discussing topics such as Games of the Week, Player of the Week, Coach on the Hot Seat, and Big Game Preview. Legacy Mode also boasts tournament bracketology, thousands of NCAA and school records, the post-season NIT, and so much more.
Featuring J.J. Redick, former star player for the Duke University Blue Devils on the cover, College Hoops 2K7 is rated E for Everyone and is available now for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft for $59.99 and $19.99, respectively. College Hoops 2K7 will be available in December for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and this winter for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
The first annual EA SPORTS™ NBA LIVE Challenge, a multi-city gaming tournament played on EA’s flagship NBA basketball videogame franchise, is set to launch later this week in Elizabeth, N.J.
The competition, which features Best Buy as a participating sponsor, pits gamers head to head in NBA LIVE 07 on the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft in eight regional tournaments.
The eight winners will be flown to Las Vegas in February for the chance to win $50,000 during the NBA All-Star Week. At each competition venue, 128 gamers can register to compete in the gaming tournament for the chance to win.
For more information and online tournament registration please visit www.nbalivechallenge.com.
EA SPORTS NBA LIVE Challenge Fast Facts:
* Tournaments will be played on NBA LIVE 07 on Xbox.
* Each tournament is open to 128 competitors
* Interested competitors can register either online (www.nbalivechallenge.com) or walkups are available at the tournament venue
EA SPORTS NBA LIVE Challenge Dates
10/13 Jersey Garden City Mall, Elizabeth , NJ
10/20 King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia , PA
10/27 Concord Mills Mall, Concord , NC
11/3 Galleria Mall, Houston , TX
11/17 Hollywood & Highland , West Hollywood , LA
12/1 Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn hills, MI
12/6 Target Center , Minneapolis , MN
12/8 Navy Pier, Chicago , IL
NEW YORK, NY – September 26, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), proudly announced today that NBA 2K7 for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system is now shipping to stores across North America. The top-rated NBA simulation title* continues to deliver stunning visual quality, unparalleled gameplay, and unique innovations that are a trademark of 2K Sports titles.
“Without a doubt, this is definitely our finest basketball effort to date and possibly the finest sports title we’ve made,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “NBA 2K7 delivers the next generation details that sports gamers have wanted. The development team has worked extremely hard to not only set a new standard in visual quality, but also develop new gameplay features that we believe will set a new standard for the next generation of sports games.”
NBA 2K7 showcases the dynamic movements of every single NBA player with the introduction of Signature Style, featuring over 300 unique animations in jumpshots, dunks, dribbles and passes. Athletes in NBA 2K7 look and move exactly like their real-life counterparts, and display the same tendencies and behaviors, bringing intelligence and realism to the next level. Improved arena atmosphere includes enhanced lighting effects and dynamic 3D crowd behaviors, and over 30 new gameplay cameras.
NBA 2K7 brings the most comprehensive game modes for any sports game including 24/7: NEXT, an entertaining Streetball story mode with unique basketball challenges; a completely redesigned Create Player system; and the Association, the most complete franchise mode that includes three-team trades, progressive fatigue and more.
2K Sports continues to lead the online charge with the most comprehensive online features for NBA 2K7, including improved online stat tracking, online tournament features, and the addition of online fantasy leagues.
NBA 2K7 is available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for $59.99, and for the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system for $29.99. NBA 2K7 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system will also be coming this holiday season.
For more information click on www.2ksports.com
*According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2003-2006 basketball video games.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – September 26, 2006 – The chance to play with complete control over all of the dazzling passes, signature dunks, jump shots and free throw routines of your favorite NBA stars in the world’s best-selling* basketball video game became a reality today after Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) shipped NBA LIVE 07 to stores throughout North America.
Developed by EA Canada, NBA LIVE 07 features NBA superstar Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets on its cover, and it is available on the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game systems from Microsoft, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, mobile and PC. It will ship to stores in North America on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system on September 27th.
On Wednesday, September 27, McGrady and Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, who is featured on NBA LIVE 07 packaging in France , will help launch NBA LIVE 07 at the world’s only NBA Store on 5th Avenue in New York City . Beginning at 1:00 pm Eastern Time, the first 150 fans who have registered to pre-purchase the game from the NBA Store will receive an autographed copy of the game from McGrady and Parker and have the opportunity to meet the players.
Outside North America, NBA LIVE 07 will be available to stores worldwide on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 with Parker and Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns on the cover in France, Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks on the cover in Germany and Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies on the cover in Spain. McGrady is featured on the cover in North America and all other territories.
This year NBA LIVE 07 introduces ESPN Motion and streaming ESPN radio podcasts delivered right to your console in game through a ground-breaking new ESPN integration package available on the Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3 consoles. Fans connected online will be able to watch NBA game highlights, segments from Pardon the Interruption or Around the Horn, interviews and analysis from SportsCenter, and more. Fans will also be able to download and listen to ESPN radio podcasts as they play NBA LIVE 07, including segments from Dan Patrick, Mike & Mike, Stephen A. Smith and others. All this is in addition to live ESPN Radio SportsCenter updates every 20 minutes, the ESPN Ticker and ESPN News.
Legendary broadcaster Marv Albert and former Chicago Bulls star Steve Kerr call all the action from the best seats in the house as you take your game to the highest level in NBA LIVE 07. With all-new EA SPORTS™ Total Freestyle Control and revolutionary gameplay — complete with ultra-realistic moves and player emotions –the highly acclaimed basketball video game from the EA SPORTS brand plays as good as it looks. Pull off moves only the pros perform as you replicate the styles of your favorite NBA players. Elevate to the rim for an electrifying dunk and bring the crowd to its feet, or look to your superstars to shift momentum with the game on the line. Featuring all-new levels of ability for your EA SPORTS Freestyle Superstars, the power to switch their skills on-the-fly, and advancements to fan-favorite features like All-Star Weekend and Dynasty Mode™, the hardwood is yours for the taking in NBA LIVE 07.
Developed in Vancouver , B.C., by EA Canada, NBA LIVE 07 is scheduled for release on the PlayStation®3 later this year. Learn more about the game at http://nbalive07.com or download new screenshots at http://info.ea.com.
* Based on total franchise sales according to NPD Data.
#1 Rated Basketball Simulation Game Series To Retail At $29.99 on Xbox® video game and entertainment system and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and $59.99 for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system
NBA 2K7, the latest in the top-rated* NBA simulation video game series, has gone gold and is set to hit retail shelves on September 26th. NBA 2K7 introduces new standard setting features like Signature Style, improved Shot Stick™ control, enhanced arena atmosphere, online fantasy leagues, and much more.
“I’m very excited and proud of our finest basketball video game title to date,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “NBA 2K7 truly delivers the next generation features in both graphics and gameplay that sports gamers have been wanting for years. I’m really pleased with the hard work and creative thinking our development team has put into this title.”
NBA 2K7 showcases the movement of every single NBA player with the introduction of Signature Style that features over 300 unique animations in jumpshots, dunks, dribbles, and passes. Athletes not only look and move exactly like their real-life counterparts, but will display the same tendencies and behaviors during a game. Improved arena atmosphere includes enhanced lighting and full 3D crowds with their own behavior, and over 30 new gameplay cameras bring the game to life like never before.
NBA 2K7 delivers a wealth of comprehensive gameplay modes including 24/7: NEXT, a new entertaining Streetball story mode with new basketball challenges, a brand new Create Player system, and the Association, the most complete franchise mode that includes three-team trades, progressive fatigue and more.
The integration of music in NBA 2K7 is without peer as the soundtrack, produced by highly acclaimed music producer Dan The Automator, features artists like Mos Def, Fabolous, Hieroglyphics, Tribe Called Quest and many more.
With seamless online play and the most comprehensive online feature set anywhere including complete online stat tracking, online tournaments, and new online fantasy drafted leagues, 2K Sports continues to lead the online gaming revolution.
NEW YORK, NY – September 14, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today new standard-setting features for NBA 2K7. NBA 2K7, the highest rated NBA simulation video game series*, delivers a new benchmark in high-level visual player details with Signature Style player animations. NBA 2K7 also enhances the overall NBA atmosphere with hyper-detailed arenas, enhanced arena lighting, and numerous new camera angles to truly deliver the next generation of basketball video games.
Signature Style elevates next generation animation and adds new level of gameplay strategies as gamers adjust to the different shooting styles of each NBA player. Whether it’s Shaquille O’Neal’s two-handed drop step dunk, Steve Nash’s dribble, Gilbert Arenas’ wrap around the waist free throw routine, Richard Hamilton adjusting his face mask, Allen Iverson’s crossover move, or Shawn Marion’s fadeaway jumpshot, Signature Style comprises over 300 unique animations in shooting, dribbling, and dunking in NBA 2K7.
“Gamers will appreciate the attention to detail to all NBA players in NBA 2K7,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “Utilizing the power of next generation systems, 2K Sports is taking the first steps in bringing the details that sports fans have been looking for in their sports video games. In NBA 2K7, NBA players are recognizable by sight, and through Signature Style, gamers will be able to distinguish NBA players by their movement, positioning, shooting animations, and behavior. 2K Sports is setting the standard with NBA 2K7.”
The level of detail has also been dramatically enhanced around the players, as NBA 2K7 features hyper-detail to every NBA arena. New lighting effects have been authentically replicated to give each court its own look and character. New crowd reactions and animations deliver more life to each of the games, as well as new arena specific elements of mascot animations, dance team performances, and much more. Lastly, users can experience the game with over 30 new camera angles ranging from the birds-eye view from the upper-level seats, to the eye level view from the coach’s cam. All of these cameras are further customizable to any gamer preference, giving gamers hundreds of new ways to watch the best NBA simulation video game for the next generation.
NBA 2K7 will be available for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in September 2006, and will be available in holiday 2006 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system**. More standard-setting features will be detailed in the near future.
Redwood City, Calif. – Tuesday, September 12, 2006 – The golden age of console hockey returns! Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced that the NHL® 07 videogame ships to retailers in North America today under the EA SPORTS™ brand. In stores just in time for the opening of NHL training camps, NHL 07 allows players to feel like they can play like a pro without ever touching the ice.
Featuring an unmatched level of freedom and control, NHL 07 represents a watershed moment in the history of the console hockey. The revolutionary EA SPORTS Skill Stick gives users the power to play in the game as it is on the ice, without taking their thumbs off the analog sticks. The left analog functions as your skates and the right as your hockey stick to give you a skill-based execution with an intuitive feel.
Stunning new presentation, AI enhancements and animation overhauls create players who look, act and play like they would in the NHL. Gone are the days when a one-timer was the only way to score in a hockey videogame. Now look to your teammates and know how to best use their strengths with New Player-Specific Behaviors. Be the Playmaker and find your Sniper open in the slot, or let your Dangler make pylons out of the defense.
Off the ice, act as the General Manager in an enhanced Dynasty Mode™. Do whatever it takes to meet an owner’s expectations by properly managing rosters and using your creativity to fit player salaries under the new cap. Whether you’re running the front office or dominating the rink, NHL 07 is the most realistic hockey video game ever created.
NEW YORK, NY – September 12, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today that the top-rated title for four-straight years*, NHL® 2K7 for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, is now available in stores across North America.
NHL 2K7 brings all of the excitement and intensity of professional hockey with several new innovative and compelling features. Coupled with its high-quality visuals, NHL 2K7 introduces a completely new skating engine with silky smooth animations, adding a whole new look and feel to the game. Gamers can play in a whole new perspective with Cinemotion™ – an exclusive and revolutionary experience that brings the game a new dramatic dimension with unique camera angles and riveting orchestrated music. Cinemotion™ utilizes cut scenes captured from brand new perspectives to further heighten the drama and excitement of the game.
“I am extremely pleased with the strides that we have made with NHL 2K7,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “We have truly taken the virtual hockey experience to the next level with Cinemotion. Coupled with an all-new skating engine, stunning graphics, enhanced ProControl movements, and unmatched online gameplay among other unparalleled features, we have created the most enthralling, authentic hockey video game to date.”
The revolutionary ProControl™ has been completely revamped, giving players even more offensive and defensive tools to utilize on the ice. The all-new Pressure Control™ brings a tactical element to defensive hockey by allowing players to instruct CPU teammates to defend opposing players during gameplay.
With seamless online play and the most comprehensive online feature set anywhere including complete online stat tracking, buddy list management, and online leagues, 2K Sports continues to lead the online gaming revolution.
Featuring 2006 Hart Memorial Trophy recipient and San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton on the cover, NHL 2K7 is now available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for $59.99 and the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for $19.99. NHL 2K7 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will be available for $19.99 in early October, with the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system title available this holiday season.
For more information click on www.2ksports.com
*According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2003-2006 hockey video games.
Follow the dog on Twitter 
Loading ...
Kommentz