OT: Madden 08, NCAA 08, and All-Pro

[deep throat]

I am just a casual sports gaming fan, but this Madden 08 game is really amazing. I have it for the 360 (I also own the PS3, but this has twice the frame rate). I'm not a die hard madden guy, but even I can see a BIG difference between this year and 07. Because I don't have the time to spend on this I probably will only use about 15% of what's there.

I also recently acquired a copy of NCAA 08- I actually like this game better, but keep in mind I'm a casual Football/Madden type gamer. This game also has some cool features -One mode starts you off your Senior year in High School-you pick the position you want to play, customize your character, and go through your states tournament. I picked Wisconsin and it had me matched up against Racine, Sheboygan, and Arrowhead (quite detailed). The better you do in these games the better offers you will get from other schools-the schools will also tell you where you are on their depth chart if you come there. You then pick a school, go through practice (move up the depth chart), participate in school stuff (kinda nerdy feature), and finally gameday!. Lee, Brad, and Kirk provide solid commentarry. A lot more new features, very solid.

All-Pro Football is a love or hate game. Because ERTS locked up the NFL they had to do a end-around and sign each of these former Pro Bowlers to a contract. 2k hasn't had an NFL effort since 2k5. If you liked that franchie you will really like this game. I actually kind of like the gameplay on this better then Madden, BUT remember I am not a die hard Madden guy. I would also point out that the graphics and depth are NO WAY close to Madden. If you want all the bells and whistles this isn't the game. I does have a lot of online features though.

DB,

I saw your posts and I thought I would share some info (for you or anyone else wondering which to buy); I would advise the 360 if your picking between the two. The game selection is so far and away better it's not funny. The reason many more 360's may be in the repair shop is there's a sheet load more out there. Another reason besides the fan issue on launch is the fact they come with different disc drives -the cause for the red circle of death people talk about. Mine is modded and they use the best drive out there (Samsung). With the Dual Layer 8.5 discs now down from $13 to $2/disc it allows you to copy any game for that price. ALTHOUGH YOU CAN LEGALLY ONLY MAKE BACKUPS TO GAMES YOU OWN and FOR HOME USE ONLY, but that's a nice way to protect a $60 disc. The Verbatim DL discs (recommended) are actualy better quality then retail copies= never had a problem. I have also never had a slowdown, stall, or any other issue with the system. The Elite looks cool, but is overkill for most people. They are also coming out with a limited Halo edition if your into that kind of thing. The pros for the PS3: kick ass true HD player included. ALthough these are going to come down in price and unless you have a high end HDTV and a decent library, these will come down in price A LOT-so not a huge deal. I like the design, the way it sucks in your disc, to the onscreen layout, and A PRETTY BIG thing = The controller. The wireless 360 is a horse compared to the PS3 controller. They use a thin weightless battery, versus a big hunk cadium on the 360. That said, it's still aout the much betterlibrary of games -which after all is why your buying it.

Good luck with which ever, picking a good time with software holiday season coming up.

[ReasonablySober]

Thanks for the info DT. I'm intrigued by the backup information. Any further info you can provide, feel free to email me at kingmatt54@gmail.com.

[Johnny Newman]

Wireless controller was nice for a while on 360. Nice to not have to take headsets off and put down controller while leaving the room to get a beer. But batteries get expensive. Also didn't feel like buying the battery charger. So I went and got the 360 usb cord controller. Cause its not fun kicking ass on Rainbow 6 then batteries die then ya have to hope no one see's your guy while your popping out dead batteries and rip up a battery package like a manic to get the new ones out and into controller. lol

[ReasonablySober]

Oh, good call on the batteries for the 360 controller. I completely forgot about that. The life on those things always seemed terrible!

[Johnny Newman]

Buy the usb controller. I just got Madden 08 and Command &Conquer 3 right now from Walmart.

[Johnny Newman]

Whats the quarter length you set it at for Madden? Not the whole length? I don't want unrealistic stats like NBA live scoring like 200.

[Johnny Newman]

I missed 3 field goals. But the D is keeping me in this game. I scored a INT TD with Al Harris to lead 7-0 at half time against Pittsburgh. I cant score in the red zone. Choke every time. I can drive the length of the field until red zone. Then forced to field goals then miss 3 of them. I should be leading 16-0.



Sweet Morency with the stiff arm got the 50 yard run achievement for live. Never mind it was the 60 yard and 80 yard run achievement. Got them all in one play.

[mbucks22]

The wireless controller was the best thing they could've done. Yeah the batteries eventually do die, but it's nice not having to worry about any controller wires or tripping over them anymore.

[Johnny Newman]

Get R6VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[deep throat]

Wireless controller was nice for a while on 360. Nice to not have to take headsets off and put down controller while leaving the room to get a beer. But batteries get expensive. Also didn't feel like buying the battery charger. So I went and got the 360 usb cord controller. Cause its not fun kicking ass on Rainbow 6 then batteries die then ya have to hope no one see's your guy while your popping out dead batteries and rip up a battery package like a manic to get the new ones out and into controller. lol

On the 360- They now make a wireless controller that does two things-1. It has it's own nickel cadium pack you charge (don't need AA's although you can use those if you want) 2. It comes with a wire hook up when the battery light starts blinking (indicating you are about out) you just pause, and connect to the machine. You wont get screwed in RB6Vegas or any other game.

On PS3- They give you a wireless controller. It works like above, BUT it weighs about 1/8 what the 360 version does. Why? Because they use the expensive lithium wafer battery. It doesn't last as long though. WARNING: The PS3 controller is lights out better, BUT it has a problem- the connection you are given s about two frickin feet so you really can't play and use, which means you must hook it up and wait for it to charge (unless you buy their extension-which I would imagine is available).

[deep throat]

Get R6VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FPS games are my favorite. If you like First Person Shooters the 360 is a no brainer. Although PS3 does (IMHO) have the best FPS ever in Risistance:Fall Of Man. The problem is that's the only game they have over the 360.

RB6 Vegas is a great game (has kind of cloudy graphics though). Try playing terrorist mode-on Heavy. That game is getting kind of old. If your looking for something new try a game that recently came out called The Darkness- Here's a review http://youtube.com/watch?v=7NsoMHlA5yY

This isn't a FPS, but The Overlord is a great game that I really think has went under the radar http://youtube.com/watch?v=1AietUjW1Tg The guys who do this review also have their own site filled with various reviews, kind of cutting edge stuff that doesn't stink of the typical corporate influence on reviews.

[deep throat]

I want Call of Duty 4 and I want Frontlines:Fuel of war.

The new call of duty game looks awesome. The medal of honor game coming out looks interesting too-you can parachute wherever you want in the action. How many games can they make out of WW2?

[ReasonablySober]

I can see that I'm gonna have to get into shooters if I'm gonna fully enjoy my 360. No idea which one to start off with.

I don't have Live and won't for over a month. Which one is most enjoyable if we're talking a single player campaign or multiplayer split-screen.

[deep throat]

I can see that I'm gonna have to get into shooters if I'm gonna fully enjoy my 360. No idea which one to start off with.

I don't have Live and won't for over a month. Which one is most enjoyable if we're talking a single player campaign or multiplayer split-screen.

DB, There's tons of FPS to choose from. I would probably start with Rainbow 6 Vegas-can't go wrong there. Then rent/buy FEAR -underrated.

Go to gamerankings.com-look up FPS games and see by ranking. Then go to youtube and see the reviews.

To save you some time here is the game rankings http://gamerankings.com/itemrankings/simpleratings.asp

I don't think I would start with Ghost Recon off the bat. The new Call is going to kill , but you coud rent 3. Battlefield is underrated and The Darkness is something totally different.

[smacks1]

Well in my opinion(not really a biased one), (I own all three, 360, PS3 & Wii all from launch dates or shortly thereafter) I liked the 360 the best, until I got the ring of death. And despite what others may try to make you believe, the 360 had hardware problems and it had nothing to do with the volume that was out there. It was a faulty unit. When it was being repaired I started on the Wii fad, and I think that is what it is. Fun & cute for kids and not a serious gaming machine. I have more recently started playing the PS3 more than all of the others. Titles are starting to roll in for the machine and they are looking pretty good. I have not bought Madden 08 yet. I was debating which to get 360 vs. PS3 today. I am leaning towards the 360 version because of the framerate, although I've read that online play is a little slower through the 360. As I do not have friends who actively play, online makes a difference to me.

PS3 online play is free, which is nice. 360 has more people online. That being said, the titles are going to be about even in the next few months with both systems getting the releases. I will be picking up Rockband with all the instuments(looks to be a great party game) and GHIII for the PS3 for sure when they come out. Both systems will have both games so that shouldn't really be a deciding factor. I am also looking forward to WarHawk on the PS3.

The one real downfall I see with my 360 is that it doesn't double as a HD-DVD player. I know you can buy an add on to the system, but the PS3 plays Blu Ray right out of the box. I've been following the format war between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, and although it is not over, Blu Ray definately seems to be pulling ahead. In part due to many more movies being available in that format.

If I were going to buy one today and I didn't have any system, I would go with the PS3 deal at circuit city where you get the 5 free Blu-Ray movies included with the system.

Toys R Us also has a 20% off one item coupon on their website which is good until 8/18 which you could use on either system.

Regardless of which system you pick, I think you will be happy. I don't favor the PS3 by much, but I do favor it. Although that has only changed in the last month or two as I have found myself playing it more than the 360. I guess the biggest thing for me is that I am still a little more comfortable with the PS3 controller. I have had all of the systems, pong, atari 2500, 5200, colecovision, intellivision, sega, ninetendo, commodore vic 20, commodore 64, Amiga, sega genesis, all ninetendos including handhelds, all PS's including handhelds, and even those goofy handheld games where you avoided the three dashed line defenders in football.

Whatever your choice, just use the Toys R Us coupon and go buy one. You will be happy you did.

Good Luck

[Johnny Newman]

Are the college players in scouting real on Madden 08?

[deep throat]

Well in my opinion(not really a biased one), (I own all three, 360, PS3 & Wii all from launch dates or shortly thereafter) I liked the 360 the best, until I got the ring of death. And despite what others may try to make you believe, the 360 had hardware problems and it had nothing to do with the volume that was out there.

The problem with many of the 360's was on units made before Jan 1 2006. Here's a article http://xbox.boomtown.net/en_uk/articles ... p?id=12469

What the article doesn't say is MSFT has used different makers of the disc drive. You want the Samsung drive, just because you bought after 1-1-06 does not mean you have a Samsung -I think there has been 4 different disc drives for that system.

I did mention something about "volume", but that was that there are many more 360's out there then PS3. This page has a lot of good info on just about everything hardware related to the systems -http://forum.teamxbox.com/archive/index.php/f-98-p-40.html

I am a tech geek and always have the latest gadgets, that said I don't see a big usefullness with the Blu-Ray. I'll buy the Blu-Ray discs for certain movies where it makes a big difference, but I'm not going to do if for most. I don't know if this is the be all-end all. I kind of think this is more like the Laser disc. I don't think this ever gains true saturation in the market. I think the next big thing will be downlading movies off huge libraries. Maybe it's just me, but I rarely go back and watch my DVD's (and I own about 350). I guess I like having the feeling of having them available, but really it's kind of a waste of space. I do love the PS3 controller, over that huge wireless heavy tank on the 360. I do like the free part of PS3 online. I just think as a pure gaming system the 360 is much better. They have a lot of games that you can't get on the PS3. There's only ONE game on PS3 that you can't get on the 360 -Resistance: Fall of Man

PS- Went out last night and came back and played a little known game called Earth Defense Force 2017 -If you want a game that has a 2 second learning curve and is just about shooting up the aliens check it out (graphics aren't stellar, but you can blow up everything -good mindless fun).

[Johnny Newman]

Madden 08 has the depth chart for 3rd down RB. But why no 3rd down DE? So I can have KGB in?

[Johnny Newman]

I think its stupid you have to join a online game to get the updated rosters. Then your forced to play a game right away.

[Johnny Newman]

By the way the Packers got worse with the updated rosters. Atari was added. But he has a scrub rating. Also all our draft picks got worse.