Madden Sales Level Out, Series Holds Same Value

Over the Years No Video Game Has Mattered More To My Father and I

By AMIR ALI SAID

According to various reports, Madden 11 sales aren't exceeding expectations. EA Sports has a brand that's led by the Madden series. The Madden NFL series has long been the head of the brand and it has only grown over the years. Madden sales have reached worldwide exposure and new heights. In fact, over the past five years the series reached new sales highs in video game history. But lately, since Madden NFL 10 the series has sort of leveled out. I find that to be very puzzling because I think many advancements have been made in the past two installments. However, each installment dating back to Madden 06 holds a lot of value. But I'd have to say none greater than Madden 09 and 11.

My father (A.K.A. Amir Said) and I have been playing Madden since the Playstation two days. That's way back when Madden 06 was out and selling on Playstation two. Since Madden 06 we've taking our talents to XBOX 360. Trust me, it was the smart move and we don't plan on leaving any time soon. But since we've played Madden 06 the value of the game and experience has grown and gotten even better. Madden is a videogame that is a source of entertainment and learning. Since we've started playing, we've gotten accustomed to each installment that comes out. But the one thing that stays intact, is our relationship and interaction. Madden has helped.

Even though the sales of Madden 11 have appeared to level out, it still holds the same value. In fact, it was never lost. I think the sales are leveling out because of the volatile economy. Plus, most people don't hold Madden in the same light as Pop and I. Instead, they're out for a "sureshot" game and they may give up on Madden very easily. Over the years Pop and I have had minor issues with some of the games, but it's something you have to work through. Madden isn't going anywhere and it's the best video game on the market.

Pop and I are naturally co-op gamers. Over the years we've found a number of video games to play together over various gaming systems. Pop and I use to play FIFA soccer all the time back when we had an IBM computer. Then after EA pulled that game we decided to play Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 when I had my Gameboy SP. After we stopped playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 we had a short period without a video game. Then Madden and playstation two came along and we pounced on the opportunity. Now, we've never looked back and we have endless great games of Madden together. Madden is a source of comfort, and entertainment. It's also very valuable to Pop and I.

'Black Ops' Breaks Predecessor's Record

Call Of Duty Franchise Continues To Have Exponential Growth

By Amir Ali Said

Activision Blizzard's latest installment of Call of Duty, Black Ops, was released this Tuesday. Within twenty four hours of going on sale, the game sold more than 5.6 million copies in the U.S. and U.K. That's about $360 million just in one day. Black Ops broke the record set by its predecessor Modern Warfare 2 by about 900,000 copies. The latest installment of the Call Of Duty series also holds the record for the biggest launch ever in any form of entertainment.

Call of Duty you've outdone yourself. As the release drew nearer for Black Ops' I started to wonder how good sales would turn out for the game. There was never a question of Black Ops not coming close to the sales of Modern Warfare 2. I just wondered how many sales Black Ops could reach in one day. I also wanted to see how many more sales Black Ops could exceed Modern Warfare 2 in it's first day.

Call of Duty is a franchise that has an extremely large fan base. A fan base that seems to never stop growing. Call Of Duty's fan base continues to expand into different groups of people. This gaming franchise seems to be an unstoppable money machine. If the series was to continue for five more games I could certainly see each installment exceeded it's predecessors. That seems to be the trend when it comes to Call Of Duty, one game comes out, the next does better, and the next installment after that blows both of those games out of the water.

When it comes to Gameplay I can sometimes get bored by running around shooting people. I think it also numbs the mind and can desensitize those who play the game. However, the game is very successful and I've yet to hear of reports like that from any gamer. But I still believe that desensitizing the minds of the gamers who play is possible. Nonetheless, the game is going to continue to sell until some tragedy occurs. I'm not waiting for that day to come, but I do think more skepticism should be hovering over the Call Of Duty franchise.

Black Ops will probably go on to break some more records. The game continues to get publicity and the hype will not die down for at least two more months. This'll be in the gaming spotlight for awhile, not only because of the fan base, but also because Black Ops will probably be nominated for best game of the year. It's only a matter of time before Black Ops distances itself from history and charts huge sales.

Kinect Set For Huge Release Tomorrow

Microsoft New Product Ready To Revolutionize Gaming

By Amir Ali Said

Back in 2009 at E3, Microsoft announced a gaming system called "Project Natal". Details later came out stating "Project Natal" would be released during the holidays in 2010. "Project Natal" has since been renamed to Kinect. Well, it's November, the holidays are right around the corner. Expectations and hype for the new Microsoft product are higher than ever. Kinect is set to be released tomorrow, November 4th.

Kinect is a "controller-free gaming and entertainment experience" by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 video game system. The system is based around a webcam-style add-on for the Xbox 360 console, it enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need to touch a game controller. Instead you interact through a natural user interface using gestures, spoken commands, or presented objects and images. This product is aimed at broadening the XBOX 360 gaming experience.

Kinect will compete with the Wii and Playstation move systems. Problem is, I think Microsoft is going to take a huge chunk in both of those companies market share. Kinect is a new product, and like all new products they'll have a very strong fan base early on. As time goes by, as long as the product is good, the fan base will continue to grow. But the fact that Kinect is an add-on to the XBOX 360 the fan base is already there. Microsoft has nothing to do but simple marketing.

Microsoft is going to win this war. I don't the war is going to last very long either. Playstation will probably be non-existent because of pricing. So if you take them out of the equation, it'll just be a showdown between the Wii and Kinect. That showdown will most likely be won by Microsoft and Kinect. The money and fan base behind the product will overwhelm the Wii. The best thing that could've happen to the Wii was early hype, however, that period has passed.

I'm not sure if I'll be picking up Kinect, but I sure wouldn't mind. I've seen videos and tutorials on the product and it looks like loads of fun. Plus, hands free technology? Sounds nice to me. Also, I didn't get a chance to own and play the Wii on a regular basis so I wouldn't know how that works. As far as Playstation move goes, I was never interested. Nonetheless, each one of these companies has a product on their hands that'll revolutionize gaming. But it'll be interesting to see who's in front leading the pack.

EA Sports Blown Out Of Basketball Video Game Waters

2K11 Expectations Higher Than Ever, Gaming Rival Nowhere to Be Found

By Amir Ali Said

Besides Madden 11, NBA 2K11 is probably the most anticipated sports game this year. EA sports basketball game has disappeared off the market. A couple weeks ago they announced they would delay the release of NBA Elite 11. Probably because of the swirling news about the glitch infested game. Plus, 2K Sports long surpassed EA in 2009. EA was already playing from behind and the glitches and demos only made it worse. Even loyal EA sports fans have picked up a copy of 2K sports. Mark up another win for 2K because EA Sports won't be able to compete.

2K11 is way more anticipated than I thought it would be. Plus, they've got a lot of things they have to come through with, since they're practically the only basketball game this year. There are a lot of expectations for this game to be good this year. No mistakes can be made, or they'll fall victim to falling behind EA. There's no doubt in my mind that if 2K were to make a big mistake, they could never recapture the basketball market again. But if they do really well, they'll blow EA out of the water.

The move to put Jordan on the cover was brilliant, but what can they possibly come up with next year? This year off will give EA the chance to go back to the drawing board. With the money behind them, they've got to come out with a bang next year. Next year is going to be an all out war, and somebody has to win. Whether that'll be 2K Sports or EA is left to be unsaid. But I think its over for EA, 2K Sports has the basketball market. Stick to Madden EA, nobody will ever compete.

EA, You've Outdone Yourself!

Madden 11 Proves To Be Better Than Previous Year

By Amir Ali Said

I've had Madden 11 for about three weeks now. I have gotten accustomed to the changes and game speed. This is all news to me, because just a month ago when I tried out the demo I was outraged. Then, once I heard news of glitches and other issues with Madden 11, I was ready to not purchase it. But I ran into some problems, and was forced to buy. I had no clue I would actually like the game.

My verdict is, A+. I think EA sports did a good job with Madden 11. The game is more realistic than I thought it would be. There is a lot of little things that are different than Madden 10. Quarterback scrambling has been adjusted so that, only fast quarterbacks can out run the defense, usually most quarterbacks can't run for first downs unless there's nothing but open field. The run game was actually improved, it just depends on the playcall. The whole defense is faster and more aware than in 10. Receivers are more aware, and ratings matter much more this year. Nonetheless, I'm shocked by how much I like Madden 11.

Seems like each year I play the Madden demo, I have a negative reaction. But then when the game comes out, and I purchase it, there's an incredible difference. Makes me wonder, why does EA put out demo's that people don't like? Wouldn't that be defeating the purpose of trying to get sales? I think EA needs to fix that problem, instead coming out of the box with a bad demo, instead they should offer lots of opportunities to play. I think EA should allow more features to be utilized, instead of having you wait for the game. Some people may not want to buy the game just because the demo didn't prove to be any good.

Next year, I'm not sure if EA's gonna have that much to improve. I don't think they'll be any new features. After this year and Gameflow, I wouldn't want to release another feature to my fan base. However, EA may take a chance and do something straight out of left field. Either way, I'm gonna stop doubting EA sports and the Madden series. When I pay attention to news reports on the game, that's when I get turned off. But I think I should give them a chance, instead of assuming things. Either way, I'll be a Madden buyer every year.

FIFA 11 Set To Be Even Better Than Previous Editions

New Feature Ready to Thrust Soccer Game Into New Light

By Amir Ali Said

FIFA 11's set. EA sports has announced the Creation Center feature for FIFA 11. The creation center is going to be similar to team-builder, a feature that was first introduced in NCAA Football. With the team-builder feature, gamers are allowed to create their own team, along with their own players within the team. This feature was a hit with NCAA Football 10; I know a lot of people who tried it, including me.

This year, with FIFA 11 Creation Center is incredibly similar. Gamers will be able to, create a player by choosing his appearance, accessories and attributes. Then they'll be able to create an original team with a distinctive crest and kits, complete with home stadium. Gamers will be able to share their created players and teams with friends and download into their console to play online, in Tournaments and in Kick-Off matches in FIFA 11. Plus, fans can choose player attributes and manage their created team’s formations and tactics straight from the web.

I've bought every EA sports FIFA game since FIFA 06. Each year, EA sports has made improvements that've encouraged me to continue buying FIFA. The most recent FIFA game, FIFA 10, is my favorite. I like the way the game flows, and the different game modes included. That being said, I expect to get FIFA 11 because of this new feature, and because I think it'll be even better than FIFA 10.

Madden 11 Overhaul A Positive

New Features and Advancements in Technology Will Push Historic Video Game Series Into New Light

By Amir Ali Said

Every year, most video game makers hold back advancements in technology for their next game. That's the case with EA and the Madden series. The Madden series has had a pretty huge overhaul, with a lot of new features. From game planning, to a more advanced online team play mode. Clearly, EA has a hit on its hands with Madden 11. All of the new features they've talked about and all of the corrections they've made, set up to make Madden 11 an incredible game.

This year's no different, I won't get Madden immediately. I usually wait till at least a month after the release of the game, so I get the 2nd batch or 3rd batch of Madden. Reason being, when any video game comes out its going to have a few bugs here or there. But by the 2nd or 3rd batch of games, all the bugs should be fixed already. This year, I expect Madden to do huge numbers in early sales, but even more numbers after the release.

Historic Players Headlining Video Games, New Trend?

Michael Jordan to Be On Cover of NBA 2K11

By Amir Ali Said

News came over the past two weeks that will decide the fate of NBA Elite 11 (formerly NBA Live) and NBA 2K11. NBA 2K11 came out with a statement that mentioned signing with Michael Jordan for the cover of NBA 2K11. There goes a quarter to forty percent of NBA Elite 11's sales. Just think about the idea of having a video game with Michael Jordan on the cover. Then toss in the fact that Michael Jordan, and possibly players during his tenure with the Bulls, may be able to be used in the game. NBA Elite 11 can't match that! The only way they could is if they did the same thing, minus Jordan on the cover, and if they do a better job than 2K sports.

But let's be realistic, even if NBA Elite 11 is better than NBA 2K11, who's not going to buy NBA 2K11 just because Jordan's on the cover? I know for certain that I plan on buying a copy of NBA 2K11. First of all, I already like the 2K sports franchise when it comes to basketball way better than EA sports. But now that 2K announced that Jordan is going to be on the cover, I want it even more. A couple years from now NBA 2K11 could be very valuable. Jordan is the best player in NBA history, and I think this is about to set off a trend of historic players headlining video games across the sports world.

If I where EA Sports I would make up the money they're going to lose with the Madden franchise, 2K sports can't stick with EA in football. EA sports should have an iconic/legendary football player on the cover of Madden 12. That would be the best way for EA sports to make up this money. But then again, they'll probably make up their money with Madden 11. Still, Madden 12 would certainly make a lot of money if EA manages to place a huge name onto their cover.

'FIFA Soccer 10' Brings Back IBM Computer Memories

By Amir Ali Said

When I got FIFA Soccer 10 it felt like a era came back for Pop and I. Pop and I use to play FIFA all the time back when we had an IBM computer. It was the dopest thing ever to us. I remember the days playing on the same computer, and it was mad fun. I enjoyed that a lot, but then for some unknown dumb reason, EA sports pulled that game and we've never found a game quite like it.

When Gameboy Advance SP came out Pop and I got close to that same feeling. We played Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004, but that's a whole nother article. Remembering this left me with no choice and FIFA Soccer 10 won me over. I just felt that FIFA Soccer 10 was a great game and that it would create while bringing back memories.

The first time Pop and I played FIFA Soccer 10 it was fun. But I adjusted to the game faster than Pop, but hey Pop still scored three goals out of all the games we played. Overall FIFA 10 was a good investment. The graphics are dope. The game controls are cool because you get to make all kinds of moves while you dribble down the field. Plus, you have more control over the goalie. But the main reason why FIFA 10 is a great investment is because it's another game that will bring Pop and I closer.

Madden 11 Cover Released

By Amir Ali Said

The Madden 11 cover is dope! The cover was released today. Am I hype? Of course. For the first time EA allowed the fans to vote for the cover. But, I still don't like the candidates for the Madden 11 cover, I think Drew Brees was going to win easily. I think players such as Chris Johnson, and Chad Ochocinco would've been better picks, if EA was going to allow the fans to choose this year. But don't get me wrong, Drew Brees still is a good pick, but players like Chris Johnson and Chad Ochocinco may have been better and I believe they would've been chosen by the fans.

Drew Brees is a gamer himself, who's been known to play Madden. I think this is a great opportunity for him. I know every year there is talk about a "Madden Curse" but to use Brett Farve as an example, last year he didn't have a horrible year at all. I already didn't believe in the "Madden Curse" but I think that Brett Farve's season disproved it a little bit more. This year, I think Drew Brees will have an oustanding year and I think the New Orleans Saints have a great chance of returning back to the Super Bowl and repeating, so long as the Jets don't get in their way.