Press Row Podcast

The College Football Playoff is almost here and, as it so happens, Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham both have their teams involved and going head-to-head in the semifinal. The two discuss Washington vs Alabama and NCAA Football 14 simulations of the games before turning to topics such as the Blizzard Mountain expansion for Forza Horizon 3 and a rundown of the annual Pastapadre Community Awards categories and nominees.

Joining us this week:

Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_201.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:02pm EDT

It's episode 200 of the Press Row Podcast! After reflecting on the milestone four years in the making, attention turns to awarding the 5th Annual Press Row Podcast Sports Game of the Year.

The top three games of 2016 are revealed, the panel reacts and discusses the reasoning behind them landing where they did, and later get to the games that didn't place while also bringing up a few unconventional sports games that received votes. It's a supersized episode covering just about everything to do with sports games in 2016!

Joining us this week:

Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)
Kat Bailey, USgamer (@the_katbot)
T.J. Lauerman, ThatSportsGamer (@ThatSportsGamer)
Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@SamitSarkar)
MillenniumOS, Operation Sports (@MillenniumOS)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_200.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:01pm EDT

With Washington set to face Alabama in the College Football Playoff, Press Row Podcast host Bryan Wiedey is looking forward to a month of jousting with now-enemy Rich Grisham. After opening with some college football talk the two transition to an in-depth discussion on the just completed Madden Classic eSports event. Topics broached later in the episode include how Golf Club VR and NBA 2KVR have been received, the shaky debut of NBA 2K17's Park After Dark feature, MLB The Show 17's announcement of a Retro Mode, new DLC on the way for Forza Horizon 3, and the release of a free-to-play version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2017.

Joining us this week:

Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_199.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:47pm EDT

The world of video games is constantly evolving, and no phenomenon has impacted how companies market, how media covers, and how consumers discover them more than livestreaming. On this week’s episode of the Press Row Podcast, we gather streamers and content makers from three different angles – a publisher (Adam Burnett from Out of the Park Developments), an independent media outlet (Chris aka Millennium from Operation Sports), and a self-made popular streamer (Daniel Basel aka UberYouTuber). The three join host Rich Grisham to discuss how and why they do what they do and how it impacts their favorite sports video games. 

Joining us this week:

Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments and Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)

Daniel Baesel, UberYouTuber (@danielbaesel)

Chris Gunther aka Millennium, Operation Sports (@MillenniumOS)

Adam Burnett, Out of the Park Developments (@KnightAttack09)

Also! Out of the Park Baseball 17 – the top-rated PC game on Metacritic – is now on sale for just $19.99! Go to http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/out-of-the-park-baseball/ to pick it up.

Check out the brand-new Franchise Hockey Manager 3 - fully licensed by the NHL for the first time! Available today for just $39.99 at https://www.ootpdevelopments.com/franchise-hockey-manager/.

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_198.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02am EDT

Press Row Podcast – Episode 196

From the streets of Brookago

2016 has been an astoundingly good year for video games in general and sports video games in particular. It’s been far too long since host Rich Grisham connected with good friend Cicero Holmes from Spawn on Me to chat about his take on the scene, so we righted that wrong this week to discuss exactly that. From the spate of new hardware to the entire slate of console simulation sports titles, Rich and Cicero discuss it all – agreeing on some topics and differing on others.

On the show this week:

Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments and Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)

Cicero Holmes, Spawn On Me (@stubbystan)

 Also! Out of the Park Baseball 17 – the top-rated PC game on Metacritic – is now on sale for just $19.99! Go to http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/out-of-the-park-baseball/ to pick it up.

Check out the brand-new Franchise Hockey Manager 3 - fully licensed by the NHL for the first time! Available today for just $39.99 at https://www.ootpdevelopments.com/franchise-hockey-manager/.

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_197.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:31pm EDT

While it's uphill battle for sports games in the world of eSports the likes of EA Sports and 2K Sports are dedicated to carving out a place for their franchises in the lucrative competitive arena. The games are battling the actual real-life sporting broadcasts for interest from viewers, while also struggling to prove a compelling watch when they often fail to look like the sports they are supposed to represent due to the way they are being played.

Madden NFL 17's first competition of the year is underway and a major exploit is already being utilized. When money is on the line will the video games ever be able to present a fair playing field and will an audience ever follow? Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham discuss the potential for eSports to grow within the genre and the stumbles that have been encountered in the early days in the latest episode of the Press Row Podcast presented by Hit The Pass.

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments and Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_195.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:40pm EDT

While it may not technically be winter yet, for all intents and purposes it is that now for the sports gaming genre. Outside of Steep, which will be out in early December, we're entering the darkest period of every year for sports games with the next major release not expected until the end of March with MLB The Show 17.

Despite that there's always news and developments to react to and some of those are tackled in the latest episode of the Press Row Podcast. Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham discuss the recently released snowboarding game Infinite Air, the selection of Ken Griffey Jr. for the cover of MLB 17, story modes driving the success of NBA 2K and now FIFA 17, troubled post-release support with NBA 2K17, and the impending release of the NES Classic Edition. That's followed by a segment dedicated to the NHL-licensed PC game Franchise Hockey Manager 3.

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments and Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_194.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:37pm EDT

PlayStation VR has reached the market, PS4 Pro is only a matter of weeks away from release, and the Nintendo Switch was just officially announced and will arrive March 2017. As always sports are a big factor in determining how successful gaming systems are over the long term as they draw in consumers and keep them engaged with the platforms. What role will sports be playing in the early days of the new hardware and will consumers buy-in with the expectation of reliably-released and unique experiences from third parties?

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments and Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_193.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:29pm EDT

Press Row Podcast – Episode 192 – Visiting Old Friends

It’s been too long since we caught up with longtime Press Row friends Chris Sanner from Operation Sports and Jeremy Stein from SGN games – so we right that wrong this week! Chris and Jeremy join host Rich Grisham to chat about what sports games they’re spending time with this fall, including Madden 17, FIFA 17, PES 2017, and NBA 2K17. It’s a fun discussion about all the different options sports game fans have this season!

 

On the show this episode:

Chris Sanner (@chrissnr), Operation Sports
Jeremy Stein (@RealLifeStein), SGN Games
Rich Grisham (@RichGrisham), Out of the Park Developments

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Also! Out of the Park Baseball 17 – the top-rated PC game on Metacritic - can be had for 10% off using the promo code ‘PRESS17!’ Don’t wait – just go to http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/out-of-the-park-baseball/ to pick it up.

Franchise Hockey Manager 3 is coming this October – and it’s fully licensed by the NHL for the first time! Pre-order today to get $10 off and early access to the beta version on October 17th at https://www.ootpdevelopments.com/franchise-hockey-manager/.

Run time: 53 minutes

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_192.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:33am EDT

It's a great time to be a racing game fan and we've brought together our two official Hit The Pass racing correspondents from across the globe - Canada and Australia, to be specific - to discuss the bumper crop of titles that fans are enjoying right now. Greg Sewart and Dr. Ken Parker join host Rich Grisham to dive into recent releases Forza Horizon 3, F1 2016, NASCAR Heat Evolution, and Asetto Corsa as well a look ahead to the upcoming PSVR Driveclub game.

On the show this week:
 
Greg Sewart, Player One Podcast and Generation-16 (@sewart)
Dr. Kenneth Parker, Hit The Pass (@chairman7)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments and Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)
Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_191.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:40pm EDT

An unprecedented number of sports game releases within a compressed window of just a few weeks has left both consumers and reviewers struggling to find the time and/or money for all of them. The panel in this episode of the Press Row Podcast discusses at length four of the latest games to arrive on the market - NHL 17, NBA 2K17, Pro Evolution Soccer 2017, and Forza Horizon 3.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Samit Sarkar (@SamitSarkar), Polygon
Rich Grisham (@RichGrisham), Out of the Park Developments
Kat Bailey (@The_Katbot), USgamer
Chris "Millennium" (@MillenniumOS), Operation Sports

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_190.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:46am EDT

Now in the midst of the busiest time of the year in sports gaming, Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham reflect on recent releases and those right around the corner. With limited time what games rise to the top and which fall by the wayside? Between Madden NFL 17, PES 2017, NBA 2K17, NHL 17, FIFA 17, and several racers - Forza Horizon 3, Nascar Heat Evolution, F1 2016 - there's no choice but for a game to be great in order to compete in the current marketplace.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Rich Grisham (@RichGrisham), Out of the Park Developments

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_189.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:44am EDT

One mode in Madden NFL 17 has expanded so much in terms of both content and prominence that it couldn't even fit into the Review Roundtable episode. Bryan Wiedey and T.J. Lauerman examine the revenue-driving Ultimate Team by going through its intimidating feature set and assessing what is working well and what could be improved. Has it all gotten to be a little too much for the average gamer?

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), ThatSportsGamer

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_188.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT

One of the most anticipated Press Row Podcast episodes on an annual basis is here with the Madden NFL 17 Review Roundtable! The panel discusses various themes of this year's game, examine where it excels, and identify the areas that need the most work going forward.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon
Rich Grisham (@RichGrisham), Out of the Park Developments
Kat Bailey (@The_Katbot), USgamer
Dustin Toms (@Dustin_Toms), IGN
Chris "Millennium" (@MillenniumOS), Operation Sports

Written Reviews: Sporting News, Polygon, USgamerOperation SportsIGN

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_187.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:12pm EDT

Madden NFL 17's release is imminent - or in the case of those with EA Access on Xbox One the season has already kicked off - and before getting to the big panel review roundtable podcast (that'll be next week) Bryan Wiedey, Owen Good, Rich Grisham, and T.J. Lauerman discuss early impressions and experiences with the game. Is this the year Madden finally returns to the upper-echelon of sports games?

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon
Rich Grisham (@RichGrisham), Out of the Park Developments
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), ThatSportsGamer

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_186.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:17pm EDT

NBA 2K17 is now just 27 days away from release. Very little is known about the game, and that's a departure from the norm this close to a product coming out - particularly one with the massive popularity of NBA 2K.

Naturally fans are seeking out info, but not only are they failing to find it on social media, they're being treated with a level of contempt by official reps for 2K Sports simply because they want to know about the game they're planning to spend $60 or more on next month.

Bryan Wiedey, Rich Grisham, and Owen Good discuss the situation and long-running antagonistic relationship between 2K Sports and their followers on social media.

On this episode:

Bryan Wiedey, @Pastapadre

Rich Grisham @RichGrisham

Owen Good @OwenGood

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_185.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:13pm EDT

With four months of MLB The Show 16 now in the books it's time to evaluate just how developer Sony San Diego can improve on an all-around excellent game next year. From gameplay to the big modes (Diamond Dynasty, Franchise, Road to the Show) Press Row Podcast host Bryan Wiedey and panelists Owen Good and T.J. Lauerman go through a great number of personal suggestions and those contributed by the community. A bonus segment follows with Kat Bailey discussing NHL 17 online beta impressions and early observations of Pro Evolution Soccer 2017.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), ThatSportsGamer
Kat Bailey (@The_KatBot), USgamer

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_184.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:53am EDT

With the release nearing of this year's main crop of sports games there's a great deal of news to catch up on. That includes the first real game info on NBA 2K17 and expected Olympics-related announcements to come soon, observations from the first Madden NFL 17 player ratings and what they mean, the potential of cross-network play for Rocket League, and impressions out of an NHL 17 press event. The show wraps up with a segment between Rich Grisham and NHL producer Sean Ramjagsingh discussing this year's game! 

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
Sean Ramjagsingh (@rammer34), EA Sports

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_183_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:12pm EDT

It's the second annual Sports Game Power Rankings! Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham navigate the sports gaming landscape to determine which franchise stands atop the genre and how they compare to each other within. The assessment relies on criteria that includes sales, reviews, cultural impact and more, so can NBA 2K repeat or will a new series take the crown?

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_182.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:13pm EDT

Two major controversies arose this week and they have raised questions regarding the rights of consumers who purchase video games and spend money on digital items within them.

With MLB The Show 16, developer Sony San Diego banned a relatively large number of player accounts but some users may have found themselves banished unjustly. In FIFA the integrity of Ultimate Team mode has been brought into question, with high-value player cards not having played up to the level at which they were advertised.

With those situations in mind it's fair to wonder just what is actually owned when a video game is bought, and how it's possible to determine whether you're actually getting what you're paying for with digital-based content when there's no oversight or regulation.

That's the focus this episode of the Press Row Podcast presented by Hit The Pass. What rights do consumers have or not have, given the terms of which that are required to be agreed upon in order to play the games, and what should change about the way publishers deal with consumers when they feel the need to take certain actions?

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
TJ Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), ThatSportsGamer/Hit The Pass
Chris (@MillenniumOS), Operation Sports

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_181.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm EDT

One of the busiest weeks for gaming news every year has come to a close for 2016. E3 and EA Play offered up a prime opportunity for publishers to reveal trailers and new features for their upcoming suite of games. In the case of EA Sports that meant info on a story mode for FIFA 17 and Franchise improvements for Madden NFL 17.

A new mountain sports game called Steep was revealed, a sequel to The Golf Club was announced, and Forza Horizon 3 debuted a trailer along with details on its feature set. Beyond just games Microsoft made the biggest news with the announcement of a new console that'll be out late 2017.

Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham get together in this episode of the Press Row Podcast presented by Hit The Pass to talk over reactions to everything that happened, the state of E3 and its accompanying press briefings, and whether sports video games can ever become successful in the world of eSports.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_180.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:39am EDT

Feature announcements for upcoming sports games are an annual tradition out of E3. This year EA Sports has revealed a major new mode for FIFA 17 and a bevy of improvements and additions for Franchise mode in Madden NFL 17. In this episode of the Press Row Podcast presented by Hit The Pass those announcements are covered with guests from the development teams of both games.

Up first from FIFA 17 are Matthew Prior and Aaron McHardy to discuss the just announced story mode "The Journey" and what the new Frostbite engine will mean for the game. Then Madden NFL 17 designer John White joins the show to go through what's new for Franchise mode this year, which includes a new way to play through games faster and a real-time score ticker.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Hit The Pass/Sporting News
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
Matthew Prior, EA Sports
Aaron McHardy, EA Sports
John White (@EA_White), EA Sports

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_179.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:24pm EDT

Take a look at wishlists for almost any annualized sports game and you'll see fans requesting changes to commentary. It's an area of the video games that is one of the most difficult to reproduce from actual televised broadcasts. Once a commentary team is in place developers hesitate to make major changes, as the audio libraries continue to build year-by-year and priorities inevitably are directed elsewhere. Scrapping and starting over is rare.

The Madden NFL series is one of the few that has done so however - and multiple times in the last decade. The latest is about to take place as Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis will be replacing Jim Nantz and Phil Simms with Madden NFL 17.

Rich Grisham interviews Gaudin and Davis, along with Madden producer Christian McLeod, in this episode of the Press Row Podcast presented by Hit The Pass. The group discusses everything from how the antiquated commentary system has been "blown up" for Madden 17, why Gaudin and Davis were selected for their respective positions in the booth, how commentary may differ from mode-to-mode, examples of some bizarre lines they've had to record, and the work that will be done regularly during the season to update commentary.

On the show this episode:

Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
Charles Davis (@CFD22), Fox Sports/NFL Network
Brandon Gaudin (@BrandonGaudin), Georgia Tech/Westwood One/Turner
Christian McLeod (@CMcLeod_EA), EA Sports

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_178.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:49am EDT

While basketball fans may be excited that NBA 2K17 will be out earlier than ever before with its move up to mid-September, it only further compresses the window where the majority of the sports games for the year are released. Within a four week span, six major sports games will go out, and there may be even others still yet to be announced.

In this episode of the Press Row Podcast presented by Hit the Pass, the discussion centers on what has led to this situation coming about, how it affects publishers and consumers, whether it's unhealthy for the sports gaming genre going forward, and how it could possibly be fixed.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_177.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:32am EDT

With EA Play and E3 nearing the promotional cycle for the next Madden has gotten underway. There's a lot to be excited about already for Madden NFL 17 including long-overdue work to Special Teams, a new defensive AI system, special moves for ball-carriers, and a "renewed focus on Franchise mode."

In this episode of the Press Row Podcast, Bryan Wiedey, Rich Grisham, and Kat Bailey discuss all the news, the concern over "Tackle Battles", and what is being hoped for with Franchise mode.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
Kat Bailey (@the_katbot), USgamer

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_176_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:37am EDT

The current state of sports games - on console, PC, and mobile devices - is ever-changing and evolving at a rapid pace. Former creative director of the Madden NFL series Ian Cummings returns to the Press Row Podcast to join host Bryan Wiedey and friend of the show Rich Grisham to discuss his own mobile game as well as the "bigger picture."
 
For starters, Ian describes his mobile game Photo Finish Horse Racing that is gaining steam on iOS and Android, the evolution of it from a one-man side project to a full-blown experience, and the challenges he has faced since launching last year. As the conversation continues, the group then pivots to a breakdown of the first features announced for Madden NFL 17. Ian weighs in on his reaction to them, what he sees happening with the franchise, and then moves to evaluating the state of the sports gaming genre as a whole. It's a fascinating look into our current sports game landscape from someone who's been in it from multiple perspectives and has emerged successfully in 2016 as an industry leader and voice of the consumer at the same time.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
Ian Cummings (@iantcummings), Third Time

Ian's game Photo Finish Horse Racing can be downloaded for iOS devices through iTunes and for Android devices through Google Play.

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_175.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:25pm EDT

EA Sports has been unable to recover from the attempted reboot of NBA Live as NBA Elite while at the same time seeing their competition flourish to become a juggernaut. It's been six years but the company has yet to produce a quality and compelling product since that fiasco and in the process consumers have lost all confidence in the Live brand. The series simply can't escape its past.

Knowing that a shake-up was necessary EA yesterday confirmed the first report of Live being pushed back to 2017. Despite that acknowledgement uncertainty will continue to surround the series as there's no guarantee it will again see the light of day on consoles. If it makes it back as currently scheduled the form in which it does could be very different than what consumers have become accustomed to with traditional annualized sports games.

On the show this episode:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_174.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:06am EDT

There's been a heavy focus with recent episodes of the Press RowPodcast on the two big games that released in March, but nowattention turns to some news relating to titles that are still offin the future and a favorite that has just been updated. The triothis week discuss the first features to have been revealed forNHL 17, how EA Sports is considering adding VirtualReality to the next UFC game and what that might mean forothers out before then, and how a basketball mode is the latestsuccess from Rocket League.

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit ThePass
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments/Hit ThePass
Kat Bailey (@The_Katbot),USgamer

In addition to all the other listening platforms the PressRow Podcast can now also be found on Google Play Music!

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one ofthese ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePassand send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_173.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:43am EDT

Team-building modes in sports games are intended to be played for months on end, if not year-round, making them initially tough to assess when in the early days following their respective releases. With over three weeks now having been spent playing Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 16 there's a lot more that has been evaluated following the coverage in the review roundtable episode, so host Bryan Wiedey and frequent guest T.J. Lauerman discuss everything there is to do with the popular mode in an all-new Press Row Podcast presented by Hit The Pass.

Whether it's the new card types, Captains, Missions, Collections, Battle Royale, Conquest, and the Inside Edge daily ratings adjustments, everything that's new in Diamond Dynasty is covered. Additionally, server-related problems slowing down menu navigation and causing "Challenge Failed" errors require mentioning as the experience has been considerably hampered and necessitated multiple emergency patches. The duo also goes over their current lineups, the decisions that have been made in constructing their rosters, and sleeper picks to consider using on your own teams out there.

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), ThatSportsGamer

In addition to all the other listening platforms the Press Row Podcast can now also be found on Google Play Music!

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_172.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:32am EDT

MLB The Show 16 represents another year forward for a series that knows its many strengths and continues to build on them but may not be doing enough to bolster its areas of weakness. All the while a new issue has emerged in recent days with crippling server drag being felt throughout all the menus severely hampering the experience for all consumers. This review roundtable panel discussion on MLB The Show 16 extensively covers gameplay, graphics, Road to the Show, Franchise, Diamond Dynasty, and much more!

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon
Samit Sarkar (@SamitSarkar), Polygon
Kat Bailey (@the_Katbot), USGamer
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), ThatSportsGamer

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us some tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_171.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:28am EDT

With the release of several sports games this month the start to the 2016 campaign is here! Former host Rich Grisham returns this episode for an early impressions discussion on MLB The Show 16 that covers new features in Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show, Franchise and more! It's also the start of something potentially big with shipping of Virtual Reality headsets getting underway. The conversation transitions into thoughts on VR, whether sports games will play a role in its success, and what it could mean for the industry as a whole.

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us some tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_170.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:32am EDT

EA Sports UFC 2 is undeniably a stronger product than the company's first two efforts at the sport of MMA that released in 2010 and 2014. From the Knockout Physics System and KO Mode to new controls for transitions and the introduction of Ultimate Team there's a lot there to be evaluated. While much of what has been done is positive there's also submissions proving to be a non-factor and a disappointing Career Mode to consider. How does the product stand on its own, and could this be the game that reverses the trend that has seen a decline in sales with every new UFC video game release?

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon
Chris Sanner (@ChrisSnr), Operation Sports
Dylan Favorite (@jerkfacefave), Hit The Pass

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us some tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_169.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:08pm EDT

Press Row Podcast: Legends of the Past and Present

The NBA 2K series has long celebrated the history of the league and its players. Now, however, its development team is faced with an interesting, and unenviable task: how to replicate the skills of an active legend-in-the-making doing things that have never been seen before. Another series, Out of the Park Baseball, is back with its 17th edition that expands upon the historical teams that trace back all the way to 1919 with real historical minor leagues and a new Historical Exhibition Mode.

In this episode of the Press Row Podcast, NBA 2K developers Mike Wang and Scott O'Gallagher join the show to discuss why the current shooting system in place can't support what Stephen Curry has been doing and possible solutions to present him with new capabilities in 2K16 and going forward in the franchise. After that, Rich Grisham and T.J. Lauerman come on to discuss everything to do with Out of the Park Baseball 17 which is out later this month. The pre-order discount of $5 is available through March 8 and entering the promotional code "PRESS17" at checkout will take another 10% off the price.

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Mike Wang (@beluba), NBA 2K gameplay director
Scott O'Gallagher (@scottogallagher), NBA 2K gameplay producer
Rich Grisham (@richgrisham), Out of the Park Developments
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), Out of the Park Developments

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us some tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_168.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:17pm EDT

The release of MLB The Show 16 is now just around the corner and this episode of the Press Row Podcast features a rundown and reaction to all the latest features and improvements that have been detailed recently, covering gameplay, presentation, Sounds of the Show, and Diamond Dynasty. Other topics include the lawsuit over the alleged as unauthorized use of tattoos in NBA 2K16, the lackluster UEFA Euro 2016 content coming to Pro Evolution Soccer 2016, and impressions of the surprisingly good NBA Live Mobile.

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Owen Good (@OwenGood), Polygon
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), Hit The Pass/Out of the Park Developments

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and @HitThePass and send us some tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

 
Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_167.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:20pm EDT

There was a LOT to dig into with the one-week beta for EA Sports’ UFC 2, including updated gameplay and graphics and new Practice, Skills Challenges, and Ultimate Team modes. How has the sequel improved from the 2014 effort and what remains a concern? What new has been learned about UFC 2? Will it be more welcoming to novices given its inherent complicated nature? Host Bryan Wiedey is joined by Dylan Favorite and T.J. Lauerman in the 166th episode of the Press Row Podcast.   

On the show this week: 

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass

Dylan Favorite (@jerkfacefave), Hit The Pass

T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), Hit The Pass/Out of the Park Developments

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some tweets

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Lastly, check out our brand new compilation page on Audioboom at https://audioboom.com/channel/press-row-podcast, where all of our shows are easy to access from one page.

Run time: 46 minutes

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_166.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:13pm EDT

After a lull of several months there are new sports game releases on the horizon. MLB The Show 16 will land in late March and news this week relates to Road to the Show and a new feature called ShowTime. Is that mode in particular getting too gimmicky? Meanwhile there's a lot going on for mid-March's EA Sports UFC 2 from a beta, to announcement of Mike Tyson, live streams of gameplay, and details on Ultimate Team. What stands out the most as the publisher hopes for the sequel to fare better than their first effort with the license? Additionally there was the announcement from EA that they'll be holding their own event rather than having a presence at E3. What does that mean for both EA and the future of E3? 

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), ThatSportsGamer

 Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some tweets
2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@Gmail.com

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Lastly, check out our brand new compilation page on Audioboom at https://audioboom.com/channel/press-row-podcast, where all of our shows are easy to access from one page.

Run time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_165.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:03pm EDT

It's the 164th episode of the Press Row Podcast, but the first since its inception without trusted host Rich Grisham. After catching up on what everyone has been playing over the last several weeks the crew transitions into a discussion on one of the subjects brought up most often by gaming fans, and that is in regard to the situation with college sports games. Why are they gone? What would it take to get any back? And what was with EA Sports' ill-advised social media post? 
 
On the show this week: 
 
Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass
Owen Good (@owengood), Polygon
Kat Bailey (@The_Katbot), US Gamer
T.J. Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer), That Sports Gamer
 
Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you. Do it one of these ways:
1)      Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some Tweets while you’re there
2)      Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com
 
The Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too! Lastly, check out our brand new compilation page on Audioboom at https://audioboom.com/channel/press-row-podcast, where all of our shows are easy to access from one page.
Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_164.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:37am EDT

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