Press Row Podcast

The sports-gaming season is now underway with the release of Madden NFL 18, and following the initial impressions show last week we're back with a panel to break down many aspects of the game in a supersized two hour episode!

Longshot story mode, Franchise mode, gameplay, MUT Squads, and more are covered in-depth, with the discussion later ending on some thoughts regarding the way the Madden and sports titles in general are poorly covered by gaming media and the way marketing strategies are being shifted towards "influencers" over websites.

On the show this week:
Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass (@pastapadre)
Richard Grisham, OOTP Developments/Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)
Kat Bailey, USgamer, (@the_katbot)
Chris “MillsGamingTV,” Operation Sports (@MillsGamingTV)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_235.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:45pm EDT

Last year Madden was able to establish itself back within the upper-echelon of sports titles, finishing second in the Press Row Podcast Sports Game of the Year voting. Madden NFL 18 hopes to build on that success with the introduction of the series' first ever story mode, the return of online co-op, three new play styles, visual enhancements made possible due to the Frostbite Engine, and number of gameplay improvements.

In this episode first impressions of Madden NFL 18 are discussed, going over the changes to gameplay, Franchise, Ultimate Team, and of course the highly-anticipated Longshot. There's some agreement on where Madden stands with this edition but also places where opinions diverge. For more on Madden NFL 18 the full panel review roundtable show will go out next week!

On the show this week:

Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass (@pastapadre)
Chris “MillsGamingTV,” Operation Sports (@MillsGamingTV)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_234.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm EDT

From cancellations to poorly received releases, the once proud NBA Live franchise has seen its reputation dissipate entirely at the same time its competition rose to prominence. The upcoming NBA Live 18 however appears ready to reestablish some credibility and strategies ranging from a free demo to a pre-order discount are making it a safer purchase for those open to giving it another chance.

In this episode of the Press Row Podcast impressions from the just released demo are discussed as well as the impact that could come from the price discount. Additional topics include news on additions and improvements for Franchise mode in Madden NFL 18 and a delay to Super Mega Baseball 2.

On the show this week:
Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit The Pass (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit The Pass (@richgrisham)
Chris “MillsGamingTV,” Operation Sports (@MillsGamingTV)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_233.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:05pm EDT

In recent years video game publishers have made dramatic shifts in how they promote their upcoming products. Whether it's holding back information longer or who it is that gets early access to spread information and media, the marketing landscape has changed as fewer games are released and they become more reliant on generating year-round digital revenue.

In this episode of the Press Row Podcast we discuss why marketing tactics are evolving and whether any consumer concerns are justified. Madden NFL 18 is currently in the hot seat with some fans for still not having shown off any gameplay despite it being under two weeks now until it goes out through the EA Access trial. Other topics include NBA Playgrounds offering $10 DLC to unlock the entire roster, NBA 2K18 on Switch releasing digital only at first, and NBA Live 18 announcing a demo but still lacking an actual release date or the ability to pre-order.

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

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_232.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:05pm EDT

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