NBA2K14 - Time for MyTeam

It’s that time again where I talk about MyTeam on NBA2K14. If you follow Gaming1Hunnit on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gaming1hunnit) then you know that my first posts were MyTeam updates. First, I would like to touch on a few new things that were added in MyTeam for current gen:

Tournaments – These have been added with specific rules and you can play the AI or other users.

Schedule – This mode allows you to play through an NBA Teams schedule and earn VC and other rewards on the way.

Play with Friends – Finally you will be able to challenge your friends to see who has the best MyTeam as well as look at Leaderboards to see where you rank.

Customization – You can now change your city, name your team, and have team logo (logo cards are same logos has NBA Teams).

Sapphire Players – These players are special players that are awarded from playing the game.

After opening a few packs this is what my current team looks like.

Starters                            Bench
Ty Lawson                      Carlos Delfino                    Kyle Korver  
Orlando Johnson             Jordan Hamilton                Hasheem Thabeet
Paul Pierce                      Nando De Colo
David Lee                       Eric Maynor
Serge Ibaka                     Channing Frye

I actually haven’t played any games with this line up yet but I have played 2 games or so before I acquired some of these players. I might put some games/tournaments on my channel so be on the lookout for those.

Chesse Melted So Far - NBA 2K14

It has been a month since I have posted anything and that is for two reasons (I’ve been busy and haven’t played any new games really). Loyal followers of this blog, I apologize for my absence but even with my increased work load I will be posting every chance I get. Also be sure to check out my YouTube channel (http://tinyurl.com/nedu8jp) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gaming1hunnit) for additional updates on what I’m playing, reviews, commentaries, etc.

As you may have guessed, I caved and started playing NBA 2K14 which hasn’t been as uneventful as I thought. As frustrating as the things I mentioned in a previous post about the game are, they surprisingly don’t take the fun out of the gameplay.

Team-Up is one of my favorite game modes in the game but many of the players that play it are annoying. The amount of try-hard cheesers is still uncanny in this game mode. Its supposed to be like a pick-up game with fairly random assigned positions and teams. People still quit when they don’t get the position they want, when the feel they haven’t touched the ball enough or when they have had enough of how crappy their teammates are and figure ‘skill’ quitting is better than sitting through the game for the VC  (if you lack general basketball IQ this game mode isn’t for you). I honestly have played through games that started out horrible with players that were just bad  and still managed to come out with a decent teammate grade (you really need a lot of patience). Aside from the frustrations that you would get from any pick-up game in any sport, it can still be fun even if your teammates can’t hit the broad side of a barn (yes, I have resulted into forcing people to quit games so I get the easy VC but I wouldn’t have to do that if they realized that the other billion or so people in the world also think they are best thing since sliced bread and the world clearly revolves around them because they are so important).

Aside from that, I am currently 3-0 in Ranked Quick Match games (let me get to 5-0 before I start accepting challenges). Ironically, these were the teams I used and the final scores GS 74*-IND 66, OKC 75*-HOU 65, and IND 76*-NYC 56. I am not sure how I exactly have 8 steals in each game but whatever gets the W, right? The IND-NYC game was by far the most surprising out of the 3. I think he tried to cheese as my opponent made various defensive adjustments and played a 3-2 zone for most of the game but what he didn’t realize is he couldn't guard anyone (I shot 60% in this game with quite a few layups/dunks due to some pretty silly defense as my players we wide open all the time). I think the score would’ve been worse if it weren’t for some silly turnovers and the weird shot releases.

Which brings me to a problem I have with the shot releases, they are annoying. For some odd reason, wide open shots with fairly good shot release result in a missed shot (using the right-stick not the x-button). The pro-stick is most likely the cause of this which may be delaying the release a little bit (because you have to hold the stick and a direction to generate the shot animation). It may need some getting used to (practice) but I still think that adding dribble moves and shot animations together without a modifier is stupid (thanks 2K for adding something no one likes and if you like the pro stick explain to me why, please). The things I noticed about defense are most good, aside from some animations (I don’t think I have played the game long enough to know the difference between normal game play and straight up cheese but I have played a number of team-up games to know what works and what doesn't).

With Next-Gen consoles coming out this month I’m still hoping that this game will play better on the new consoles than current gen. I still don’t like the NBA Live builds I’ve seen but they could make a case to be competition (yeah, we’ll see).

Why NBA 2K14 Flops on CurrentGen Consoles

The newest release of NBA 2K14 is out on current gen consoles but seems to lack general improvements said to have been made from the previous game. Will this transfer to NextGen consoles? I sure hope not. 2K14 appears to be almost identical as the one before it with some minor tweaks, most not good for the game at all as far as gameplay is concerned. This has left many fans a bit disappointed and wondering about the NextGen release. Outside of new signature skills, crew mode, and path to greatness here are some gameplay annoyances that haven’t been changed. Note: Gameplay difficulty and Sliders may effect some changes but don’t prevent the glitches.

Teammates – In MyCareer mode teammates are still making dumb plays but this seems to happen in general. It is like all of a sudden they forgot how to play basketball or somehow lost their talent to some tiny aliens (Space Jam reference). As if bonehead plays on offense weren’t enough, (silly jumpers and passes, not shooting when wide open) the defense isnt any better. Players tend to sag in the paint and leave shooters wide open to knock down 3’s (it almost like picking up a small child so he can experiencing dunking or shooting inches from the basket because he might not make a basket otherwise).

Controls – The passing system is way too sensitive outside of icon passing (there is a clear difference between passing to someone adjacent to you and someone in front of you when clearly hitting the right direction...looks like the aliens have randomly stolen talent again). The pro stick just seems weird. Jump shots and dribble moves on the same stick without a modifier just causes problems and you have to pray that you hit the stick right at the right time (yeah…). Surprisingly, they gave the modifier to flashy passes and that just seems useless other than trying to get some highlight reel, as if ESPN would somehow pick it up as a top 10 play (stop).

Speed & Spacing – This seems to be an issue that 2K hasn’t got right yet. There is no way a Center should be even with the fastest guy on the court on a fast break in full sprint, there is just no way. It occurs way too often. I don’t think there are threshold sliders to adjust this and it makes speed non existent where should be important (2K logic, getting tips from EA are we). Spacing is an issue as players seem to still hit these invisible wall glitches that somehow give them super human abilities to glide a few steps into positions to make plays that are near impossible in real life. At this point in the game (in the video game world) this shouldn’t occur at all (If this isn’t fixed on the NextGen consoles put this on the list of games I won’t be buying. Sad because I actually enjoy basketball games).

For these reasons, I am not buying NBA 2K14 at the moment because honestly it isn’t worth my money (if I happen to stumble upon it for less than half the price I might be tempted). Fix it 2K, I wouldn’t loathe having the same occurrences on the Next Gen console but at least they’d have an excuse.

Grand Theft Auto 5 Review (Speical Edition Revealed)

Finally, Rockstar Games has giving us the glorious gift that is another Grand Theft Auto game, the fifth one to be exact. GTA 5 does not disappoint fans in giving them loads of the things to do in this sandbox version of LA called Los Santos. The production value and acting give GTA 5 an entertaining experience of the story through funny dialogue, vulgar language, and of course violence. This game is awesome.

In this installment of GTA, you play has 3 different characters. Yes, not 1, not 2, but 3. The game also allows you to flip through the characters whether changing perspectives within a mission or seeing what a character is doing roaming around Los Santos. Michael is the first character introduced who is a former criminal who is not trying to live the thug life anymore (but he is “about that life”). Next is Franklin, who oddly resembles Ice Cube from Friday (if you’ve seen the Friday movies then you know what I’m talking about). He has big ambitions to make money and move out of his auntie’s house. There is also Trevor who I haven’t really run into in the story yet. At one point in the game you get to flip to Chop who becomes Franklin’s dog. The ability to flip characters gives a variety of ways to play the game, as if there weren’t already so many things to do.

GTA has been about the vehicles (hence Grand Theft Auto, its in the title) and GTA 5 definitely spent some time working on these, mechanics included (vehicles actually handle pretty well). From sports cars, to old rides, bicycles, jet skis, helicopters, and motorbikes you can almost operate any of the vehicles (including the Blimp, yes a blimp) in the game.

If the vehicles don’t tickle your fancy, then maybe the numerous side activities will from deep sea diving and parachuting to playing golf and tennis. You can also trade stocks and buy and sell real estate but even that’s not all. After already experiencing a few hours of gameplay I can say that no game can compare to the quality put into GTA 5 (there is always room for improvement) and that I will be playing this a long time (multiplayer is even out yet).

If you got your hands on the Special Edition (like me), then you received a copy of the game in the

GTA 5 Special Edition

collectible steelbook case with artwork of the 3 characters Michael, Franklin and Trevor. Also includes was a blueprint map of Los Santos and Blaine County (which also has secret instructions only seen by a UV light) but thats not all. In-game perks were also included including special ability boots for your characters and a boost that will allow the special ability bar to generate 25% faster. Not to mention the bonus outfits, tattoos, special deals from shops and single player stunt plane trials (include for me was being able to call and drive the blimp, free weapons (melee hammer, pistol .50, bullpup shotgun).

With all there is to do in this game you will not be bored and for that Im giving it two thumbs up. Go buy it if you know whats good for you (all the cool kids are doing it).

B-T-Dubs here are those maps instructions whatever they mean (Hint: ALIENS).

Great Ocean Highway

Through North Chumask

0.5 miles past Raton Canyon

blah blah blah

Follow the dirt road

Down to the Docks

Bring $500,000 CASH

Be Sure to check out our Facebook Page for additional Updates and Gameplay.

FIFA 14 Demo Impressions

The FIFA 14 Demo has been available for download since 9/10. As a fan for the series I was a bit reluctant to download the demo as I had only planned to play the game on odd years (11, 13…15) but something about the hype of next gen console games attracted me to still try it out. A few eye catching updates in the features also got my attention.

The first thing I noticed when playing the demo was the feel of the game seemed a bit different. The overall physics during gameplay felt more fluid not only how the ball moves but the player movements as well. Compared to FIFA 13 I felt that the player and ball movements were a bit magnetic as if certain things were still stuck in animations and if you were able to trigger an action there wouldnt be much you could do to stop it (but this is only a demo). This alone makes me curious on how different the gameplay experience will be on a next gen console (I mentioned this about Madden 25) but I am not getting my hopes up. I was surprised on how better players move with the ball at their feet and that some of the dribbling animations and players movements were smarter and sharper (the keeper might still be a complete idiot). Could EA have created the type of FIFA we have been waiting for? Here are some other features in FIFA 14.

Gameplay – Precision movement and “real” ball physics were noticeable improvements in the demo. The “pure shot” isn’t something that I noticed because a well hit ball or not you still have to aim where you are shooting. Teammate Intelligence and protect the ball were two other noticeable improvements, it was great to see how better the jockeying for the ball is which also players to dictate tempo and change the way you go into challenges. Increased intelligence is yet to be see (“Did EA finally give the Keeper a not retarded button?” – KSI).

All – New Celebrations – The Gangnam Style is a celebration, enough said (check on the EA Sports link on the Gaming1Hunnit Facebook page for more).

FIFA Ultimate Team – A new chemistry style system has been added to the game mode which will affect player attributes. This will have a bigger impact on your team’s performance. Now you will be able to customize your kit numbers and set piece takers among other things. Season mode has been expanded along with single matches. A cleaner transfer market system claims to be much easier to find players you are looking for. There is a new thing call player loyalty that affects chemistry as well.

Co-op Seasons – Yes, that’s right 2v2 online seasons mode.

Match Day – The Match Day forms will affect players in Seasons and Co-op seasons. I am not sure if I like this because I doubt it will stop people from cheesing with the same teams (i.e. Real Madrid).

Career Mode – New scouting features for scouting players to find the right fit for your squad to be successful via the Global Scouting Network sounds interesting. A few other tweaks make it seems that you have more options on how you run your team as a manager with easier menus.

An early review of this game after playing the demo gets a thumb up from me. Fans of the series will certainly enjoy the new features in this game when it comes out later this month. I know I will be getting a copy. Happy Gaming.

Madden 25 Ultimate Team

Ultimate Team takes on a different look in Madden 25 with the addition of Team Chemistry, Seasons, and a few others. These new elements may change the way users set up line-ups and plan their strategy for this game mode.

There are 4 chemistry styles for both offense and defense. On offense there is Short Pass, Long Pass, Ground & Pound, and Speed Run. On defense there is Zone D, Man D, Pass Rush, and Run Stuff. Upon starting this game mode you will have to choose a captain along with the play style that comes with him. Although you can change it later, it is better to try to choose one to build your team around. You will also be able to choose a 2nd chemistry (a defensive one if you choose offensive and vice versa) when you reach a team skill of at least 85. By increasing your team chemistry and starting players with the same style, you will be able to unlock team bonuses that will boost some ratings (for example, the run speed chemistry boost elusiveness and run blocking).

1st Ultimate Team Play Through

Head-to-Head seasons are similar to season play in NCAA Football 14. You play 10 game seasons to try and make a deep playoff run and win the super bowl (there are coin prizes for how far you go). I was able to make the playoffs in my first season with a 5-5 record (see photo). I will admit that I tried to

cheese and it didn’t work for me, also my defensive players were pretty crappy in the beginning (which led me to a pretty good pack opening). The best line-up button now looks in your entire roster (including reserves) to fill in players for your line-up. The only issue is that it ignores your team chemistry, so minor tweaks will still be needed.

Packs are set up the same as NCAA Football 14 as well. Bundles are not sold for coins which have been previously rumored and at the moment, All-pro packs (limit to 5) have been seen and along with a fairly cheap gold upgrade pack (limit to one). Getting the gold upgrade pack is essential to upgrading your team pretty early on but was pretty useless for me. If you have the cash open a pro bundle, it will help. If you are low on funds, auctions, trades, and doing solo challenges for coins will help you find the players you are looking for (I earned some special packs that landed me Barry Sanders and Walter Payton).

Here are some other tips to get you started:

- Hold off playing Head-to-Head matches unless you are really good or you are playing a friend with a similarly matched team. Most people have team skills in 80s already.

-Solo challenges are an easy way to earn currency and grab some better cards as well as game experience.

-Keep an eye out on the auctions. You might be able to land some cheap players and sell some of your own for coins. Don’t forget about trades.

Be sure to check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gaming1hunnit for more updates.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review

Ubisoft has out done themselves with the release of Splinter Cell:Blacklist. Blacklist being the next chapter in the journey of elite operative Sam Fisher. Like many simple story lines, you are basically trying to stop a terrorist group from pulling off various attacks because well who cares. How you go about doing it leaves with

Photo By Ubisoft

you challenging and a various about of options. Dropping from ceilings, snapping necks, and occasionally using the silenced pistol offers all the fun you could imagine in true Splinter Cell fashion. Different from many Splinter Cell installments after you have gathered Intel you can choose to spare or kill your adversary.

The storyline of Blacklist is fairly simple and a bit distracting at time but I could honestly care less about the story when I’m executing creative ways to stealthy eliminate guards and complete my objective. Some cut scenes seem a bit drawn out despite the voice acting being great (yes, the acting is almost better than the story).

The environments Sam is inserted in are well designed and offer various places to explore, hide, and take out guards with ease. With the environments fairly big and there being more areas to explore, players have many options at their fingertips on how they go about playing this game (although I prefer stealthily laying to bed guards some players my enjoy popping all the rounds they can carry into enemies). Despite the number of upgrades that can be earned to make missions easier the game looks to always be interesting and challenging. Some animations in the game are glitched and often leave you exposed or detected when attempting to remain unseen (when grabbing a guard from cover, you may experience the animation hitting the wall you are behind, leave you and the disabled enemy in the open).

There are a few co-op modes and missions to experience like the return of spies vs. mercenaries. The co-op challenges and multiplayer modes offer another level of challenges and fun with a friend (choose your friend wisely because there is a better chance you will get caught if you don’t work together).

Splinter Cell: Blacklist creates a fun game were players can true explore environments and locate new ways to execute tasks (which is exactly what you would want in a stealth game like this). Tweaks to the animations could use some work as some things don’t work as flawlessly as they should. Overall, Blacklist gets an thumb and a half from me for being close to meeting my expectations.