FirstCuts: E3 Sports Gaming Leftovers

Much as I would’ve loved to head out to E3 in Los Angeles, I’m almost glad it’s over. While it was fun to watch all of the video game announcements, it created nothing short of a logjam in my RSS reader. With that, I bring you some of the finest leftovers from E3 on the sports video game front today, heated up to just above room temperature.

The first dispatch comes courtesy of EA Sports president Peter Moore’s blog.

Having already touched on the big news -- NBA Live 09’s Dynamic DNA feature – the only other significant news was another demonstration of the All Play titles that will be released for the Wii, in this case, it was Moore taking on Natalie Gulbis (pictured above). The IGN video linked here gives you a good idea of what the game will look like. It looks like there’s a nice mix of mini games and core gameplay, but that’s purely based off of the look. Who knows how the controls will feel? That’s always the issue with the Wii.

EA’s chief competitors, 2K Sports, didn’t make much of a splash with their sports games, but, via PastaPadre.com, they did announce a full feature set for NBA 2K9, and it appears they’re doing their best to keep pace with EA’s new DNA system. The company also previewed NHL 2K9, which will give the Wii its first proper hockey game.

First, your look at a full feature set for NBA 2K9, taken from PastaPadre.com.

Advanced Shot Stick: The revolutionary Shot Stick control system takes it one step further, allowing you to change your shots in mid-air.

Adaptive A.I.: Adaptive A.I. reads, reacts, and adjusts in real time to your strategies. Your teammates initiate cuts, picks, and post-ups based on how you handle the ball, while your opponent modifies strategy to fit game pace.

The Association 2.0: With NBA.com, you’ll have access to all the latest rumors, trades, scores, news stories and more, plus new features like Player Personalities, Ambitions, and Player Roles, a plethora of customizable options, and new mini-game drills making this the deepest and most robust franchise mode on the market.

NBA 2K online features: 2K Sports’ industry leading online service gets all-new features including 5-on-5 Multiplayer mode with Total Team Control and a new ranking system (from Bench Warmer to Rookie to Pro to Superstar), that shows you how to match up against your opponents.

2K share: Create, upload, and share rosters, sliders, and even players created with the all-new Player DNA feature. The Reelmaker has been completely revamped, so you can now direct your own digital video highlight reels, and post them on 2KSports.com or your personal Web page, for all the world to watch and admire.

2K in HD: Drastically improved facial and skin textures, better uniforms, improved eye movement, and more realistic crowd reactions bring the game alive like never before.

All-new broadcast team: Analyst Clark Kellogg and sideline reporter Cheryl Miller join color commentator Kevin Harlan to create one of the most knowledgeable broadcast teams in the game.

Better replays and cutscenes: End each quarter with enhanced, multiple angle replay highlights, and be rewarded with all-new, true-to-life celebration sequences after you capture the NBA championship.

And here’s your look at 2K Sports’ presentation on NHL 2K9

 

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.