Madden ‘09 is letting you get down on a touchdown dance

April 16th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

Unlike E, I consider myself way out of the loop on video games. Not that I can’t or won’t enjoy them when I’m playing, it’s just that they aren’t on my radar in terms of free time activities anymore. Must. Blog. More.

But, I know Madden is king when it terms to pre-release excitement for a video game. And understandably so: it’s a damn fun game and outside of Mario, Sonic and Halo, probably has the best branding out there. (Except for maybe Earthworm Jim?)  But until now, the game has been void of a way to control a celebration in the end zone. Lame. I mean, how true to life is that really? We want realism in our games.

So ask and you shall receive. Via the non-permalinked Gamestop blog:

Gone are the days of just hoping your player will celebrate after a touchdown. Now you will be in control after a touchdown, and a simple push of the “celebrate” button will allow your player to spring into action. If that player happens to be known for his elaborate celebrations, then he’ll perform some of those that you’ve seen him do in real life. For example, a player like Terrell Owens has more than 10 of his familiar celebrations available.

Not only will unique players have unique celebrations, but different “Hot Spots” in the end zone will feature different celebrations, as well, like dunking over the goal post or hot-shotting in the corner of the end zone. Specific stadiums will even feature their own local celebrations. Can you say, “Lambeau Leap?” We’ve also been told that an extra “hidden” control will let you steal an opponent’s celebration so you can really rub it in. However, you’ll have to discover that one on your own.

While this is pretty effin great, this will only promote the youth of America to stray away from fundamentals and class in their sporting endeavors and go straight for the showboating. Pee Wee coaches across this great land shudder at the thought.

{HT: The Sporting Blog.}

Vince Young may have just ruined his 2007 season

April 17th, 2007 | Posted by PostmanR

I don’t really know if I believe in this supposed Madden Curse. Sure, countless cover boys have found themselves on the sidelines with injuries. (See: Marshall Faulk, Daunte Culpepper, Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb and Shaun Alexander.) But, I mean, they play football. It’s a physical game, or so I’ve heard.

Anyways, yesterday the blogosphere was abuzz with the anti-LT cover campaign. Well, it looks like their efforts have paid off. According to the Nashville City Paper, Vince Young will be Madden’s newest cover boy.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young will be on the cover of the EA Sports Madden 2008 video game.

A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed Young’s gracing the cover of the game to The City Paper. Efforts to reach EA Sports were unsuccessful on Monday.

An official announcement is expected on Tuesday and Young will appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as part of the kickoff promotion for the newest version the popular NFL video game that is endorsed by NFL Hall of Fame coach and analyst John Madden.

At this point — curse or no curse — I’m not sure why any player would want to even test the Madden waters. Although, I’m sure they probably get paid some money and they get to have their visage on a video game cover, which is pretty sweet.

I mean, I’ve never been on the cover of anything. Unless you count that one time I feel asleep with Highlights under my head. Technically, I was on the cover for a good eight hours. Think about it.

HT: Hater Nation