2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa for Xbox 360/PS3 versions

2010 FIFA World Cup marking an improvement over FIFA 10, the Wii version doesn’t fare so well. In fact, this title is so similar to the year’s main game that it’s going to take the most dedicated of football fans to pick it up on Nintendo’s console. Against EA’s best efforts, what we have here is largely a rehash of FIFA 10, sprinkled under a World Cup skin.

Regrettably, this Wii title suffers from the limitations of the hardware. The other consoles provide a visual upgrade that’s hugely welcomed for the series, and a number of on-pitch tweaks that make it a worthwhile release. This kind of experimentation and step forward is lacking here, as there are very few improvements to get excited about.

Aside from the normal World Cup modes, the most interesting addition to the series is ‘Zakumi’s Dream Team.’ Here, players will start with a team comprised of unknown international players coming from the world’s least renowned football nations. Whether it’s a right back from Rwanda, or a goal-scoring hero from the Cape Verde Islands, the premise is to complete challenges and to earn players for your squad. You’re pitted against international teams every match, and come with three objectives that determine the quality of the player you can choose as your prize. Only complete the bronze challenge and you’ll only be able to pick a bronze rated player. Complete two challenges and silver also become available. If, however, you have the skill to overcome all three tasks, you’ll be able to pick any player from the opposing side to join your up-and-coming team.

While this section forces players to adapt their style of play, it’s the only new addition that we would like to have seen in the HD console versions. Working hard to unlock a big-name player for your team certainly pays off, as their quality and added ability helps take control against the tougher nations. Other than this, there aren’t enough modes to keep players coming back, especially if they’re invested into a league season on FIFA 10.

Rather predictably, 2010 FIFA World Cup is aimed towards the ridiculous on the Wii. Each game features a number of wonder goals, be it 30-yard strikes, amazing bicycle kicks or cheeky chips from just outside the area. Personal battles are still fought all over the pitch as you’re forced to time your headers correctly, shaking your arm when the ball glows. Similarly, set-pieces also require expert timing in order for you to be successful, both offensively and on the defensive side. The best feature is still the slow-motion when a battle could go either way. Witnessing the opponent just managing to slide long enough to block your shot adds tension to the game, as the ball bounces clear or bobbles away ready for the next match-up. Once in the box, you’ll also be treated to a close-up of your striker unleashing a thunderbolt towards goal, as the camera darts behind him in order to make you feel part of the action. These features are no doubt what outlines the Wii version from the rest, although they’re not going to add much to the life of someone who’s already picked up EA’s main offering this year.

Another section this version of 2010 FIFA World Cup also lacks in is it’s online play. Although players can compete against three friends in a ‘last man standing’ competition, it’s not a patch on what’s available on the other consoles. Admittedly, this is aimed towards the younger generation, but when you can compete in a number of modes with up to 31 other teams on the PS3 and 360, it’s difficult not to feel short changed here. It seems the only longevity this version has is with it’s Dream Team mode, as the rest of the package screams of EA cashing in on the license; something that isn’t true for alternative versions.

On a console that managed to get FIFA 10 so right for it’s audience, there’s a huge sense of disappointment here. Even the most avid of footballing youngsters will be sure the changes are minimal, and will be let down by the lack of new ideas. If you have to pick up one World Cup game this year, we recommend you look elsewhere.

Two studio executives recently fired by Activision

NEW YORK  Two studio executives recently fired by Activision and accused of inappropriately meeting with a rival company said Monday that they will create games to be distributed exclusively by one such competitor, Electronic Arts Inc.Jason West and Vince Zampella have formed a development studio, Respawn Entertainment, and its games will be published and distributed by EA. As the heads of Respawn Entertainment, West and Zampella will own the intellectual property they create. “Respawn” is a video game term used to describe a dead character coming back to life.

The two had sued Activision Blizzard Inc. for more than $36 million in March, claiming that Activision fired them to avoid paying hefty royalties for their work on the popular “Call of Duty” franchise.The latest game, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” has reaped more than $1 billion in sales after breaking entertainment industry records at its launch last fall.Last week, Activision filed a countersuit against West and Zampella, saying they were fired for good cause for insubordination and for attempts to poach key employees from the company. In its lawsuit, Activision claims the two had met with a key gaming rival, in violation of their employment contract.Although the lawsuit does not name the rival, it states that were flown by the rival to Northern California. Electronic Arts, which is Activision’s main rival and produces a competitor franchise “Medal of Honor,” is based in Northern California’s Redwood City.

West and Zampella’s attorney, Robert M. Schwartz, called the countersuit’s claims “false and outrageous” on Friday.Financial terms were of the deal with EA were not disclosed.Shares of Activision, which is based in Santa Monica, Calif., fell 5 cents to $12.43 in midday trading Monday, while shares of EA rose 13 cents to $19.49.(AP)

NCAA BASKETBALL 10 From EA SPORTS brand In Stores

NCAA BASKETBALL 10

Play to your Team’s Strengths with Eight Authentic Motion Offenses and Experience Best-in-Class Presentation with CBS Sports and ESPN Broadcast Integration.EA announced today that NCAA® Basketball 10, developed under the EA SPORTS brand, is now available in stores for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. NCAA Basketball 10

unearths the core of college basketball with an all-new strategic motion offensive system, innovative broadcast presentation, and the excitement, emotion, and pageantry that makes the college game unique.NCAA Basketball 10 introduces full integration of CBS Sports and ESPN broadcast elements, allowing gamers to choose their broadcast presentation for every game. Users can mimic real-life broadcasts of NCAA basketball by choosing ESPN presentation for regular season games, and CBS Sports presentation for its exclusive broadcast of ‘March Madness’. Everything that fans see and hear on TV when watching college basketball will be mirrored in NCAA Basketball 10, including graphic packages, highlight reels, and authentic college basketball announcers. Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery, two CBS Sports announcers that are synonymous with college basketball, have joined ESPN’s Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler, and Erin Andrews on the EA SPORTS team of broadcasters, bringing an added element of excitement to the game.

NCAA Basketball 10, licensed by The Collegiate Licensing Company, increases the strategy behind team styles of play by introducing eight authentic motion offenses. The addition of a new offensive system allows users to play true to the college game by maximizing ball movement, utilizing every player on the court, and executing team-specific plays, designed to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses. With the touch of a button users will be able to run plays fluidly and successfully.