Riding the Pines – Grand Slam Tennis 2 interview
Joining us today on the Riding the Pines podcast is Thomas Singleton, the Producer of EA Sports, Grand Slam Tennis 2 for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
Here's a bit of what we covered in the interview.
- How the new control scheme (Total Racquet Control) works alongside the other "standard" controls as well as the Playstation Move controls
- How the legendary players compare to today's players as far as styles of play and how that is handled in the game
- What classic matches are included in the game and whether or not new classics will be able to be added
- How fun it was to deal with working with John McEnroe for his various parts in the game
- How realistic the career mode is (whether or not you will be able to jump right into playing the Grand Slam tournaments with your created player)
- Which players can be used in the online modes
- The details of all of the online modes that are available
Click on either of the following links to download the new episode either via direct MP3 or via iTunes.
Enjoy!
Super Bowl Sunday notes
From what I hear at work, things should be slowing down there and it will allow me to get back to a somewhat normal schedule. That should be nice.
- As for the beta of the game that I was playing the other day... well, it's certainly the next version of the game that I had played in the past.
- I'm curious as to if anyone you know actually has 'Super Bowl parties.' I don't know anyone that hosts an event for the game unless they actually like one of the teams that is participating.
As for me, I'll be playing hockey tonight and won't see a minute of the game, and don't really mind that I'll miss the entire thing. I've steered clear of the hype for it and have been quite content with that fact.
Also, just to let you know, this is a typical behavior for me every year. I typically don't watch the game unless the Packers are playing in it. Just don't see the point.
- In other gaming news, I finally gave RAGE a test seeing as how it's gone through about 10 different patches since release, and I'm happy to report that all of the screen tearing issues that I was running into with it in the past, are now gone. The game itself seems to be confused as to whether it wants to be a car racing game or a FPS though. Maybe that's only because I'm in the first few hours of the game.
- Madtowner nailed it with his analysis of Twisted Metal based on the demo. Why on earth would steering be different when you are driving in reverse? Eventually you can get used to it, but it just doesn't make any sense at all.
- I'm working on scheduling an interview with the Grand Slam Tennis 2 team, so hopefully I can bring that to you in the next few days.
- Still hoping to be able to put together an interview with the SSX and UFC staffs as well, but... well, you know you can't get all that you want.
- Enjoy the game, to those of you watching.
Tuesday night notes
- More crazy times at work preventing me from posting as much as I would like, but it's probably as much as you all want. heh. Moving on...
- Nice to see that SSX's online pass connection doesn't actually remove any sort of content from the game, but limits you from some of the online rewards. It's amazing to see how many different ways that EA is approaching the online pass component lately with titles. It's almost as though they are throwing darts at a board to see what seems to cause the least amount of terrible press for them. Or perhaps they don't really care at all and just want to ensure that every game has their $10 used game sales kicker. I could go either way with that.
- Last night I had a chance to attend my first ever cooking class, spending the evening learning how to make hollandaise, espagnole, bechamel, tomato, and veloute sauces.
When I was growing up, my mother never really exposed us to too many different kinds of foods, so it has been really up to me as I get older to finally take chances and try new things and I'm always disappointed whenever I get to try something new and realize how many great foods that I've missed over the years just due to the fact that I wasn't up to trying something new.
Hopefully classes like this will continue to allow me to try and bring new foods into our home and stop my daughters from only eating chicken nuggets and fries... perhaps.
- Lastly, through the wonders of You Tube, I've been watching a ton of old Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist episodes. Man, great comedy never gets old. Hearing some of the great stand up bits from Ray Romano, Dave Attell, and one of my all time favorite segments with Dave Chappelle.
I really wish that the DVD set wasn't $70+ on Amazon, because... damn... there are some really funny bits on there.
Thursday night notes
-Man, it's Thursday night and this is the first time I've had a chance to get to the PC since Monday. Work has been incredibly crazy this week. I've had about 1 hour to play Skyrim this week and that about sums up all of the gaming time I've had. Weekend is coming up soon, hopefully that'll mean some time for relaxation.
- One of the things that you have to worry about when a new platform is released is that the titles on older platforms will start to get neglected. That certainly looks to be the case with MLB12: The Show for the PS3. Removing franchise features from the console version so that you can spend more time working on the PSVita version? Um.. yeah, that's not a big win for the rest of us.
Considering the fact that online play for The Show has been terrible for the last few years and they're still not really addressing all of the issues there, it's just hard to look for much improvements in this years game.
- I have to agree with Bill Harris in his feelings about the rumor of Microsoft eliminating the ability to play used games in games for their new console. As much as I would like to see Gamestop reigned in... I don't want retail markets being the only ones that control the pricing for games. You could look at titles only dropping $10 to $20 each year after release. That would absolutely suck for gamers on a budget. If Microsoft tries this, they will kill their next console before it even gets off the ground.
- Congratulations to Prince Fielder (and sadly, Scott Boras) for making the deal that they did to send him to Detroit. He gave Brewers fans some great years and some absolutely terrific memories. I really hope that he plays incredibly well there.
- Lastly, don't know if you saw this, but the play made by the ballboy at the Australian Open today definitely deserves a look from everyone. Crazy reflexes there.
SOL: Exodus this week…
It's not that often that you really get surprised about a game's release date, but SOL: Exodus is releasing on Wednesday on Steam.
As a long time fan of Space action flight games, it really looks like a game to try out, especially at the $10 price point.
There is a bit of concern about the length of the game, considering it mentions only 8 missions, but with a development team of 6 that has only been working on the game for a year or so, I would think we'll see something worth the asking price.
I'll post some thoughts once I get some time in on it.
Thursday night notes
- Funny that Dan mentioned the Zombies in NFL Blitz. I was pretty sure that we spoke of them in the interview. To me it didn't seem like any connection to Mutant League Football. It just seemed as if they were throwing in random strange teams, such as the mascot teams that they've done with NCAA and other games. I guess when Owen Good reports it, it's a story, but when I report it... hehe. Just kidding.
- Getting a chance to go ice fishing this weekend. I only get to do it a few times every year, but love it each and every time. Getting to yell, "Tip Up!!!!" and run across the ice to try and bring in a Northern is always a great time. Plus, I get to do it with a few great friends. Definitely one of my favorite weekends of the year.
I'd say that it takes the sting out of the fact that the Packers are not in the NFC championship, but the funny thing is that the loss really didn't bother me all that much. To be honest, I'm much happier that they lost last week than to lose in the NFC title game or the Super Bowl.
Two of the three worst defenses in the league lost last week... will New England go down this week?
- Hope everyone caught the season 3 premier for Archer tonight. Tape 'em up.
- Ryan Braun's appeal began today at the league office. I have absolutely no doubt that he'll get suspended for 50 games. It'd be nice to hear what their explanation for the test is though. Certain it will be bunk though.
- Grabbed the Resident Evil Revelations demo off of the 3DS store today. Absolutely no idea why I did so....
- After a bit of a lull, a few more sports games are starting to come out next month. Grand Slam Tennis 2 for the Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360. UFC Undisputed 3 for the PS3 and 360. And SSX for the PS3 and 360. Nice to see that we'll have some new sports games to talk about very soon. I'm efforting interviews on each of them.
- Lastly... I tried out the Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo last night on the PC. It seems like the combat could be fun, but two things bothered me. Really long loading times for a demo, and Quick Time Events that give you experience bonus on certain kills. QTE's are just about the most annoying thing that I can recall in games.
For $60, I'll be passing on the game for now. Maybe when it hits the $20 price point in a few months.
Tuesday night notes
- Got a chance to use Google Wallet with my new Galaxy Nexus phone today. Google had a deal where you got $10 free when you signed up for the service, so it couldn't hurt to try it out.
Couldn't believe how smooth and slick the process was. Swiped my phone on the pad to activate the wallet, typed in my pin on my phone, swiped the phone again and it was paid. Pretty damn slick. Don't know how often I'll use it in the future, but I was impressed with how easy it was to pay that way. Nice to know that if I ever forget my wallet that I can use my cellphone that way.
- According to the game timer on my Steam account, I have 38 hours into Skyrim. Actual time is a bit less as I left it paused on the start menu from time to time, but it's clear that I'm still really enjoying the game. I do have a drive to start off the actual story portion of the game though as some of the other side missions have gotten a bit more boring as time has gone on. Maybe I should look into joining the Dark Brotherhood... that could be a refreshing change of pace.
- Speaking of RPG's, the Kingdoms of Amalor demo is out tomorrow on the PC and PS3 (today on the 360.) I'm anxious to see how well the game will play, as the early reviews of the demo have been very positive.
- Oh, and about the Packers. Here is part of the fan base. Every team has a group of drunk chicks that take the team too seriously... but man... she's a special kind of drunk and crazy.
- Have a good rest of the week.
Friday notes
- Let it be said that Dan can have a civil conversation with people about politics. The guy amazes me sometimes.
- Very busy week at work and when I wasn't there, I was dealing with typical crazy family issues. Nothing really exciting, just keeping busy.
- Rumors continue to grow about the release of Diablo III. My problem with this is that I'm getting more and more interested in Kingdoms of Amalur. Seeing as how I'm still spending a considerable amount of time with Skyrim, I just don't know how many more games I could spend time on. I guess that's a good problem.
- Sunday's game between the Packers and the Giants should be a great one. People seem to think that this Giants team is the one that can give the Packers the most trouble due to the fact that they can generate a pass-rush with their front four. What's funny is that the same defense everyone loves now, is the one that gave up 31 points on December 4th.
The Packers will win or lose based on their capability to force turnovers. It's what worked for them all year long and I'd be shocked if that wasn't the key in Sunday's game.
- Have a great weekend.
Monday notes
- Took the kids to see the Muppets over the weekend and they were pretty bored by the end. Certain scenes just seemed to drag on, especially the one with the chickens covering "Forget You."
Overall it was a decent film and it had some fun 80's throwaway jokes, but it wasn't nearly as good as I was expecting it to be. My hopes for comedy were probably way too high.
- Other than the Broncos/Steelers game yesterday, there wasn't too much in the way of drama for the Wild card weekend.
Oh, and if you love Tebow coverage, stay tuned to ESPN this week as they'll definitely have you covered.
- Anyone interested in the BCS championship game tonight? I can't muster up even the slightest amount of interest at this point.
- I did see that Best Buy is putting up signage indicating that Diablo III is coming out on February 1st. I'm not holding my breath on that, but I will certainly be there for the midnight launch when it happens. Haven't done that for a game in ages, but this game will eat all of my free time when it does release.
- As for gaming recently, I have been trying to play through some older titles along with fighting through the world of Skyrim, Crysis being one of the titles that has been fun to mess with.
I have a hankering for hockey gaming of late as well and will have to find and outlet for that.
- Have a great week.
NFL Blitz first impressions
- You have to give EA credit for going out and grabbing the old Midway licenses and trying to revive the old NBA Jam and NFL Blitz franchises. With Madden and Backbreaker being the only two football titles released in the last 2 years, we're really in need of a bit more variety in the football gaming genre.
Does NFL Blitz provide enough of a change of pace? I guess that remains to be seen.
Be ready when you purchase the game, it is a rather large download, coming in at 1.8 GB. That definitely makes it one of the larger arcade games that I've seen in recent memory.
First off, the online component was completely empty last night. I'm sure that's due to the fact that the game does not release until 10:00 a.m. today, so that's not something that I can hold against them. What I do wonder, based on the configuration of the online, is how easy it will be to actually play online games.
The first thing that it asks you when you connect to the servers is to choose a state that you are in. Once, I did that, I never had the option to connect to any sort of lobby to match up against any other players. All of the online games seem to be done through automatic matchmaking.
Again, with no one available for the matchmaking, I'm not sure if that's the case or the fact that all of the online features are not configured yet.
If there are no lobbies and the only options that you have are to play against friends or against a random opponent that the server finds for you, that would be disappointing. Not being able to see an opponents record or gameplay status (whether their a late game quitter etc.) would be a real drag on the online component.
- Online aside, I spent a few hours last night with the Gauntlet mode, the single player mode for the game. The Gauntlet consists of a series of matchups against CPU teams, then a matchup against a "boss" team, then 3 more CPU's, another boss, another 3 CPU, then a "final" boss battle.
After playing through the first boss battle (a matchup against a team of Cowboy players, not the Dallas teams... 1800's Western guys,) I can see why they didn't implement any sort of season mode. The game, while fun (in spurts) against the CPU, just doesn't have any long term appeal. As you beat the bosses, you unlock new codes for the game that unlock the teams that you play against, but the experience just isn't as much fun as playing against a real person.
Within a few games, I was able to find formations that were very difficult for the CPU to stop on offense, and on the defensive side of the ball, putting quick pressure on the QB prevented the computer from gaining more than 5 to 10 yards on any given play on most occasions.
As the developers mentioned in our interview, the fact that you can no longer make late hits in the game is certainly noticeable, but it doesn't really detract from the game. It's just.... not there. You really want to be able to move your guys after they've knocked a guy to a ground... and you can't. I know that eventually that feeling will go away, but it won't stop me from continuing to hit a button after the whistle to try and give that offensive player another hit.
- Graphically, the game is very nice to look at. One of the cheat codes that I stumbled on (a single press of X, Y, and B at the code entry screen) unlocked the NFL Blitz team ball. On the ball it consisted of the signatures of all of the members of the team that took part in the making of the game. In an instant replay, I was able to zoom in and clearly see Mark Turmell's signature on the ball. That to me was a sign of the quality of the graphic fidelity on the field.
Player models are, seemingly, bulkier versions of the Madden gameplay models and they look as good as you would want them to for an arcade style of game like this.
- As far as the audio is concerned, Tim Kitzrow seems to have taken his typical enthusiasm down a notch. Maybe it's due to the fact that, comedian, Brian Haley is taking part in some of the commentary with him, but he just doesn't seem to have that "BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA" type punch to him this time around.
Again, not a bad thing... just different than you would have expected.
- Well, that was certainly a long winded first impression, but hopefully in the coming days, I'll be able to play the game against people on my Xbox friends list (Dan? Any other takers?) and we'll be able to see how well the co-op and other online modes will work.
Tuesday notes
- Let's start with the Rose Bowl.
Any team that gives up 640+ yards on defense can't complain about losing the game.
The only questionable call that the refs made was the one at the end of the first half where Toon was knocked out of bounds, they stopped the clock, then started it again without blowing a whistle or anything. That was just a weird situation.
Oregon was clearly the better team and proved it on both sides of the ball.
People around here keep talking about Chryst's leaving being the biggest deal, but I think it's that Chris Ash is still going to be the defensive coordinator. The D was terrible this season and it cost them in their 3 losses.
- The Packers have earned their rest and need to take every minute of the next two weeks to shore up as much as they can with their own defensive issues.
It was great to see Flynn play as well as he did against Detroit though. That was a crazy fun game to watch.
- You can tell that it isn't a normal sports week because the Badgers are playing Michigan State tonight and it's getting zero coverage from the local media. Usually Izzo comes to town and people break out the torches and pitchforks.
Losing to Iowa at home will do that I guess. That was another ugly game due to horrific outside shooting. This team is poised for a 1st or 2nd round tournament loss. Mark my words on that.
- As far as gaming goes, I spent the majority of the weekend playing Skyrim. The game just sucks you in. One minute, I'm walking to a cave to handle a quest and the next, I'm mining ore out of a second or third cave that I found along the way.
All that and I haven't touched more than a few hours of the main story line. I did find a kick ass Deadra mace in a quest that let's me capture the souls of enemies if I kill them within 3 seconds. It's an evil weapon but cool as hell to use.
- Still planning on a Game of the year post. Just need to find the time.
- Have a great week.
Thursday notes
- I'm slowly recovering from a flu/cold bug going around the house. Had a bit of a temp last night and just generally felt like crap. Thankfully, the Mrs. let me get a good bit of sleep last night and that seems to have helped things a great deal. don't feel 100%, but I'm getting back to full speed again.
- So, weith all of the SOPA stuff that is going on, I'm looking to move my domains from Godaddy. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm looking at Namecheap.com right now and they look like a reasonably good place to move the domains to.
- Thanks to some of Best Buy's sales over the last few weeks I was able to get the Nyko Power Pak for the 3DS. I have to say I'm impressed at how nice and easy it was to replace the battery on the unit and double the battery capacity for $8. The battery adds a nice feel to the bottom of the unit as well. Very happy with that purchase.
- I was able to get a chance to see 'Attack the Block' the other day and I was stunned that I haven't heard more about this movie to date.
I don't want to give too much away about the movie, but a group of street kids find an alien, kill it, and then have to deal with the issues that come up as a result of that.
Quite a fun sci-fi film and well worth your time if you can track it down.
Tuesday notes
- Hope that everyone had a nice and relaxing holiday season.
Nothing too eventful happened on my end, just played some open hockey and spent time with the family.
No real gifts to speak of either as my wife and I have completely bailed on the concept of buying each other gifts. I prefer to just get stuff for the kids and let them have their fun.
- Congratulations to Howie's Bleacher Bums who won the 2011 SportsGamerBlog Fantasy Football championship.
I'll be contacting Howie today to determine what game he wants as a prize for winning.
- As far as gaming goes, I spent a good deal of the holiday weekend working through Steam Achievements for their holiday sale.
One of the items that I won was a 50% off Bethesda software coupon and was able to trade that for a few games.
Between the Steam deals and Amazon's daily download deals, it's been a fun holiday season for picking up more games that I'm not all that likely to play soon. heh.
- The Packers got back on track with a nice win over the Bears on Christmas night.
Thankfully that stopped people from talking about how everyone has an answer to how to beat the Packers.
There are some very good teams that will have to come to Lambeau in the playoffs this year, and every one of them should be a fun game to watch. I think the Packers can beat all of them, but you never know if they'll have another bad game like the K.C. one. Hopefully the bye week will give them that extra time to get Clifton, Jennings, and Pickett back for the run to the Super Bowl.
- Lastly, post your 3DS friend codes if you have them. Dan is the only person I have on my friends list on there and it's depressing to see that one person on there, especially when it's Dan.
Thursday notes
- Haven't heard of this, but can't say it's surprising. EA was once considering bringing Madden back to the PC... in a way.
Sadly, those parts were moved into other Madden properties and we're stuck with the console only version of Madden that we have today.
Of course, I've never messed with the Facebook Madden NFL Superstars. Still, I long for the olden days where you could actually update and mod a PC version of a game.
- It's not very often that I see an app that really looks like it has a ton of very cool applications, but 'Are You Watching This?!' seems like a real winner.
I've been debating getting a GoogleTV unit for my Dish Network receiver and this looks like a great reason to pick it up.
Changing channels to watch other sporting events right from my phone or tablet? Giddyup.
- Other than that, I've been working (and fixing the last laptop that I will EVER fix for anyone) and catching up on TV stuff.
I'm in the midst of season 3 of Doctor Who and just started watching Archer again (now that I know that season 3 starts in less than a month.)
- Lastly, I was looking at some information about the Humble Bundle and found that I have Steam Keys available for Humble Bundle 2 and 3. If anyone would like them, just let me know. Consider it a holiday present from me.
- Have a great day.
Yes I’m alive
I know it's been a long time since I've posted. I honestly don't have a good reason why. I guess I could blame some personal things going on or just the fact that I haven't been playing many games, but neither is a good reason.
Gaming:
Madden: I'm in season 3 of my Patriots franchise having won my first 2 Super Bowls. My players are starting to show their age however and ratings are dropping. Overall I'm rated an 83. Part of that is that I refuse to pay top dollar for most players. I'll pay someone rated an 80 the minimum rather than someone rated an 86 10M a year. I did find a strange bug this year. In week 6 I decided to try to trade around some draft picks. Being 5-0 I found 2 teams that are 0-5. Both were willing to trade me pick for pick. So my 1st round for their 1st, my 2nd for their 2nd and so on. That's an easy way to start boosting your team. Linebackers jumping 20 feet in the air making 1 hand catches still piss me off.
NFS: The Run - I have only played about an hour of this one, but I like it. My son just finished the run across country so maybe I'll start putting some more time in. I actually like the gamepad controls better than the wheel.
Diablo 2 - Yea, still playing this one...enough said
Movies
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - This is a very good movie. I was not a fan of the ones in the 70's but I loved this one
Captain America - Just so so. I really liked how they picked the guy to become Captain America, but not really enough action in the movie for me
Music
I've been using Spotify since Dan sent me an invite and still like it a lot. Not everything I look for is on there of course, but I have found a bunch of new music. My current favorite is "Falling in Reverse". I had never heard of them, but they were a Spotify recommendation. Now I listen to them all the time. They will be in Atlanta on January 24th. It's a Tuesday night. I will be going!
Sports
The Patriots D has been terrible and I don't see it getting any better. They might be the strongest team in the AFC, but if the O has a weak week they can't hold on. I still think the Packers will repeat.
Red Sox - What were they thinking? Bobby Valentine? Give me a break. We might not sink to the level of Baltimore, but we are going to have issue this year. On a positive note, I'm glad they let Papelbon go. Give Bard a shot. Sure he might be a little rough stll, but I honestly think he's ready. Of course maybe that's why I'm writing here (when I do) and not on the Red Sox payroll.
Clemson looked great in the ACC title game and I think they can handle West Virginia. Next year looks very promising too with Boyd, Watkins and Hopkins coming back. I expect Dwayne Allen to leave for the NFL, so that will hurt, but Watkins was so impressive as a true Freshman, I can't wait to see him next year.
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