IGN had a chance to go hands-on with NHL 2K7 for PS3.
"When it comes to general gameplay, NHL 2K7 feels nearly identical to the 360 version. What sets the PS3 build apart from its competitor, however, is the implementation of the PS3 Six Axis controller. While offense hasn't seen any real improvement from the controller implementation, defense shines on the PS3, using the Six Axis controller to fill two primary functions.
For starters, the controller can be used at any time on defense to deliver a more powerful check. Simply skate within range of an opposing player, line them up, and use your hands to do a virtual check towards the skater. Your player will instantly dash towards the puck-carrier in the direction you tilted, delivering a huge check.
In general, the check control worked fine, though we have to note that the lack of force feedback caught us off guard. We lined up our target and crashed them against the boards, though there was definitely something missing. Of course the PS3 controller no longer supports rumble, but we could definitely have used it, and are hoping for future implementation of a Dual Shock/Six Axis controller for situations like these. All in all, the functionality worked without a single problem.
Where the PS3 version truly shined, however, was in the Crease Control. For anyone unfamiliar with what Crease Control is all about, it's very simple, and it truly changes the game entirely. At any point where your controlled character doesn't have possession of the puck, simply click the R3 button to go into Crease Control mode. The camera will instantly switch to a transparent third-person view of the goalie, and you'll have the ability to control the tender's vision cone.
As long as the goalie is looking at the puck during a shot, the game will go into a version of 2K7 bullet time, allowing you a chance to aim the goalie's block cursor at the incoming puck. The closer you are to the puck, the better chance your goalie has at blocking it. On PS3, all Crease Control is handled with the Six Axis controller, giving players the option of tilting left or right to control the vision cone, and then using the controller's full power during a shot to steer the goalie cursor for a block.
The Six Axis functionality is purely optional of course, though we had a blast making huge saves and diving across the crease to deny powerful one-timers and firing slapshots. During our hands-on the control was inverted, though the option was there to use default controls as well. The added tilt control felt absolutely solid, and the promise of tilt sensitivity in the final version adds to our confidence in the Six Axis implementation. Using the controller was quick and easy, and really added to the experience."
EA has introduced fully functional microtransactions in the Closed Alpha for its upcoming free-to-play title, Skate.
What do you mean by "more money"? It's a free-to-play game. No one paid anything to be in the closed beta. All purchases made during the closed beta will be converted back to in-game currency for players to re-use however they wish after launch.
More money than what EA is giving them to make the game. Didn't think id have to spell it out. How's about they finish the damn game first before asking people to dump money into it. It's not like they need the cashflow to get across the finish line, it's EA not some indie studio, or crowdfunded project
Or maybe it's a playtest and they want to play test the store to make sure it works before launching. Because if they launched the game and the store was broke you'd all be making silly comment about that. "tHeY dIdn'T eVeN TeSt ThE sToRe bEfoRe lAunCh."
Is anyone really surprised? This is the same company that once considered charging for every time you reload your weapon in Battlefield. These guys are the worst.
Microtransactions in EA Skate include bundles worth up to 20 US Dollars, with in-game credits apparently being difficult to earn.
EA announced the new Skate game is headed to consoles and PC next year.
what a coincidence... just the other day T Hawk was said to be in talks with Activision for a revival as well. I swear, EA and Activision have spies among their ranks. CoD info begets Battlefield info just as T Hawk begets Skate.
But man, I just wish Sony would for once get rid of its ego and settle with Immersion. Although I love the idea of motion sensing, I really want rumble back!
it would be cool if you could have both, motion scensing and rumble
EA nhl07 looks much better and plays way better with the new controller layout.
Call me a little pre-mature, but whenever the P3 gets the rumble-axis controllers it will catapult the system over the proverbial hump and mark the beginning of its dominance. I think this is what Enterbrain, and other analysts (know) is eventually coming for the Sony P3 and therefore think that it will catch up in the console wars rather quickly. The Cell, a rumble-axis controller?, Yellow Dog Linux 5.0 and Blu-Ray will make the P3 irresistable to gamers and gadgetfiles looking for "cutting edge tech". The confirmed addition of YDL in fact, will allow PS3 to be an ideal media centre and server itself. Think of XBMC, but for HD media. Think also of homebrew. The point is you can do whatever you want, as long as you or the community makes it happen. At the very least, this comaprison just shows the very BEGINNING of what this system has to offer fresh out of the box.
As much as I enjoy rumble and wish it weren't gone, I can't bring myself to say that feedback is more important than input. If I had to have ONE, I'd rather have the extra, intuitive input functionality than the controller shaking.