Deliver At All Costs: This jam-packed game looks like an absolute must-play for endless fun and destruction

I’m all about my sports titles but there’s just something special when it comes to mayhem and silly fun. So it’s a no-brainer the upcoming Konami Deliver At All Costs game looks like an easy must-play for all you PlayStation, Xbox and Steam gamers around the globe.

The 1950’s setting is one thing but how about having all types of craziness, chaos and even mystery attached to this title? Giddy up.

Deliver At All Costs is a narratively driven action game set against the nostalgic backdrop of a 1950’s-inspired world. Step into the role of Winston Green, a hot-tempered courier with a shadowy past, navigating a world of rock ‘n’ roll, polka dots, and nuclear fears. As Winston, you’ll take on bizarre and dangerous deliveries, wreaking havoc in destructible environments using various vehicles. The game features a dynamic world where your actions have unpredictable consequences, all while unraveling a gripping story of intrigue across three acts. With 1950s-inspired aesthetics, music, and design, the game immerses players in the era’s iconic atmosphere.

Created by Far Out Games, Deliver At All Costs is the first game from a dedicated and passionate studio based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. and Far Out Games will be working together in a publishing partnership, bringing the game to global markets on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam® and Epic Games Store.

Deliver At All Costs is available for wish-listing on digital platforms. Information regarding digital pre-orders and launch date will be revealed later.

Wreak Havoc and Destruction in the Streets
Plow through the city across highly destructible environments wreaking havoc in a wide variety of vehicles. Take on bizarre deliveries and missions each with its own unique play style and mechanic. From delivering a giant flailing Marlin, to the disposal of an atomic bomb teetering on the edge of explosion, always expect the unexpected!

Journey through a Dynamic World
Explore an intricately designed world with large semi-open environments both on foot and in your vehicle. Be careful not to upset the citizens though – they will respond to your actions in the most unpredictable of ways…

Come for the Chaos, Stay for the Story
Amidst the chaos and destruction, embark on a story of mystery and intrigue divided into three acts, with a cast of distinct and memorable characters. Witness Winston’s journey as he spirals downward into the depths of insanity.

The Sights and Sounds of 1959
Immerse in the atmosphere of the 1950s with aesthetics and evocative music paying homage to the classic era. Featuring 1950s design elements, an original soundtrack, radio ads, English voice acting and a UI fitting of the times – all capturing the essence of what made the 1950s iconic.

Xbox Ready: Analyzing Microsoft's best or worst console decision ever

Keeping it 100? I have owned three versions of the Xbox Series S. The launch version over an Xbox Series X. Yikes. The re-copping refurbished version for traveling. Ehh. And then last year’s Xbox Series S Carbon 1 TB to give Microsoft another shot. The end result? Hi, GameStop.

I’ve become such a loyal Pro customer at GameStop I have brought treats to my local go-to spot every time it’s trade-in season. So completely Xbox-free these days, how about analyzing the concept of the Series S and seeing the highs and lows of the drop courtesy of Xbox Ready.

CNET: Here's a deep dive into the new Xbox consoles arriving this year

New consoles? Sorta. Turns out Xbox is keeping the console Culture alive and thriving with updated models of its Series X}S gearing up to drop before 2025. CNET coming through with an up-close look? I’m here for it.

Whether you’re the Series S type or need expansion and power with the Series X, CNET gives you the details behind what’s on deck for the Team Microsoft heads.

During Summer Game Fest’s Xbox Showcase, we got our first look at three updated Xbox consoles.

SpawnPoint: Here's the new games to geek out over this month

Ready to double - or even triple - up your gaming goals? Look no further than what’s brewing for the next few weeks on your favorite gaming consoles.

Gamer SpawnPoint comes through with an in-depth look at what’s ready for your gaming goals at the start of the new year. Tap in.

Xbox: The new all-black everything Series S is here for your gaming goals

Microsoft knows people are balling on budgets with the holidays around the corner so what better way to bless up than delivering a 1 TB Series S for its Xbox than with a $50 price increase for ample space for those gaming goals?

It’s all types of Starfield hype these days and with this new console now available, why not kick back with a full-fledged jump into what it has to offer? Tap in.

Turtle Beach: The Pink and Teal Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max Wireless headsets have arrived

What says spring more than teal and pink? Of course Turtle Beach continues to make the competition keep tabs on its power moves by rolling out its new Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max wireless gaming headsets - which of course go perfect with those pink and teal Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 weapon loadouts, too.

It’s all in the gaming goals and fashion statement-making flexing. Peep the details and keep scrolling for an up-close look at the headsets.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR) today announced two new colorways, Teal and Pink, are now available for its Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX wireless gaming headset. The new Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Teal and Pink colorways are also Turtle Beach’s first certified CarbonNeutral® products, with emissions reduced and offset in line with The CarbonNeutral Protocol, marking an important milestone in the Company’s ongoing sustainability efforts. The Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX upped the series’ already impressive offering with a massive 48+ hour battery life and multiplatform connectivity with more gaming systems, in addition to the powerful 3D spatial surround sound*, crystal-clear mic performance, and unmatched comfort that’s made the Stealth 600 series headsets top-selling products since their debut. The Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Teal and Pink join the Black, Midnight Red, and Arctic Camo colorways for the same $129.99 MSRP, and all options are available now at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide.

Since their August 2020 debut, Turtle Beach’s Stealth 600 Gen 2 has been the #1 best-selling headset series. Additionally, popular gaming publication MP1st reviewed the Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX and awarded it their Editor’s Choice designation, saying, “They’re excellent, and maybe in fact amongst the best headsets I have ever used on consoles.”

“Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Teal and Pink not only give gamers more color options – which we know they love, but also the peace of mind knowing one of their most used gaming accessories is carbon neutral,” said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Teal and Pink are Turtle Beach’s first CarbonNeutral® products, and their launch is another important and significant step forward in our sustainability efforts.”

Stark continued, “Last year we transitioned most of our gaming headsets to use sustainably sourced paper trays and packaging materials, and eliminated most plastics from the packaging, including up to 90% reduction in plastic in the packaging for some models. We also reduced overall packaging size on key models, which further reduces paper use and lowers carbon output during transportation. In addition to incorporating sustainability into new and future products, Turtle Beach is also proud to be part of Climate Impact Partners’ Million Mangroves program, where we contribute to helping develop new mangrove forests which help combat carbon.”

Mangroves are a high-impact, carbon-dense, natural climate solution that also provide important protection in coastal areas, enable fish and water species to thrive, and create valuable timber products which are resistant to rot and insects. Over 35% of Mangroves, named the “wonder tree” due to their ability to store four times more carbon than a rainforest, have already been deforested. Climate Impact Partners, specialist in carbon market solutions for climate action, created the Million Mangroves program to showcase companies' commitment to climate action today and deliver immediate results by financing one of the highest impact climate and blue carbon solutions available.

Turtle Beach’s Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX wireless multiplatform gaming headset delivers incredible battery life and high-quality game audio. A monster 48+ hour battery life keeps the headset going for days while a low-latency, lossless connection to your game system is handled by Turtle Beach’s proprietary lag-free 2.4GHz wireless USB transmitter. With the simple flip of a switch, players can select their favorite game system and experience immersive, 3D spatial surround sound* through large and powerful 50mm speakers, and crystal-clear chat with the Gen 2’s flip-to-mute microphone. Soft, ProSpecs™ glasses-friendly ear cushions offer plush comfort, and easy access controls let players adjust their settings and activate features like Superhuman Hearing™ for a proven competitive advantage.

Here's 14 new Xbox Series X | S exclusive 2023 games to look forward to

Low-key? I am always going to put my PlayStation 5 above the Xbox Series X | S and Nintendo Switch - but as the expression goes, one is too close to none. So I always make time for Xbox gaming. With PS5 getting all of the glitz and glamour with titles like The Last of Us and God of War exclusive to the console, how about Microsoft getting some shine?

Here’s 14 upcoming titles slated to exclusively arrive on Xbox before 2024.

Here's the most wanted gaming console of 2022

It was a wild 2022 for gaming goals and while there continues to be a push for mobile gaming, it’s clear consoles will remain the top go-to source for the most premium experience. Turns out I’m-A-Puzzle put together a list of the Top 10 most wanted gaming consoles of this past year and it was a blow-out for one in particular.

Just when you thought it was all about PlayStation 5 versus Xbox Series X, it’s clear another challenger falls right in-between. Peep the details all coming courtesy of I’m-A-Puzzle.

The PlayStation 5 is the world’s most wanted console of 2022, a new study reveals.

The study, conducted by online jigsaw site I’m-A-Puzzle, analyzed a list of the most popular consoles and compared the average monthly searches each of them got throughout the year on Google, to find out which one has been the most sought after in the world.

PlayStation 5 comes in first place scoring 5,400,000 average monthly searches on Google – more than two million searches more than the second most Googled console.

Second is the Nintendo Switch with 3,200,000 average monthly searches on Google, underlining its popularity, combined with affordability and availability of the product..

The Xbox Series X comes in third with 2,300,000 average monthly searches on Google – fewer than half the searches that its rival PlayStation receives.

Despite being release more than nine years ago, the PlayStation 4 comes fourth in the list, racking up 1,205,000 searches each month, proving it is still a valid alternative to the more expensive PlayStation 5.

The fifth most searched console is The Xbox Series S, which receives 855,000 searches on average each month.

The Xbox One places sixth, followed by a suite of Nintendo consoles to complete the top ten. Nintendo Switch Lite is in seventh, the Nintendo DS is in eighth, the Nintendo 3DS is in ninth, and the Nintendo Wii is tenth.

A spokesperson for I’m-A-Puzzle commented on the findings: “It’s fascinating to see the global popularity of consoles, with PlayStation winning the search battle against its rivals Nintendo and Microsoft. There will be millions of people around the world hoping to find one of these consoles under the tree this Christmas, but with ongoing stock issues the latest PlayStation and Xboxes could be difficult to come by.”

The study was conducted by I’m-A-Puzzle where users can play thousands of online jigsaw puzzles for free, with picture puzzles and games of all types - from animals to bridges to landscapes and more. 

Turtle Beach is ready to take you up, up and away with its new VelocityOne Flightstick

A regular controller is just boring in 2022. With a new year around the corner? It’s only right Turtle Beach stays on course of thought-provoking and insanely dope must-have gadgets - so look no further than the new VelocityOne Flightstick.

Peep the details and keep scrolling to get a hold of your own.

Best-selling gaming headset and accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced its highly-anticipated Turtle Beach® VelocityOne™ Flightstick is now available. Designed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs, VelocityOne Flightstick is the gaming flight stick of the future. Whether you’re an air combat or space ace, the VelocityOne Flightstick is a joystick designed for all forms of flight, giving immersive and accurate controls for navigating the top air and space flight sim and combat games. VelocityOne Flightstickboasts eight control axes, including contactless hall effect sensors on the main X&Y axes, that provide precise control, while two multifunction levers operate main engine power and the adjustment of control surfaces. The VelocityOne Flightstick’s precise nano trim wheel allows for fine tuning of altitude, and an OLED Flight Management Display makes for easy adjustments. Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne Flightstick gives gamers on Xbox and Windows PCs a multitude of flight controls with 27 programmable buttons, a rapid-fire trigger, an integrated trackpad, and Bluetooth® connectivity to its companion app.

VelocityOne Flightstick is available now from www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers for a $129.99 (£119.99/€129.99) MSRP.

“Our VelocityOne Flightstick gives sim gamers in the skies and in space an unmatched, modern controller experience that’s ready for today and tomorrow’s AAA flight-based games,” said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “VelocityOne Flightstick is perfect for fans of Microsoft Flight Sim 2020, X-Plane, Elite Dangerous, War Thunder, Star Citizen, Everspace, and Star Wars flight games, whether you want to fly casually or go rocketing through space. With VelocityOne Flightstick now added to our growing VelocityOne family of products, both the flight sim and gaming communities can fly confidently knowing the controller in their hands delivers superior performance.”

Full details on Turtle Beach’s all-new, groundbreaking VelocityOne Flightstick include:

• 8 High-Precision Axes: High-resolution, contactless sensors on the main stick axes (left/right, forward/back, and twist) provide precise response and extended longevity to the main stick controls. A nano trim wheel allows for fine tuning of attitude, and an analog POV hat delivers finite adjustment to cockpit views or strafe thrusters in space sims.

• Multifunction Throttle & Flap Levers: Throttle levers control main engine power, while flap levers let gamers quickly adjust secondary control surfaces. Plus, swappable throttle tops allow for customization of controls for fighter jets, or airliners.

• Multiplatform Compatibility: Connect via the included 10 ft/3m USB-C to USB-A cable and play fan-favorite titles on Xbox or Windows PCs with an integrated input mode switch. Optimized for maximum compatibility on each platform, the VelocityOne Flightstick is built for navigating air and space flight simulation & combat games on Xbox and Windows PCs.

• 27 Programmable Buttons: Equipped with an 8-way digital POV hat, rapid-fire trigger, stick-mounted buttons, dual throttle lever detents, and eight programmable base buttons, gamers are well-armed with controls for their most critical flight functions.

• Flight Management Display: An integrated OLED Flight Management Display lets gamers tune performance to suit the game being played. Plus, pilots can adjust control profiles, trim wheel input mode, rudder lock and more.

• Flight Configuration Wheel: Navigate the Flight Management Display and configure the Flightstick using the intuitive rotary dial with click at base of the stick. Browse through the configuration options and update the product performance in real-time with all information stored in on-board memory.

• Touchpad Navigation Sensor: The touch sensor with precision button press gives full control of mouse cursor functionality, which is ideal for navigating simulation systems, and can also be used for weapon control in popular air & space combat sim titles.

• Ambidextrous Design: Designed to control fighter jets or airliners, the main stick has an ergonomic, ambidextrous shape with a reversible wrist rest. Plus, with eight programmable base buttons, gamers can set up the controls to their exact preference regardless of which hand is on the controls.

• Pro-Aim™ Focus Mode: Adjust main stick sensitivity for accurate enemy targeting and precise control of landings.

• The Turtle Beach Audio Advantage: Connect any 3.5mm headset and take advantage of proven Turtle Beach audio functions like Superhuman Hearing®, EQ modes, Mic Monitoring, and Game & Chat Balance.

• Xbox Navigation Controls: Effortlessly control your console with licensed Xbox buttons. An additional white LED indicates successful connection and operation.

• Bluetooth Companion App: Connect tablets or smartphones to adjust product performance on Windows PCs using the Flightstick app available for iOS & Android devices.

• Adjustable RGB Lighting: Set the color, brightness, and response of multiple RGB LED zones.

NBA 2K23 on the Xbox Series has the easy edge of PlayStation 5

You know what’s great about this headline in particular? It’s like saying the iPhone 14 Pro Max is better than the iPhone 14 Pro - at the end of the day, we’re still talking about greatness and if you caught my previous comments about the new NBA 2K23 video game - you already know it’s the best NBA 2K to date. But there’s just something about the Xbox feel which gives it an edge over the PlayStation 5 feel.

I cannot get over how much fun and non-stop gaming I put into the Xbox Series X version of NBA 2K23. What I thought would be the equivalent of playing NBA 2K on the PlayStation 5 but with just a different controller turned out to be a completely different and fulfilling experience. For starters, the smoothness of what the Xbox console provides is astonishing.

I remember getting an Xbox Series S way back in 2020 and thinking it would be fun but my goodness - did I have my mind blown away by the overall feel and experience of NBA 2K21 at the time. The same was true once NBA 2K22 arrived and I upgraded my system to an Xbox Series X and even when I managed to get my hands on the PlayStation 5 - I still found myself having the best experience on Microsoft’s next generation gem.

So initially starting out by trying NBA 2K23 on the PlayStation 5 I thought I was in euphoria. The realism. Smoothness. Everything felt right-right. But of course the lingering thoughts of how much better the Xbox version is remained in my mind - ultimately resulting in me reaching out to NBA 2K’s amazing PR team (thank-you, thank-you, thank-you) and requesting an Xbox version to see the differences.

They are significant.

Well, in all honesty, the casual gamer will be just as happy but when you’re dealing with intense online modes, face-offs and everything in-between, it’s the difference of driving around in a Beamer or going the distance in a Toyota RAV4. Needless to say - you feel the overall creamy smoothness of what the Xbox brings to the table.

You’re still looking at the same smooth graphics and crispy presentation but when you’re holding onto the Series controller, you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat and going on a passion journey to greatness.

My plan was to go to each game mode and break down any differences but truthfully speaking? It’s all solid when it comes to choosing a next generation console but in terms of smoothness and comfort? The Xbox Series versions are First Class compared to the Premium Economy feel of the PlayStation 5 versions.

All in all - it’s win-win vibes around here but if you’re contemplating between either system, put your faith in the Xbox Series X|S.

Madden 23: Here's 7 reasons this is 10/10 the best sports game you'll play this year

No offense to the competition in the sports world, which does include EA’s NHL and FIFA franchises - but there’s truly no bigger sports game year in and year out than Madden. Point. Blank. Period. But with the iconic powerhouse feeling the pressure to deliver in bigger ways than ever before for an audience yearning for a hit of something good-good, the geniuses at EA’s Madden came through in epic fashion taking your next generation PlayStation and Xbox to all-new heights with Madden 23 and of course there’s 7 key reasons why it’s the best sports game - 10 out of 10 - you’ll tap into this year.

1. The competition is none

Let’s just keep it 100 - there’s no one messing with the Madden franchise. We’re not going to take those silly Apple Arcade titles serious or any PC-created arena football game, either. R.I.P. to NFL Blitz though - such a legendary arcade title we all still miss. But over the past 20-plus years, the Madden franchise has remained atop of the food chain and even it’s ‘worst’ year is any other brand’s best performing year. It’s just simple facts.

Madden continues to deliver on a yearly basis and it’s like someone complaining about Coca-Cola not being what it was ‘back in the day’ - a few calories might have shifted and some productions might taste a little sweeter than others but the recipe remains the same. Non-stop fun and gaming goals are always achieved whenever you load up a Madden game and the same is true in 2022.

2. Your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S deserve this

I won’t lie - having such a great team at EA Sports and notably the Madden division, they’re determined to make sure reviewers and gamers get an equal opportunity - so having the blessing to test out Madden 23 on both the PlayStation 5 AND (big caps) Xbox Series X - my goodness, I was in love. There are certain games which just cater to a particular system but Madden gives you the same good-good on both consoles.

Let’s keep it authentic, as much as I ride or die for my PlayStation 5, there’s just something about Call of Duty games feeling better on Xbox Series X, even NBA 2K just has a more fun overall vibe and touch on the Microsoft gem. But look at titles like MLB The Show - which finally made its way to Xbox with MLB The Show 21 after years of exclusivity with Sony PlayStation - and NHL, and they feel as if they were ‘only’ made for the PlayStation 5.

The debate is over and I am proud to say I equally found myself loving Madden literally the same on both systems. Neither - in a good way - had an edge over the other and the same amount of jam-packed fun and joystick-pushing and button-smashing action lives on both consoles. The 4K resolution, the graphics and cut scenes plus everything in-between is made for next generation experiences and are properly delivered on both systems.

3. The Franchise mode comes through with some major improvements

I won’t lie - I used to only lock in on the multi-player modes but when you want to zone out and enjoy the gaming goals, sometimes there’s nothing better than tapping into franchise experiences. Madden heads have been in their feelings - myself at times too - for years and the executives have come correct. Introducing the decked-out free agency mode? Oh yes.

Signing players during free agency is now broken out into three different stages during which teams can contact a specific number of players to negotiate with. This creates more tension during the process. A new negotiation and Free Agency Hub screen also help players in the process. To create a sense of pressure within Madden NFL 23, we are introducing the Active Negotiations feature.

During the first stage of free agency, each team will only be able to offer up to 5 players a contract during each Eval Period. This will help ensure that a few teams can’t just come in and sign all the top free agents right away. It’s also now no longer just all about the money - but we will get into that later. In the first stage of free agency, you will need to be calculated on whom you make offers to as you won’t be able to go after everybody you want. In Stage two of free agency, you can offer up to 10 players in each Eval period and then in Stage 3, you can make an unlimited amount of offers to the remaining Free Agents.

While this is more limiting in early stages, it is compensated for by the second feature, Evaluations. Within every week of Free Agency, 3 Eval Offers can be made; when triggered all offers are run allowing players to accept/decline contracts or not make a final decision without the need for the week to be advanced. 

This will give each team more opportunity to go back and forth with a player during negotiations and/or possibly allow you to change direction if you get feedback that the player is not interested in signing with you. You will need to pay close attention to all of the factors that go into how a player decides on where he will sign. With the added information, improved flows, and the mix of limitation and opportunity, we hope to bring a more strategic and rewarding experience to one of the most impactful aspects of the offseason.

So if you’re serious about running your operations and want to build a serious contender, the Free Agency experience will take you to a place you’ve never quite experienced before.

4. The graphics are intentionally championship level

The graphics for Madden games have never been bad. Honestly. Never. But just like the reality of 8K quality existing while we all live in a 4K world, Madden made sure to push forward to continue bringing the most accurate and realistic graphics you can imagine. The same is true with Madden 23 having such an epic new player and game day presentation thanks to fresh scans of players.

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As mentioned above, to really get blown away, your next generation experience is needed on the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. From the body types and coach likelinesses, you’ll feel like it’s Sunday afternoon every time you load up Madden 23 this summer, fall and heck, all the way to the Super Bowl in February.

5. FieldSENSE is such a game-changer

With 48 hours of gaming goals nearly reached before letting loose this non-stop write-up on Madden 23, it’s safe to say I did not fully get the chance to go all-in on every aspect of the FieldSENSE but needless to say, this factor alone is reason enough to laugh at the competition’s small updates and enhancements.

This year’s title is stacked with a new foundation for ultra-realistic gameplay making authenticity seem as regular as breathing. In other words? This game hits different and has you covered in all regards. In an effort not to nerd out too much, I’ll allow the Madden PR team break down this feature a little better than I can.

FieldSENSE sets a new foundation for consistent, ultra-realistic gameplay that makes Madden NFL 23 more authentic, bringing more variety and realistic, physics-driven outcomes. FieldSENSE manifests itself through a suite of new mechanics: Hit Everything, Skill-Based Passing, 360° Cuts, and WR vs. DB Battles.

• Hit Everything: Designed to make sure that hits and tackles do not feel pre-determined, Hit Everything encompasses:

  • Hit the Pile: Delivers more dynamic, physics-based outcomes for multi-defender tackles.

  • Stand-Up Tackles: A new 1v1 mechanic that enables you to fight to stay on your feet if you're the ball carrier, or bring the opposition down when you are on defense, Stand-Up tackles gives you more control to risk fighting for extra yards or choose to protect the ball from being knocked out by the defense.

  • Hitting Blocks: As a defender, use the hit stick when in range to run into a block and blow it up, fight through traffic, or knock a teammate free.

  • Mid-Air Knockouts: Defenders have more control in how they attempt to break up the play and get off the field. There's less of a need to risk it all and go for the INT, now you can knock the ball out with a well-timed mid-air hit or attack the ball at the point of the catch to break up the pass.

  • Add-On Blocks: Running backs and tight ends can add onto and leave blocks freely in protection or as they execute their routes.

  • Branching and Physics Tech: All the above features are made possible by the use of Branching Tech and Physics Information with FieldSENSE to inform how the interactions in the game should play out realistically, with variety, and while preserving momentum.

6. Those Hail Mary passes won’t be so predictable anymore

The one thing I always cringed at playing Madden is the yay/nay factor of passing. Either it’s going to be a completion or interception. We’ve all watched enough real-life football games to know there are so many new elements involved.

What I was most blown away by in Madden 23 in regard to the passing experience is just how many different outcomes there are now. It feels like a pass is no longer just a completion/incompletion or interception - there are jumbles, there are bouncing around before making the completion and even swatting the ball away on defense into a teammates hands all make these experiences even better. But you can largely credit the amount of attention Madden put into the passing for why this is such an advanced perk.

A robust set of all-new customizable options that puts ultimate control of passing in your hands that allows quarterbacks to place the ball exactly where they want to, leading receivers away from pressure, fitting the ball into a tight gap, or putting the ball where only your receiver has a chance to make a play. While you press the button to choose the receiver to throw the ball to, you can move the left analog stick to aim the pass and lead the receiver into space. More layers to Skill-Based Passing include:

• Target Area and Target Reticle: Aim the reticle within the target area with just the left stick. This gives you more control while keeping your throw within an area that your receiver should be able to make a catch.

• Free-Form Passing: Gives you the ability to pinpoint your throw to your receiver both within and outside of the target area. Hold down the L2/LT to activate then move the left stick in the direction you want to throw. You have additional control within Gameplay settings to decide how fast or slow you want this retical to move noted below.

• Passing Meters: You have two choices depending on what feels best: Power Meter and Accuracy Meter.

• Skill-Based Passing Settings:

  • Passing Type: Select between the Power Lead & Accuracy or Power Lead mechanic to use Skill-Based Passing. You can take advantage of the new Skill-Based Passing and all that it offers, but you can also select the classic passing type to use legacy passing mechanics.

  • Passing Slowdown: We’ve added an offline only slowdown feature for Skill-Based Passing. When beginning your throw, the game will slow down so you can have more time to place the ball exactly where you want to. We also allow you to tune the speed at which the slowdown occurs so you can find the setting that works best for you. We recommend that everyone starts with the maximum slowed down setting on in offline games to gain an understanding of the controls. Once you’ve mastered the mechanics ideally in practice mode, ramp the speed back up to full game speed so that you’re ready to compete online.

  • Passing Free-Form Max Distance: You’ll have the option to select the maximum distance you want to pass lead outside of the target area when using Free-Form. This setting ranges from keeping your reticle just outside the target area for safer pass leads to allowing you to pass lead the ball anywhere on the field.

  • Passing Free-Form Speed: This setting will allow you to tune how fast you want your reticle to move when using the Free-Form mechanic. We recommend hopping into practice mode to really dial in the sensitivity that feels best.

  • Reticle Visibility: Allows you to turn on/off the visuals for the reticle when leading a pass.

  • Meter Visibility: Allows you to turn on/off the visuals for either passing meter.

A bit blown away yet? The amount of detail for how you can complete a pass, or at the very least attempt one… Daniel Jones … is insane and makes you channel your inner two-time winning Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning with razor sharp precision to Plaxico and Manningham-type players, of course.

7. It’s all about the Motivation

Just like you need motivation to load up your Madden title, the same is true for players. Are you trying to kill time before heading out? Did you want to perfect your skills before a long night of gaming goals? Whatever your motivation is for playing, it’s true for the in-game players. The Motivations factor is nuts and gets very precise into what’s truly fueling your player into wanting to sign on the dotted line when you’re playing Franchise mode.

Motivations: In previous years, players simply signed with the teams offering the most money. Now, every player has three Motivations describing the type of team they want to play for. These conditions can range from location, coach prestige, team composition and more. All players will begin with a set of 3 Motivations but with every year a player continues with a Franchise, these may update to better align with their current situation.

Super Bowl Chase - Evaluated throughout the season, the teams in position to contend for the Super Bowl will be the prime destination for these players. Ex. Von Miller, Buffalo Bills.

Historic Championships - A priority toward Franchises with a winning culture that have shown their ability to bring home the Lombardi trophy over time.

Head Coach Historic Record - Top tier coaches that have proven their contribution to winning games will better recruit players to come on board.

Scheme Fit - Players will look to match the team’s offensive or defensive Scheme to best showcase their talent on the field.

Top the Depth Chart - These players are looking to be starters at their position, plain and simple.

Team Has Franchise QB - Taking the field with an elite Quarterback is a dream to many. If your QB has the “Franchise QB” Player Tag, they’ll be helping you bring these players into the mix. Ex. Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mentor at Position - Developing players can look to find their mentor to help them break through to the next level. They want to see a player on your team at their position with the “Mentor” Player Tag.

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Close to Home - Does your city bring a player close to his family? The distance between your stadium and a player’s Home state can be a big draw. Ex. Jarvis Landry, New Orleans Saints.

Big Market - Opportunities off the field can be as appealing as those on. Big Market players are looking to showcase themselves in the largest cities in the world.

Tax Free State - Paydays aren’t always the same when taxes are involved. Teams in states with no income tax provide an extra incentive for some.

Warm Weather State - Sun and fun. States that stay warm throughout the winter will be welcoming to these players.

Highest Offer -Sometimes it is all about the money. Players will think less of how you fit their interests and are simply looking for the biggest deal.

How your team aligns with the motivation of a player sets their overall Interest in your team. This Interest factors heavily in contract negotiations. A player with no Interest in your team would require massive financial compensation to consider signing, while a player who perfectly aligns with your Franchise may take a pay cut to guarantee you bring them aboard.

Just a couple days in and I’m completely in love with Madden 23. I know the EA team would probably prefer me to keep things politically correct and just give an honest rating but without a doubt this is the ‘best’ sports game of the year. From lackluster updates from some other titles and the NFL season looking more promising than ever with the launch of NFL+ and some insane Week 1 face-offs - Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams, anyone - Madden 23 arrives at a perfect time to keep the NFL excitement pumping through your veins from pre-season through post-season.

Attack The Culture score: 10/10

It's all about the Diamond Casino this week in Grand Theft Auto Online

The weather is only getting hotter and aside from heading out to see Thor: Love and Thunder - and possibly a few amazing outdoor tastings in New York City - in the coming days, there’s no better way to stay cool than chilling indoors and clocking in endless Grand Theft Auto Online hours. So it’s only right we take a look at everything going down in the best open world game out right now.

From Casino Work offering up big payouts to summer deals on fits, it’s all about non-stop fun this week.

Utilize Your Arcade Property to Case The Diamond Casino & Resort

Plus, Help Ms. Agatha Baker with Casino Work Missions, Get Double Rewards on Open Wheel Races, and More

Agatha Baker may be trying to keep things on the hush-hush, but Casino staff keep grumbling about working overtime overseeing new deliveries of diamonds to the vault.

If you’re going to exploit this opportunity, you’ll need to make use of an Arcade property — and its unique basement setup — for rehearsing a score this big. Plus, there's the added bonus of an above-board gaming hall with an assortment of playable retro arcade cabinets available. All Arcade properties are 40% off on the Maze Bank Foreclosures in-game website through July 18.

3X GTA$ and RP on Casino Work, Plus Special GTA$ Bonuses

Speaking of Ms. Baker, calling her up and requesting Casino Work missions will be rewarding in its own right this week: completingHouse Keeping will land you a bonus of GTA$100K, while finishing Cashing Out will land you a bonus of GTA$200K.  Also completing one of Agatha's off-the-books Casino Work assignments will land you an additional GTA$200K upon completion (delivered within 72 hours of completion).

Hao’s Premium Test Ride: Pfister Astron Custom
Hao and his team of gearheads are all about pushing vehicles beyond the limits of their usual performance. Case in point: this week’s Premium Test vehicle, a maxed-out Pfister Astron Custom wrapped in a colorful livery that lets everyone else at your stoplight know that you’re a serious racer with ambitions as a driver.

Hao’s Special Works Time Trial
Slam on the gas, race against the clock, and enjoy the blurred sights through your windshield in this week’s HSW Time Trial between East Vinewood and Vespucci Beach.

2X GTA$ and RP on Open Wheel Races

See how many G-forces you and your competitors can withstand and use timely KERS boosts to propel you to victory in Open Wheel Races — paying out 2X GTA$ and RP to all competitors through July 18.

2X GTA$ and RP on Gerald’s Last Play Contact Missions

Help Gerald fight off the forces of the Marabunta Grande gang, the Ballas, and bikers to secure his retirement fund in Gerald’s Last Play, paying out 2X Rewards through July 18.

2X GTA$ and RP on Overtime Shootout

They don’t teach you how to take turns flinging a sports car off a ramp and parachuting onto tiny platforms hundreds of yards away — but they should, because that’s the name of the game in Overtime Shootout. Whether you successfully thread the needle or end up missing your target, both teams will earn 2X Rewards for playing this week.

This Week’s Prize Ride: Übermacht Zion Classic
Racers who place in the Top 5 in LS Car Meet Races for three days in a row this week will earn the Übermacht Zion Classic, a tasteful throwback to ‘80s excess, like a wide-lapeled leisure suit with wheels.

Test Out the Progen Emerus, Truffade Thrax, and Vysser Neo
Do you suffer from buyer’s anxiety? Experiment with exposure therapy this week by trying the Progen Emerus, Truffade Thrax, and Vysser Neo out for size on the LS Car Meet’s Test Track. Put the pedal to the metal in competitive Scrambles or high-speed Time Trials to see how the wheel feels in your hands — all at no personal cost.

This Week on The Casino Podium: The Dinka Sugoi
Take a leisurely stroll through the lobby of The Diamond Casino & Resort to spin the Lucky Wheel and walk away with GTA$, RP, clothing and accessories, and more. This week’s top prize on the podium is none other than the Dinka Sugoi, an import that can shift from a casual Sunday morning soccer practice pick-up to a dangerous midnight sprint in the blink of an eye.

DISCOUNTS:
Snag an Arcade from Maze Bank Foreclosures for 40% off this week, and you can also apply that same 40% discount to all Floor Plan, Color, and Pattern customizations for your Penthouse atop the Casino.

Spiff up your wardrobe and grab Fitted Suit Jackets (available from the Casino Store) and The Diamond Casino Heist Utility Vests (available at clothing stores citywide) for 50% off. There’s also an assortment of high-end cars on sale for 30% off through July 18:

• Progen Emerus – 30% off 

• Truffade Thrax – 30% off

• Vysser Neo – 30% off

• Vapid Caracara 4x4 – 30% off

• Annis Hellion – 30% off

• Vulcar Nebula Turbo – 30% off

• Maxwell Vagrant – 30% off

• Lampadati Komoda – 30% off

• Nagasaki Outlaw – 30% off

• Übermacht Rebla GTS – 30% off

GTA+

This Month’s GTA+ Member Benefits:

• The Penthouse at The Diamond Casino & Resort

• The Ocelot Locust sports car

• Free clothing and accessories

• 2X GTA$ on Standard Time Trials and 4X Rewards on The Data Leaks

• 1.5X GTA$ for completing The Contract Finale 

• Additional Member Bonuses

Visit the GTA+ website to check out all the GTA+ Membership Benefits available through July 18. To learn more about how to make the most of your GTA+ Membership, check out the GTA+ Guide.

Prime Gaming Benefits

GTA Online players who successfully connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will now receive GTA$125K just for playing anytime this week.

All bonus GTA$ will be deposited into your Maze Bank account within 72 hours of log in. To ensure access to future benefits, make sure to visit Prime Gaming and sign up.

The Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition GIFs + Stickers have arrived

As if the hype and anticipation for The Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition rollout this Thursday couldn’t be any more exciting, the geniuses at Rockstar Games have hit the green light on a series of awesome GIFs and stickers you can’t help but love-love.

From Instagram and TikTok to an endless amount through GIPHY, these are way too dope to ignore. Check ‘em out and prepare yourself for non-stop nostalgic gaming in 48 hours.

In celebration of the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, we've picked out some of the most iconic moments and images from across all the three games, and published them as a collection of stickers and GIFs to our official GIPHY page.

Check out the collection on GIPHY and search for #gtatrilogy on your favorite video and messaging apps to add a little spice to the conversation.

Of Course Call of Duty: Vanguard Is Packed W/ Zombies

Forget “The Walking Dead” and its endless spin-offs, the hype is realer than ever for Call of Duty: Vanguard as it inches closer to its drop date (November 5) and how appropriate to drop its Zombies trailer with Halloween around the corner?

The major reveal is jaw-dropping, packed with gory fun and enough bloodbaths to make Playboi Carti’s Whole Lotta Red seem like it’s made for this video game. Check out the Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies reveal video!