The casual gamer is a popular fellow nowadays. Nearly every publishing giant is seeking him out, culling to his desire, whim, and limited amount of playing time. Thus far this generation, no other console has sated the casual taste more than the Wii, and EA wants a big piece of that.
Yesterday, EA announced a new casual sports umbrella called
EA SPORTS All-Play, exclusively for the Wii.
All-Play is a conglomeration of every EA sports titles, specifically retrofitted for the wiggle and waggle of the Wii remote. The lineup of
Madden,
NBA LIVE,
FIFA,
Tiger Woods Golf, and
NCAA Football is set to start hitting the aisles of videogame vendors in July, starting with
NCAA Football 2009.
The title promises all the splendors of “novice” gaming, including intuitive controls and lame menus. The rest of the lineup will hit throughout the late summer into the fall. My personal favorite tattooed president Peter Moore has this to say about All-Play:
"We're excited to take five of our most popular franchises and develop them from the ground up exclusively for the Wii, with unique controls, unique presentation, unique modes and even unique packaging. Whether you're an EA SPORTS veteran or a rookie gamer, EA SPORTS All-Play levels the playing field and delivers a fresh new gaming experience."
I think he forgot to mention “or I’ll ink this press release on my buttocks.” Hit the break for the full press release of the affair, complete with rosy descriptions of every title in the lineup.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 26, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS) has unveiled new game details and the unique line-look for its "EA SPORTS™ All-Play" products shipping this summer and fall for the Wii™. Designed for social play and featuring unique controls, distinct presentation and a style of play that is inviting to players of all skill levels, EA SPORTS will ship five "All-Play" games in 2008, including next month's NCAA® Football 09 All-Play.
"The Wii platform and the Wii consumer are looking for a very unique sports experience," said Peter Moore, president of EA SPORTS. "We're excited to take five of our most popular franchises and develop them from the ground up exclusively for the Wii, with unique controls, unique presentation, unique modes and even unique packaging. Whether you're an EA SPORTS veteran or a rookie gamer, EA SPORTS All-Play levels the playing field and delivers a fresh new gaming experience."
EA SPORTS will ship the following games, all with an MSRP of $49.99, this fall under the "All-Play" descriptor:
NCAA Football 09 All-Play
Release Date: July 15, 2008
NCAA Football 09 All-Play debuts on the Wii in July with stylized gameplay that is quick and easy for fans to jump in and out of great head-to-head action. The game features All-Play controls, a multiplayer social experience that allows novice users to compete against advanced players and still enjoy success. All-Play controls are designed for the more novice fans, but also feature a traditional default setting for the more seasoned veterans. NCAA Football 09 All-Play features nearly 200 schools, making it the most authentic college sports gaming experience available for the Wii.
Madden NFL 09 All-Play
Release Date: August 12, 2008
Madden NFL 09 All-Play features fun, approachable and innovative gameplay by unleashing the power of the Wii Remote through the all-new EA SPORTS Call Your Shots feature. Call Your Shots allows the player to create his or her own plays on the fly and direct receivers where they should run. Gamers of all skill levels can also enjoy an all-new fast paced 5-on-5 mode which has a reduced field length and big head NFL players. Experienced Madden players or rookies to the game can utilize the all-new play calling system. No matter the skill level, players can be competitive with three playbooks to choose from, ranging from Easy to Advanced.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play
Release Date: August 26, 2008
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 09 All-Play features personalized coaching from Tiger Woods' personal coach, Hank Haney and all types of gamers can pick up this game and have a fun and challenging experience. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play features new graphics and user interface while also incorporating interactive and social mini-games. The standing swing control, the most "true to life" golf mechanic you can find in any videogame, truly takes advantage of the Wii console's unique control scheme. The game will also feature online play for the first time with Simultaneous Online Play that allows up to four players the ability to play each hole at the same time.
NBA LIVE 09 All-Play
Release Date: October 7, 2008 (North America); October 14, 2008 (Worldwide)
Step onto the court and into the fun with a unique basketball experience designed exclusively for the Wii. NBA LIVE 09 All-Play offers more action, more often, with an over-the-top basketball experience designed with everyone in mind. Improved responsiveness and more control options make this game easier and more fun to play than ever before.
FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Step onto the pitch and play a unique soccer experience exclusively for the Wii. Enjoy FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play one of two ways—a Wii-specific take on the classic '11 vs. 11' simulation or over-the-top '8 vs. 8' arcade action. Play with your Mii™ alongside your heroes Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney and other soccer stars created as customized characters in an arcade version of the beautiful game. Steal the ball and make outrageous shots by simply waving your Wii Remote. You've never played soccer like this before! Plus, play Footii Party Games called Table Soccer and Boot It for more great fun with family and friends.
EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.
For more information on EA SPORTS All-Play, the full line-up of All-Play titles, game features, overview videos and more, please visit the all-new All-Play website at www.easports.com/eaallplay.
Contest:
8:06 AM on 06.27.2008
| 
Can't knock their hustle though.
I suppose it all comes down to the popularity of the console within a crowd that has never really been tapped before. With that said, I'm often disappointed with moves like this. I'd much rather play a fully-fleshed, Wii-specific Madden as opposed to these weird "novice" versions.
This way they can claim the casual sports market, play with new gameplay mechanics before spending millions on a next-gen game, and probably tie it into their upcoming clothing line.
Not that I'll care about any of these games, but it's nice for the casual gamer dad who wants a simple sports game to play with his preteen kid. I'd be more worried about the possible pedobear Mii's starring these games...
As for me, I'd rather stick to the regular versions of sports games, thank you.
Seriously?
Hey, I'd plaster that all over the front page if I had any say in it, If it makes you feel better.
I suppose it all comes down to the popularity of the console within a crowd that has never really been tapped before. With that said, I'm often disappointed with moves like this. I'd much rather play a fully-fleshed, Wii-specific Madden as opposed to these weird "novice" versions."
It's funny because, of my friends and family who I'd consider "hardcore gamers," almost all have Wiis. One has a PS3, which he just bought for MGS4 a few weeks ago. Of my casual gaming friends, one has a PS3 (which he got for Christmas and never plays) and one has a 360 and a Wii. Is my group of friends strange here? PS, of all my friends who have Wiis, ALL had PS2's and PSOne's and only one had a Gamecube.