Electronic Arts appears ready to go all in on long, narrative story modes in its sports games.
After adding a playable mode in “FIFA 17” called “The Journey,” in which you step into the shoes of the fictional rookie forward Alex Hunter, the company announced recently that “Madden NFL 18” would receive a similar treatment.
“NBA Live 18,” meanwhile, although not a full-featured story mode, will include a ramped-up career mode, where players can customize a player and earn rewards along the way.
In Madden’s “The Longshot,” you play the part of a quarterback who Electronic Arts calls “a forgotten college star” trying to mount a comeback.
As you progress, you interact with other characters and personalities, including NFL legend Dan Marino.
Your decisions and performances in practice games affect how your player develops.
Former Electronic Arts executive Ben Noel, who now leads University of Central Florida’s video game school, said it’s an evolution of the company’s long-time tagline.
“Madden was always the product that you got the kitchen sink with,” he said. “That’s what made it better than other games. It was their motto: ‘If it’s in the game, it’s in the game,’ right?”
NBA Live’s “The One” will put you in control of a player starting out his career, from street ball courts to, if he performs well, the NBA.
The company is also touting the development of Frostbite, a game engine that debuted on its popular “Battlefield” series.
The powerful game engine drives the look and feel of video games, as companies like Electronic Arts push for more realism.
Company officials called Frostbite’s debut “a significant visual leap” and critics who played the game at E3 have so far been impressed.
A good portion of the development of both “Madden” and “NBA Live” is done in Orlando. The releases will mark the first time either franchise has included a story mode.
“FIFA 18” will see the return of story mode, as well.
“It’s going to be a trend, I think,” he said. “How deep it goes, though, depends on when the next great thing comes along.”
About the Author
