Typical Phenom

Ok, unless I somehow missed it, I'm extremely disappointed that nobody's mentioned Dick Butkus yet.

Bah. We were in the middle of a pretty good game (I'm dominating stats, Cole's winning with 2 KR's and 1 INT for TD's while I try to keep up), 3 minutes left in the 4th, I've got the ball, and the message comes up 'Connection to opponent has been lost', which I assume meanst he connection just dropped out. Lame.

Apparently Cole hasn't been on in four days, anyone have a SN for him on AIM or his MSN so I can try and set up a time to play?

Also, just clarifying, this is for the 360, correct?

Tried to play Sqeak (I quit); I hit Y for fair catch only about 1,000 times and never called it --- fumble, returned; game tied 7-7. Next possession, I was taking a sack, computer decides to "pass" as he gets hit, INT. I can't handle that.

Yet you had no problem winning thanks to my QB "throwing" what, 3 pick-sixes to a DT after the same thing? Bad Biggz.

Put me down for FAU.

Just an update on Oso, he's still wanting in, just hasn't gotten the net hooked up at his new place. Phone company's kinda dicking him around at this point after not showing up when they said they were going to. But he's still in when he gets connected.

True to real life, an Ed Reed pick-six ended my game in OT with a loss.

So is it to late to join and if not is the first post still accurate with teams that ar avaliable?

It is on both counts.

So we're not letting anyone else in? Just making sure because I had been trying to talk another friend into getting involved, thinking since it was still early, he'd be ok.

Can you for sure join in after the season's started? Oso's got net issues, probably won't be around until Wednesday so if it's possible, he'll just join up when he's able. If he has to be in now in order to be a part of it, I'll let him know to figure something out.

So, should I go ahead and play my game against B-More? Or are we waiting still? Just checking as I've nothing else to do at the moment.

Activated mine as well.

Gamertag is provenmedia since I apparently can't recover my old one.

Alright, I've found my first gripe with the game.

I play the 2-9 Bucs and maybe I'm too cocky or something, But I came into the game expecting a blow out and what happens? I throw 5 picks and was very lucky to only lose by 3 thanks to a late game comeback.

The very next week, I take on the 12-0 Patriots and in a frankly easy game I beat the undefeated Pats 17-3.

So in the last two games, I lose to the worst team in the league and beat the best team in the league, What is up with that?

Hence the phrase "Any Given Sunday". If you dominated every game you thought you were going to dominate, what would be the point of playing? Also, maybe there 2-9 for a reason (had injuries during a few games and just got healthy). Personally, I don't find it to be a problem, but rather a plus.

Some people mentioned having a roster update already. Could you tell me who they have as the Chiefs WR's? I wasn't aware of there being a roster update already, I just heard about one for the 19th.

Also, on the 360, do I just start an online game in order to get the roster update?

Chiefs. I'm registering for XBL tonight, I'll edit in my gamertag.

I just switched from PS3 to 360 and picked up Madden last night. It plays so much better this year. I really wanna start a franchise but am waiting til the roster update on the 19th at least before I get going.

And if there is an online franchise, put me down for the Chiefs, I definately want in now that I got a 360.

They've also slowed things down and increased the realism. The biggest example I can remember involves passing speed. Before, anyone with a QB strength of 70 could throw bullets at Favre-like speeds. Now, only the strongest of the strong arms can do that.

Another effected runner's making cuts, making it less rounded and more direct if I remember correctly.

AND! They fixed the damn FB Dive play, no more guaranteed two or three yards on the FB Dive anymore.

Add in the changes to franchise mode and this is the first time I feel like I'm not just buying last year's game with updated rosters.

I'm not sure what to say. I thought it was a joke by a co-worker at first, then found out it was true and was just speechless. Growing up, Michael Jackson was it, there was nothing bigger. Him and Michael Jordan were the two big icons, at least for me, and I just always saw him as larger than life, untouchable. Now to see him dead, and at the early age of 50....just wow.

So....is there a way to upload an image of your created fighter?

Outside of Slice I've seen:

Marcus Jones (4-2) - Trains at Gracie Tampa under Rob Kahn, has solid ground game, no fight has last over 2:37. Likes to bang, has a suspect chin, should use his jits more. Not terrible though, former NFL player, good athlete.

Roy Nelson (13-4) - Former top ranked HW. Heavy hands, heavy... everything, decent ground game, and don't let his size fool you. He's the favorite... think of it sort of like Mac Danzig, not in talent, but on the show. Experienced, decent guy who's game is far superior right now. At least a semi-finalist and quite possibly the winner. Did well against Arlovski, his loss to Monson was somewhat controversial (I scored it for Monson too).

Wes Sims (20-11) - Former UFC contender, but he's not all that great. Has more mental problems than physical... although he has the HammerHouse cardio aka next to none. His experience should carry him early in the competition at least past the first round of fights.

Scott Junk (6-2) - Been in the UFC before, only losses are to Christian Wellisch and Ricco Rodriguez.

Mike Wessel (6-1) - Former pro football player, been in the UFC and got TKO'd by Hardonk.

Jim York (10-2) - Fought James Thompson at Sengoku shortly after Thompson's bout with Slice on CBS. Heavy hitter. Has to cut down to 265, only saw his bout with Thompson.

Haven't Seen:

Zak Jensen (7-3) - Pulled out of a fight against fellow cast membe Justin Wren for TUF Tryouts. Rematch.

Matt Mitrione (0-0) - Former NFL player, good athlete. Has to cut weight. Trains with Jake O'Brien.

Brendan Schaub (4-0) - Another ex-football player. Trains out of Greg Jackson's camp - training partner of Shane Carwin. 2008 Colorado golden gloves champion and 2008 Colorado BJJ Absolute Advanced Grand Champion.

Darrill Schoonover (9-0; 12-0 as amatuer) - Formerly held some random promotions' HW and LHW titles, so seems he'll be the smallest guy against a talented group of huge men. Probably see him cut to 205 in the UFC if he shows promise against the big guys.

Wes Shivers (0-1; 6-0 amatuer) - Supposedly took Rex Richards' spot on the cast. Shame, Richards would have been excellent on the cast.

Abe Wagner (6-1; 0-2 amatuer) - Apprently idolizes Cro Cop. Not quite sure what that means.

Justin Wren (10-1) - Greco wrestler who turned to MMA after injury against former #1 Greco Champion. Lived at the Olympic training center. Went to Iowa State to wrestle under Sanderson. Trains with Lutter.

Jon Madsen (2-0; trains out of the HIT Squad)

I like Schaub. He played football out here too, I think he made it to the NFL at one point. Started under Marquardt and pretty much learned everything real quick. Last fight I saw was in Ring of Fire, very impressive though.

It's.. really not a big enough game to be doing a midnight release. If I had to work at midnight just to do a midnight release for a game that likely won't be sold out in most locations.. I'd be pissed off.

I assume they base it on something, pre-orders probably, as to whether or not they'll stay open. I'll say this though, UFC always surprises me. When they released their first trading cards a couple months ago, they sold out immediately, so I figure sales should definately be good for a video game.

So, am I safe in assuming that I'm not the only one who ran out of things to do with this? It's still fun for the occasional play, but once I got past all the accomplishments and a few caw's, it's pretty much just sat in the case.

For those who aren't bored with it, what keeps your attention? I'm trying to decide if its worth keeping or not, so any ideas to create more longevity out of the game would be great.

So your final 3 are Danny, Kris, Adam.

Honestly, as long as Danny's gone next, I could care less. I don't know what his fanbase is, but it sure as hell is closer to Taylor Hicks' than any actual idols.

Danny's got a good story that lets people get behind him. I agree he doesn't really have a solid market for an album, at least none that I can see right now, but I can't rule him out of the competition just because of his story winning people over.

I don't like Kris, but he could do a decent folk-style album mixed with some country, some soft rock. Not gonna be a huge seller, but might find a niche market.

Adam's clearly got huge potential. Curious whether he gets with a band or tries to do something solo. Either way, he's got a great understanding of musical arrangement, is a great performer, and has amazing vocal abilities. Whether he wins or not, he should have the best career of the season.

I liked Allison too and she could put out a decent album too once she's older. I don't think the time's right for her now, let her gain more life experience and have more to draw on. I'm afraid if she does an album now, it'll flop and set her back.

You're talking about The Show, right Toe? Have you learned how to score runs yet? I'm at the end of April with the Jays and Rios has 3 homers to lead the club and I only have like 15 runs scored total. Still above .500 because I kick ass at pitching however.

Yes, MLB 09 The Show. You just have to take time and learn how to hit. It just comes to you after awhile. The achievement I am most proud of in the game was walking twice with Eric Hinske in one game.

Hitting comes a lot easier if you leave "Guess Pitch" off. I turn the strike zone off too, it's just an un-necessary distraction. But yea, if you're struggling to get hits and score runs, try taking "Guess Pitch" off and see how it feels.

Anyone manage to hit a HR with a power swing? All of mine have come on regular swings, power swings tend to pop me up or ground out.