SportsGamer Community 411

 Madden NFL 09:

Madden week is finally here. SportsGamer has been your source for pre-release info and will continue to be well after release. One of the main features released on the site this week was the Madden 09 Training Camp. After weeks of hard work by Kyle and Daniel, we've opened the training camp doors.  Madden Training camp should be the best tool to help you become a better gamer. Best of all...it's FREE! Now you don't have to spend your money on strategy guides. Everything you need is here and we'll be releasing new tips and strategies weekly. So what are you waiting for? Enter the training camp now!

Even though the game has not been released, there are already patches in place to fix problems. Producer Phil Frazier said we can expect something around release time.  Here is the info for patch #1:

• Changed default quarter length of online leagues to 5 minutes.
• Solved a very rare stability issue that occured when using a couple of playbooks.
• Eliminated a button mashing glitch during high latency online games.
• Eliminated a stability issue that sometimes occured while viewing the player HUB in online leagues.
• Fixed a tricky disc eject glitch that occured at specific points of online games.
• Kick Return Tuning - made improvements to help reduce frequent long kick returns.
• Safety Tuning - eliminated issue where safeties in deep zone coverage would sometimes not react to a run to their side.
• The game skill slider for interceptions was tuned to amplify it’s affect.

You can find the rest of the info on the two patches here.

In the last Community 411 column I made a list of all the threads in the forums regarding Madden 09 info.  You can find all the info here. We have a couple of new additions from this past week.

• Madden 09: Official Online League thread
• Madden 09: Official Franchise Q&A
  

 For everything else, be sure to visit our forums and see the threads stickied at the top.

What's Hot at SportsGamer?

SportsGamer Madden 2009 Tournament

Forum member Shodown817 is going to running a Madden 2009 tournament at SportsGamer. This tournament is designed to give gamers a great competitive experience and also determine who some of the best players are on this site. You can read all the details and sign up here.

NHL 2K9 Hands-On

Revisited control schemes and the introduction of six-on-six online play may be just the thing to revive 2K's hockey franchise.

Along with the emphasis on improved controls, NHL 2K9 features the updated 2K Reelmaker, which allows you to create your own in-game highlight reels. Once a reel is produced, the game will convert it to a Web-conducive video format and automatically post it to your online profile for the world to view. Each reel can be up to one minute in length and should add a new element to online league (more on this below). 

Continue to read the full story.

NHL 09: Player Types

SportsGamer takes an in depth look at the unique player types debuting in EA's hockey title this year. One of the most exciting features to hit the ice this season is the inclusion of 6v6 online hockey on NHL 09. Bringing MMOs (Massive Multiplayer Online) elements to the sports community, NHL 09 may finally remedy a long-standing issue with online leagues in the past, getting specific players to show up and play their games. Instead, NHL 09 will allow you to search through the vast pool of players currently online in order to fill out your roster. Continue...

Pasta Vs. Fred Sports Game Challenge Update:

What's in store this week at SportsGamer?

• From the Bleachers Podcast
  
• Madden 09 Tourney
  
• More Madden info