Shaun Ranft, Author at Twinfinite

Football Manager 2024 Review – Refreshing at Just the Right Time

Shaun Ranft — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Football Manager 2024 on PC

Try as we might, the yearly release hold can be inescapable for many of us. Especially when it comes to sports titles. For example, while the long-running EA Sports FIFA series may be under a new name – now aptly titled EA FC – a lot of its sameness lingers. There were some tweaks, sure, but nothing to truly enhance the overall experience. Which brings us to Football Manager.

20 years on, the partnership between Sports Interactive and SEGA is as strong as ever. And yet, although the past couple of entries were more often than not enjoyable – one need only glance at my play time to confirm – stagnation began setting in. The experience itself was still the best in the business and yet, there appeared to be little room left to grow. Nothing revolutionary, some minor tweaks, and perhaps a little lack of imagination.

10 Ways EA Sports FC 24 Could Be Even Better

Shaun Ranft — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It may have a new name, but EA Sports FC 24 is carrying on the tradition of being the go-to experience for many a footballing fan. Alas, (almost) no game is perfect, and EA FC is no exception. So while they may have brought a share of changes to the table this time around, there’s always more tinkering to be done. And here to tinker we are, with a handful of ways EA Sports FC 24 could be even better and ultimately make your experience a far less tedious one.

Co-op, Online Career Mode

Image Source: EA Sports via Twinfinite

Whether it’s FIFA or EA FC, we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve called for an Online Career Mode experience. With so many leagues and clubs, not to mention more players than ever before, it feels like a major missed opportunity to not include a co-op online option here. Whether you and a friend wanted to team up, battle within the same league, or navigate your way through Europe from different parts of the world, possibilities would be nearly limitless.

EA FC 24 Review – Striving for Balance

Shaun Ranft — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:28:23 +0000

EA FC 24 on PS5

For the first time since 1993, FIFA and EA Sports have no longer partnered to release what has become the most popular footballing video game in the world. But the end of that long-term relationship was never going to slow down EA Sports. They’re the king, baby, and from the ashes of that split rose a simpler title: EA FC 24.

But did a better game make the trip with them? Well if you know anything about me and sports titles, you know that’s a loaded question.

NBA 2K24 Review – Always a Want for More

Shaun Ranft — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0000

NBA 2K24 on PS5

Here we are again, friends and fellow video game enjoyers. Whether you’re more of a casual follower or one who follows basketball religiously, the NBA 2K series has been churning out games for you since 1999. But if NBA 2K23 was a series of steps with most pointing in the right direction, then NBA 2K24 feels like a stagnation of sorts. The level of detail from the previous entry remains and is even expanded on, but only slightly, while microtransactions seem to take on an even bigger role. Your player’s path in MyCareer can be made to feel so much quicker this time around, and yet, still ring hollow. The on-court action aims to be as authentic as ever, but does it risk taking away from the fun?

It’s difficult to truly grade sports video games on any sort of scale given the fact that each of them present the player with so many game modes to sift through. But as has been my adage for the past couple of years now, you will get out of NBA 2K24 what you wish to. If a player-locked MyCareer Mode isn’t for you, then dive into NBA Eras. If you’ve long tired of micro-transactions, then why not choose a path in the WNBA? Oh, you don’t feel like charting a career path at all? Well then you’re in luck, as Mamba Moments — the latest 2K Showcase — lets you play through the highs of Kobe Bryant’s illustrious NBA career.

Madden 24 Review – Don’t Forget You’re Here Forever

Shaun Ranft — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 01:05:40 +0000

Madden 24 on PS5

When August rolls around, that means it’s officially time to dust off those playbooks, shamelessly fixate over your favorite NFL team in public once again, and return to the virtual gridiron for the latest entry into the long-running EA Sports Madden franchise. We are creatures of habit, after all. If there is a Madden title to play, we are going to play it. But should we? As in, should we even have that option every year around this time? Or is it time for a break?

Now contrary to what you may be thinking, I don’t pose these questions simply to shoot down this latest installment. It is not some sort of elaborate setup to dunk on a game that I can only describe as remarkably adequate. But it is something I’ve been thinking about a lot while experiencing all Madden 24 has to offer this past week.

WrestleQuest Review – The Cream Rises to the Top

Shaun Ranft — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:20:00 +0000

WrestleQuest on PC

For those well-versed in the world of professional wrestling, chances are you’ve seen both the wonder it’s capable of creating and the ugliness that’s left many scarred. With all of the information we have available to us, let alone the fact that there is a multi-season documentary series entitled Dark Side of the Ring, it’s easy to get lost in the darkness. Perhaps the loveliest aspect of WrestleQuest, though, is its dedication to the goofiness of it all.

Players are thrown into the fire almost immediately, training for matches while improving their skills on the microphone. There are countless side quests to occupy one’s time, yet this never stops reminding you what professional wrestling is about. Good battling evil; the babyface looking to defeat the heel.

WrestleQuest Hands-on Preview – It’s Still Real to Us

Shaun Ranft — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:15:00 +0000

The world of professional wrestling is always changing. Whether it is a blend of differing styles making their way to the forefront; brand-new promotions surfacing with hopes of providing a reasonable amount of competition; or legendary acts returning for nostalgia’s sake—there is bound to be something for every single fan imaginable.

That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to WrestleQuest, the soon-to-be-released wrestling game that utilizes fantasy RPG elements, courtesy of Skybound Games and Mega Cat Studios.

FIFA 23 Ultimate Team’s Premier League Team of the Season Revealed

Shaun Ranft — Fri, 05 May 2023 17:11:45 +0000

With the Premier League season winding down, FIFA 23 and EA Sports have launched their annual Team of the Season Starting XI, voted on by the fans themselves. Given that the real-life title race has primarily been between two sides all season long, it makes sense that this squad would be so Arsenal and Manchester City-heavy. Add Erling Haaland’s historic goal-scoring campaign to the mix, and fans had themselves a tap-in.

The full Starting XI can be viewed below. Do you see any surprises?

Hidden Injuries Might Be Affecting Ultimate Team in FIFA 23

Shaun Ranft — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:08:22 +0000

Folks who enjoy the grind of Ultimate Team in FIFA know that it’s a never-ending wave of card promotions. With them, the ultimate goal becomes building the best squad you can to take on challengers of all forms. But what if you were at a disadvantage without ever realizing it? Twitter user Quick_Rage FUT has a hunch you might be. Monday afternoon, they posted a screenshot from the FIFA Companion App indicating that injuries might be permanent. It’s just that in a way, they’re hidden.

This is a bit SCARY- Ever wonder why some playerz just Stop being useful?! This could be why?! Go to “Player Bio”- “Attributes”.. scroll down to, “INJURY” These ARE PERMANENT Injuries!! Can only see on APP BTW?! Plz Retweet to help others!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/O2QfZRSUM7

MLB The Show 23 Review — Baseball Shines When It Acknowledges & Embraces History

Shaun Ranft — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 01:27:47 +0000

MLB The Show 23 on PS5

Sports simulations can be tricky. With each passing year, this craving for a heightened sense of realism grows, which oftentimes can lead to a glaring imbalance in the final product. And while I would argue that no simulation ever strikes said balance exactly right, MLB The Show’s latest offering comes closest. Not necessarily because of everything we’ve come to expect from the series, but rather the steps they’ve taken to improve on past missteps. The latest entry from San Diego Studios plays the hits all while bringing history to the forefront, and that is where it shines. First, though, let’s talk about a potential sticking point for anybody looking to play quickly.

As I continue to learn through playing various sporting titles, the battle between patience and impatience can become very real. And every year, particularly with The Show, that is where things seem to break down most often. You can breeze through a FIFA match in 15 minutes if you’d like, for instance, and even quicker if you’re not playing Ultimate Team. With an accelerated play clock in Madden, not to mention an ability to focus only on Key Moments, an NFL game can be wrapped up in 15-20 minutes as well. Depending on what you’re looking to do in The Show, that’s not always going to be the case. Sometimes, a game is going to take as long as it takes. Fortunately for the player, there are countless options to choose from — though, with varying levels of attention.

WWE 2K23 Reveals More Details on “Never Give Up” John Cena Showcase

Shaun Ranft — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:50:00 +0000

2K Sports and Visual Concepts have provided even more details regarding their signature Showcase game mode.

Not unlike WWE 2K15, players will be able to experience John Cena‘s now 20-year career over the course of several matches. However, unlike previous entries, players will get to experience this year’s mode — entitled “Never Give Up” — playing as some of his biggest rivals, including Batista, Brock Lesnar, and The Rock.

WWE 2K23 Really Just Trolled Fans With Its John Cena Showcase Mode Ending

Shaun Ranft — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:33:04 +0000

Fans and players of WWE 2K games alike can have the pleasure of beating John Cena 14 different times throughout the WWE 2K Showcase Mode this year. But those who grew up watching the man behind “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” remember the “Super Cena” Era. Given what happens once you complete the initial Showcase, it would seem then that the folks at 2K (and Cena himself) are in on the joke.

Once you’ve completed all 14 initial matches, players then get a crack at three more bonus contests — the first of which allows the player to choose between any of Cena’s previous opponents from the Showcase. They also make it seem like you have the option to choose somebody else entirely, but the game doesn’t allow you to proceed if you actually select that option.

Justice League: Cosmic Chaos Review – Superheroes Can Be Silly Too

Shaun Ranft — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Justice League: Cosmic Chaos on PS5

Perhaps by now, the year 2023, we’re all a little burnt out when it comes to comic books and the superheroes that fill those pages. Especially if we’re attempting to keep up with the MCU and the like. A multiverse here, a world domination plot there, and suddenly you’re five television series behind and don’t understand the latest batch of references because your will to watch began to peter out shortly after phase three.

And that’s before we even begin to discuss the DC cinematic universe — which we won’t, because that’s not what this is about.

6 Things to Do After Beating Wild Hearts

Shaun Ranft — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The world of Azuma is vast, and if you’re looking for danger, it won’t take long to encounter it. But what happens once you’ve finished your initial playthrough of Wild Hearts? How many more things can one accomplish once you’ve conquered the main story? Well despite how much there is to experience as you travel through Azuma the first time, there is plenty to experience after the fact as well. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of six things you can do after beating Wild Hearts that’ll make you keep playing.

The Dreaded Volatile Kemono

Image Source: EA via Twinfinite

I believe it was Socrates who once said: Just because you’ve beaten the game doesn’t mean you’ve beaten the game.

EA PGA Tour Courses Deep Dive Trailer Flexes Authenticity, Ball Dynamics, & Much More

Shaun Ranft — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:15:24 +0000

Tuesday morning, EA Sports gave players a glimpse of what they can expect when they hit the links on EA Sports PGA Tour later this year. In the latest Course Overview Trailer, EA really hammered home the importance of authenticity — no matter if you’re playing through Majors, working your way up the ranks, or simply trying to get a quick round in.

However, visuals are just part of the experience. EA has introduced a Course Dynamics system that aims to accurately reflect how each course plays, feels, and is experienced. How a ball rolls or bounces, for instance, will vary from course to course. EA visited each course to truly deliver on the feel they provide, with the aim of ensuring that no two courses will play the same.

MLB The Show 23 Introduces ‘Classic’ Game Made Famous by the Negro Leagues

Shaun Ranft — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:48:59 +0000

Monday morning, MLB The Show released another in-depth look at one of the new features fans can expect from the franchise’s latest installment. Incorporating the Negro Leagues into this year’s game through their Storylines feature has allowed the team to expand their game in different ways.

One such way is through classic ‘Night Baseball’ games, something that originated with The Negro Leagues — and more specifically, the Kansas City Monarchs — five years prior to MLB playing its first-ever night game.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s 1.2.0 Update Fixes Tera Raids & Performance… Kind Of

Shaun Ranft — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:58:24 +0000

We’re only months removed from the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but with Nintendo’s announcement of a version 1.2.0 update slated for late February, players can expect Tera Raid and performance fixes, to name a few, in the near future.

This update brings plenty of quality of life changes, with many of them centering around Pokémon Boxes. Players will be able to manage much more with regard to their creature’s status all in one location, such as their nickname, held items, markings, TMs, and moves — whether it be reordering, remembering, or forgetting them.

FIFA 23 Title Update 7 Tackles Transfer Market Bug & Newest Glitches

Shaun Ranft — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:50:05 +0000

The latest Title Update for FIFA 23 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC has arrived courtesy of EA Sports, and there are a handful of gameplay tweaks to sift through — including one big one — as well as a couple of fixes that were often requested by the FIFA community.

For starters, FUT has addressed the bug that kept causing Transfer Market search filters to reset after every search regardless of whether or not the player reset them. While this didn’t seem to be an issue on the Companion App, the same couldn’t be said for the platforms themselves.

The 14 Best Super Bowl Party Ideas & Snacks

Shaun Ranft — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Super Bowl LVII is right around the corner, with Andy Reid and his Kansas City Chiefs set to go head-to-head with the Philadelphia Eagles, the team he coached for well over a decade prior to landing in KC. Intriguing, right? Drama at its finest, it could be said. The story writes itself, and so on.

More importantly though, at least for anyone who isn’t invested in these teams or perhaps even the NFL, it’s Super Bowl Sunday — a time-honored tradition that allows folks to gather in large numbers, kick back, talk about how ham-fisted or eyeroll-inducing all of the commercials are (nostalgia forever, baby!), and stuff their faces full of anything they can get their hands on.

EA PGA Tour Preview – Carve Your Own Path to the Top

Shaun Ranft — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

It’s been nearly eight years since EA Sports released their own entry into the PGA Tour series, that being Rory McIlroy PGA Tour in 2015. And while players have been able to get their fix on the links here and there ever since, EA was once the home for PGA action for over 20 years. Soon, for players all over the world, they will be again. Because this Spring, EA is officially back in the game. And this time, they’re leaving no stone unturned in the process.

If you’re looking for realism, you’ll find it here, with the developers introducing Pure Strike as arguably the most crucial piece of their revamped gameplay puzzle. Being able to utilize official PGA Tour ShotLink® and TrackMan data, the ultimate goal is for players to be tested in the exact same ways as the professionals are — from hole to hole, from course to course, it’s all about navigating each blade of glass as well as what every element throws at you. Ideally that would mean a solid range of courses to experience, right? That’s where EA’s ‘Bucket List’ comes into play.