Despite backing by the biggest publisher in the games industry, Syndicate’s had a pretty quiet release. The decision to revive a franchise that started in 1993—in a different genre—had more people scratching their heads or fearing travesty than anything else. Since I don’t belong to the first game’s fan-base, I was able to step into the world of Syndicate without any conflicting baggage. And damn was it enjoyable.

BioWare is at PAX East to show gamers what’s in store with two free DLC offerings that are coming soon. Players can join the fight to save the galaxy with the first multiplayer downloadable content pack for Mass Effect 3. Available to download for owners of Mass Effect 3 for no additional charge, the Mass Effect 3: Resurgence Pack adds two new maps to the game’s critically acclaimed cooperative multiplayer experience, along with a variety of new playable characters, new weapons and new items that can be unlocked by acquiring reinforcement packs in the game’s multiplayer store. The Mass Effect 3: Resurgence Pack will be available for download on April 10 on Xbox LIVE, the Origin client software and PlayStation Network in North America, and PlayStation Network in Europe on April 11.

EA Sports unveiled the first Madden NFL 13 screenshot showcasing new Nike uniforms. The EA Sports development team was granted early access to the new designs of the NFL uniforms and used this insight to meticulously recreate the Nike clothing in Madden NFL 13. Nike signed a five-year exclusive deal with the NFL, which brings Reebok's reign as official clothing manufacturer to an end in real life and in videogames.

Logging more than 16 million votes nationwide to date, the fans have determined which eight NFL athletes will advance in the Madden NFL 13 Cover Vote competition. Stars like Cam Newton, a 1st seed, and Victor Cruz, a 2nd seed, continue to dominate their competition and have their eyes set on advancing to the tournament’s semifinals. Rob Gronkowski, who remains in the hunt for cover status, talks about gaming in the exclusive video interview below.

Electronic Arts continues to work with Katy Perry within the virtual world of The Sims. The newest collaboration hits retail shelves this June on PC and Mac -- The Sims 3 Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats. In this new expansion, players can sweeten up their Sims’ lives with Katy Perry-inspired, candylicious items that will enhance their game experience such as décor, furniture, objects and of course, fashions and hairstyles. Perry talks about going virtual in the video below.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is one of the players vying to be on the cover of EA Sports Madden NFL 13. He even created a video for Electronic Arts to explain why he should be on the cover. Gronkowski spent some time with Activision to play the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Collection 1 DLC in Los Angeles. He talks about how much he loves the new game in the exclusive video interview below. But he also calls Madden boring and prefers to play COD and NHL 12 when he’s gaming. Check out everything he has to say in the video below.

Every year, EA Sports always runs the risk of getting a little long in the tooth with its sports franchises.  Madden NFL 12 was kind of an example of this, despite the game’s huge sales numbers.  But I will get credit where credit is due, they always seem to add the right kind of content, even if some of it doesn’t “stick” like originally intended.  This can be said for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13, the latest in its golf franchise, which brings back one of the bigger features from last year – the Masters tournament – along with several new ingredients to keep momentum from shifting.  And for the most part, it’s a good thing.