The NBA Jam video game franchise is such an iconic name that it’s a little hard to imagine there was a time before it existed (especially if you’re like me, and it’s been around for basically as long as you’ve known anything about video games). But the video after the jump depicts just that. Truly a different world.

A new NFL Blitz game, scheduled for release on January 3rd, 2012, will feature cartoonishly oversized players, 1st-and-30s with 7-on-7, the announcer from NBA Jam, and zombies. Most importantly, it’ll feature actual teams and players.

This image, reportedly taken during a Ticats vs. Argos CFL game, shows a young man who is clearly not into the Ticats vs. Argos game. Damn you, Angry Birds, for claiming another prospective sports fan.

If you’re a video game dork like myself who gets upset at little inaccuracies in a game, fear not if you plan on buying EA Sports’ FIFA 12: a famous striker’s new head is accurately represented.

A year ago, it was revealed that Quinn Pitcock prematurely retired from the NFL due to a video game addiction, but up until now, we never knew just how bad it was.

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has been rated by Madden “Ratings Czar” Donny Moore and his merry band of programmers at EA Sports. The verdict for Our Virtual Savior? He’s fast (88 SPD), strong (83 STR), blissfully unaware of his surroundings (69 AWR), and, all told, average (77 OVR). Moore can expect an angry tweet from ESPN’s Merril Hoge, too. Tebow’s accuracy rating? A surprisingly high 90. [ESPN]

If you take a close look at those three covers for next season’s edition of NBA 2K12, you’ll notice two things: 1) the covers feature NBA legends Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, and 2) they’re all blurry-like, as if the players are moving with such speed and grace that the outlines of their bodies have melded into the air in some sort of beautiful marriage of matter and athleticism. Which looks totally weird when it’s used for Larry Bird.

Madden NFL 12 is getting the player safety treatment: players will be shown being carted off, announcers will talk about it, and their will be less dangerous-looking hits.

In a move sure to excite frat boys, teenagers and the rest of the sports video-game playing world, Madden 2012 will be released even if there is no NFL in 2012.