I actually used the "game" mode on my old sony when I had friends over to watch a game. It basically cranked up the rears and had the announcers come out everywhere. Made it so I could turn the volume down enough that we could all talk, but could all still hear the game as well.
I haven't had a game get together at my house since getting my 1050, so I haven't used the sound fields at all. So, I vote nay.
If you're reading, I have some ideas to make the unit more usable to SO's. My wife has tons of problems w/ the 1050. Feel free to e-mail me.

Jay St. Peter