ok just played a quick 5min game and honestly was REALLY IMPRESSED but this is coming from someone that didnt read a whole lot about the game but still felt the hype. The game runs very smoothly and the presentation has improved. While its still the same commentator, the replays are a nice addition. At either end of the half, you can go back and view the big plays of the half. The only big plays I saw were fieldgoals and fumbles, which brings me to my only complaint (not much of one). Some can argue that it was pretty realistic but when there are a couple fumbles a qtr with a perfectly dry ball and turf, it can get frustrating. The hits on the game were widely talked about and I see why. There were a couple hits in the game where my jaw almost dropped. C.C. Brown (which I play as a FS) absolutely crushed a WR running a route across the field, ball came loose. To see Okoye and Williams gang tackle was a sight, and of course Demeco was himself. The change in direction from one tackler to another is pretty cool... but all this stuff I am sure you have heard about. I didnt do much passing, I guess I am a bit rusty. The one time I was able to get into the endzone I was able to get Johnson to leap up over the corner. It looked good. Clearly all the motions of the game are a step, atleast, above last years game. I lost, 20-10, but had fun doing so until the last minute (throwing 2 picks is never any fun). Maybe we should burn the # 8.... Like I said though, overall, IMPRESSED through 20min. of an exhibition game. Cant wait to play another!
I played a game me (Texans) vs. the Raiders and lost 15-2 on All-Madden. Offense has never been my strong suit on Madden and this is going to take some getting used to passing the ball. But, I have to say this is a big upgrade from last year IMO. Oh, I have the 360 version. The game ran smoooooth, graphics actually looked improved, game played great in the one game I did play. Played around a little with the creat a team option and liked what I saw. I thought it would be an exact replica of the mode on last-gen. For the most part it is but it's nice seeing a bunch of new logos and it's cool seeing your stadium editted in real time. So far so good. Trying to convince myself to go to bed for work tomorrow instead of staying up all night and playing it. Its been a LOOOONG time since I've had this dilemma on Madden.
Well, thats been an issue with Madden the last couple of years where some games are just prone to fumblitis. My game had only two fumbles, one changed teams. I threw two picks but I could see they probably were my error throwing into coverage. I think I did read they are working on a patch to correct a lot of the turnover issues with the game though.
My interceptions were dumb. I ASSUMED Johnson would be open just from reading the play before the action... bad idea, and they took that one back. The other was a hailmarry, trying to build comeback, again throwing to Johnson but into double coverage. I did get sacked 6 times but thats from a combination of bad habit of running outside the pocket and pushing the wrong buttons... It will take a few games to get out of a funk...
So yeah, this is pretty good. Playing the 360 version; very smooth, looks solid. After the craptacular last couple of Maddens, I have to say I have enjoyed the little bit I've played much more. Integration of ESPN is also very cool (interesting to hear reports on Vick's troubles in a video game) and I love the way the game handles replays this year. So far so good.
EA actually integrates like 'news reports' from real life NFL events/scores (and other sports) in the game when you create an online account. They have this 'news update' feature where I was looking through ESPN NFL preview videos, had MLB scores scrolling across the bottom of the screen, and an ESPN radio report (which happened to be about Vick) coming through the audio of my TV. Pretty cool.
While you were playing online, game, season, franchise? What version of the game do you have? PS2? XBOX? 360? PS3? Wii? PC?
The visuals looked identical from the comparison videos I've seen (outside of the frame rate of course), and I haven't seen too many reviews note any differences other than the frame rate (although a few mentioned how the 360 does have slightly better textures, like the GT review). It would probably be easier to see if I had both versions in front of me though, especially since some of the comparisons can't seem to capture the exact same moments in the game on both platforms (they're mostly just useful for noticing the difference in frame rate). I've been disappointed in the visuals in Madden with every next-gen release, but mostly because I do have high expectations (didn't help that EA kept talking about how much better the game looked compared to the target render they used). I'm hoping they can make some pretty decent jumps with the next few iterations, but I won't hold my breath. I am happy with their improved focus on the animation though. Still needs a little bit of work, but it looks really good considering this is their first implementation of the tech IIRC (at least in Madden). I guess if I had the choice, I'd pick animation over visuals anyway...not to mention the improved gameplay of course. EA hasn't said anything as far as I know (they probably should avoid commenting too much), although you can basically attribute it to a bunch of different things. A fundamentally flawed engine design for next-gen multiplatform development, the porting of 360 code to the PS3, the difficult PS3 architecture, and a more difficult development environment (tools, developer support, etc.) compared to the 360 most likely all attributed to Madden PS3 running @ 30 FPS. Although I'm not sure how much of an impact they each had...not even sure if the last one really mattered given the comments by some 3rd party developers, but considering EA's technical abilities at times (or lack their of), they probably could have used all the help they could get.
What? You are now agreeing with me that the PS3 is harder to develop for? I will get the game this afternoon, but right now, I am enamored with Tiger Woods golf. DD
My only complaint so far is the cpu throws way too many picks, I'm playing on all pro with int sliders turned down.
Well its a weak game and extremely overrated. Considering its the ONLY NFL video game out, its pretty weak. And I hate people who consider themselves hardcore gamers because they own every single madden game since 2000, yet they have no other games and suck at everything else.
dumb question -- how does this game compare to ncaa football 2008? is it basically the same exact thing?
I have to agree that Madden failed again this year. Yes, its better than 07, but that is not saying much. Honestly, I thought it would be better than All-Pro Football 2K8 but it's not. The gameplay, presentation and animations all blow Madden out of the water. When I play APF2K8, it feels like you are watching a real football game unveil right before your eyes. From the stats, to the halftime show with replays, the TD celebrations, "Feild Pass" and even the crowd reactions and stadium reactions to TDs are amazing. Madden drops the ball for another time.
what version are you talking about ? i downloaded the APF2k8 demo and wasn't impressed. Madden has been getting solid reviews all over the board.
