Alright, I'm sure there have ben some rants in the other "Madden threads" but I decided to cut to the chase and start a rant only thread, until a MOD shuts it down. I have a couple of SERIOUS issues with this game after only playing 2 games. 1.) You can't save the game whenever you want. I had to go out today and was in the middle of the 3rd quarter of a preseason game. I thought to myself "I'll just save it and finish later". Well, YOU CAN'T! Seriously, how ****ing stupid is that? 2.) No formation substitutions. I know EA has there new "substitution" thing where you can change players from the play selection menu mid game but this leaves you constantly changing players in and out, burning playclock and not getting it done in time. You also have to remember to switch a player back. With formation subs, you could have certain players in certain packages all the time. I USED to like to have a defensive formation that I rarely used that was full of backups. That way I could rest the starters and get my lower rated players some reps for progression (more on progression later). Or have a formation with Ronnie in at fullback or in the slot or move my receivers around. Now you have to do it on a play by play basis. Small thing I know but WHY THE **** did EA take it out? Oh...I know...it could allow them to add in the "subs" button and say "we added a new feature, pay your $65.00". 3.) I've read on other boards that progression does not work in franchise mode on any player you edited (including equipment). If true then that is a game killer for me. Has anyone here finished a full season in franchise mode and if so is the "progression glitch" true?
I'm glad its my bro that wasted 64 bucks. Ive been spoiled buy NCAA 09 has way better gameplay than madden.
Even then, Campus Legend is way inferior to the past-gen versions so it's not that good (even more limited face templates for edited players) but still better than Madden so far.
I didn't even play Campus legend. I went straight into Dynasty. the game play was perfect. This years Madden is slow and is just disappointing. I don't even understand the marketing behind targeting people don't really play Madden. Sports games are usually for the fans of the sport why not put more features in Madden that would appeal to its fans rather than stretching out for a very small market? Again Madden can really be great if they wanted it but they rather just provide small tweaks year in and year out. Madden has just become a glorified Patch.
And if they're going to just do small tweaks, might as well follow 2K's example with 2k5 and offer a cheaper price.
I'm with you on the formation substitutions. Hell, the plays in general really annoy me. Every team has the same playbook, and I haven't found a way to change, say, which player comes in on a given play. (What if I want Ricky to come in for a series instead of Ronnie?) The core gameplay is so inflexible it's borderline insulting.
What I don't understand is why everyone keeps running out and buying Madden every year when they know this will happen.
I didn't my bro did. I just feel EA isn't really putting much into the game. Do they even play the damn game themselves?
I've not bought a new Madden since Madden 2003. I got 05 for about 10 bucks and 07 for 20 bucks and 09 I am renting via Gamefly. Honestly EA is all about the money and they know people will just flock to the games and pay, thus they have to do the bare minimum. Its sad and I don't think EA will ever give up the exclusive rights.
I didn't know that the next-gen Madden was an entirely different then last gen. I figured the last gen games were barebones (like a non working weapons system in 08) because they were focused on getting next gen better. I bought this game and I'll play the **** out of it as a result... But it'll be my last Madden purchase. I'll rent next years version... Maybe.
I think they are trying but the guys developing the game I believe like the way Madden plays and don't want to try and replicate NFL2k5 just to be different. I will say this years game is a big improvement over last year. BTW EA developers were hyping Madden 2010 even before 09 hit stores with something to the effect of "wait til' you see what we have in store for next years game". The good news for franchise and maybe everyone is the guy who did a lot of the work on the Head Coach game this year will be in charge of franchise mode this coming season so hopefully we will finally be able to trade future draft picks, make pre-season cuts, proper progression, an in-depth scouting along with a solid draft.
Running the ball is very hard in this year. Only team/play that i've seen consistantly run is vikings with AP using outside tosses because you can outrun slower lbs with AP. RBs seem super slow also and what ever happened to players with high BCV being able to sidestep their own lineman. Running up the middle is non exsistant unless u have a 5 yard wide hole.
I already prefer NCAA to Madden and it was a complete waste of money. I don't think I will be buying Madden until they actually put some work into making a great game. The annoucing is really annoying
I agree, I thought having voices of actual commentators would help, but Collingsworth is insufferable. I don't understand why they don't just use Madden to be the color guy. It is his game afterall... I buy Madden every year and typically find it satisfying enough to justify my purchase annually. I will say though, that I ended up turning this game off in disgust after two games. I don't know why, but nothing feels right to me. The player models are dissapointing and the broken tackles by cpu running backs is ridiculous and unrealistic.
I've been playing Madden for YEARS and I don't see anything wrong with the game that makes it a waste of money. People that get upset about edited players not progressing and what not is crazy. What are you doing editing players anyway? If they suck, they suck, stop cheating. Next, all you have to do is switch up your packages. These are the basic package changes that go on in the game and are easy to do on the fly. Now if you want to put Reggie Bush at all types of unorthodox positions, thats on you and you shouldn't be mad because you're being waaaayyy to EXTRA with your play calling. To me, the gameplay is fine. Specially now that PS3 has 60FPS and it runs much smoother. It makes no sense to compare NCAA to Madden. I believe two seperate teams develop for them both. Just buy both games if its that irritating. This is only the 2nd iteration of Madden on the Next Gen consoles, its still a work in progress folks. Stop nitpicking and get on the sticks. Get at me. PSN: Deuce1911
I don't think it was too bad. Graphics had a major overhaul, the whole Madden IQ is a good idea and actually gives you a challenge. You can't make stupid throws and air it out like so many players so. I get pissed at people who just air the ball out to someone and expect to have a dynamic passing offense. Madden has gotten to the point where you have to play smart to win, not just play... I think that upsets some people because they have to actual think during the game and make quick reactions that are also good decisions. I've only played a few games into the franchise and I haven't had a problem with it. I'll finish my first season and offseason before I make a decision on that. Superstar mode I've played a game in that as a QB and it's pretty cool, just like last year. While I haven't noticed any major changes, I don't think it's a waste of money. Then again, I'll play this for the next six months, not just this game, but it'll keep me occupied until February or so it's worth the money. Haven't even play Head Coach yet either and if it's as good as Mor says, I'm pretty excited to see how it is... Online Franchise sounds like a bummer, but I'm sure it'll be better next year. Sounds to me they were just laying the groundwork on this because it's a pretty big step to be honest with you...
Head coach is spectacular and is the best part of the collector's edition. I've found myself enjoying it much more than Madden itself. I couldn't believe I was engrossed in watching the computer run the plays called in the pre season game against Tampa but I was.
I'm guessing it will be like NCAA based on the comments like these. So I don't think it will be too bothersome for me. I am used to it by this point. Unless you deflect it, they will complete 90% in NCAA.
Just means you need to practice man. You try flooding the passing lanes with D-backs? You might be running a lot of man. If you do run man, trying bumping the WRs at the line to throw them off their routes.
I just wish they'd integrate their ESPN license more. In 2k5, it just felt like I was watching Sportscenter and if the graphics were up to date, like a real NFL game on TV. And the integration with a franchise mode would be surreal.
That was awesome with 2k5. I do feel that 2k5 is kind of held up better than it actually was. It was a great game, yet had many flaws. Like the first round of the draft was all three positions.
And the presentation actually, just IMO, looked slightly better with 2k4 with the 3D Sportscenter desks and the pregame overview with 5-star ratings and actual Chris Berman pics (it was so good that it made me even like seeing him talk). But yea, I was amazed that I play 2k5 more than Madden 08. What makes it sweeter was making all the moves I wanted Wanny and Co. to make then going 12-4 and a SB win over the Cowboys. Only thing lacking was graphics and even then, through HDMI, it didn't look that bad. And what I liked was even though they had flaws and some tinkering, they put out a price that justified them. Essentially what Madden is doing for 3x the price. That was just a killer value and I hoped it was a sign for things to come. Sadly, the most value I get these days is trading in Madden for some EB Games credit.
I just run Cover 2 or 3 and it all is good. If that doesn't work, play Quarter and use Prevent defense. Six defensive backs always does it. I think you hit it on the head here. In previous Maddens, you could just lob it up and it would be a catch. Now, the DB's are very good in the game. I try to run a lot and use short passes. Once the DB's starting coming up, I go deep. I've always tried to play smart but in previous Maddens, you could make a stupid decision and still get a completion out of it. Not this year though lol. I learned that against Leigh Bodden.
Seriously I play man to man cover two defense all day and don't give up too many points against all madden. The trick is that in obvious passing downs you take the right DE and run him all the way over to the left and come off the corner. No-one blocks you, cheap but it works. Also play the cover 2 as a safety, that can be VERY fun and challenging.
Exactly. As for playing coverage with the Safety, it is indeed fun. It's good, I like it a lot. I find it very similar to last years Madden though. I like the new sideline catches where they can tip-toe or drag their feet.
How? Where? How do I edit which freaking players come in on which play? It's amazing how hard it is to access the actual football-related aspects of this game.
for about 3 years now, i continue to struggle at getting to the QB. being a d-lineman is pointless. the finesse and bull rush buttons are utterly useless. and the computer on defense, has players who literally lunge half way across the field to make plays. DBs come out of nowhere for pass-defense, and DE's chase ronnie brown from behind? gimme a break. and ive always struggled in the passing game. and this year is even worse. completing 50% is about as good as i can get. and its all reasonable slants and cross ins im trying to make. its like you cant get seperation, and if you do, the computer comes out of nowhere to make a play anyway.
LB or RB have different packages like Back up QB or HB Swap or Heavy, ECT. I think they removed the sub feature. I actually haven't seen it in a long time where you could put different players in on different formations.
Madden 09 is their attempt to bring new players into football. I think Maj had it right when he said that. Everything seems to be dumbed down to the point where the veterans are annoyed.