August 6, 2009 - For many months I've been hearing the same line from EA Sports employees: "If you see it on Sunday, you'll see it in Madden NFL 10." While I had reservations before getting my full retail disc in the mail, after spending a considerable amount of time with the final version, I can say that the marketing statement – for a change – is pretty close to hitting the nail right on the head. There are flaws and issues with a few of these aspects (you'll be able to read the good and the bad in our full review tomorrow) but Madden NFL 10 comes as close to bringing a Sunday afternoon on the gridiron to your game controller as any game ever has.
Today we're going to list the five most substantive ways that Madden is changing the classic football formula, for better or worse.
New MovesIt's not very often that controls are re-mapped in a Madden game, and while most of this year's on-field maneuvers are handled identically as they have been in the past there are a few notable changes. The main thing I'm talking about is on the defensive line. Now everything from ducking under a block to swim moves to bull rushing an offensive lineman is controlled by the right analog stick. No more reaching up to the left and right bumpers to pull off moves, now it's all much simpler.
On offense things are the same as you remember, but the visual representation is a bit different than in the past. The standard left and right juke has been redone and is much more realistic looking than in the past. Defenders fall on their ass (literally) a bit too often, but the look of the juke is more in line with what you see on Sundays than it has been. You can also now mash up on the right analog stick just as you're being taken down by a defender and the man with the ball will try to buck him off. I've broken out of a couple of huge piles with this method and it's incredibly satisfying (and realistic) to see your running back or wide receiver squirt out of a pile.
Procedural TacklingOtherwise known as Pro-Tak, procedural tackling puts one of the missing pieces of Madden's football formula into place. In last year's Madden tackles were confined to two defenders bringing down the ball carrier. This year you can have up to nine players attached to and manipulating a pile. Half-tackles and sacks along with better blocking on the offensive line that actually forms a pocket around the quarterback have also been added thanks to the Pro-Tak technology. It sounds like a small detail, but once you see it for yourself you'll realize just how authentic the experience feels.
For many months I've been hearing the same line from EA Sports employees: "If you see it on Sunday, you'll see it in Madden NFL 10." While I had reservations before getting my full retail disc in the mail, after spending a considerable amount of time with the final version, I can say that the marketing statement – for a change – is pretty close to hitting the nail right on the head. There are flaws and issues with a few of these aspects (you'll be able to read the good and the bad in our full review tomorrow) but Madden NFL 10 comes as close to bringing a Sunday afternoon on the gridiron to your game controller as any game ever has.
Today we're going to list the five most substantive ways that Madden is changing the classic football formula, for better or worse.
True Broadcast PresentationWhile it is true that the on-field action is as true to life as you've ever seen from a football videogame, the effort that has been put into delivering a true broadcast-style display deserves credit as well. Little things like the chain gang making their way onto the field to check a first down, refs debating whether the ball broke the plain of the endzone and players talking to coaches on the phone while on the sideline are all in the game.
The broadcast duo of Tom Hammond and Chris Colinsworth gives insight to the stadium you're play in as the camera pans to fans filling in seats and players warming up on the field. The feeling of watching a real NFL game even permeates to the user interface which looks like a blend of Sunday Night Football on NBC and the NFL Network. Toss in the Extra Point Show which airs in between weeks in your franchise and a new halftime show, and you'll think you're seeing the genuine article.
New Online GameplayMadden NFL 10 is wrought with online innovations this year. The most important is undoubtedly online franchise. Here you'll be able to start a league with up to 31 friends – each with their own team – and play through the entire season. There's a commissioner who's in charge of the league (approving trades and advancing weeks if people are lagging behind), you can use a fantasy draft to start things off, and it's all tied together with iPhone and web-based interaction. It's an entirely different way to experience traditional franchise elements.
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sportsmedia.ign.com/sports/image/article/101/1011017/five-ways-madden-nfl-10-is-changing-the-game-20090806030551295-000.jpg[/img]The other online innovation is co-op play over Xbox Live or PlayStation Network. My early experience with playing cooperatively was a mixed bag. Playing on the offensive side of the ball was a blast with player-controlled receivers running unique patterns that you wouldn't see in a standard game. On the flipside, the camera on defense can be a little wonky at times which creates frustration.
Player RatingsNewly designed player and team ratings are likely a small speck on most people's Madden radars, but there's a big impact to this year's release. In the past the lowest rated team was in the low 80s or high 70s. This year the Lions sit at 65 while the Patriots are a vaunted 93. Likewise, the gap between player ratings has also been widened. In Madden NFL 10 you can really feel the difference between playing with Tarvaris Jackson of the Vikings and a quarterback like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady as you can see in the video below.
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