After reading OS raving review on Madden, and the fact that they are pro NFL2k fans, I decided to go out and get me a copy with my fingers crossed behind my back. Boy was I glad I did.
The game is completely different from the demo in a very positive way. It actually feels and plays like madden football of old. The different tackles, numerous animations, catching on the run, hard hits, throwing, leading your WR, and more importantly, running the ball in a realistic manner are some things that have drastically been improved to mimic real life.
Yes, there still exist some old Maddenish problems, but as the writer wrote in OS, they are definately overshadowed by all the positives. I cannot begin to tell you how taugh it is to run in this game. I cannot begin to tell you how great it feels to gain 6 hard earned yards, much less to break a long one. The running backs feel great! you feel in full control of them and mastering the jukes, turns, Truck Stick, stiff arm, using the LS and RS can lead to some great creativity that will see your RB running for day light as He-could-go-all-the-way-Touchdown!
This game is not like last year's madden where everthing seemed so scripted and simple. No, this game will need to be mastered in practice mode(especially the RB)to fully enjoy it's potential. I spent 3 hrs in practice mode learning the new running back's moves trying to get through holes and allowing myself to be more patient with out over using the sprint button too much. It's all well worth it.
Passing is just as great depending on who your quarterback is as in real life ofcourse. Using Payton Manning, Favre, or Brady, you get some nice accurate completions that other QB's such as Pennington or any other 2nd string or 3rd string could not complete. This also depends on the WR as well. If for example Favre is throwing to a 3rd string WR, no matter how great the pass is, there is a great chance that that receiver will drop or bobble the ball. The long bomb will also need to be practiced since you can no longer cheese with the infamous "Rocket Catch".
Defense is hella fun! You can get some nasty bone crunching tackles as well as some decleaters if you time them right. I was playing the Cowgirls in exhibition and on one play I had excellent coverage downfield which led to T. Romo tucking the ball in and decided to take it for a spin down the field. As I saw him take off, I immediately took control of Marcus Washington #53 for the Redskins and ramed my helmet in to his back which saw his head realistically snap backwards from the impact that led to a fumble and a game ending injury.
Graphics aren't great, great per say but are good enough for the game in my opinion. You will see what I mean when you go replay mode and zoom in on the field and players uni's. Also, I am a bit disappointed that I can't edit my players physic with regards to muscle tone etc..I would like to make some LB's a little more meaty if you know what I mean, but I either this option is hidden, or is not there.
All in all, I am proud of EA for showing that they are not resting in their laurels any more and that they are headed in the right direction. I beleive they have gotten back to their good ways and this is a sign of some good football titles to come in the future.
This from a very grateful football fan.
;-)
The only real complaint is that the game is a bit too fast and the CPU QB is too accurate but the upcoming patch should fix that. People are also saying MySkill is giving them great results and a very good game.
