I feel similarly. I always got the impression that the developers weren't innovating very much year to year, instead adding "buzz" features. This year it seems like they are actually making valuable changes.

Madden 11 was the first year I haven't bought the game since God knows when but from the looks of 12, I might be back on the wagon.

Yeah, Madden 11 was the first Madden that I wasn't ever satisfied with in any way.

And Brian - Yeah, I definitely get that vibe. From the videos, gameplay looks much improved, looks smoother. Color me impressed.

This is the first year this generation that they have either given a s**t about the franchise or have held the opinion of core gamers in reasonably high regard.

We do this every year. We see some improvments and screenshots and start forking over our cash to EA. Until I see actual gameplay improvments, count me out. So far I really haven't been to impressed honestly. Only thing I can say that makes me want to buy the game are the custom playbooks.

i personally like the info and vids on the game but before i buy it i will rent it first.....

Both NCAA and Madden are looking sweet. I loved Madden 10, Madden 11 not so much.

they both look pretty good...but don't get too excited just yet, I'm interested to see how the new tackling system will play

J-SKI - maybe Madden has been nothing more than a disappointment to you, but for me, I enjoyed every Madden except for Madden 11 (which soured me). To each his own, I guess.

From the looks of the videos, and new information we got, it seems like Madden is at least heading in the right direction after the debacle that was Madden 11. That's why I'm excited

@JNes12 I am very excited for the release of Madden '12. I thought Madden '11 was a bit stale and the changes to presentation and Franchise mode this year makes me want this game badly. For me, it's a Day 1 buy. Hurry up, August 30th, lol.

J-SKI - I don't disagree that a LOT of people have been disappointed with Madden on next gen. The reason people get false-ly hyped for Madden is because they WANT Madden to be great. They trick themselves into thinking Madden will be awesome, and then end up with disappointment.

Me, however, I don't take things all too seriously, and I take Madden for what it is. I don't usually get "hyped" for Madden, but this year I think I am, only because of how bad Madden 11 was, and how good Madden 12 looks so far.

I am pumped, no doubt. That said, the May 16th Franchise Mode seals or breaks my purchase. I've waited for a great (not decent, not good) franchise mode since Madden 07 PS2, and I will not spend money on a game if it ignores the basic modes people would spend majority of time in if effort were to be put into it.