DustinT's Blog
When the 20th Anniversary of Madden was released, most fans were excited. The inclusion of Madden NFL 93 was a sweet bonus. Head Coach 09 is still fantastic. Not much after that.
Madden NFL 09 is not remembered as one of the better Madden's. It's a shame, too, as the 20th Anniversary should have given consumers more. But here are a few ideas that would turn Madden NFL 14 into the true silver gift that it is destined to be.
1. Halftime Show
This topic has been bludgeoned to death ever since NFL 2K5. But it was such an amazing part of the immersion and excitement that NFL 2K5 brought to the table. Until EA finally implements an interactive halftime show (Chris Berman is not required), fans will continue to voice their displeasure. What better time to finally give everyone what they want?
2. Fix The Trade Logic
Trades don't happen often in the NFL, so it isn't a game killer when it's damn near impossible to complete a trade in the Madden series. But this is Madden, not the NFL. The whole point of Connected Careers was to create your own NFL. Improving the trade logic, and giving gamers more than three trade slots, could make Madden NFL 14 more enjoyable for those who want to see superstars swap teams. Everyone saw what it took to get Robert Griffin III; it was madness. But in Madden, that trade is literally impossible. Make it possible EA!
3. Custom Playbooks in Online CCM
If CCM is really the direction EA is going to stay with, then custom playbooks need to be added. Franchise junkies will have a heart attack. Hell, well we're at it, let us create plays as well. If it's our NFL, let it be our NFL.
3a. Commissioner Mode
C'mon, this would be awesome. It'd be boring, but I'd have a smirk every time I fined James Harrison. Obviously a joke here, considering Mr. Roger Goodell would not let this happen, but imagine the two days of fun before you got bored.
4. Improved Player Movement
This is getting nit picky, but it needs to be addressed eventually. Players can get zig-zaggy when running between tackles and avoiding defensive backs. With the Infinity Engine debuting last year, one can assume the gameplay improvements should be somewhat substantial. And those improvements should start with player movement.
5. Classic Teams
NBA 2K hit the jackpot when it added in classic teams. Licensing would be a huge issues, considering there are more players on an NFL team than an NBA team. But with certain Hall-of-Fame players already in Madden NFL 13, one could think it might not be as big a task as it seems. Maybe the 25 best Super Bowl teams?
6. Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football has become a weekly holiday during the NFL season. Even if you aren't a football fan, it's tough to not watch MNF at some point. But in Madden, MNF feels like just another game. This is where ESPN integration could do wonders. Hire Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden. Get Suzy Kolber on the sidelines.
C'mon EA, this is Madden NFL 14. It's the 25th time a Madden game has graced shelves. Make it count.
What do you want to see as the big change to Madden NFL 14?
# 17
statum71 @ Feb 1
Your first request.......a halftime show. Finally!!!!
Why is this something all EA games omit????
No halftime in Madden or NCAA
No halftime in FIFA (although its a great game)
No intermission report in NHL
Whats really up???
Why is this something all EA games omit????
No halftime in Madden or NCAA
No halftime in FIFA (although its a great game)
No intermission report in NHL
Whats really up???
# 18
cgalligan @ Feb 1
1. make a football game that relies on the principle basic fundamentals of football rather than speed and only speed
2. fix the AI all around... Offensive line AI is absolutely terrible...
3. make size and weight actually matter... playing a 250lb DE in your 3-4 alignment should mean you get your A$$ handed to you in the run game because he'd get dominated in the trenches by 300lb lineman all game long...
4. Players that "learn"... instead of an out route, or curl route working every single time in Man to Man coverage, how about allowing that CB to recognize the fact that the same route is being run on him over and over again? - thus, opening up other routes like out and ups to be effective?
5. get rid of the meaningless attributes - OR - tell us, OFFICIALLY, what every single attribute does...
-- example -- what does Run Block Footwork do? what does Pass Block Strength Do? how do these differ from the Players overall strength?
6. Footplanting? very tired of seeing players change direction and "weave" without losing any speed or momentum
2. fix the AI all around... Offensive line AI is absolutely terrible...
3. make size and weight actually matter... playing a 250lb DE in your 3-4 alignment should mean you get your A$$ handed to you in the run game because he'd get dominated in the trenches by 300lb lineman all game long...
4. Players that "learn"... instead of an out route, or curl route working every single time in Man to Man coverage, how about allowing that CB to recognize the fact that the same route is being run on him over and over again? - thus, opening up other routes like out and ups to be effective?
5. get rid of the meaningless attributes - OR - tell us, OFFICIALLY, what every single attribute does...
-- example -- what does Run Block Footwork do? what does Pass Block Strength Do? how do these differ from the Players overall strength?
6. Footplanting? very tired of seeing players change direction and "weave" without losing any speed or momentum
# 19
statum71 @ Feb 1
@ js3512
No disrespect. But how many times does it have to be stated that gameplay, presentation, and even audio ALL have totally different groups working in this respective areas??
They can improve gameplay and still improve other areas of the game too.
No disrespect. But how many times does it have to be stated that gameplay, presentation, and even audio ALL have totally different groups working in this respective areas??
They can improve gameplay and still improve other areas of the game too.
# 20
cusefan74 @ Feb 1
Of all the things wrong with Madden and we worry about halftime shows, MNF, and classic teams? I think there is a lot of other improvements needed before any of that.
# 21
statum71 @ Feb 1
@js3512
I respect where you're coming from. But in all honesty......no matter how great a game is people are gonna complain about gameplay (see The Show and NBA 2K). That's because its a matter of opinion. Some people think the gameplay is ok, others think its horrible. That's for any given game.
My point is, yes continue to tweek and improve gameplay. But if THAT'S the only improvement on the game next year, as far as I'm concerned they can keep it.
I respect where you're coming from. But in all honesty......no matter how great a game is people are gonna complain about gameplay (see The Show and NBA 2K). That's because its a matter of opinion. Some people think the gameplay is ok, others think its horrible. That's for any given game.
My point is, yes continue to tweek and improve gameplay. But if THAT'S the only improvement on the game next year, as far as I'm concerned they can keep it.
# 22
statum71 @ Feb 1
As a matter of fact.........
Check every single forum for each sports game out and see if you don't find threads complaining about gameplay.
Every single sports title.
Check every single forum for each sports game out and see if you don't find threads complaining about gameplay.
Every single sports title.
# 24
bballsoccergreg @ Feb 2
How about, first and foremost, putting the best feature this game used to have back in it..... FANTASY DRAFT!!!!!!!!!!!!
# 25
cmidd @ Feb 3
A.J.Dembroski, a dev or former dev at Tiburon, stated in a twitter feed that Madden isn't as innovative as other titles. I believe him! Now, I'm done ranting about Madden as it doesn't help. I just end up frustrated due to loyalist who feel that my opinions have no place on this forum and refuse to admit that the license deal holds this game back. It's not a coincidence that MLB 2k series and Madden/NCAA are not on par with the rest of sports gaming. Both games are exclusive titles, each of these games are at the bottom of the genre.
Since EA will most likely retain the rights, I suppose the only thing I can do is point out what I think should be "in the game".
Gameplay- As I, and many others have stated throughout the years, the battle in the trenches needs to be reworked. Strenght and weight are extremely important, as well as footwork and quickness of the pass protection. Like one poster stated above, a team like the Falcons who transitioned to a 34 defense yet used the same personnel they used in the 43 should make them "a soft defense" against the run. I'm not sure if the play action pass worked this year, I did not spend much time with it when I rented it but if not that's an area that should be improved. I'd like to see dummy counts added and used to find out who the Mike is. All the little strategic things that happen presnap that really matter, that aren't already in. Ratings tie in with gameplay. The only ratings that should be in the game are position specific like a QB's ability to draw a defender offsides,(they can leave throw accuracy short, medium, deep and play action), defenders tackling ability. Also, DT's should not even have a man coverage rating. Any physical attributes like speed, agility and strength should be represented by combine results. Maybe player tendencies is an area that can help, add more player tendencies like stripping the ball, for EX:, the Falcons players suffered from this, and while they stripped the ball more often, they missed a lot of tackles in the open field. Injury proneness should be very important rating! Any other legacy issues not mentioned, you guys know what they are.
CCM- I think they should take NCAA and Madden and make them one product and charge one price. Doing this would give them a chance to make story lines more in depth, our created coaches would be able to coach at the college and professional levels, again, adding to story lines and just making the whole experience more enjoyable. At least in my eyes. When my coach or player I create returns to a city he played or coached for, the story of that event should make me want to play that game because I know there's only so much you can really do with the gameplay and story lines that work like this would keep the games from becoming stale. If the fans disliked my coach, they would show up in droves to help his former team win, no matter how poorly said team is playing. If my coach/player had the misfortune of being hired in Jacksonville or Buffalo, the story line would be about saving the franchise and if I fail and move on to another team, that franchise might move to another city two seasons down the road, without having to be user controlled to do so. Money should mean something in the game and reflect what we see in sports too. Also, as a coach/player you should have an impact on your teams chemistry, maybe have a positive influence on troubled players with negative tendencies or attitudes like Pacman Jones or maybe my coach is good at developing rookies, maybe he is more suited for college, maybe my WR is a diva like T.O. or my LB/SS is as intimidating as James Harrison which causes QB's to make mistakes. Many other ideas come to mind but I'm cutting this short b/c it's long as it is.
The above suggestions are proof that there is so much untapped potential in Madden, as well as all the other sports games but Madden stands out to me because football is my and America's fav sport and should be represented better than it has been this generation! Someone will no doubt troll me for this saying things like "You don't likeit, don't buy it" (trust me, I won't) or insult my intellegence by saying "these suggestions are impossible to implement because blah blah blah", and my all time favorite "The game is the best game out there and doesn't need anything done to it, just fine with a $60 roster update" Anyway, that's it..
Since EA will most likely retain the rights, I suppose the only thing I can do is point out what I think should be "in the game".
Gameplay- As I, and many others have stated throughout the years, the battle in the trenches needs to be reworked. Strenght and weight are extremely important, as well as footwork and quickness of the pass protection. Like one poster stated above, a team like the Falcons who transitioned to a 34 defense yet used the same personnel they used in the 43 should make them "a soft defense" against the run. I'm not sure if the play action pass worked this year, I did not spend much time with it when I rented it but if not that's an area that should be improved. I'd like to see dummy counts added and used to find out who the Mike is. All the little strategic things that happen presnap that really matter, that aren't already in. Ratings tie in with gameplay. The only ratings that should be in the game are position specific like a QB's ability to draw a defender offsides,(they can leave throw accuracy short, medium, deep and play action), defenders tackling ability. Also, DT's should not even have a man coverage rating. Any physical attributes like speed, agility and strength should be represented by combine results. Maybe player tendencies is an area that can help, add more player tendencies like stripping the ball, for EX:, the Falcons players suffered from this, and while they stripped the ball more often, they missed a lot of tackles in the open field. Injury proneness should be very important rating! Any other legacy issues not mentioned, you guys know what they are.
CCM- I think they should take NCAA and Madden and make them one product and charge one price. Doing this would give them a chance to make story lines more in depth, our created coaches would be able to coach at the college and professional levels, again, adding to story lines and just making the whole experience more enjoyable. At least in my eyes. When my coach or player I create returns to a city he played or coached for, the story of that event should make me want to play that game because I know there's only so much you can really do with the gameplay and story lines that work like this would keep the games from becoming stale. If the fans disliked my coach, they would show up in droves to help his former team win, no matter how poorly said team is playing. If my coach/player had the misfortune of being hired in Jacksonville or Buffalo, the story line would be about saving the franchise and if I fail and move on to another team, that franchise might move to another city two seasons down the road, without having to be user controlled to do so. Money should mean something in the game and reflect what we see in sports too. Also, as a coach/player you should have an impact on your teams chemistry, maybe have a positive influence on troubled players with negative tendencies or attitudes like Pacman Jones or maybe my coach is good at developing rookies, maybe he is more suited for college, maybe my WR is a diva like T.O. or my LB/SS is as intimidating as James Harrison which causes QB's to make mistakes. Many other ideas come to mind but I'm cutting this short b/c it's long as it is.
The above suggestions are proof that there is so much untapped potential in Madden, as well as all the other sports games but Madden stands out to me because football is my and America's fav sport and should be represented better than it has been this generation! Someone will no doubt troll me for this saying things like "You don't likeit, don't buy it" (trust me, I won't) or insult my intellegence by saying "these suggestions are impossible to implement because blah blah blah", and my all time favorite "The game is the best game out there and doesn't need anything done to it, just fine with a $60 roster update" Anyway, that's it..
# 26
darknmild @ Feb 4
Make special teams a threat I hate when players dont use their elusive skills they run right into the defender.
# 27
schnaidt1 @ Feb 4
how about global attribute edits so we can fix the ratings disaster that is delivered from donny moore.....
# 28
Fist Of Kings @ Feb 4
I've written essays(lol) complaining about how awful Madden 13 is, so I'll make it quick. Madden 25 needs everything. There was not one thing that I was pleased with in Madden 13: bad gameplay, removed features and modes, constant freezing mainly at the depth chart, and horrible presentation.
# 29
SamoanSteelerFromAus @ Feb 5
"This is getting nit picky, but it needs to be addressed eventually. Players can get zig-zaggy when running between tackles and avoiding defensive backs."
The fact that the author and others view the statement above as nit picking has shown that EA has conditioned us to not expect an adequate amount of realism in our football games.
Correct me if im wrong, but shouldnt player movement be the FIRST thing that is taken care of? I've never liked the graphics of this game no matter how applauded they are by seemingly everyone these days and I think it's because I couldn't care less about the smoothness of players skin and prettiness of their jerseys when all the players move around like their ice skating and have no weight and momentum behind their actions.
All pro football 2K8 had "bad" graphics according to many however i'm still struck by how realistic the game looked because of the fluidity of movement and the impeccable blending/chaining of animations which is the work of a good engine and well...a bit of effort from the developers.
The fact that the author and others view the statement above as nit picking has shown that EA has conditioned us to not expect an adequate amount of realism in our football games.
Correct me if im wrong, but shouldnt player movement be the FIRST thing that is taken care of? I've never liked the graphics of this game no matter how applauded they are by seemingly everyone these days and I think it's because I couldn't care less about the smoothness of players skin and prettiness of their jerseys when all the players move around like their ice skating and have no weight and momentum behind their actions.
All pro football 2K8 had "bad" graphics according to many however i'm still struck by how realistic the game looked because of the fluidity of movement and the impeccable blending/chaining of animations which is the work of a good engine and well...a bit of effort from the developers.
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Hopefully they give us historic teams and let us use them in a regular season. They gave us lengendary players like Rice, why do I have to play them in a careers mode. Let me pick him up in free angency and play like a regular game where I control everyone.