RaychelSnr's Blog
Madden NFL 13 has to fix what ails the franchise, it's now or perhaps never.
I'm here to totally piggy-back off of Phil Varckette's excellent piece about 'Five Things Madden NFL 13 Must Do For Success' with a piece of my own, in a similar but not quite the same fashion.
My goal is to present to you the gauge I will use to measure success for Madden this year, I'm not getting into wish list items, these are simply things that must happen for the series to take an actual step forward:
Bring Commentary Up to the Level of Its Peers -- Last year's commentary was the worst in any major sports game in this generation minus Madden NFL 06. Simply put, commentary has to not only make a huge leap, it has to triple in quality to where NBA 2K12 and The Show are right now.
Gameplay has to find a new 'in' -- Cam Weber has been quoted as recognizing that gamers (aka my review) are calling Madden's gameplay stale. I'm not expecting the wheel to be reinvented, but I want to see some definite tweaks and changes with how we play the game towards something that's more accessible yet different than what we've had since Madden NFL '99. The game has to feel alive, varied, and anything but stale.
Continued Nice Online Options -- The communities feature, for some reason or another, didn't quite take off as EA had expected. Personally I feel it was a stronger aspect of the online offerings. Perhaps expansion of the communities idea (integrate social networks, don't create your own silly gooses) along with a little thing called 'Full Online Franchise Mode' -- perhaps get creative and integrate it all (along with MUT). I'm just saying.
More variety in presentation -- The leap in the camera angles and all that was completely negated by the absolutely horrendous commentary. However, the presentation is still behind it's peers. I want to see the presentation at a level where you see NBA 2K, MLB 2K, MLB The Show, even FIFA and NHL. So even more camera variety, even better post-play and in-between play interactions and expressions and most importantly: make it feel like NFL Football. (Hint: That means it doesn't really feel like it right now.)
Spend the Year Fixing the Issues -- How many times are gamers going to have to harp on the same gameplay issues before they are ever fixed? My standard for success with Madden this year includes fixing of all of these bugs which have been a part of the game for so long. Yes, I know they are core engine problems, but that's no excuse. EA has claimed the gameplay team is twice as big as prior years -- well there are no excuses for not starting to tweak Madden towards something better. I know we won't look too favorably upon a Madden game which comes at us with the same old problems as the last decade.
So what do you think after reading my and Phil's lists? Anything you want to add? Sound off!
# 2
Retropyro @ Jan 25
I can not understand how they have the ESPN license and fail to use it. Why is there no NFL Countdown or Primetime? Multiple commentary teams so we are not subjected to the Gus & Chris fiasco every single game.
I'm not a 2K5 fanboy boy but seriously, how does a game made in 2004 have superior presentation and depth to a game made in 2011/12???
I'm not a 2K5 fanboy boy but seriously, how does a game made in 2004 have superior presentation and depth to a game made in 2011/12???
# 3
Doogie09 @ Jan 25
Even the Extra Point wasn't half bad, if they added in clips from games. Half-time Show in '12 is a joke...as is post-game. Be nice to incorporate the week of prep and associated news reports that Head Coach had - option to simulate for those who wanted. I'd like to see the newspapers or something news/media wise come back. MLB 2K's MLB Today news comes to mind. Tony Bruno Radio Show was a nice touch...as some much of football is fans and experts talking about the game pre and post - it helps build the emotion. A side pet peeve, pls bring back the team rankings (last in '09) and a full roster breakdown (entire team by position tallying to 53). I know...I'm dreamin...but those are the things that might get my $$'s for 13 and beyond....
# 4
bigsmallwood @ Jan 25
Good write up! They need to make it play like NFL Football...presentation and commentary included. Nothing short of that will do at this point.
# 6
Danimal @ Jan 25
Now this is a good list. I said it last year when they announce Communities as the thing that would change Madden online forever that it was useless. Not that the feature is bad, it just wasn't needed. We all mostly play with our buddies, why did we need a community to do that?
The commentary last year was the worst in any sports game I can recall. I would of been embarrassed if my name was anywhere involved with the audio aspect of Madden 12.
Finally take a look at NCAA online Dynasty and the last set of enhancements, now look at Madden and pull your hair out. Want to know how little went into OF this year?
Well it's cool because during the season there is an expanded roster limit so you can carry 60 players. However after the draft it will still drop you 7 lowest rated guys even if you're not at the limit. Disgraceful is a word I would use to describe Madden 12's online offerings.
The commentary last year was the worst in any sports game I can recall. I would of been embarrassed if my name was anywhere involved with the audio aspect of Madden 12.
Finally take a look at NCAA online Dynasty and the last set of enhancements, now look at Madden and pull your hair out. Want to know how little went into OF this year?
Well it's cool because during the season there is an expanded roster limit so you can carry 60 players. However after the draft it will still drop you 7 lowest rated guys even if you're not at the limit. Disgraceful is a word I would use to describe Madden 12's online offerings.
# 7
DJ @ Jan 25
Chris, you are spot-on with the presentation. Yes, the camera cuts for Madden 12 were nice, but the game still feels very lifeless and it's hard for me to invest in a Franchise when EVERY GAME feels the same as the one before it.
Phil brought up a lot of good points, as well. We've been harping on them for years, though, so we have to see when EA will finally start listening to its community and implementing the suggested changes.
Madden used to be a must-buy for me every year. Now? It's a wait-and-see approach, with me trending towards not buying most years. I want things to go back to when the Madden team was really pushing themselves to improve every year, like they did from 1999-06. To me, those were the golden years of EA football and since that time, the series has taken several steps backwards.
As I said in Phil's article, one could argue that Madden and NCAA 12 are the games we should have received when the 360/PS3 generation began. Hopefully when the next generation of consoles come out, EA won't stumble so badly out of the blocks as they did this generation.
Phil brought up a lot of good points, as well. We've been harping on them for years, though, so we have to see when EA will finally start listening to its community and implementing the suggested changes.
Madden used to be a must-buy for me every year. Now? It's a wait-and-see approach, with me trending towards not buying most years. I want things to go back to when the Madden team was really pushing themselves to improve every year, like they did from 1999-06. To me, those were the golden years of EA football and since that time, the series has taken several steps backwards.
As I said in Phil's article, one could argue that Madden and NCAA 12 are the games we should have received when the 360/PS3 generation began. Hopefully when the next generation of consoles come out, EA won't stumble so badly out of the blocks as they did this generation.
# 8
triviator @ Jan 25
Same exact cycle every year on current gen consoles:
1. Madden release - overall disappointment
2. Gamers call for changes (the same base changes each year)
3. Madden team starts leaking "big" news bites (some are actual changes and additions to the game (great, a 3 second realistic view of stadium exterior-yay) while some are simply returning features which should have never been yanked to begin with)
4. Gaming community begins getting excited and asks "Could THIS be the year Madden gets it right?"
5. Gaming community is wowed by the cover athlete announcement, great graphics and correct colored socks
6. Madden release - overall disappointment
Back to Start
We're in that phase now where we all document once again the things we want in the game, either added or fixed. Top 5 lists. Top 10 lists.
I personally don't believe Madden will take a big step forward on current gen at this point. Unless the entire game adopts a new game play platform e.g. a totally different base game play experience. Putting lipstick on a pig hasn't worked for quite awhile now.
I'm hoping, but at this point, I'm assuming not much change or progress this year again. Just can't let myself go there again.
1. Madden release - overall disappointment
2. Gamers call for changes (the same base changes each year)
3. Madden team starts leaking "big" news bites (some are actual changes and additions to the game (great, a 3 second realistic view of stadium exterior-yay) while some are simply returning features which should have never been yanked to begin with)
4. Gaming community begins getting excited and asks "Could THIS be the year Madden gets it right?"
5. Gaming community is wowed by the cover athlete announcement, great graphics and correct colored socks
6. Madden release - overall disappointment
Back to Start
We're in that phase now where we all document once again the things we want in the game, either added or fixed. Top 5 lists. Top 10 lists.
I personally don't believe Madden will take a big step forward on current gen at this point. Unless the entire game adopts a new game play platform e.g. a totally different base game play experience. Putting lipstick on a pig hasn't worked for quite awhile now.
I'm hoping, but at this point, I'm assuming not much change or progress this year again. Just can't let myself go there again.
# 9
Bulls321974 @ Jan 25
I haven't played Madden anymore since Madden '07. I wish there was a football simulation that truly represents NFL football, but in my point of view Madden doesn't actually do that. It's sad to see how many great additions the guys at EA could implement each and every year, but for some odd reason they haven't been doing that yet. I mean, seriously: We're talking next-generation consoles. Madden has not made a big step forward yet in order to be worthy of a next-generation console game and soon the PS4 and the XBox 720 will hit the market. That's disappointing and frustrating because gamers have been wishing to see some progress in so many ways, like animation, realism and presentation but EA has not delivered yet. I wish there was a great football game because I love the sport. But as long as Madden keeps being what it is now and then, I will definitely not buy a copy of it.
# 10
Petey B @ Jan 25
I'm down with everything Chris and Phil say. Thus, MADDEN definitely sucks.
Blow the game up, and come up with a new way to play video game football.
However, in typing that I get confused: How come NCAA feels so much better than fat Raider John's 11-on-11 sim?
Blow the game up, and come up with a new way to play video game football.
However, in typing that I get confused: How come NCAA feels so much better than fat Raider John's 11-on-11 sim?
# 11
dcal @ Jan 25
@triviator - well said, it is the same every year. Wont change much until Next Gen. It will be a clean slate with new hardware and possibilities with a new engine(we all hope)
# 12
SkillzKillz719 @ Jan 25
I think you guys are ALL missing a HUGE point.
Okay so we all get our wish (mine included) about how everything ON THE FIELD gets upgraded and reworked, which would quite honestly be amazing. But what really, really, really takes me out of the game is the lack of emotion. Why can't they literally make the Super Bowl feel like the Super Bowl? Where's all the pregame up to the game? I want every game to make me feel like I actually have to put in a gameplan (maybe not literally, but where I have to think about what type of opponent I'm facing) and have some sort of planned attack to my opponent. I want the game to feel like a game. I want 3rd down to matter. I want the quarterback's body language to show if I should run and easy screen or draw, or if he's just had an off game but we've built a strong relationship (someone like Drew Brees and Sean Payton) where I have 100% trust in him.
If I'm in Superstar Mode I WANT IT TO ALL MATTER. Like I said, sure we can talk about how real the play on the field is and whatnot, but if I feel like I'm just in a game, it oddly enough, stops becoming fun. I want total immersion. What type of car I drive (confidence), who I'm friends with (chemistry), and chose how I spend my time (leadership). When I go to the film room all it could be is 5 plays, but then I get quizzed over them. And the plays could be ones that the coach will use FOR SURE the next game depending on the opponent.
I want there to be consequences if I audible the play to some other than what the coach wants. Where he could call runs more or make a statement to the press. I want there to be questions like how there is in 2k12 almost exactly. They do it amazingly. I also loved how Fight Night Champion went the single player route.
I just don't get it.
I want there to be acradey-like moments that change a game. I can send a link of a trailer Madden did that reminded me of it. It was the one of Eli Manning and I think Mario Manningham (? One of his receivers) and it showed Eli's confidence and Mario's(Do you guys know what I’m talking about?). Why can't they do that mid game? Make a PLAY feel important.
Haven't any of you ever been to a game, and what the camera doesn't show on tv is how after gaining 6 yards a RB will get up and do a motion with his hands to his mouth like he's feeding himself. He wants the ball to be feed to him. Keep it up. His emotional want to get the ball and run over everything in sight should factor into it.
People like Ray Lewis should have moments in game where it's 24-7 in the middle of the 3rd quarter and he gives his defense is playing very blah, and no one’s up for the game as much as they should. So he gives them a pep talk. Gets them emotional and raises everybody up. You should have motivators on the team and ones that make everyone better because of them. Cam Newton getting the crowd pumped up I think sometimes pushed his team to be better at Auburn. Maybe not so much in the NFL, but the crowd should actually get into it. Get loud of defense. Affect the play on the field. Have players hate certain stadiums because they played poorly there as a rookie.
WHY CANT THIS HAPPEN.
Competition drives everything. I sat for about 2 years silently disagreeing with you guys about competition. I thought it was your guys' way of saying "Blah blah I want 2k because I had good memories about them." but it's actually true. Madden (Not EA. They produce many other good titles other than Madden) needs competition. It's all about Signals, Incentives, and Information. We're sending the wrong Signal by buying the game. The wrong Incentives are created by the developers because they know they can get away with it (Not like evil people who are greedy, but rather like a kid who tries to copy some one's homework, gets away with it, and then continues to do it because there are no consequences for his actions, and he can continue to do it without doing any work.) They need the right Information by looking at these forums. Seriously. Read feedback. How do they honestly read what people are saying, not update what pisses us off the most, and honestly go on a video and say we've listened to the community? I know I couldn't do that. Triple digit income or not. Whatever happened to taking pride in your product? The more risks they take by adding new stuff, there becomes a higher chance of being more successful.
And this is tame compared to what lacks in NCAA Franchise. College football is almost ALL about the emotion of the game. Honestly I wouldn’t mind them doing a drastic change by taking all playable teams and doing almost an exclusive single player only game where you sign with a university and the colleges ((Real colleges, like Oregon State University showing off that they're a small Agriculture/Science school with a college town feel)) so they can literally show off what they have at their schools (science halls, rec centers, and academic opportunity) It's like a built in ad for the university, so most would likely sign on. And then all those attributes could boost thing like: decision making (science/math) and fan support (college town atmosphere).
Hell, put us on the plane on our way to go play rival opponent and see how much swag our team's got that day. Let us watch College Gameday if we so wish to see what everyone's saying about us.
MAKE IT MORE EMOTIONAL.
The dev's NEED inspiration. Desperatley.
MMChris S wrote something like that around NCAA 12's demo saying it had okay gameplay, but lacked any sort of inspiration. Or something to affect like that. And also another off the top of my head when he said he turned on NCAA 12 early in September and he shut it off because it was so far off the real game. Everything.
Adding a cutscene for 30 teams pregame entrance does not make me feel like I'm there. It makes me feel like there's some importance for literally my first game there and that's it.
If I was a dev and I was reading this I probably would be offended. (What! I lack inspiration!?! WTF! We don't need competition!) But really? I think your product would speak for yourself by now.
Now if Madden or NCAA did anything along those lines, I think I would literally buy 2 copies.
No, make that 4. I'd be the biggest spokesman ever.
95% of you on here are lucky. I'm only 18. All I've had to play is monopoly's. I don’t even have the good ol' days to remember.
But I know how good it could be.
They have so much potential.
They need a dreamer in there developing games.
They have no idea how much they would get rewarded for that.
Okay so we all get our wish (mine included) about how everything ON THE FIELD gets upgraded and reworked, which would quite honestly be amazing. But what really, really, really takes me out of the game is the lack of emotion. Why can't they literally make the Super Bowl feel like the Super Bowl? Where's all the pregame up to the game? I want every game to make me feel like I actually have to put in a gameplan (maybe not literally, but where I have to think about what type of opponent I'm facing) and have some sort of planned attack to my opponent. I want the game to feel like a game. I want 3rd down to matter. I want the quarterback's body language to show if I should run and easy screen or draw, or if he's just had an off game but we've built a strong relationship (someone like Drew Brees and Sean Payton) where I have 100% trust in him.
If I'm in Superstar Mode I WANT IT TO ALL MATTER. Like I said, sure we can talk about how real the play on the field is and whatnot, but if I feel like I'm just in a game, it oddly enough, stops becoming fun. I want total immersion. What type of car I drive (confidence), who I'm friends with (chemistry), and chose how I spend my time (leadership). When I go to the film room all it could be is 5 plays, but then I get quizzed over them. And the plays could be ones that the coach will use FOR SURE the next game depending on the opponent.
I want there to be consequences if I audible the play to some other than what the coach wants. Where he could call runs more or make a statement to the press. I want there to be questions like how there is in 2k12 almost exactly. They do it amazingly. I also loved how Fight Night Champion went the single player route.
I just don't get it.
I want there to be acradey-like moments that change a game. I can send a link of a trailer Madden did that reminded me of it. It was the one of Eli Manning and I think Mario Manningham (? One of his receivers) and it showed Eli's confidence and Mario's(Do you guys know what I’m talking about?). Why can't they do that mid game? Make a PLAY feel important.
Haven't any of you ever been to a game, and what the camera doesn't show on tv is how after gaining 6 yards a RB will get up and do a motion with his hands to his mouth like he's feeding himself. He wants the ball to be feed to him. Keep it up. His emotional want to get the ball and run over everything in sight should factor into it.
People like Ray Lewis should have moments in game where it's 24-7 in the middle of the 3rd quarter and he gives his defense is playing very blah, and no one’s up for the game as much as they should. So he gives them a pep talk. Gets them emotional and raises everybody up. You should have motivators on the team and ones that make everyone better because of them. Cam Newton getting the crowd pumped up I think sometimes pushed his team to be better at Auburn. Maybe not so much in the NFL, but the crowd should actually get into it. Get loud of defense. Affect the play on the field. Have players hate certain stadiums because they played poorly there as a rookie.
WHY CANT THIS HAPPEN.
Competition drives everything. I sat for about 2 years silently disagreeing with you guys about competition. I thought it was your guys' way of saying "Blah blah I want 2k because I had good memories about them." but it's actually true. Madden (Not EA. They produce many other good titles other than Madden) needs competition. It's all about Signals, Incentives, and Information. We're sending the wrong Signal by buying the game. The wrong Incentives are created by the developers because they know they can get away with it (Not like evil people who are greedy, but rather like a kid who tries to copy some one's homework, gets away with it, and then continues to do it because there are no consequences for his actions, and he can continue to do it without doing any work.) They need the right Information by looking at these forums. Seriously. Read feedback. How do they honestly read what people are saying, not update what pisses us off the most, and honestly go on a video and say we've listened to the community? I know I couldn't do that. Triple digit income or not. Whatever happened to taking pride in your product? The more risks they take by adding new stuff, there becomes a higher chance of being more successful.
And this is tame compared to what lacks in NCAA Franchise. College football is almost ALL about the emotion of the game. Honestly I wouldn’t mind them doing a drastic change by taking all playable teams and doing almost an exclusive single player only game where you sign with a university and the colleges ((Real colleges, like Oregon State University showing off that they're a small Agriculture/Science school with a college town feel)) so they can literally show off what they have at their schools (science halls, rec centers, and academic opportunity) It's like a built in ad for the university, so most would likely sign on. And then all those attributes could boost thing like: decision making (science/math) and fan support (college town atmosphere).
Hell, put us on the plane on our way to go play rival opponent and see how much swag our team's got that day. Let us watch College Gameday if we so wish to see what everyone's saying about us.
MAKE IT MORE EMOTIONAL.
The dev's NEED inspiration. Desperatley.
MMChris S wrote something like that around NCAA 12's demo saying it had okay gameplay, but lacked any sort of inspiration. Or something to affect like that. And also another off the top of my head when he said he turned on NCAA 12 early in September and he shut it off because it was so far off the real game. Everything.
Adding a cutscene for 30 teams pregame entrance does not make me feel like I'm there. It makes me feel like there's some importance for literally my first game there and that's it.
If I was a dev and I was reading this I probably would be offended. (What! I lack inspiration!?! WTF! We don't need competition!) But really? I think your product would speak for yourself by now.
Now if Madden or NCAA did anything along those lines, I think I would literally buy 2 copies.
No, make that 4. I'd be the biggest spokesman ever.
95% of you on here are lucky. I'm only 18. All I've had to play is monopoly's. I don’t even have the good ol' days to remember.
But I know how good it could be.
They have so much potential.
They need a dreamer in there developing games.
They have no idea how much they would get rewarded for that.
# 13
DWADEFAN3 @ Jan 25
Yea the madden series isnt a very good one, and thats being nice. Its kinda ridiculous that nfl 2k5 had things that madden still doesnt have to this date. At this point i have to agree with you petey, this game needs to be completely revamps. They need to recreate the whole gameplay experience completely. Pretty much everything about this game is unacceptable besides the graphics. And i dont know about you guys but i would rather have sick gameplay than sick graphics.
# 14
ChaseB @ Jan 25
Dang I got to triple up on commentary improvements in Madden 13!? Where's the hometown loving?
# 15
RaychelSnr @ Jan 25
I'm a harsh guy Chase....a harsh guy. (That was actually a line put in there just for you) 
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I know people get tired of reading about how pass interference and a bunch of stuff is not in the game, but that is not our fault..it is MADDENS fault. We are going to keep talking about this stuff until it is put in the game. Don't kill the messenger...