.:[]:.Madden NFL 12 Demo (My impressions).:[]:. - TreFacTor's Blog

TreFacTor's Blog

.:[]:.Madden NFL 12 Demo (My impressions).:[]:.

Posted on August 9, 2011 at 08:34 PM.

(12)

I see alot of people loving the demo and I don't know how to post the problems that I have found without being labeld a h8ter. I would love for some of the issues that I have found to be incidental but to me (a madden gamer since 95) they are more profound than the casual player and I would even go so far as to call them "legacy issues". I know this isn't the final build and people will scream nit picker but when you see these things every release it's hard to forget them or even let them slide. That being said here it is

Pros:
-The opening introduction is fine
-the players and stadium look fine
-the grass, transitional lighting and dirty uniforms are also fine.

Those are the only positives I can really give the demo having played it all day (all pro). Even though my account was permenantly banned from EA, I was still intrigued enough to still buy the game 8/30/11 but after playing the demo, I have decided that I can go another year without having an NFL game (didn't buy 11 but played it for a month).

I couldn't rate DPP because I didn't see any indication that a player was getting better or worse in any of the games I played. Is 5 minute quarters really long enough to see the effects of DPP? I have no idea. Rogers took off a lot but wasn't really gashing me. While playing the Packers, even though Cutler took a beating, he didn't hurry any throws or even run. Like many have stated I saw the QB strafes too fast in the pocket, the all too familiar leaping linebacker intercept passes that clearly should have been out of reach, the psychic ai, and even the DB's running the receivers routes and making perfect cuts before the receivers but that has come to be accepted in Madden.

Cons:

-Too many repetitive animations. It gets old quick. I mean how many times can you watch your DTs get flung to the ground with the same animations before you begin to not even give a spit anymore?

-Replays are still too short. Replays should start before the snap of the ball and finish after whatever celebration animation is playing out...why is this so hard to fix? Maybe it's not a big issue but it's one I see mentioned on the forums a lot.

The selection of replays is also still poor. Why were the 2 replays that were shown at the end of the game 2 kneel downs?
*the play selection box also still pops up preventing you from even seeing the replay at times so why bother even showing the replay?*

Shouldn't every touchdown be a replay? I think so, why is it that I'm down against the Pack 17-0 at the start of the third, Rogers throws a pick, I hit Olson on a streak for a TD, he's rocked but manages to hold on... neither play is replayed.

-Unrealistic injuries: I have seen some WTF moments but this one takes the cake. While playing as the Bears I select a pass play and throw to WR Bennette in the slot who has to jump to make the catch, he is immediately contacted (all hits seem to be knock out blows). He lands on his butt and is injured, they cart him off so I assume he's not coming back. A few moments later the injury is announced as a dislocated ankle...

-I saw an invisible batted ball... that's right something hit the ball that wasn't a player, wasn't on screen and made the ball go straight up in the air. The pass was intended for Olson over the middle Matthews was at the line coming through uncontested, he jumped to swat the ball, but the ball was already 2-3 yards past his hand. The ball hit some type of barrier or something and went straight up... so much for ball physics.

-Players on the sidelines are still manequins and faceless automatons. At least in APF2K8 you could actually hit the players on the sidelines.

-On one passing play only my center decided to block anyone on a 4 man rush. Both my LT,LG,RG,RT decided that they just simply didn't need to block on that play. Had I not also hot routed my RB to block Cutler would surely have been going to the hospital on that play because of the DE that the right side let come completely free. ( 4 man rush no blitz )

-On another passing play I noticed the OLB was lined up wide of my tight end who was to run a slant to the sideline. After my LT had already displayed his incompetence I called a hot route block for the TE. Considering that the OLB was the Tackles responsibility on the play originally you would think that if the TE gets beat that the LT would help...at least that's what I thought. The LT showed a new level of uselessness as he simply moved to the side to let the OLB cream the QB. Some will say well that's gonna happen sometimes, and that could be acceptable had I not also slid my protection to that side. (4 man rush no stunts)

I'm a franchise only player and the additions to franchise mode don't entice me anymore after playing the demo. The gameplay isn't improved enough for me to feel that they make a difference. I like the tackling but haven't seen more than 2 players make contact on a ball carrier even though other players were around at the time of caontact (yeah they still hop around or fall to the ground). There are times where my defense (whether I was the Packers or the Bears) simply don't even attempt to tackle and run right past the ball carrier.

This being the demo, I know there are things that I have been longing for since NFL 2K5 and APF 2K8, that simply won't be in the final version and fans who love this demo will simply blow it off, but I wish there were a real halftime, post game, weekly wrap up show. I simply don't care what is going on around the league in Madden because I have to read it or find out for myself. My franchise team usually goes undefeated to the Super Bowl in Madden so as long as that happens why should I care who is having a Hall of Fame year especially since I can't see any tape on the competition.

I know I'm in the minority, and one thing I've learned from my time surfing these and the EA forums is that either you like the game or you don't and if you don't your not important and your opinion doesn't matter.

I hope I haven't offended anyone with my post and to those who loved the demo... enjoy.

Comments

# 1 DaggerSwagger @ Aug 10

Well I have to agree with everything you said here...yeah we are the minority so most of the things we think should be in the game isn't going to make in the game having said that i will say this i just wish the minority had a choice in this matter then everyone would be happy

# 2 TreFacTor @ Aug 10

@ DaggerSwagger

I think the game is moving in the right direction, but all things considered this is the game they should have presented in 09. I would like to be giddy with anticipation and hope now that the old team is gone but the underlying business practices remain. The online commmunity now has a chance to see how the offline players feel though and if Madden 13 continues the pattern they will feel neglected for at least the next two cycles.

I want to see Madden return to glory and wanted so much to be blown away by the demo, but without being able to dig into franchise (where the majority of the improvemnts are) I just can't. Madden has been a wait till the second patch purchase since 08 and I can't say that 12 is any different. Maybe next year.

I'd also like to see:

Physics for collisions if nothing else.
The true return of classic audibles (NO dpad needed) it was so much easier to make adjustments with the buttons and bumpers instead of the dpad.
Actual players on the sidelines... just seeing ur team mate help you up out of bounds would show attention to detail (its in 2K8 BTW)
At least a second commentary team so that every if it does feel the same it won't sound the same.
More varied animations... enough with the overused over the shoulder catch. That's fine for streaks but on a 5 yard out?
Better and more varied AI play calling... during my play time the Packers called zone defenses almost exclusively and not once did Woodson blitz from the slot.
Foot planting for change of direction can anyone in the world run full speed starting in a straight line and then zig zag without losing momentum?
Better ways to emulate a missed block. This is one of my biggest gripes. Players in the NFL don't just watch defenders go past the at the line. They might pass them off in a zone blocking acheme but for the most part there is a reason why a defender comes clean (and usually its an overload, missed assaignment or mismatch) not simply the guard and tackle simply standing there like in this game.

Just my thoughts I'll stop there before I sound like I'm ranting.

# 3 TreFacTor @ Aug 10

@ JayMizzle

I'm not suggesting that anyone skip Madden 12... I might still get the game only I can't tell from the demo if its worth it pre patch. I definitely can't get it day one. I have to wait and see what issues the first patch addresses and then make a decision. We have to ask ouselves though why does. The demo have such issues and if they can't hide the issues in the demo how can they seriously address them with patches or even live tuning.

Even I have to concede that improvements have been made but to what extent the demo really doesn't demonstrate clearly other than tackling and team introductios and pre play camera angles.

# 4 schnaidt1 @ Aug 10

how did u get banned from ea??

# 5 TreFacTor @ Aug 10

@ shnaidt1

I got warned for TOS violations for speaking my mind about the direction madden was headed. I had been on their forums for the better part of three years giving feedback, help, and criticisim. I wasn't always cordial, and the final violatio I got was for answering to a troll thread. "Is this cheesing?" I respoded "who gives a rats @zz" with a pic. The mods considered me a troll and really couldn't wait to bann me permenantly. My only regret is that I linked my ea account with my live account because I thought that I was actually going to make a difference with suggestions and critcism.

# 6 Eski33 @ Aug 11

I like the demo. The game feels way better than previous years and the presentation package is excellent.

No matter what, people are going to spend more time trying to find things they deem wrong with the game instead of enjoying the improvements that were made. It is a demo and a patch is sure to correct some of the issues.

Stating this should have been Madden 09 is a tad funny. It is Madden 12 and is much better than 09, 10 and 11. The game actually has a great atmosphere.

I understand the gripes but denying yourself enjoyment from a game because of repititiveness or minor non gameplay issues is not the way to go. 2K had a good game but even it got repetitive and was easy.

# 7 Eski33 @ Aug 11

Not dogging the OP as many people want different things but inanimate sidelines is not worth mentioning. In my opinion it adds nothing. I see a lot of gripes on this issue. Also the injury with the ankle. Even if it didnt appear that he landed on his ankle, it is a video game.

As far as the hitting, I have seen a wide variety of hits and havent seen anything I woukd deem a deal breaker.

Regarding balls being knocked down without contact is an issue. I have yet to see it but sure a patch can help this.

The game offers a lot and no one will really know til the retail version is released. I have read a number or articles from people who played Madden at E3 and found their experience better than the one they had with the demo which could mean the demo us an older build. Again we wont know for sure til release.

# 8 TreFacTor @ Aug 11

@ Eshi33
It is clear from your remarks that no matter what flaws are revealed, you can over look them. You may dismiss my opinion and findings and we can agree to disagree. I on the other can not over look the issues I pointed out and others I haven't. As I've stated I have found other issues but for people like youself I'm just nit picking. We obvious expect differnt things...that's how life is and part of what makes each of unique. You may go to church every Sunday where as I never go. You may believe in a god while I have no idea and do not conform to any religion. To say that anything I mentioned isnMt worth mentioning though shows clear bias where as I try not to be. The demo clearly haas impressed a lot of people all of which are less demanding and more accepting than myself but those opinions should not invalidate my own. I hope you continue to have fun with the demo and the final product. I however will wait to see what the first patch addresses befor I pay $60 I can ill afford to waste. Just my oopinion. Good day sir.

# 9 Eski33 @ Aug 11

@Tre. Wasnt trying to disrespect. My point isnt really directed at you. I know the demo has issues but for me the game is miles ahead of previous years in many areas. Presentation and stadium sounds are awesome.

I just have no idea what people expect.

# 10 mirrored32 @ Aug 12

the demo is a 'beta' to me. the demo unfortuntely never tells an accurate story. history has shown the game is always way better then the demo, but history has also shown that 'features' that the 'marketing team' promotes have been released with them broken and not fixed. (remember the substitutions issue a couple back?). IMO with the new features and franchise being promoted, if it works as marketed and patched in good time should it not, I will be pleased and proud. if i hear "we have to start working on next years game" when there is a 'marketed feature' broken and not patched, It will be the end of my belief in the game and company.

by the by, does anyone know what EA Sports Mission Statement is i can't find it.

# 11 TreFacTor @ Aug 12