Five Things EA Sports must do for Success in Madden NFL 13

Feature Article

Submitted on: 01/25/2012 by Phil Varckette

Ever since Madden landed on next-gen consoles, there has been a plethora of issues that seem to go unfixed every year. As gamers, we cannot seem to get an answer one way or another as to why these issues persist -- Is it just not possible to fix these issues given with what the developers have to work with? No matter the answer, the issues remain. With Madden 13 possibly being the last Madden to be exclusively on the current-gen systems, will we see some of the fixes we have been clamoring for, or do we simply have to put this generation behind us and hope for best on the upcoming new systems?

Without further adieu, here is the top five fixes EA must make for Madden NFL 13.

Newton throws over the middle and it's...blocked by a linebacker leaping 11 feet into the air?

1. Pass Trajectory

Look, it’s a bird, no, it’s a plane, wait…It’s a SUPER LINEBACKER!! Well actually it isn’t. Its not that the linebackers jump too high, it’s how the ball does not arc properly over the second level of the defense. Its like the ball travels on a single plane without variation. Sure, the ball can still be high or low, its just that there is no middle ground. If you are trying to throw the ball over the middle of the field, and if there is anyone within five yards they can easily bat the pass down.

This is an issue that has plagued the series since its debut on the current systems. My fear is that there is simply no way to fix it with the current game engine. I think as Madden fans we have made our voices heard for long enough to reasonable expect a fix this year. If not, then we surely must chalk it up to the unfortunate fact that it is unable to be fixed

2. Revamped Foot planting/Momentum engine

One of the single biggest complaints from Madden detractors and fans alike, is how the current foot planting engine needs a huge upgrade. Since the inception of Madden on our current generation consoles player movements seem to lack momentum. It also seems like a player can zig and zag to avoid contact way to easily, along with being able to turn on a dime. I should not be able to be running towards the sideline as I catch a pass and turn it up the line on a dime. My momentum should carry me out of bounds.

If only this were rendered in real-time...if only.

3. Real Time Physics

The mother of all wish list items. Real time physics could be a game changer if done right. Canned animations, or canimations as the community affectionately likes to call them, are getting old in most gamers eyes. The fact that Madden doesn’t seem to have a large number of them anyway is enough to make you want to pull your hair out. Real time physics could make every tackle, block and interaction unique.

4. The Little Things

Like MLB: The Show, Madden needs the little things. To be blunt, there is no excuse for some things being left out. I want all the penalties. I mean heck, we waited untilMadden 10 to have officials on the field. I want to see an illegal block in the back call on a punt or a kickoff return; I want illegal motion, defensive holding, illegal contact, and for the love of all that is football, make pass interference work. Basically, every penalty in football should be in the game. The challenge system also needs redone. Too many times it doesn’t challenge what you want it to. These are all things that should have been in the game since day one.

Totally willing to settle for less of the same, and more variety too. Deal? DEAL!

5. Animations

Madden suffers greatly from lack of animations. It takes away from the immersion factor. A football game needs to have enough animations where you don’t see the same things over and over. For example, catching animations are so few that you can pretty much see all of them in one game; the same could be said about blocking animations. What might be the biggest area where improvement is needed is tackling. Simply put, there needs to be a ton more tacking animations.

I shouldn’t see the same animations over and over. This, however, brings us to improvement No. 3, real time physics, and the ultimate problem solver to tackling. I want to see specialized animations as well. All 32 starting quarterbacks should have signature throwing animations, and at least most running backs should have their signature running animations, or as close to their real life movements as possible. Wonky running animations have been an issue for years.

Final Thoughts

If there is a negative tone to any of this, it is certainly not my intention. I am just a football game lover like all of us. These five improvements, while mostly gameplay based, are a very small amount of what we, as a community, want to see. I will be very interested to see where the Madden team takes us this year. With next-gen systems looming, will we even see real improvements, or will most of their focus being on the future. With the Super Bowl match up set, it shouldn’t be long before the first info starts to trickle out.

What are your top 5 keys to success for Madden NFL 13?

Madden NFL 13 Videos

Member Comments

# 1 roadman @ 01/25/12 02:29 PM

I agree with your needs and suggestions, but I wouldn't count on a new physics based system until down the road. In fact, that is what of the developers before the launch.

Surprised updated sound and commentary didn't make the list, it was atrocious.

# 2 at23steelers @ 01/25/12 02:37 PM

1. Commentary / Sounds
2. WR / CB, OL / DE Interactions
3. Foot Planting
4. Pass Trajectory
5. Penalties / Challenges reworked

# 3 N51_rob @ 01/25/12 02:41 PM

How far are we from the usual first feature reveal? It will be interesting to see if and what the new dev team has been working on since outside or roster updates, there has been little support for Madden 12. Which is fine as the new team wants to leave their mark on Madden 13. That said I would not be surprised if 1, 2, 3 and, 4 (namely penalties) aren't big on their radar, as they will probably want to WOW users with their "new vision" for Madden.

# 4 Hootiefish @ 01/25/12 02:50 PM

Per usual, we clamor for these things, none of them happen, Madden still sells a gazillion copies, and we find ourselves back in this exact spot next year.

# 5 Motown @ 01/25/12 02:55 PM

Those are all necessities for '13, but to me after gameplay is real time weather. This definitely plays a key part to the outcome of a game...whether it's heavy rain & the footing,fumbles,field degradation,uniforms...well, maybe not those 2... ball trajectory in heavy winds,footing in the snow, visibility,etc...j/m 2 �

# 6 RaychelSnr @ 01/25/12 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adfletch71


	Man Chris, Everybody knows what Madden needs, we only been on these forums and discussing it for almost 8 years now. If these developers don't get it, they never will. Frankly it's pathetic too even get into it, because they say they look at the forums. They know what they need too do, just give us fundamentals and simulation football, respect the sport.

I wish I wrote this article, but Phil Varckette did.

However I did write a companion blog post to this article about what I'll be gauging success as in Madden NFL 13:

http://www.operationsports.com/MMChr...ture-interest/

#shamelessplug

# 7 LambertandHam @ 01/25/12 03:16 PM

Commentary is the big thing that stood out for everyone this year. Aside from presentation issues, I really hope they look at the engine and the animations. Canimations, especially the one where you catch a pass, only to have the DB push a WR five yards back and halfway across the field(without tackling), need to go.

I get that FIFA is the king of sports games around the world, but EA needs to invest the same amount of time and detail into Madden.

# 8 tril @ 01/25/12 03:17 PM

how bout this
1. A complete overhaul!!!
I a ree with everything you said. Thats why IMo, MAdden does not have any great replayability value.

# 9 Dashdagreat @ 01/25/12 03:37 PM

agree with everything in the article! BEST ARTICLE ive seen written here... Madden has gotten so complacent because of the license, i dont even have hope any longer. Im tired of playing the 2005 game and the 2008 game has no depth. This gen has seen football gaming pretty much die

# 10 at23steelers @ 01/25/12 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tazdevil20


	Chris, AWESOME list. I love the fact that you made it a point to note that all of the issues are ON THE FIELD. The FOOTBALL!!! That's what we care about the most. I'd also like to add: 1. Warping - remove it 2. Fix the Finess move DEs 3. Ball physics 4. Less frequent interceptions 5. Export roster files from online franchise

Aren't there too many INT's because of the ball trajectory and LB warping. It's not the fact that defenders catch too many, it's that they get their hands on more balls than they should.

# 11 vstro @ 01/25/12 03:39 PM

1. Pass Trajectory
2. Commentary
3. Draft class player models

That's all I'm hoping for.

# 12 Gotmadskillzson @ 01/25/12 03:46 PM

1. Special teams over haul. I want to see blocked punts, blocked FGs, bad snaps on punts and FGs, CPU returning punts and kick offs for TDs.

2. Pass interference. It need to be called.

3. Tackle animation. I'm tired of that 2 handed push BS animation that they have in Madden 12.

4. Real Assignment AI and locomotion over haul. They still don't block correctly on some plays and players can still turn on a dime. Weight doesn't matter.

5. WR/DB & OL/DL interaction over haul. Stop the patty cake animation and stop the player mirroring each other step for step.

# 13 roadman @ 01/25/12 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_81


	Also to add to post #13. A more advanced physics engine would be welcomed. No more WWE type hits. If EA or 2k got in with, say, Natural Motion for the latest Euphoria physics engine. This again falls under the tools and time category.

I would love it too, but Madden said last year, down the road, not right now.

# 14 spankdatazz22 @ 01/25/12 04:02 PM

I wouldn't say a realtime physics engine is needed at this time either. But a significant overhaul with the other four things on the list are a necessity. I'd replace RTP with a much needed improvement to Presentation. The animation system imo is probably the most pressing; looking at the pictures included in the article show that the players articulate very little like real life players. If they can implement a proper animation system that'd help to alleviate some of the player interaction and player physics issues imo

# 15 Pokes404 @ 01/25/12 04:09 PM

Finally, an editorial wishlist that focuses on the gameplay. I think most of us can agree that Madden does a fair job with presentation, online play, graphics, and other features, but it's the on-field gameplay that so many of us have become frustrated with. I doubt this does any good, but thank you for giving us a wishlist with some substance.

Just a small side note, but I would have added DB/WR interactions in there as well.

# 16 CubFan23 @ 01/25/12 04:31 PM

I cannot wait for the exclusive license to run out, but with that being said, what other company is gonna step up and make a football game? I don't think 2k, they seem to heading in the wrong direction as a company. So who else is there?

# 17 marshallfever @ 01/25/12 04:41 PM

These 5 ideas are awesome, but it's the stuff we've been asking for the last 5 years now isn't it. This isn't going to change until they start working on a new console, which is probably why they "doubled" the size of the team.

Yes we'll see some minor improvements, but the real time physics certainly isn't on the 360 or ps3 and the A.I routines won't change this console generation as well. They put over 7 years into this engine and gameplay, 1 year isn't enough time to rework this engine of theirs.

The only thing we can do is hope that some of the minor stuff like route recognition and added penalties can make it in this version.

The good thing is that if this new team is sincere, we've told them about the problems with this current engine and everything we want it to be able to accomplish. If they've truly listened, the next generation Madden will truly be a God send

# 18 DJ @ 01/25/12 05:15 PM

These are good points, Phil. With EA, it's become a wait-and-see approach for me in terms of whether I'm buying the football games at this point. There's plenty of other things both games need to address as well, but like you said, we've harped on them for years and only now have we seen a few of them implemented into the game, which leaves me doubtful that we'll see any major advances in the last 2 years or so of the 360/PS3 era.

Hopefully the games get off to a better starting point next generation, because both NCAA and Madden stumbled horribly out of the gate this generation, and it has taken them years to get their footing. One could argue that Madden and NCAA 12 is where both games should have been in 2006 ... not 2011-12.

# 19 roadman @ 01/25/12 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubFan23


	I cannot wait for the exclusive license to run out, but with that being said, what other company is gonna step up and make a football game? I don't think 2k, they seem to heading in the wrong direction as a company. So who else is there?

Highly doubt the NFL and EA allow the license to run out.

# 20 rudyjuly2 @ 01/25/12 06:07 PM

You must have been reading my mind. While I would have dropped pass trajectory down one or two notches I completely agree with those Top 5. I am really tired of the lack of physics and momentum in EAs football games. I'm taking a year off from EA if that doesn't significantly improve this year.

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