Madden NFL 15: Three Things To Be Excited About

Feature Article

Submitted on: 08/09/2014 by Chris Sanner

Madden NFL 15 is coming in a few weeks, and at this point we've really begun to learn what this year's title is bringing to the table. Here are three things we are excited about with this year's game, be sure to add your own in the comments!

James Kerti: I feel most intrigued about the passing inaccuracy. For many years, it felt like every pass you threw was either completed, deflected, or intercepted. But in the NFL, there are so many passes every game, even by the most accurate quarterbacks, that are simply inaccurate. Madden never reflected it. Granted, I'm skeptical of how well it will be implemented in Madden NFL 15, but it's a welcome attempted change to the game.

Ben Vollmer: While I generally agree with James in that the passing inaccuracy feature could go a long way in fixing Madden, I'd have to say that I'm more intrigued by the upgrades they have made on the defensive side of the ball.

For one, I think it was imperative that they make defense fun. We can go back and forth on realism, and how important that is to the overall quality of a sports game (and for me, it's extremely important), but on the game's most basic level, defense needed to be fun to play. My ultimate hope here is that the defense, combined with the passing inaccuracy feature, leads to a game of cat and mouse on both sides of the ball. I'm tentatively optimistic that that will be the case with Madden 15.

Chris Sanner: The gameplay feature I am most intrigued about at this point that isn't either of the above two is the improved A.I., specifically the enhanced coverages. Passing in Madden has always seemed to be a wide open affair, yet in real life throwing in the NFL is about hitting small targets in small time windows. Obviously this has to be balanced out so you don't tick off the 90% of users who just want to sling the football around and feel like Manning without knowing what he knows, but I'd like to think that the passing game enhancements will mean the throwing windows will be tighter this year.

What are you excited about in Madden NFL 15?

Member Comments

# 21 Sheba2011 @ 08/09/14 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrPinkBlackrose


	I'm excited for the demo, but actually gonna sit this one out and run another season of 25. I'm waiting for more realistic coach mode (where you're not actually the QB, RB, Defense, Kicker and Punter) and really wanted CPU vs CPU back. It just feels like they are trying to force you to play the game the way they envision rather than letting you have your own experience with a well made product. I think I'm gonna put Madden on the same upgrade cycle as my phone...every other year. Looking forward to 16 where they may drop support for last gen and be able to totally focus on an awesome Next Gen game.

To be fair to EA they are the ones investing millions of dollars into the game, they kind of have the right to "force" you to play the game the way they see fit. It is no different than any other video game title, they all have a direction and vision that they see decide on. Some allow more freedom than others but it's still the companies vision.

# 22 MrPinkBlackrose @ 08/09/14 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheba2011


	To be fair to EA they are the ones investing millions of dollars into the game, they kind of have the right to "force" you to play the game the way they see fit. It is no different than any other video game title, they all have a direction and vision that they see decide on. Some allow more freedom than others but it's still the companies vision.

And I get that....Im a bit of a control freak so if I spent so many man hours and millions of dollars I would cringe to see people just watching CPU vs CPU games....but I would not remove it as an option for those that it has always been there for in some effort to MAKE them earn XP or play online. And fine, you want this to be a role playing game...well then give me a real difference between the roles...In Owner Mode, you play the games...control the players...kick field goals....same in Coach Mode. Owners have the option to watch the team they put on the field play another team....Coaches call plays and the players execute. If you're gonna force me into role playing at least give me the right roles. It's a beautiful looking game so far and I like where its going, but if you're going to take the old Franchise Mode from me then you better replace it with something equally as good or better. I think they'll get there, but they will take their time and sale $60 upgrades yearly until then...especially since they have no competition.....ironically what the NFL is supposed to be about.

# 23 ColtsFan86 @ 08/09/14 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The JareBear


	M25 had decent gameplay but it had many legacy issues and, in the end, still failed to deliver a truly sim experience vs the CPU. Just my opinion, of course. IF someone feels it was the best game of football ever, that's totally cool. All entitled to our opinions. I think the biggest problem on OS isn't anal sim gamers but posters thinking their perception is fact and everyone else is wrong, only they are right. I don't expect the game to ever be perfect, but the fact that we still (as of M25 next gen) have a few long-standing legacy issues in the standard It did make steps in the right direction, and M15 seems to continue to make steps in that direction. Whether we are where the game should be at by now, we don't know yet, but even if it doesn't end up doing everything we want it to, M15 definitely looks like a good game and I can't wait to play it myself.

I totally agree with the guy I quoted,u have alot of ppl here who unfairly judge sports sim games. When I see some ppls aurguements I wonder it they've ever played\watched football before. Madden 15 is really the first actual next-gen Madden,for what they've added its a step in the right direction. Im excited about game prep,improved AI logic, random draft classes. Give the guys credit .

# 24 l8knight1 @ 08/09/14 04:50 PM

I'm excited about gameplay, graphics/presentation, and online play (which they improve a bit every year, admit it or not). I hope they tell us about changes/additions to online. I like what the previous guy said about anyone can 'try to break the game'. So true, but I have had great games with friends and straight ballers. I will do CFM and am also not one who will over-analyze every tidbit. There's plenty to enjoy.
Love Madden 25 in the way I loved M2005 when it came out..
My biggest concern will be if EA takes anything already in that's good, OUT of M15.
Hope they add more body types , faces, and equipment. Legacy gear in 25 is great. How about mouthpieces already?

# 25 Equinox831 @ 08/09/14 05:01 PM

I haven't really been excited about Madden since Madden 12 was coming out, but this years game is interesting to me. Like last year, I'm going to wait a few weeks to see what the general opinion is around here before buying though. Madden is a really sketchy day 1 buy every year.

# 26 KennyJ1976 @ 08/09/14 05:17 PM

To tell you the truth, I'm not excited at all about this upcoming Madden. It isn't because I don't like Madden or I'm anti EA Sports, it's just I've been playing Madden for so long that I'm burned out on it. Even with all the advances that they make, at the end of the day it's pretty much the same game year in and year out. Maybe it's my new found passion of soccer games or I feel this game desperately needs competition to push it to new heights, or I just need a change of pace like NBA Live when I get tired of playing NBA 2K. Whatever it is, my passion for this game is just not there anymore. Sad part is at the end of the day I'm still gonna get this game but only to play against friends head to head and online.

# 27 friscob @ 08/09/14 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oulzac


	I'm actually not excited for Madden this year, at all. First time in a long time. I'm just not feeling it. They didn't make any of the changes that needed to be made to franchise or the actual game play itself. Its just more new fluff and its going to be the same broken game underneath. Still going to buy it, but just not excited it for it.

Makes little sense that the last few maddens had you more excited than this one, but to each their own I guess.

1. Pass inaccuracy (hopefully it works)
2. Better defense (hopefully comes with more slider options)
3. Confidence (hopefully it works)

# 28 Eski33 @ 08/09/14 06:09 PM

I am excited for this game. First time in a long time. The visuals, presentation look great. I, too, am looking forward to the AI. To be able to play a one-player experienced and be challenged without the feeling of getting cheated is long overdue.

I hope EA adds more classic uniforms, both home and away.

# 29 Cowboy008 @ 08/09/14 06:15 PM

The inaccurate passes, improved CFM, better presentation, and better gameplay are things that have me excited for Madden 15. I'm just hoping that the CPU is smarter all around and that includes roster management, trades, and draft logic. If that is fixed then I can see myself playing this until the next Madden comes out.

# 30 btha1g @ 08/09/14 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	I completely disagree. Madden 25 on next gen has awesome gameplay, best I've ever seen in a game. Yes you get a wonky play now and then but overall it plays a great game of pigskin.

"Awesome gameplay" what a joke I guess you love it when yo can go 20 for 20 on pass attempts or when defensive ends can't set the edge or you can easily throw for 300 in the first half no matter what setting its on or what sliders you use madden is far from any sim football game the last good madden was back in the ps2 days have not made a good one since then. Like someone said earlier I'm not excited for it but I'm still going to buy it because it's the only football game to play. I've resorted to playing madden on PC and up****** those rosters that's how bad madden has been. Let's all just pray madden 15 isn't just an updated roster from last year.

# 31 ODogg @ 08/09/14 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btha1g


	"Awesome gameplay" what a joke I guess you love it when yo can go 20 for 20 on pass attempts or when defensive ends can't set the edge or you can easily throw for 300 in the first half no matter what setting its on or what sliders you use madden is far from any sim football game the last good madden was back in the ps2 days have not made a good one since then. Like someone said earlier I'm not excited for it but I'm still going to buy it because it's the only football game to play. I've resorted to playing madden on PC and up****** those rosters that's how bad madden has been. Let's all just pray madden 15 isn't just an updated roster from last year.

I guess not all of us are as awesome at Madden as you so we can actually enjoy it. To each his own!

# 32 Mckinley Cash @ 08/09/14 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fightingirish595


	i just dont understand the logic here, madden has had awful gameplay for a while now. i could care less about presentation no matter how good it is if the gameplay is terrible

The logic is clearly stated at the end of my comment: it goes a long way to sustaining immersion. In the end, you don't have to understand; it's an opinion.

# 33 darknmild @ 08/09/14 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fightingirish595


	i just dont understand the logic here, madden has had awful gameplay for a while now. i could care less about presentation no matter how good it is if the gameplay is terrible

Respect his opinion.... Alot of people like presentation

# 34 ODogg @ 08/09/14 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRealHST


	I still want Total Control Passing: In Madden 13 and Madden 25 as well as previous Maddens, I could not put the ball where I wanted. It is something that has killed Madden for me. Example: A WR is running an out route down the sidelines. The WR has the CB beat and has good separation. The SS/FS is overtop but will not have enough time to get there. In Madden, It has been impossible (for the most part) to put the ball in that window. Either the CB will miraculously catch up to the ball (the ball should be faster) or the SS/FS will get there in time. Also, you just cant throw over the shoulder and away from DBs. I hate to bring up 2K, but in that game I could put the ball wherever I wanted and away from DBs. I could even throw at a guys feet if I wanted too. All I want from Madden (as well as the other additions) is Full control over where I can put the ball.

Dude madden has that, you can place the ball where you want by using the analog stick..

# 35 Bull_Dozer @ 08/09/14 11:29 PM

Random draft classes are a nice addition, a massive upgrade over the premade draft classes. But still can't edit drafts, and that makes me sad. Haven't decided yet if I'll buy. Probably wait till the reviews come out so I can wade through the hype and see what the reality is.

# 36 JerzeyReign @ 08/10/14 12:19 AM

Random draft classes is the biggest upgrade for me. No more questioning draft practices of others in a CFM.

# 37 ODogg @ 08/10/14 12:48 AM

Sometimes I wonder if some of you guys have ever liked Madden..

# 38 fightingirish595 @ 08/10/14 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Sometimes I wonder if some of you guys have ever liked Madden..

i actually think madden has done a great job building connected franchise. i thought madden 25 gave a really solid team building experiance, it had its flaws( corners and safeties with speed and agility in the 70s, the upgrading players taking way too long, etc) madden 15 looks like its made some great improvements. like we discussed before im just down on the gameplay

# 39 MAGboyswifT27 @ 08/10/14 03:58 AM

I'm excited about everything that has been announced so far with Madden 15. I've noticed my expectations in the beginning were in check because I didn't want to hype the game up. At this point I'm ready to play the game. It won't be perfect but I have a feeling that there will be a lot more positive grades and reactions to the game. I can't wait!

# 40 Sheba2011 @ 08/10/14 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fightingirish595


	i actually think madden has done a great job building connected franchise. i thought madden 25 gave a really solid team building experiance, it had its flaws( corners and safeties with speed and agility in the 70s, the upgrading players taking way too long, etc) madden 15 looks like its made some great improvements. like we discussed before im just down on the gameplay

I am still undecided on the gameplay this year. I think we really need to see it with a good set of sliders to judge it accurately. If the pass inaccuracies and improved secondary/DL play work as advertised it could win me over. Especially if it means the end of 80-3 games against the CPU. I do like the addition of confidence especially after reading Shopmaster had one his tight ends having 3 bad games in a row and then start dropping passes he would normally catch. It could really create some great fluctuation from year to year just like the real life NFL.

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