OS Fact or Fiction: Super Bowl is Coming Edition

Feature Article

Submitted on: 01/22/2015 by

#1 - The Seahawks will win the Super Bowl.

Phil Varckette: Fact. Their defense, especially their secondary is just too good. If Russell Wilson has an average game that's all they will need. Sure, Tom Brady is one of the best of all time, but even he will be shown to be a mere mortal against this Seahawks defense.

Ben Vollmer: Fact. Do the Patriots have a better offense than the Packers? Probably not. If the Patriots somehow manage to put up a similar point total, is sub-25 points enough to win the game? I don't think so. The emergence of Blount in the Patriot's offense definitely helps, and Gronkowski poses a unique problem for a defense that specialized in locking down good wide receivers (which the Patriots don't have).

Chris Sanner: Fiction. As a general rule, when one team is a heavy favorite or popular pick in a championship game, its always wise to look at the other side to make sure that confidence in the favorite is founded. The Patriots have improved immensely over the second half of the season and they do pose some matchup problems for the Seahawks. We'll see if I'm right, but I wouldn't bet against New England so quickly.

#2 - Madden's greatest need on the field is improved defensive back play.

Phil Varckette: Fact. Madden's greatest on-field need is wide receiver/defensive back interaction. There needs to be hand fighting, grabbing, hooking, penalties, etc. Until this is fixed everything else should come second.

Ben Vollmer: Fact. Like Phil mentioned, the interaction between the defensive backs and wide receivers is likely the game's greatest need. It makes the passing game so much less interesting and creates a frustrating atmosphere on the defensive end. With the defensive line/offensive line interaction so much better than it's been in the past, this seems like the logical next step.

Chris Sanner: Fiction. I promise I'm not being antagonistic -- defensive back play is important -- but creating an even better NFL atmosphere along with a better experience in the popular modes within the game is just as important. With that in mind, I can't say defensive back play is the most important thing the series needs -- as there are even more pressing needs within the game. But there is no doubt big changes are needed for next season.

#3 - The NFL overtime rules are horrendous.

Phil Varckette: Fact. You can't have it both ways, NFL. Both teams have a chance to get the ball, but not really. It's time for a college-style overtime to make its way to the NFL. Both teams should get possession. You can even do kickoffs if you must, but both teams deserve a chance after earning that overtime spot. I also think ties are ridiculous. Every game should have a winner.

Ben Vollmer: Fact. The college rules for overtime are not only more exciting, but more fair to both teams. If the NFL is stubborn on paving their own path, then each overtime should be given at least 15 minutes with everything after that (in the case of a tie) being sudden-death.

Chris Sanner: Fact. As it is, if you are going to have such a horrible set of overtime rules, you might as well have games that end in regulation as ties stay that way. At least then teams won't feel slighted for being given a bad case of luck at the coin toss. A college model is more preferable, just with a start at midfield being more preferred.

#4 - Madden NFL 16 will compete for Sports Game of the Year on OS.

Phil Varckette: Fact. I predicted this in our 2015 bold predictions piece. The Madden team is finally getting to a place where realistic football takes precedence over everything else. If they work on the WR/DB interactions, and fix the challenge and penalty system this year, we will have a winner on our hands.

Ben Vollmer: Fiction. I loved Madden 15 but I'm not sure it can cover the gap that games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and MLB: The Show own over it. That said, it's possible. There needs to be an overhaul for a lot of the animations, including the dynamic between two competing players on both sides of the ball. Not to mention, there can't be anything like the sack issue in this year's iteration.

Chris Sanner: Fact. Madden 15 already competed for this award, finishing as the Bronze finisher in our staff poll. The reader's thought pretty highly of Madden as well, so it is nowhere near as far as its detractors may make you think. Last year's game was easily the best playing football game of all time, and a new commentary team and even more polished DB play would take the series to new heights quality-wise. The big thing standing in front of Madden is the fact NBA 2K is such a well thought out series sans the online issues. Plus, Madden's modes are clearly a step back at this point.

#5 - The playbooks in Madden need a dramatic overhaul this upcoming year.

Phil Varckette: Fact. I don't like the playbooks. I find them boring. I usually end up using coaches suggestions because they are so bland anyway. What we really need is a create a play feature. Then be able to share our plays. This would go a long way in increasing the authenticity of the game.

Ben Vollmer: Fact. An easy fix for this would be a playbook creator matched with the ability to create your own plays. It seems relatively simple, especially if Madden limits the users to all of the most well known routes.

Chris Sanner: Fact. Both the offensive and defensive playbooks are huge stumbling blocks for the franchise and many plays haven't changed in years. Its obvious the game depends on the playbooks staying relatively static to be balanced, but this is something where some added variety probably wouldn't hurt in the future.

Madden NFL 15 Videos

Member Comments

# 1 JKSportsGamer1984 @ 01/22/15 09:00 PM

DB/WR interactions are needed but there are a lot more gameplay improvements that are needed as well. Player movement & animations need to be more natural. The game needs to be cleaned up mainly post play with players fusing/morphing together too many times (players walking/ghosting through players lying on the field after the play kills the immersion). Physics needs to play a bigger role with weight, strength & momentum. We need different running styles/moves for players so every player doesn't animate the same way. We need more catching animations (body catches). Cpu AI still isn't where it needs to be. RB's need to run more aggressively & fight for every yard. I could go on & on....Presentation needs to be massively improved (in game updates & highlights from around the league, etc..) Living Worlds while slightly improved is still not close to being where it needs to be (Player names on sideline players jerseys, cheerleaders, mascots, etc..)

Madden 15 was a nice step in the right direction with this being the 3rd year into this gen, I expect Madden 16 to take a huge step & finally deliver a true Next Gen game!

# 2 Unforeseenx @ 01/22/15 09:16 PM

With EA's track record with the Madden series I would have to speculate that there is absolutely a NEGATIVE 100% CHANCE that the 2016 title will even come close to receiving any sort of award whatsoever except for the devs giving each other spirited high fives despite knowing that they just released yet another pathetic failure of a sports game.

# 3 Unforeseenx @ 01/22/15 09:23 PM

Chris currently neither team is favored, look it up.

# 4 cowboy_kmoney @ 01/22/15 11:35 PM

So much needed in this game to even begin to talk about. But I will say add player profiles that shows the players true Careers. Meaning I should b able to look at each player award history along side of his career stats. It's should tell u if that player has won a Superbowl and how many probowls with each year it was won. Put MVP of that Superbowl on his award history too if he won it. Injury system needs to b added so real time Injuries r needed.

# 5 bigsmallwood @ 01/22/15 11:48 PM

Penalties need the biggest overhaul!

# 6 saybur @ 01/23/15 05:20 AM

Let us edit players, at least their appearance, in CCM! We're tired of having ridiculous looking players coming out of the draft!

I don't see the game getting better without working penalties and receivers actually fighting for the ball(WR/DB interactions I guess). I've been playing since release and still haven't seen one PI or defensive holding called. How many were called in the NFL this year?

Can't have any more problems like the broken stats early on or the sack problem we still have. Also many of us still suffer from a lot of crashes and are unable to resume game saves of in progress games.

This is what it'll take for me to call M16 an improvement.

# 7 Unforeseenx @ 01/23/15 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboy_kmoney


	So much needed in this game to even begin to talk about. But I will say add player profiles that shows the players true Careers. Meaning I should b able to look at each player award history along side of his career stats. It's should tell u if that player has won a Superbowl and how many probowls with each year it was won. Put MVP of that Superbowl on his award history too if he won it. Injury system needs to b added so real time Injuries r needed.

Which Madden title are you playing exactly? Career stats and awards are already in the game, as well as injuries.

# 8 kjcheezhead @ 01/23/15 11:04 AM

Madden was a lot better than its been recently but competing for GOTY? Not close yet imo. Even with db/wr interactions improved, the game has a robo qb issue where they all feel the same, a sack issue, and the teams all play very similar and usually nothing like themselves including a lack of personalities from the superstars.

It's serviceable, but not even a must own for football gamers. I traded mine in 2 months ago and haven't missed it for a second. Still a lot of work to do for EA.

# 9 Branchurian @ 01/23/15 02:54 PM

GOTY? You guys at OS are really drinking the EA kool-aid. Far cry from that, they made a positive step but a very far cry. Only reason it's number 2 in America because A.) America loves football B.) Football is the most popular sport in the US & C.) Only football game on the market besides the older iteriations of madden. Facts is facts....

# 10 cowboy_kmoney @ 01/24/15 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unforeseenx


	Which Madden title are you playing exactly? Career stats and awards are already in the game, as well as injuries.

Yeah they r but it dnt tell u the team the year the Superbowl was won. When u look in the players stats it won even tell u the team the player was Playing for or Still Playing for along side there stats. As far as Injuries go a injury system is not in place all we have r basic injuries that r not real time or that matter. Player should lose doped and quickness after a real bad knee injury.Not all players can come back frm every injury.Real time injuries r needed.Plus it doesn't keep track of probowls won or Superbowl MVP's

# 11 Fist Of Kings @ 01/25/15 10:27 AM

- QBs aren't aware and hold on to the ball and take sack after sack. Every season a bunch of your players will be league leaders in sacks because of this by a wide margin. EA comes out and says this isn't a problem, really?

- You injured Peyton Manning, only for his rookie backup to come in and play exactly the same, going 20/25, 250 yds, 2 TDS, 1INT. This is the norm, the robo qbs have been a problem for a while now, which is why we need a a tendency or player trait system that actually works. I want great qbs to play great, and scrub qbs to play like scrubs. In this game they all play the same unless they're fast, then they'll mix in some scrambles.

- The ai will run or pass more if you struggle to stop it, which is good, but it won't adjust to what you do on offense. So many times I would watch the bad ai load up on one side, while I'm in an obvious running formation stacked on the other side.

- The challenge system is the worst it's ever been, so bad that ea removed the ability from users to challenge plays ourselves. I can't think of any other reason why they would strip control away from users, unless they were trying to mask issues with their broken challenge system.

And when the game challenges for you, the end result is still wrong.

- wrs near the sideline and rbs in the flats often run out of bounds as if they are incapable of turning upfield.

- wrs don't fight for the ball, what's the point of catch, jump, spectacular catch, and awareness ratings?

- The penalty slider works for some penalties, but seems to be ineffective for others, like pass interference, a big part of real football.

- Awareness...when will this attribute finally matter? All it does is inflate ratings. This is throughout madden, but really apparent with OL/DL play, where so many times blockers don't have a clue on what their assignments are.

- It's been 3 years and part of a 3 year project, when will the post play goofiness end? Players often step on each other Suh style, and their torsos are literally eaten by the field during ref cutscenes.

- Stat overlays don't work after the first season in cfm, which is why Nantz every week will say a player 'bounced back' from a poor performance, as his stats show other 0's, or even -0.1's across the board.

- Commentary hasn't improved at all, despite years of complaints about it. They don't recognize situations, like going for a punt fake on 4th down as they will almost ignore that and praise your offense for moving the ball down the field, or claim a team is struggling to run when the 2nd rb is in the game, even when the starting rb has over 100 yards.

And now they don't even say the last names of created players...even last names of players already in the game. That's probably why we can't edit rookies like we could in other madden games.

- They hyped 'player sense 2.0' in that players are not only smarter this year, but celebrated when appropriate. Well I saw defenders celebrating when I gained 6 yards on first down.

- 'Living worlds', which was supposed to improve the dead sidelines on next gen is another disappointment, and is sadly outdone by games on last gen systems.

All of this and it's GOTY? Maybe if you play online, but even then I would think that's a stretch. There is nothing 'next gen' about Madden 15 except for the graphics.

# 12 bukktown @ 01/25/15 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fist Of Kings


	- QBs aren't aware and hold on to the ball and take sack after sack. Every season a bunch of your players will be league leaders in sacks because of this by a wide margin. EA comes out and says this isn't a problem, really? - You injured Peyton Manning, only for his rookie backup to come in and play exactly the same, going 20/25, 250 yds, 2 TDS, 1INT. This is the norm, the robo qbs have been a problem for a while now, which is why we need a a tendency or player trait system that actually works. I want great qbs to play great, and scrub qbs to play like scrubs. In this game they all play the same unless they're fast, then they'll mix in some scrambles. - The ai will run or pass more if you struggle to stop it, which is good, but it won't adjust to what you do on offense. So many times I would watch the bad ai load up on one side, while I'm in an obvious running formation stacked on the other side. - The challenge system is the worst it's ever been, so bad that ea removed the ability from users to challenge plays ourselves. I can't think of any other reason why they would strip control away from users, unless they were trying to mask issues with their broken challenge system. And when the game challenges for you, the end result is still wrong. - wrs near the sideline and rbs in the flats often run out of bounds as if they are incapable of turning upfield. - wrs don't fight for the ball, what's the point of catch, jump, spectacular catch, and awareness ratings? - The penalty slider works for some penalties, but seems to be ineffective for others, like pass interference, a big part of real football. - Awareness...when will this attribute finally matter? All it does is inflate ratings. This is throughout madden, but really apparent with OL/DL play, where so many times blockers don't have a clue on what their assignments are. - It's been 3 years and part of a 3 year project, when will the post play goofiness end? Players often step on each other Suh style, and their torsos are literally eaten by the field during ref cutscenes. - Stat overlays don't work after the first season in cfm, which is why Nantz every week will say a player 'bounced back' from a poor performance, as his stats show other 0's, or even -0.1's across the board. - Commentary hasn't improved at all, despite years of complaints about it. They don't recognize situations, like going for a punt fake on 4th down as they will almost ignore that and praise your offense for moving the ball down the field, or claim a team is struggling to run when the 2nd rb is in the game, even when the starting rb has over 100 yards. And now they don't even say the last names of created players...even last names of players already in the game. That's probably why we can't edit rookies like we could in other madden games. - They hyped 'player sense 2.0' in that players are not only smarter this year, but celebrated when appropriate. Well I saw defenders celebrating when I gained 6 yards on first down. - 'Living worlds', which was supposed to improve the dead sidelines on next gen is another disappointment, and is sadly outdone by games on last gen systems. All of this and it's GOTY? Maybe if you play online, but even then I would think that's a stretch. There is nothing 'next gen' about Madden 15 except for the graphics.

Graphics and the player movement felt really good to me for the first time in a decade

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