Madden hands-on impressions at E3 from IGN

[Kodos]

From IGN.

E3 2003: Madden 2004 Hands-on
We get our mitts on the latest Gridiron great.

May 14, 2003 - With quarterbacks David Carr and Kyle Boller challenging gamers online from remote locations, and a huge video screen showcasing coverboy Michael Vick's playmaker abilities, Madden NFL 2004 not only owns the South Hall of E3, it's proving once again why it owns the world of sports video games.

About a month ago, we heard about the capabilities of Playmaker control and how it would be incorporated into the game, but it wasn't until the doors of E3 opened and we stiff armed a few fools out of the way to grab a controller that we really found out how cool the feature is. When you walk up to the line of scrimmage and see a defender move right into the spot you were about to run, simply hit the right trigger and flip the play to the other side. It's that easy, and it really ends up making more of a difference in gameplay than you'd think. And yeah, flipping plays at the line is dope, but it's not the flashy Playmaker controls most gamers will be talking about come Madden's August release.

Take quarterback phenom Michael Vick. Roll him out of the pocket and use the right analog stick to actually move your primary receiver into an open spot in the secondary or send him deep down field to beat the coverage staring back at the Falcon QB. If you decide to act like Michael Vick and dazzle the crowd with your quickness and you break off downfield with a blocker in front, press the right analog stick toward a defender to block, and Vick will actually point toward the exact defender he wants blocked as he scurries down the sidelines. Simply awesome.

When it comes to picking plays, more emphasis has been placed in recreating each teams actual playbooks, including team specific formations. The Packers run their version of the wishbone with two tight ends and three running backs, you can move players like Charlie Garner from running back to the slot position, and you can even substitute players from the play call screen with the press of a single button without ever needing to go into the substitution screen.

Defensively, you also have more control as you can roll your safeties to one side or another to double team a specific receiver or try to plug a spot you anticipate the offense to run the ball. You can also substitute entire units on defense from starters to your speed team in order to counter any moves the offense might be trying to pull off.

The player models look incredible, as each NFL superstar is represented to his fullest complete with authentic hairstyles like mullets and dreadlocks. All of the authentic helmets are also represented including the Ridell Revolution. But it's not just about how they look standing still, and EA knows this, as they incorporated plenty of new animations to wow the E3 crowd. Receivers adjust to poor passes by turning toward the ball and moving their hands to snag the pigskin. Players will stumble, place their hands on the turf to catch their balance, then resume running down field. And best of all, there are a number of open field special teams wipeout hits, especially on punt returns, that will make any fan quiver in their cleats.

Madden has always been a special series, but this year's game in particular has a special quality, as even in its early stages you get a feeling like you're playing something that's going to be great. So great in fact, that I'm going to end this preview right here so I can run back to the show floor and get in some more games before the day is done. With any luck, I might even get to show one of those quarterbacks a thing or two about throwing a football...on the cyber field, that is.

[JeeberD]

Eww, you had your hands on John Madden? Gross...

[Kodos]

He was lumpy/squishy.

[illinifan999]

Must.......have.......Madden........NOW!!!

[MizzouRah]

I saw a video of Sega's new football game as well.

This might be the biggest football gaming year... ever. Maybe Jim will announce FOF5?


Todd

[MizzouRah]

From another article about Madden 2004:

Madden Football 2004 continues with its successful series and has tweaked the game in certain areas to add to the experience. The feel and concept of Madden 2004 is very similar to that of 2003; however the gameplay moves quicker than last year’s addition, which is an improvement to the occasional slow portions in the game. When you are in the open field it doesn’t seem like you’re running in place, as it sporadically did in 2003. Tackling and other animations are very fluent and precisely controlled. The simulation feel is definitely still present and the series never feels too arcade-like.

Great news, imo. This was the one big thing I hated with Madden 2003.


Todd

[Anrhydeddu]

You got to be kidding, Mizzou. The players in 2003 ran too fast except when they are @%#$! goose-stepping.

[GrantDawg]

Originally posted by Anrhydeddu
You got to be kidding, Mizzou. The players in 2003 ran too fast except when they are @%#$! goose-stepping.

For us old folks, yes, but not for the young and quick.

[MizzouRah]

Hey, I'm 31 and don't quite have the reflexes of a young stud, but I always thought the speed of Madden was a tad slow on All-Pro level. On Madden level, they seemed ok.

I just hope speed ratings mean something this year.



Todd

[Anrhydeddu]

I see. I did play at the Madden level with a high-powered machine. I just hope they don't forget us old folks and not make the game hyper at all levels. But with Michael "Call Me Mr. Excitement" Vick on the cover, I'm probably pissing into the wind again.

[GrantDawg]

I just want to see the game play well in "Coach only" mode. I've given up on controlling the game, I just want to pick plays and let the team play them out. Last years version was pretty good, but it still seemed the players hesitated waiting for you to take control instead of playing fluid like the computer control teams. Of course, I'm playing on the Xbox which doesn't have an actual "coach" mode, so it might be better on the computer version.

I might go with the computer version this time, since I didn't use the "drafting from NCAA" as much as I thought.

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by GrantDawg
I just want to see the game play well in "Coach only" mode. I've given up on controlling the game, I just want to pick plays and let the team play them out. Last years version was pretty good, but it still seemed the players hesitated waiting for you to take control instead of playing fluid like the computer control teams. Of course, I'm playing on the Xbox which doesn't have an actual "coach" mode, so it might be better on the computer version.

I might go with the computer version this time, since I didn't use the "drafting from NCAA" as much as I thought.

I'm hoping owner mode lets you do this, with an accelerated clock. FPS Football was the only game I could do this and have fairly accurate stats.

Todd

[Kodos]

Madden 2004 Fact Sheet

In its 14th year and with over 28 million copies sold, Madden NFL Football once again proves its status as the undisputed leader in authentic NFL football simulation. With a primary focus on in-game graphics, incredible depth, visual presentation, and tournament tested gameplay, this season Madden NFL 2004 continues to demonstrate why it’s the definitive interactive sports gaming experience. New features include revolutionary Playmaker Control that lets gamers adjust on the fly just as NFL players do, deep Owner Mode options, and improved online play for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

Key Features

PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PC

Revolutionary Playmaker Control: Just like NFL players on the field, gamers now have more control over the action before and during the play with intuitive right stick adjustments. With Playmaker Pre-Play Control, use the right stick to quickly change plays, routes, or defensive coverage. After the snap, use the right stick to call out blocks, direct receivers, and make quick adjustments on defense.


New, Deep Owner Mode: Take over the full bottom line responsibilities of the owner in addition to GM, coach, and player duties in Franchise Mode. Features include relocating your team and building a new stadium and setting all prices including food, merchandise, and parking. With the addition of the assistant coach license, gamers can even hire their own coaching staffs.


Knockout Graphics and Presentation: New broadcast quality effects create a seamless transition from the end of the play to the play-call interface with post-play graphics shown on screen. Other enhancements include new split screen replays, numerous specialty animations including stumbles with the ball, open field blocks, defensive reaction moves, and new QB scramble transitions to improve throwing the run. Players are modeled with the greatest accuracy ever including tattoos on player arms, dreadlocks, and long hair sticking out of the helmets, and all the latest NFL alternate uniforms and helmet styles.


EA SPORTS™ Online Competition (PlayStation 2 only): Quick Match quickly and easily provides connection to another opponent close in skill, while EA SPORTS Fair Play provides rules and settings for games and shuts down cheating. Other features include online tournaments, a new ranking system to reward only those who play through and win games (eliminates plug pulling), real rosters, EA Messenger for online messaging system with friends on all EA SPORTS PlayStation 2 online titles, and voice chat using a USB headset and a broadband connection.


More Game: The deepest and most realistic playbooks to date are packed with information directly from NFL Coaches via the NFLCA license, and the package personnel system provides an innovative and fast way to change personnel to create favorable match-ups in any formation at the play-call screen. Deep AI includes situational passing that will not throw up the middle with time running down, real NFL zone coverage schemes, and much more.


Stadium Builder: Using graphical building tools, choose from multiple pieces to build your fully customized home field with over 17 billion combinations—put scoreboards, luxury boxes, and tunnels, where you want them.


EA SPORTS Bio: Memory card based tracking/rating system recognizes and rewards gamers for playing multiple EA SPORTS titles.


Deeper Franchise Mode: Mini-camp drills will be integrated to boost up players during franchise mode in the off season and the Horse Trailer Player of the Game has been added, playing off John Madden’s new on-air recognition. Signing bonuses are now available so team and player management can emulate the NFL’s real salary cap system. Put players on the trading block and field offers for trades from computer teams.


New and Improved Commentary: Featuring the Monday Night Football team of John Madden and Al Michaels for commentary and dynamic play-by-play and sideline reporter Melissa Stark. New commentary elements include “Gamestory” mode which provides improved overtime commentary, halftime analysis, and increased rivalry/championship specific commentary, improved replay commentary, audio for specific player moves, blowout commentary, and much more.


New EA SPORTS Trax and Jukebox: New songs are featured, and full Jukebox feature allows custom orders and play lists.


Online Play (PC): Take online sports gaming to the next level with online leagues, quick match, online tournaments, quick games, real rosters, buddy lists, career stats, clubs, and message boards. Rankings systems have been rewritten so plug pulling can’t be rewarded.


Play Editor (PC): Design your own plays and playbooks from scratch and take them into the game to try them out.

PlayStation
• Updated team logos, team uniforms, and rosters.
• Madden Cards.
• Madden, Michaels, and Stark commentary.
• Franchise mode and two-minute drill.
Game Boy Advance
• Updated team logos, team uniforms, and rosters.
• Link play for head-to-head competition.
• Full season play with stats.
• Scouting Combine Create-A-Player: build your player through a series of rigorous events.

New for the 2004 lineup, EA SPORTS Online is the ultimate online gaming destination, offering players a new way to take their love of sports online: EA SPORTS competition anytime, anywhere, with the largest online sports gaming community. EA SPORTS Online is included for no additional charge* in every major EA SPORTS game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system including Madden NFL™ 2004, NBA LIVE 2004, NASCAR Thunder™ 2004, NHL® 2004, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 2004, FIFA Soccer 2004, NCAA® Football 2004, NCAA® March Madness™ 2004, and MVP Baseball™ 2004.....

EA SPORTS ONLINE

New for the 2004 lineup, EA SPORTS Online is the ultimate online gaming destination, offering players a new way to take their love of sports online: EA SPORTS competition anytime, anywhere, with the largest online sports gaming community. EA SPORTS Online is included for no additional charge* in every major EA SPORTS game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system including Madden NFL™ 2004, NBA LIVE 2004, NASCAR Thunder™ 2004, NHL® 2004, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 2004, FIFA Soccer 2004, NCAA® Football 2004, NCAA® March Madness™ 2004, and MVP Baseball™ 2004. Along with the ability to face off against tough competitors from every walk of life and every skill level, EA SPORTS Online for the PlayStation 2 delivers downloadable roster updates for team sports, rankings, matchmaking between two or more players, tournaments, instant messaging, and hands-free chat via USB headset (broadband connection required).

More than a technology feature set, EA SPORTS Online is a way of life that reflects the core values of EA SPORTS competition. When you can’t go head-to-head with a buddy in your living room, EA SPORTS Online provides a new arena that spans the country, where you can face off with an old friend from college or challenge players you’ve never met. Wherever and however you play, it’s all about competition, the Ultimate Judge™ of sports gaming.

Key Features

• Downloadable Content: Keep your teams current with downloadable roster updates for all team-based pro sports so that rosters reflect the latest signings and trades.

• EA SPORTS Rankings: Sports gaming is all about proving your skills, and EA SPORTS Rankings sort out player standings in multiple leaderboard categories vs. players of comparable skill levels.

• Intuitive Matchmaking: Find opponents of your skill level with lobbies, chat, automated Quick Match matchmaking, game rooms that can be password-protected to set up a meeting place for friends, user blocking, and the ability to choose ranked or unranked opponents. (Some matchmaking features vary by title.)

• EA SPORTS Tournaments: Compete in laddered organized competitions for Madden NFL 2004, NBA LIVE 2004, NHL 2004, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004, FIFA Soccer 2004, NCAA March Madness 2004, and MVP Baseball 2004.

• EA SPORTS Talk: With voice chat over IP, you can talk trash or discuss strategy over a hands-free headset (USB headset and broadband connection required; not available on NASCAR Thunder).

• EA Messenger and USB Keyboard Support: Instant message your buddies, no matter which EA SPORTS game they’re playing.

• Universal Login and Easy Access: Connect via either dial-up or broadband Internet connection and choose a single login that works across all EA SPORTS Online titles—online competition has never been easier.

• Web Community on easports.com: See how many players are online before turning on your PlayStation 2, and view live leaderboards and the latest community news.

• Also Available on PC-CD: EA SPORTS products for PC also feature robust online gameplay, including Madden NFL 2004, NHL 2004, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004, and more.

[Kodos]

Madden 2004 Overall Ratings:
Overall Team Ratings as of May 14, 2003 (pulled from Madden 2004 hands on at E3)

NFC East Team Ratings

Team Name Overall    Rating 

Dallas Cowboys       74   Looks like EA was generous here!

New York Giants      81 

Philadelphia Eagles  91 

Washington Redskins  77

NFC North Team Ratings

Team Name Overall  Rating 

Chicago Bears      79 

Detroit Lions      72 

Green Bay Packers  84 

Minnesota Vikings  79 

NFC South Team Ratings

Team Name Overall   Rating 

Atlanta Falcons     84 

Carolina Panthers   77 

New Orleans Saints  79 

Tampa Bay Bucs      91 

NFC West Team Ratings

Team Name Overall  Rating 

Arizona Cardinals  65 

San Francisco      91 

Seattle Seahawks   84 

St. Louis Rams     86 

AFC East Team Ratings

Team Name Overall     Rating 

Buffalo Bills         77 

Miami Dolphins        91 

New England Patriots  89 

New York Jets         84 

AFC North Team Ratings

Team Name Overall    Rating 

Baltimore Ravens     77 

Cincinnati Bengals   34* 

Cleveland Browns     84 

Pittsburgh Steelers  89 

AFC South Team Ratings

Team Name Overall     Rating 

Houston Texans        72 

Indianapolis Colts    77 

Jacksonville Jaguars  79 

Tennessee Titans      89 

AFC West Team Ratings

Team Name Overall   Rating 

Denver Broncos      81 

Kansas City Chiefs  81 

Oakland Raiders     94 

San Diego Chargers  79

* Just kidding! 74!

[Calis]

Wow, thanks for the info Kodos. You know, the past few years I've picked up Madden just out of routine, this looks to be the first year I'm looking forward to it, and am genuinely excited about playing it.

[AgPete]

Wow! Thanks for the updates Kodos! Madden 2k4 looks terrific!