Madden 09 - The Hype Machine kicks in

[thesloppy]

Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up the court for 48 minutes!

[Greyroofoo]

It's an entirely different kind of flying

[Noop]

Great new feature.

[Kodos]

They should work in a Belichick tie-in for the online stuff, since it's mostly cheesers and cheaters out there.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by Kodos

They should work in a Belichick tie-in for the online stuff, since it's mostly cheesers and cheaters out there.

Booyah!!!!!!!!! LOL

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

According to this Gamespot article, the only way to get Head Coach 09 will be part of that Collector's Edition Bundle of Madden 09:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6188425...stnews;title;0

Maybe it is because of the negative feedback, or maybe this was always the plan, but EA has announced on multiple sites now that they are releasing Head Coach separate from Madden. It will still be released in the collector's edition for 90 dollars on Aug 12th. The standalone version will be released a few weeks later during the NFL's opening week for 49.99.

[SFL Cat]

Originally Posted by Noop

Great new feature.

okay, that's the funniest thing I've seen here in a while.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

......The standalone version will be released a few weeks later during the NFL's opening week for 49.99.

I give the over/under on bargain bin pricing at one month.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

I give the over/under on bargain bin pricing at one month.

I doubt it. Too much clout by EA, and I think they will strongly encourage retailers not to do so for at least 3-4 months.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I doubt it. Too much clout by EA, and I think they will strongly encourage retailers not to do so for at least 3-4 months.

Good point. They'll hold out hope for a couple of months before dropping the price, but it likely should be dropped in price much quicker than that.

[Eaglesfan27]

Heh. First time that a retired player is chosen. As others have said, at least he doesn't have to worry about the Madden curse (unless he comes back.)

[Surtt]

I think it is very symbolic.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Surtt

I think it is very symbolic.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

And, the Madden 09 cover boy is.....

Brett Favre?

Awful Announcing: Your Cover Athlete For Madden 2009 Is?!?!

I guess we now know why Gamestop ran that pre-order contest where you could get the game for free if you guessed the cover boy. Given the previous trend, I'm guessing that no one guessed Brett Favre.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

I guess we now know why Gamestop ran that pre-order contest where you could get the game for free if you guessed the cover boy. Given the previous trend, I'm guessing that no one guessed Brett Favre.

Yep. Now, I need to go and cancel my pre-order. Of course, I'm sure they didn't know he was going to retire when they started that contest.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Yep. Now, I need to go and cancel my pre-order. Of course, I'm sure they didn't know he was going to retire when they started that contest.

But EA probably gave them a heads-up that they weren't going to follow the previous trend. If it wasn't Favre, it would have been some other recently retired player.

[dervack]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Heh. First time that a retired player is chosen. As others have said, at least he doesn't have to worry about the Madden curse (unless he comes back.)

Wasn't Madden a former player himself?

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by dervack

Wasn't Madden a former player himself?

Yeah, he was before the merger. He played 1 year for the Eagles from 1958 to 1959 before a knee injury ended his career.

[dervack]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Yeah, he was before the merger. He played 1 year for the Eagles from 1958 to 1959 before a knee injury ended his career.

So, he's not the first retired player on the cover

[Eaglesfan27]

Hmmm. Maybe they are finally stepping up since this is the 20th anniversary edition, or maybe the marketing is just stepping up. Anyway, they have announced there are going to be over 85 new features. The Collector's Edition will include Madden 93. It sounds like both editions will include every Madden playbook/play that has ever been in the game. A list of some of the new features has leaked. Some of the features sound interesting. Others I just laugh that they are being called new features or features at all:

-"my skills" custom fueled by the all new madden IQ
-total control animation system
-all new network-inspired beyond broadcast presentation
-all-new rivalry games& specialized presentation
-all-new easports rewind
-"madden-moments" mode
-holographic virtual training center
-ONLINE LEAGUE UP TO 32 PLAYERS
-advanced gameplay sliders
-all-new easports backtrack
-all-new madden skills test
-enhanced play call
-innovative options ondemand PIP
-playcall formation subs
-all-new dynamic ticker
-tailored madden tips
-new weather effects
-improved player shadow system
- return field goals
-bobble catches
-all-new pass tuning system
-set/formation auds.
-slide protection
-smart routes
-authentic exterior stadium intros
-all-new wrap tackling system
-improved foot pinning
-all-new break-out tackles
-all-new dynamic catches
-fumble refactor
-next-gen grudge match
-most realistic sim engine in madden history (Peter Moore has already confirmed this in an interview. He claims the sim engine is complete redone with the most realistic stats that the game has ever produced that will be within NFL norms.)
-bluff art
-all-new player models

[Cringer]

Last time I looked into Madden the career play stopped after 20 years. Is that still the case?

I haven't played a pro football console game in so long I may consider this if it doesn't stop after 20 years.

[Eaglesfan27]

It goes at least 30. I think 60, but I've never hit the limit.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Info for anyone who is interested. The new announcers have been announced: Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond will be providing the "beyond broadcast presentation."

[Groundhog]

God damn EA for successfully sucking me in with their hype machine, year after year.

[Kodos]

I was hoping for more than one set of announcers.

I'm still in the don't buy camp... but I am tracking info on the game still.

[Anthony]

-most realistic sim engine in madden history

*sigh*

please stop this already. enough.

[Anthony]

and i'm gonna buy the game. i'm not a madden/ea hater like many here, it's just a video game to pass some time with.

[Groundhog]

"most realistic sim engine in madden history" is not exactly saying much - what, are we only going to have HALF the QBs in the league with a QB rating of 100+?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ah, here are the features we've been looking for in a Madden game!!!!! Add in the FF aspect, and it's only $110.00 for all the fun you've been waiting for!!!!!!!!!

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/872/872430p1.html

Last but not least on the chopping block is the newfound interaction between NFL Head Coach, Madden and the all-new Fantasy Football product that will be on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network in time for the start of the season. The Fantasy Football download will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points (or $15 on PSN) with live stat tracking available for an additional 400 MP ($5). While drafting your fantasy squad isn't possible online just yet, you and your friends can sit in your living room, pick your squads the same as you've done in the past and then upload them to EA's online fantasy website. There are video clips that will play after picking the top 60 or so players with stat summaries from the previous season to let you know what you can expect in the coming year. You can also load that team into Madden and use it as a standard fantasy draft squad.

[Eaglesfan27]

Gamespot has a new preview up and it's about freaking time. In-game saves are back:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/spor...tle%3B4&page=2


Here is a relevant excerpt:


In addition to those new features, Madden producers addressed some key fixes that will be found in Madden NFL 09, including:

• Revamped Sim Engine: The simulation engine in Madden 09 has been reworked to produce more-realistic results in franchise mode. Gone are the days of multiple 2,000-yard rushers in a single season, and simulation score results will more accurately mimic scores in the NFL.
• In-Game Saves: Not enough time for a full game? Madden 09 will let franchise gamers save their progress midgame so they can resume running up the score on the Bears at their convenience.
• Instant Replays: Borrowed from the NCAA Football production team, Madden 09 will let you save your favorite replays for educational purposes or to simply rub salt in the wound of the buddy you torched on that flea flicker.
• Manual Catch Fixed: Issues stemming from the introduction of the "spectacular catch" in Madden 08 and its impact on manual catching have been fixed. Expect the manual catch to return to its Madden 07 form.

[Icy]

I hope they also fixed the ints thrown by CPU QB's, it's what killed the game for me.

[Groundhog]

In-game saves and saved instant replays! woo-hoo, more features that have been in the last-gen versions since dinosaurs roamed the planet!

[Sgran]

Guys, I have to say I'm disappointed in you. This is by far the lowest amount of sarcasm and vitriol expended during the annual Madden tomatoing. Perhaps you're like me and the whole end-of-Madden-on-the-PC news was too much to bear. Of course, i haven't bought Madden since 2006, and even that version I gave away after about 20 hours of gameplay, but there was always that little torch of hope that one day...Alas, no. Madden, you're dead to me.
So, what's the word on the new NBA Live?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Is this a football game or a RPG. Thanks.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Hell Atlantic

and i'm gonna buy the game. i'm not a madden/ea hater like many here, it's just a video game to pass some time with.

Then why waste $60 on a game when you can just buy an older, used game that basically does the same thing (considering EA doesn't want to improve games).

[Izulde]

I almost bought Madden 2007 for the 360 used for $8 today, but then decided not to.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Sgran

Guys, I have to say I'm disappointed in you. This is by far the lowest amount of sarcasm and vitriol expended during the annual Madden tomatoing. Perhaps you're like me and the whole end-of-Madden-on-the-PC news was too much to bear. Of course, i haven't bought Madden since 2006, and even that version I gave away after about 20 hours of gameplay, but there was always that little torch of hope that one day...Alas, no. Madden, you're dead to me.
So, what's the word on the new NBA Live?

okay - flame away but I have a legit question: I'm still playing NBA Live 06 on my PC (with updated rosters) and figuring I should upgrade to 07 or 08. Which is better / has a more active mod-community (because I'm assuming that they'll next discontinue nba live on pc and i'll have to do the same as i've done with mvp and play with user-mods)??

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Sgran

Guys, I have to say I'm disappointed in you. This is by far the lowest amount of sarcasm and vitriol expended during the annual Madden tomatoing. Perhaps you're like me and the whole end-of-Madden-on-the-PC news was too much to bear. Of course, i haven't bought Madden since 2006, and even that version I gave away after about 20 hours of gameplay, but there was always that little torch of hope that one day...Alas, no. Madden, you're dead to me.
So, what's the word on the new NBA Live?

I just think people stopped caring about Madden. I mean how many years in a row can you put out a pile of shit and expect people to get worked up about the next version. It's kind of like being a Cubs fan.

[Sgran]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I just think people stopped caring about Madden. I mean how many years in a row can you put out a pile of shit and expect people to get worked up about the next version. It's kind of like being a Cubs fan.

I think Madden is now more like the Harlem Globetrotters. There's really nothing else like it, so you take it or leave it.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm going to rent before I buy, but I'm actually getting suckered in by the marketing team...

Another of the new features has been announced and it is actually useful. A dynamic camera that pans around on each play and keeps all of the receivers in site on those wide routes to the outside:

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/blog/#maddencam

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I'm going to rent before I buy, but I'm actually getting suckered in by the marketing team...

Another of the new features has been announced and it is actually useful. A dynamic camera that pans around on each play and keeps all of the receivers in site on those wide routes to the outside:

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/blog/#maddencam

And we all thought we'd have to ask for a FOFC poster to volunteer to buy the '09 update and tell us which features they removed this year only to be revealed as new features in the '10 version.

EF27, FOFC Nation salutes you for your $60 sacrifice.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

And we all thought we'd have to ask for a FOFC poster to volunteer to buy the '09 update and tell us which features they removed this year only to be revealed as new features in the '10 version.

EF27, FOFC Nation salutes you for your $60 sacrifice.

Not yet. I'm just finally moving into the rental zone which I wasn't even going to do before.

[Logan]

Don't worry, I'll buy it. I don't know how many times it's been said, but if you can appreciate the game for what it is and you don't expect anything crazy you should get your $60 worth, even if it's just a roster update.

edit: Then again, I probably won't be able to give you the kinds of comments you would be looking for.

[Groundhog]

I'll buy it like I do every year, then put it down after two weeks or so "while I wait for a patch", and never fire it up ever again.

[korme]

ill play it, but the college football aspect is where its at (coming from an nfl guy)

[General Mike]

This will be the first year since the 2001 version that I don't buy a copy of Madden. I think I'll still get NCAA tho.

[Sweed]

This will be the first year since 2000 that I can say I have no real interest in buying Madden. IF the game has glowing reviews after it's been out for 6 weeks to 2 months then I would be happy to pick it up and play. I honestly hope that's the way it works out, but I won't be holding my breath.

As it is now, between family and work, I have trouble getting all of the games I want to play into the rotation. I don't want to spend any of that time, like last year, pissing around trying to get Madden to play a decent game of football. I'll be more than happy to use that time to get in more FM, FOF, or NBA2k (if we get one). Hell I've always wanted to get something going with one of the hockey games but never really had the time. This may be my chance.

[DeToxRox]

NCAA 09 has online dynasty. I won't have time for Madden. I know people are critical about NCAA 09 but the game always is fun for me. My buddy who moved to New York and I used to have sick dynasties so now we can renew the rivalry on XBL. I've never had that kind of fun with Madden, maybe besides Madden 2000 on N64.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I wanted to keep the EF27 hype wagon rolling.

Madden 08 vs. 09 comparison screenshots..........

http://n4g.com/ps3/News-144868.aspx

[Eaglesfan27]

Time for me to un-hype it:

Apparently, Gamespot was wrong when they reported Madden will have in-game saves

Operation Sports has this news article which clarified several inconsistencies in news reports from the media event last week including a clarification that in-game saves weren't working properly and will not be in this year's version. Actually, the article doesn't say that explicitly, but in other threads, the writer of the article states that they were shown in-game saves as a feature in the build, but that it wasn't working properly. EA apparently decided to remove it rather than try to fix it before release.

http://www.operationsports.com/newspost.php?id=249135