Alright Boyz!! Madden 07 impressions thread!!!

[MizzouRah]

I'm getting good at AP.. might have to try All Madden tomorrow.

[dixieflatline]

Well aparently america has been reading FOFC and learning about all the bugs/issues brought up here and elsewhere. This has led them to hold off purchasing madden until more is learned or patchees are produced....

or not:

Madden NFL 07 Passes 2 Million Mark

here is the best buy console games list for last week:

1. Madden NFL 07 (PS2)
2. Madden NFL 07 (360)
3. Madden NFL 07 (XBX)
4. Madden NFL 07: Hall of Fame Edition (PS2)
5. Madden NFL 07: Hall of Fame Edition (360)
6. Madden NFL 07 (PSP)
7. Madden NFL 07 (GCN)
8. Dead Rising (360)
9. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (NDS)
10. New Super Mario Bros. (NDS)

um yeah, so america loves madden bugs or no bugs.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by dixieflatline

Well aparently america has been reading FOFC and learning about all the bugs/issues brought up here and elsewhere. This has led them to hold off purchasing madden until more is learned or patchees are produced....

or not:

um yeah, so america loves madden bugs or no bugs.

First week sales don't mean a whole lot for Madden. The end amount is what they are really concerned about. Two years ago, Madden received a pretty stern challenge from the ESPN game. As a result, they paid a handsome sum for the NFL exclusive licence. Last year, they had only a very slight increase in units sold, despite the fact that they didn't have any competition in the market. They came out with big headlines saying they had sold a record number of units. They had, but not by much. Most of that PR was just trying to drum up more sales because they were hurting in a bad way. It lead to big losses by EA and some restructuring in the Madden team.

If they don't see a big increase in the sales for this year, they are going to see more losses and have to really rethink their strategy of just relying on the name for sales alone. Even worse, the development costs are higher now on 360. Another bad year could cause more people to lose their jobs and put them in a bad position. Far larger software giants have fallen in a hurry by making the same mistakes that EA is starting to make in regard to business decisions.

[RGunner]

well i just bought a 360 and madden 07...so if anyone wants to play me on xbox live for an easy win my gamertag is kbz2286 feel free to add me.

[RainMaker]

Has anyone gotten weird sim stats? I know the interceptions problem but I simmed a few seasons in and all the QBs are just dominating. I'm talking every starting QB putting up Pro Bowl numbers. I'm also seeing the computer draft QBs every year no matter who their QB is. The Jets drafted a QB in the first round 4 straight years.

[Poli]

Well, when you keep drafting Chad Pennington, you have to keep going to the well.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Well, when you keep drafting Chad Pennington, you have to keep going to the well.

It might just be the Matt Millen bug.

[Poli]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

It might just be the Matt Millen bug.

True.

Jimmy Johnson drafted Troy Aikman and Steve Walsh in the first round in the same year, I believe...though one was in the supplemental draft.

If I'm mistaken, please, shoot me.

I could use a bullet right about now.

[jaygr]

Quick question, and I hoping I am not going crazy here, but- isn't a roster spot suppose to open up when you place a player on Injured Reserve? Isn't that the point? I'm playing the regular xbox version and it does not seem to be happening. I actually had 2 wide receivers that I had to place on IR, but since they both were still taking up spots with this apparent bug, I was put in a pretty tough spot. I ended up having to use only 3 active WR's.

I've noticed some other bugs with training camp. First of all, on the drills if I use a 2nd or 3rd string player, for the first "rookie" level drills, they use my first string player at the position. For example they put in Willie Parker instead of my rookie back, or Hines Ward instead of my 2nd year WR. But when I move to the next round to try to get more points, it changes back to the player that it is suppose to be. Also, when the points are awarded at the end, it does give them to the correct player, not Parker or Ward for example.

Also, I was trying to boost up an OLB I have, who was rated at 81. So I did the chase and tackle which I, for some reason, am extremely good at. I played all the way through it (with the above mentioned bug happening too in the rookie round) and got gold on Madden level- so I earned 7 points. Only when it brings me to the screen to allocate the points, the guy is suddenly rated a 79 instead of an 81. So it is like I only earned 5 points because I had to make up for the mystery lost points.

I am just not sure what is up with EA Sports lately. They've always had bugs, but most games have some issues. But the last few years there have just been so many little and big issues with seemingly all their games across the board. Do they test them at all?

[Eaglesfan27]

On all versions, the IR list has been improperly implemented for several years in a row. It is supposed to clear up a roster space, but not the cap space. On all versions, it is implemented incorrectly and it clears up cap space, but no roster space.

[Mike Lowe]

Hey guys, I have the PC version but I am having problems with it crashing. Even when I simply try to open the roster screen I am crashing back to desktop. Trying to play a game or franchise drill does the same thing. I'm assuming I need to update my laptop. Is this even realistically possible ($$$)? I was able to start a franchise and play around a bit there, but again, no dice with the drills. :-(

XP Home Service Pack 2
AMD 64
3400+
645 MHz, 512 MB of RAM

I know I need to get an upgrade with my laptop, but I am not sure how possible it may be?

[dervack]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

On all versions, the IR list has been improperly implemented for several years in a row. It is supposed to clear up a roster space, but not the cap space. On all versions, it is implemented incorrectly and it clears up cap space, but no roster space.

Heh, yeah found that out the other day on the PC version. Mike Brown went out with a season ending injury for the Bears (surprise) and it allowed me to re-sign Nathan Vasher because of the extra money. Thanks EA.

[Eaglesfan27]

I saw this posted on OS, by a regular user on there. Not sure where he got it from, but hopefully it's true and we'll see an update on the patch either today or tomorrow.


Update today from EAMikeJohnson:

"The roster update is for all systems. In regards to the patch. I'll have an update on this later today or tomorrow. It will not hit the same day as the roster updates. "

He also said the Rosters were still on track for Tuesday AM.

[MizzouRah]

F him and his friggin patch!

I think I'm taking this one back for something else.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

F him and his friggin patch!

I think I'm taking this one back for something else.

I'm holding off for a few more weeks on returning it, because I'm afraid I'll be tempted to buy again once the season is really rolling. Particularly true for me, if the patch fixes more than just fatigue (such as the interception doubling in the sim engine.)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I waiting for patch too

[Eaglesfan27]

For the first time ever (I think) I went to the EA forums. Here is a direct reply by their community rep, Mike Johnson, to a question:


Hey - the roster update doesn't include a patch. Unfortunately, these are two different files. The patch is still a week or two out, but we're working to bring this date in. Also keep in mind that the roster update is across platforms while the patch is 360 only.

I will follow up shortly with as much info as possible on this.

Thanks

[Kodos]

I think as revenge for their crappiness, I will only buy used versions of EA games in the future, even though I hate used games. EA is trembling now!

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I'm holding off for a few more weeks on returning it, because I'm afraid I'll be tempted to buy again once the season is really rolling. Particularly true for me, if the patch fixes more than just fatigue (such as the interception doubling in the sim engine.)

I have a feeling FOF will still fill the bill for me as my time is really going to be limited and what free time I have is going to a hockey game on the console.

Keep us updated though EF. I know you play the heck out of NCAA and soon to be maybe who knows patched Madden.

[Raiders Army]

I keep on thinking I have been had this year on Madden. The game keeps freezing online, the rosters are woefully wrong, and the fatigue bug keeps me from playing a franchise. Ugh.

[jbmagic]

That why I dont understand why people like to preorder games.

Best to wait for impressions after the game hits the market.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by jbmagic

That why I dont understand why people like to preorder games.

Best to wait for impressions after the game hits the market.

Word.

[RGunner]

anyone wanna play on 360 live? kbz2286 or msg me on aim at kevo0522

[Coop]

Does anybody else have problems with freezing? I'm lucky if i can play a game before it locks up. the weird thing i have no problems with any other game except EA Sports game. I had the same problem with NCAA but not to this exent.

[dervack]

So, the roster update is available. But I don't see how to download it. Has anyone else had any success grabbing it through the 360?

[Greyroofoo]

Originally Posted by dervack

So, the roster update is available. But I don't see how to download it. Has anyone else had any success grabbing it through the 360?

ditto

[RGunner]

still lookin for someone to play against...kbz2286 on live or kevo0522 on aim...

[SegRat]

Originally Posted by dervack

So, the roster update is available. But I don't see how to download it. Has anyone else had any success grabbing it through the 360?

I went online with the 360 (multiplayer) and did the quick game or connect or what ever, and it then said I needed the updated roster, which it then asked if I wanted to install.

[hukarez]

Originally Posted by SegRat

I went online with the 360 (multiplayer) and did the quick game or connect or what ever, and it then said I needed the updated roster, which it then asked if I wanted to install.

Seems like the only way to do it for sure on the 360.

However the current gen versions seem to prompt you for the download.

[dervack]

Originally Posted by SegRat

I went online with the 360 (multiplayer) and did the quick game or connect or what ever, and it then said I needed the updated roster, which it then asked if I wanted to install.

Thanks man. I tried doing that when I first saw it was out, so I'll try it again tonight.

[Chubby]

I actually had a lot of fun playing franchise in coach mode when I rented 07 for PS2 last week.

[Eaglesfan27]

EA Mike has finally given another response as to when the patch will be out:



Hey guys -

The patch is basically done and will go through testing and has to spend some time with MSFT to get tested there as well. I will have an update early next week once things are closer, which I will post in announcements.

[Tigercat]

Does anyone else wish Madden, or sports games in general, had an option to totally randomize rosters to start a new Franchise? I like to be able to play with real rosters and players as much as the next guy, but sometimes its nice to play with a clean sports universe. And after playing 07 for the last couple of weeks I could go for a league full of new random players.

Is there ever any 3rd party utilities for Madden PC that completely randomize the Madden player database?

[dbd1963]

I have about lost interest in this game, and I have both the 360 and PC version. Call me an EA sucker, because I also bought Head Coach. I don't think I'm going to fall for it anymore. Unless someone posts about how the patch makes the game play like sweet nirvana, I'm not even going to download it.

Whenever 2K sports releases another football title, let me know..

[MizzouRah]

I have so many games and so little time that Madden has already went back to the store. I'll continue playing NHL 07 on the console and TCY and OOTP 2006 on the PC. Should hold me over for quite some time.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm hoping that the patch at least makes the game playable for me. Hell, if they just fix the fatigue and the doubled interception numbers in franchise mode, I'll be set. I enjoyed the gameplay.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I'm hoping that the patch at least makes the game playable for me. Hell, if they just fix the fatigue and the doubled interception numbers in franchise mode, I'll be set. I enjoyed the gameplay.

Ditto. If those two things are fixed, I still could get my money's worth from the game. I like the basic gameplay.

However, I'm swearing that I won't get Madden on opening day next year. I'll want to hear there are positive reviews and no major glitches before I purchase next year.

[MizzouRah]

When is this "exclusive" licensing over with? I would love an NFL 2k game! I'm about fed up with EA and their teasing games.. the initial "wow" is there, but after that..........

[Eaglesfan27]

2010 or 2011, I believe, assuming that EA and the NFL don't extend it.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

2010 or 2011, I believe, assuming that EA and the NFL don't extend it.

That sucks.

[dbd1963]

EA will have lost so much market share by then they won't want it.

I'm not ever buying another Madden game. I'm an old dog, but I think I can learn this one trick. "C'mere, boy! Sit! Ok, good boy, now, don't buy Madden!"

[Logan]

Originally Posted by dbd1963

EA will have lost so much market share by then they won't want it.

You are completely insane.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Logan

You are completely insane.

Yup.. dbd1963 - did you see how many copies of Madden alone they sold already this year? HUGE numbers!

[dbd1963]

I'm trying to change reality with my Jedi mind trick.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Yup.. dbd1963 - did you see how many copies of Madden alone they sold already this year? HUGE numbers!

Actually, MizzouRah, EA is actually still behind where they thought they would be at this point. The exclusivity contract puts a large hole in what would otherwise be a profitable game.

Consider the numbers. The contract was for $1 billion through 2011. So, it was a 6 year deal. Divide that amount by the number of years and you get a price of $166 million per year. If you assume a profit of $40/unit (which may be generous), they have to sell 4 million games just to get their money back on the exclusivity contract. Add in development costs and the number of units needed grows even more.

There's a reason that EA took a loss last year. Most likely, they will take a smaller loss, but still a loss this year. They were planning on exponential growth in their franchise by securing the exclusivity contract. EA assumed that if they got the exclusive contract, all the units that were sold by 2K Sports would just be tacked onto the EA sales totals. What they failed to take into account was that many gamers bought both games and that the sales figures didn't go up as much as they thought. It hasn't panned out like they thought it would. Add on the fact that this year's iffy release on the 360 has soured the casual gamer from possibly buying right away next year, and you have a mess on your hands. While EA will try to bury the losses like they did last year, there are sites like Joystix and Kotaku along with blogs like Bill Harris that will point it out when it happens again this year.

[dbd1963]

I see that the force is strong in this one.. I mean me.

"This is not the troll we were looking for.. move along!"

[Kodos]

I'm proud that FOFC's resident EA whore managed to avoid buying Madden this year. Of course, I'd be happier if they'd just put out a game worth buying...

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Actually, MizzouRah, EA is actually still behind where they thought they would be at this point. The exclusivity contract puts a large hole in what would otherwise be a profitable game.

Consider the numbers. The contract was for $1 billion through 2011. So, it was a 6 year deal. Divide that amount by the number of years and you get a price of $166 million per year. If you assume a profit of $40/unit (which may be generous), they have to sell 4 million games just to get their money back on the exclusivity contract. Add in development costs and the number of units needed grows even more.

There's a reason that EA took a loss last year. Most likely, they will take a smaller loss, but still a loss this year. They were planning on exponential growth in their franchise by securing the exclusivity contract. EA assumed that if they got the exclusive contract, all the units that were sold by 2K Sports would just be tacked onto the EA sales totals. What they failed to take into account was that many gamers bought both games and that the sales figures didn't go up as much as they thought. It hasn't panned out like they thought it would. Add on the fact that this year's iffy release on the 360 has soured the casual gamer from possibly buying right away next year, and you have a mess on your hands. While EA will try to bury the losses like they did last year, there are sites like Joystix and Kotaku along with blogs like Bill Harris that will point it out when it happens again this year.

All I know, is they have been getting great press this year and that will only booster the only football console franchise in the nation... sadly. Maybe they are losing money.. in fact, if they didn't pay out all of that money for exclusiveness.. they might be making some money. ??

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

All I know, is they have been getting great press this year and that will only booster the only football console franchise in the nation... sadly. Maybe they are losing money.. in fact, if they didn't pay out all of that money for exclusiveness.. they might be making some money. ??

Not sure where you've seen the 'great press'. Most of the gaming sites have been pretty hard on the game. I've seen 3 articles bashing them pretty good for their total lack of responsiveness regarding the patch to fix all problems that was supposed to be out by the release date, yet it has still failed to materialize. Reviews have been average and most of the well-recognized gaming blogs have been heavily critical of the game.

Hard to tell how the lack of the exclusive license would affect Madden. Honestly, they might not have even been a player because if EA didn't get it, someone else would have got it. EA is ending up being the test case that shows just how stupid it was to spend money on an exclusive license.

Now, if they had left everything alone and had no exlusive licence to anyone, Madden would probably still be on top and would easily be making money. They are a victim of their own decisions in this case. Unfortunately, they're stuck with this decision until 2011. Who knows how much money they will have lost at that point.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Consider the numbers. The contract was for $1 billion through 2011. So, it was a 6 year deal. Divide that amount by the number of years and you get a price of $166 million per year. If you assume a profit of $40/unit (which may be generous), they have to sell 4 million games just to get their money back on the exclusivity contract. Add in development costs and the number of units needed grows even more.

Can you show me a link where it says the deal was for 1 billion dollars? Everywhere I read it was about 300 million for the 5 year deal.