What Does Madden's AI Need to Do Better?

[RogueHominid]

Quote: Originally Posted by KingV2k3

I'd say start by improving anything / everything related to QB play and IF they can pull THAT off, THEN move on to other things... #firstthingsfirst

This is priority #1 for me. I'd like to see AI that can replicate the play styles of the various types of QBs we see in the league.

I think the AI for pocket movement and scrambling needs to be improved significantly, as does the CPU's sense of when it's best to take a sack or throw the ball away.

I also think the AI needs to be able to render QBs who get rattled easily, those who will hang in the pocket to push the ball downfield, and those who will check down as often as possible to avoid making mistakes. Some of that is trait and ratings related, but I think it's also AI related.

I think the coverage adjustments for zones were good this year, but next year I'd like them to improve the AI for man defenders to reflect different techniques for different play calls.

So yes, QB first. Do that right and then worry about other stuff.

[khaliib]

Even though this could be separated into "Off-Field" and "On-Field", I'll center this around On-Field.

Madden has never really been innovative so beg and borrow aspects from what other games are/may have utilize.

1) "Get the Ball To" mechanism from basketball that allows AI play calling with the focus directed at a certain player, position or preference
- outside/inside run
- outside hash/middle field passing attack
- Witten is set as Dak's #1 read, with Dez as his #2 as his order choice
- P. Harvin Rule = get the ball to such a player in any way possible

2) "Line Change" mechanism of Hockey that's based on what coach is trying to achieve
- subs dictated by game circumstance (short yardage, 3rd & long, pass rush etc...)

3) "Hot/Cold Pitch Zone" mechanism of Baseball that highlights an individual players strength/weaknesses at that position and AI uses as a variable of attack
- CB is strong on simple out/in routes, but weak and gets beat easily on double moves
- Safety is strong as a hard hitter, but weak at tackling and easily gets juked
- WR strength is speed/quickness, but weak in running sharp/correct routes

And so on, and so on!!!

I'm quiet sure others could note mechanisms in other games that would be useful to improving the AI system as a whole in Madden.

Point being is that "All New" in Madden just means that it wasn't implement/use in last couple releases and since there's nothing new under the sun that's really changed the sport (per say), so there's no need not to use mechanisms already being used elsewhere.

What ever they choose to do, no matter how much improved it may be, if EA continues to hide/lock out the gamer from greater liberty towards "Customizing" their AI experience, it won't matter.

CUSTOMIZATION, CUSTOMIZATION, CUSTOMIZATION is key!!!

[NDAlum]

Put me down for QB play being the #1 focus. Every aspect needs to be looked at with QB play. I want to feel like I'm playing the actual QB with regards to ratings/tendencies.

I won't bother with my other wants at this time.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Trojan Man

This is priority #1 for me. I'd like to see AI that can replicate the play styles of the various types of QBs we see in the league. I think the AI for pocket movement and scrambling needs to be improved significantly, as does the CPU's sense of when it's best to take a sack or throw the ball away. I also think the AI needs to be able to render QBs who get rattled easily, those who will hang in the pocket to push the ball downfield, and those who will check down as often as possible to avoid making mistakes. Some of that is trait and ratings related, but I think it's also AI related. I think the coverage adjustments for zones were good this year, but next year I'd like them to improve the AI for man defenders to reflect different techniques for different play calls. So yes, QB first. Do that right and then worry about other stuff.

This post should quoted again and again. I hope this is at the top of their list.

[Charvalos]

In fact, they just need to delete the last patch. ^^

With the Chargers, on AP, I played against the Broncos : Payton Lynch was at something like 17/21 for almost 280 yds and 2 TD. I left the game and then, I simulated the match : my team won the game 21-0 and Lynch only threw for 97 yds, 0 TD and 0 INT.

Sometimes, I feel like the ratings doesn't matter anymore when you're playing the game but when you're simulating the game, it matter.

[timhere1970]

Quote: Originally Posted by Charvalos

In fact, they just need to delete the last patch. ^^ With the Chargers, on AP, I played against the Broncos : Payton Lynch was at something like 17/21 for almost 280 yds and 2 TD. I left the game and then, I simulated the match : my team won the game 21-0 and Lynch only threw for 97 yds, 0 TD and 0 INT. Sometimes, I feel like the ratings doesn't matter anymore when you're playing the game but when you're simulating the game, it matter.

Until you get to the playoffs. Then you can be a 99 overall team against an 80 and you will lose 90% of the time.

[edgevoice]

My suggestions are based on offline CFM play against the CPU. Overall, the coaching aspect of football appears to be primarily ignored. There are several changes that could make this game over-the-top great if implemented.

First, playcalling is important. Down by 5 points against the Seahawks in the playoffs with under 2 minutes left, I pre-read a cover 1 press robber defense? Are you kidding me? Of course, I threw a 9 route and won the game, but it felt dirty. Assign realistic situational gameplans for the CPU teams and give users more than 9 picks per situation concerning their own playbooks. See Madden 12. You guys nailed it with that edition so you could certainly do it again.

Also, allow the CPU to study what the user likes to run and counter it. That would force the player to mix up his play calls and be on his toes. Allow the CPU to adjust and roll coverage to an often thrown to receiver if necessary.

Finally, clock management, though somewhat improved, needs more fine tuning. I've had the CPU run out of time and not kick a field goal at the end of the first half on a few occasions. These all occurred while the game was still close and a field goal clearly made sense.

[jfsolo]

The QB AI and the CPU play calling are of equal importance IMO.