Madden NFL 25 Hands On Impressions, Three Articles From UTC

[SmittyD81]

Hey everyone, this is Smitty (author of the last article listed and Game Changer). after reading all of the different posts, it's good to see a fair level of optimism, but we all know the history with EA when it comes to football gaming especially in regards of NCAA football and Madden football. So, what I recommend to everybody here is to take these articles for what they are, personal impressions of a build of a upcoming title. If you want to remain optimistic I definitely can respect that because I'm doing the exact same thing. Like I have stated in the article, the game showcases potential, but will it be lived up to. At the end of the day, it all comes down to efficient execution. We all know that EA has struggled with this over this generation that's not new. What I suggest that people should evaluate this game very strictly what a fine tooth comb before you make that purchase decision. What I mean by that is, evaluate all the E3 footage if necessary, way to the game demo drops and play it extensively. If that's not enough, then rent the game and evaluate it according the what you personally were looking for out of the title. If it doesn't suit you at that point, then leave the game on the shelf and save your money. So, we definitely cannot deny the fact that these guys are at least attempting to address gameplay issues that we've all harped on for numerous years. Yes it's shamefully upsetting that it's taking an entire generation just to get fundamental aspects of the sport corrected. One thing that cannot be denied though, is that they are finally listening to us on some kind of level. Now, is it worthy of a purchase? That remains in the hands of the consumer, and in regards of this forum, the hands of the simulation football gaming community.

[ch46647]

^^^^ Smitty just "Get's It". I think he is my favorite Game Changer.

Smitty, I would be curious to hear your thoughts on Next-Gen Madden and if you think EA has learned from these last 8 years....

[bucky60]

Quote: Originally Posted by SmittyD81

Hey everyone, this is Smitty (author of the last article listed and Game Changer). after reading all of the different posts, it's good to see a fair level of optimism, but we all know the history with EA when it comes to football gaming especially in regards of NCAA football and Madden football. So, what I recommend to everybody here is to take these articles for what they are, personal impressions of a build of a upcoming title. If you want to remain optimistic I definitely can respect that because I'm doing the exact same thing. Like I have stated in the article, the game showcases potential, but will it be lived up to. At the end of the day, it all comes down to efficient execution. We all know that EA has struggled with this over this generation that's not new. What I suggest that people should evaluate this game very strictly what a fine tooth comb before you make that purchase decision. What I mean by that is, evaluate all the E3 footage if necessary, way to the game demo drops and play it extensively. If that's not enough, then rent the game and evaluate it according the what you personally were looking for out of the title. If it doesn't suit you at that point, then leave the game on the shelf and save your money. So, we definitely cannot deny the fact that these guys are at least attempting to address gameplay issues that we've all harped on for numerous years. Yes it's shamefully upsetting that it's taking an entire generation just to get fundamental aspects of the sport corrected. One thing that cannot be denied though, is that they are finally listening to us on some kind of level. Now, is it worthy of a purchase? That remains in the hands of the consumer, and in regards of this forum, the hands of the simulation football gaming community.

There are certain game changers that I'm learning to trust. I'll be anxiously waiting for your input and the input of a few other game changers once the retail is out.

[SmittyD81]

Quote: Originally Posted by ch46647

^^^^ Smitty just "Get's It". I think he is my favorite Game Changer. Smitty, I would be curious to hear your thoughts on Next-Gen Madden and if you think EA has learned from these last 8 years....

I appreciate the compliment, but I'm just keeping it 100%. The only Madden title I've purchased on next-gen was Madden 09, and that was ONLY due to playing Madden 08, (which is the most efficiently realistic one on next gen in regards of gameplay imo). All the rest have been rentals. The quality of the game hasn't arrived to the ballpark level that 2k had brought with their titles. So, my feeling of Madden on this gen in one word, would be "disappointed". In these last 2 games though (M12-13), it's been about gameplay and building around it to try and solidify a core (something that had been lacking over the past 8 years). Even M25 shows promise in regards of what's being worked on, but we have to see how they finish. So, in regards of PS4, XBox 720, I'll say that they have potential to make great things happen, but I have to literally play, not see it to believe it. When the time comes though, I'll definitely be on it like white on rice. BELIEVE DAT!!!

[Big FN Deal]

Quote: Originally Posted by SmittyD81

I appreciate the compliment, but I'm just keeping it 100%. The only Madden title I've purchased on next-gen was Madden 09, and that was ONLY due to playing Madden 08, (which is the most efficiently realistic one on next gen in regards of gameplay imo). All the rest have been rentals. The quality of the game hasn't arrived to the ballpark level that 2k had brought with their titles. So, my feeling of Madden on this gen in one word, would be "disappointed". In these last 2 games though (M12-13), it's been about gameplay and building around it to try and solidify a core (something that had been lacking over the past 8 years). Even M25 shows promise in regards of what's being worked on, but we have to see how they finish. So, in regards of PS4, XBox 720, I'll say that they have potential to make great things happen, but I have to literally play, not see it to believe it. When the time comes though, I'll definitely be on it like white on rice. BELIEVE DAT!!!

Good stuff man. Let me ask you, is there some embargo/NDA about pass blocking for M25, as if they have something to reveal later? A OS poster mentioned something along these lines he heard from someone but one EAGC stated he knew nothing about it, so I thought I'd ask you too.

[SmittyD81]

Quote: Originally Posted by Big FN Deal

Good stuff man. Let me ask you, is there some embargo/NDA about pass blocking for M25, as if they have something to reveal later? A OS poster mentioned something along these lines he heard from someone but one EAGC stated he knew nothing about it, so I thought I'd ask you too.

I don't know if there's any additional embargo or not, but I honestly couldn't even talk about the trenches because it was very buggy at best from playing it at a pre-alpha state. So, I couldn't give a "taste of things to come" preview for you guys at the moment. If I get a chance to play a cleaner build, and I'm able to reflect on it publicly, I'll most definitely let you all know.

[ch46647]

Quote: Originally Posted by SmittyD81

I don't know if there's any additional embargo or not, but I honestly couldn't even talk about the trenches because it was very buggy at best from playing it at a pre-alpha state. So, I couldn't give a "taste of things to come" preview for you guys at the moment. If I get a chance to play a cleaner build, and I'm able to reflect on it publicly, I'll most definitely let you all know.

Smitty, I have liked quite a few things they have done the last two years as well. It does seem like the team is focusing more on realism and trying to get Madden back to the point where it was a great game.

The problem is that no matter what functionality they add, the game doesn't represent it well. I believe this is because of broken code or a horrible animation engine. Regardless, if the animation system is broken and everything just looks stiff, herky jerky, and doesnt play out as it should. Then they can add all the best features in the world and it wont look very different, and wont play how it should.

It sounds like EA is going to use the engine from Battlefield to drive next-generation games. Maybe if they use that engine and layer the things they have done the last two years on top everything will look, play and FEEL so much better. If they can layer these things on top of an excellent engine, and overhaul locomotion, OL/DL and WR/DB interactions. Madden could really start Next-Gen on fire.

This is a big "IF"

**The key is ORGANIC game play. Madden has the most static, and predictable game play of any sports game this generation. Honestly, the PS2 versions of Madden were far more organic**

[SmittyD81]

Quote: Originally Posted by ch46647

Smitty, I have liked quite a few things they have done the last two years as well. It does seem like the team is focusing more on realism and trying to get Madden back to the point where it was a great game. The problem is that no matter what functionality they add, the game doesn't represent it well. I believe this is because of broken code or a horrible animation engine. Regardless, if the animation system is broken and everything just looks stiff, herky jerky, and doesnt play out as it should. Then they can add all the best features in the world and it wont look very different, and wont play how it should. It sounds like EA is going to use the engine from Battlefield to drive next-generation games. Maybe if they use that engine and layer the things they have done the last two years on top everything will look, play and FEEL so much better. If they can layer these things on top of an excellent engine, and overhaul locomotion, OL/DL and WR/DB interactions. Madden could really start Next-Gen on fire. This is a big "IF" **The key is ORGANIC game play. Madden has the most static, and predictable game play of any sports game this generation. Honestly, the PS2 versions of Madden were far more organic**

Yeah, that's been a problem on this generation. The current team, in my opinion is trying to make the best game possible. Considering that they're redoing so much just to try and break even so to speak. While I commend their efforts, it's all gonna come down to efficient execution on what was fixed from last year, and what was implemented/upgraded this year. We definitely want that organic gameplay. It's just that it's gonna take time to realistically and effectively get it there. That's why I stress that if it's not there to you, don't purchase.