Madden NFL 10 Blog: A Deeper Look Into Pass Blocking

[jjdogjjdog5162]

Quote: Originally Posted by Moostache

Ian - looks really nice...the animations and player interactions are looking drastically better - especially loved the way the Tackle moves back now with a step and motion in the hands and arms instead of the creepy looking "float-straight-back" motion seen in earlier versions - (a little tight on the clips still - can't blame you, I know that you're trying to show the specifics here and not full plays in an unfinished build) things are definitely showing the attention that is going into these areas... Some concerns/questions for you, the team or anyone from CD who got to get hands on with this pass blocking scheme: 1) LOVED the way Romo gets pounded by Ngata when he tried to roll out instead of stepping up in the pocket...that looked great and seemed to be very realistic...but (and you had to know there would be a but) what happens if the user controlling the QB is patient, allows the DE and OT to engage BEFORE attempting to roll out (ie. - how well does QB contain logic work now)? - I know that the blog says you have the ability to break out of the animations when controlling a DE for example, but does this offer enough of a chance for people to continue the abuse of mobile QBs that has been in all football games (INCLUDING 2K5 and 2K8). 2K5 and 2K8 had what I considered to be a weakness in allowing the QB to easily step up in the pocket after the DE engaged the OT, and slide outside to the areas immediately vacated by the long DE-OT engaged animations. The only way 2K prevented this from being an absolute game killing disaster was by having the defenders not in pass rush respond to QB rather quickly and with decent contain logic - especially from zone defenses. It SOUNDS like this is something you guys are aware of and addressed with the breakable animations, but is it working well now or in need of serious tuning? No offense, but after years of other EA features being over-powered or controversial in implementation (Hit Stick, Impact Players, HFA in NCAA), I am not alone in feeling a little apprehensive about the way the tech works and how easy it might become for cheeser to manipulate. If the blocking is broken in any way - anything at all that allows either the offense or defense to gain an uncounterable advantage, the game has a very good chance of being considered a bust online or in head to head play. 2) Does the QB have to reset or balance or set his feet before throwing or moving? The first clip (Romo rolling into Pryce and fumbling) looks great except for the way Romo is able to so quickly take off on the scramble...he should have to shift his weight and take at least a bit of time to get moving in an opposite direction - it looks to me in that clip like he just immediately starts rolling without any limitations. - This was something that the 2K games absolutely nailed - the QB roll outs were containable because the QBs could not move at will in opposite directions, or even make drastic cuts, without a significant slow down and gathering of their weight to make the move or a resetting of the feet to make a throw...I am concerned in the video by the ease with which the QB can move around...could be the limited number of clips shown, but it looks suspiciously like QB movement from Madden circa 2006-2009...

This is what im worried about. That was one of the things that i noticed was the qb didnt have to gather himself to sprint or roll out of the pocket. And if i remember correctly, you couldnt throw while sprinting in APF2k8? You would have to release the sprint button then press the corresponding button to the WR. I actually enjoyed that feature alot. It seemed more realistic to me. It cut down on the cheesy qb rollouts throwing passes 50 yards downfield while in a dead sprint.

Overall though, im impressed with how much has been implemented in Madden 10. Finally having a pocket is something i have been screaming for in madden. Im not going to be naive and think everything is going to be excactly how i want it to be, but they seem to have started a good foundation of features to finally get this game to play more like the real NFL.

[Derrville]

Quote: Originally Posted by dougdeuce

I'm really liking all the new info, but I don't like the camera angles at all. I want a gameplay angle, so I can truly analyze what's going on. I feel that this Madden is making huge strides, but have been bitten by that bug in the past thanks to replay angle promos.

This

[KILLAKAVOR]

Hey Ian, do you think you can change the way it sounds when you tackle. It should sound like football pads...not like a MACK truck smacking the hell out of a MINI COOPER.

[NYyankz225]

Quote: Originally Posted by Valdarez

That was a nice ball strip animation there in the Madden 10 video, except that it was on Romo. Did you guys notice the swim move Spears used at the end? Are those moves user controllable (triggerable) in Madden like they are in APF2K8?

Yes, that's user controlled.

[PantherBeast_OS]

I love the blog Ian. Great job. But Ian you said at the end that there will be more blogs in the coming weeks on the movements and stuff. Please take off a week from the graphics and game play blogs and give of a juicey blog about the updates that has been done in franchise mode. It really kind of gets boring after while when all you do it talk bout the same stuff. Don't get me wrong I love these blogs. But give us some info from franchise stuff update. The only blog done on franchise mode a bout 3 months ago said there will be more franchise blogs soon. But in 3 months nothing. Just please Ian give us a break give us some info on another part of the game for a change. But again Ian you are doing a real good job.

[Glorious Arc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Valdarez

EDIT: A little off topic, but at the end of the video, you can see #87 (receiver) stumbling and nearly falling down while running their route (not sure if it's a bump, or just a slip, but either way, a nice addition).

It looks as if #20 pushes him and he slips. Afterwards #20 takes off running out of the screen but I think he was covering the RB or was in zone. I cant really be sure but good notice.

EDIT:
Im not sure if its because of the way the video was captured or if Im seeing things but at the end of the clip it almost looks like the sack taking place stops for a moment and then proceeds with hitting the QB. It looks really jerky. The sack animation almost looks like it should be taking place a perfect stand still but it shouldnt because the DE has some speed built up and should just level the QB.

Otherwise I loved the new moves. The dip by the DE was great and the other animations were good.

[ShimSham]

Please give us something on whether or not we can expect the implementation of double-team blocks and 3-4 and 4-3 defenses looking and playing differently.

[TreyIM2]

Oops, gotta correct myself. I forgot that they show Romo in the Madden 10 clip as well as the Madden 09 clip...

Valdarez - Yea, that is tight but u meant #86. I kept looking for #87 all over to catch the stumble then noticed #86 stumbling into view. That is sweet. The little things can mean a lot.

Pantherbeast - Be easy, bruh, he's getting to it, slowly but surely. U notice how much of this has already brushed upon then Ian loops back to the topic for a more in depth look. Personally, I'm not that much of an indepth franchise guy but always play in my franchise and even do the off season management with pencil and pad handy so whatever they do to improve it, I'm ok with. I'm more into the onfield gameplay, graphics, animations, and presentations but especially the gameplay. Can't wait til the E3 presentation blowout Phil Frazier said is coming. Already seen a little of the onfield presentation stuff with the injuries and sideline aspects on Jimmy Fallon.