Madden NFL 11 Blog: GameFlow and The Strategy Pad

[ttmatt]

The fact that we are gonna get the option to go back to the regular way is the best news I've heard all week. I understand now why they made the change and the data they have gathered is very telling. As devs, they are concerned about people hitting the wrong buttons and then not being able to back out of it. For me, I think its reasonable for people to learn how to play a game before they pick up a controller and start mashing random buttons. The devs should include a detailed manual or an in depth training mode for the new guys because there is a lot of stuff to learn.

I'm surprised so many people are using Gameflow. I intended to play my first game on the demo with it since its the big new thing. I managed to make it through the first quarter and then I just couldn't handle it anymore. I feel much more comfortable calling my own plays. The best part of Gameflow is the fact that I can turn it off. As long as they give us options with these new features, everybody is happy. Thanks for listening.

[Flamehead]

I for one am indifferent regarding the strategy pad. I'll probably be one of the few that don't mind it and will use it. Props to them for giving options though. Options are always good. Always.

However, the first paragraph regarding gameflow is a tad misleading IMHO. I highly suspect that the high numbers they quote are because people are trying it out, not an all out sign they love it--this is the demo after all.

Perhaps their telemetry from the retail game will prove the same, but on a demo where people are trying it for the first time is not exactly proof-positive of anything.

[xX CASCABEL Xx]

reminds me of Burger King...

[nba2012]

im glad there making it a option that can be enabled/disabled and not taking it out the game because im one of the few people who like the strategy pad ....

[iamgramps]

I wish they would have addressed the default setting for online, regarding the strategy pad.

[KensaiKatai]

Thank you for listening to us phil and ian. I will buy the game once the change is implemented, truly looking forward to it as this is the best madden 'gameplay' i've ever seen. It's all a moot point if i couldn't call the plays i wanted though. Thanks again.

Quote: Originally Posted by roadman

Maybe for you it was, but not based on their stats they provided it wasn't a "stupid idea." For every decision made, good or bad, there is a decision process and they had the stats to back that up. Man, be grateful they put it back in. That didn't need to put it back in, but they did.

They can speak for themselves.

Those stats don't tell the whole story, it's like saying kirk morrison is a good mlb by the amount of tackles he had. There's so many variables involved but i won't get into that..i'm just glad they listened to us and responded. It might seem irrational to you but this issue was keeping me from buying the game for the first time in my life.

You say they didn't need to put it back in, i say they did if they wanted my purchase. it's that simple. and yes i am VERY grateful.

[KensaiKatai]

Quote: Originally Posted by iamgramps

I wish they would have addressed the default setting for online, regarding the strategy pad.

i'm assuming it will stick for online games, probably a main menu option. pure speculation on my part though.

[Bootzilla]

Good news. Regardless of data, the strat pad, no matter how you slice it, takes longer to execute. I know cluttering up the screen is an issue but, having a pre-play bar ala NCAA is a better solution. Are they still looking into how quickly the cpu snaps the ball? That may help until the old system is reimplemented.

I understand attempting to appeal to less sophisticated gamers. Heck, I stopped playing baseball games because I'm a casual fan at best and once they started getting ultra complicated I bowed out. I'm used to Madden and the basketball games but could imagine how intimidating they would be to someone who is just picking them up. We've had an opportunity to grow with these games. Some of us (me) have been around since the inception of these games.