Madden NFL 12 Reviewer Impressions: Gameplay

[Armor and Sword]

Quote: Originally Posted by Perfect Zero

I understand that it is just a video game, but at this stage of development it should play a better game. The "Atari" comments make me cringe every time. This isn't 1985 any more, it's 2011, and we should expect better advancements in gaming. I feel that OS did a good job pointing out both sides of the argument, and realize that in today's gaming world, you have to advance realism. I also love the comment "If you want the experiences the writer has nitpicked about, the only way you will ever get it is by actually playing the game of football, not a video counterpart." Unfortunately, I'll never grow a rocket arm, become two inches taller and grow a blue jersey with the name "Manning" on the back of it. Most people want to experience the game with the Colts or Cowboys or whomever. Going out in the back yard and playing toss up isn't going to make me Peyton Manning. Playing video games helps in this experience.

So you don't think Madden 12 is an advancement? It is clearly (IMO going out on a limb based on the demo) going to to the best in the series to date.

Madden 93 was the pinnacle in 1993. Madden 2005 was the pinnacle in the series back in 2004.

Here we are seven years later and I feel we have the best Madden for this gen and maybe ever (I don't know yet as I have not gotten my copy but played the demo and loved it). It took much longer this time in this console generation no doubt. But it is here.

Games today are far more advanced than games from 2005. Sports games have taken a huge leap IMO visually, feel wise, controls as well as AI this gen.

It's not even close. I can't play PS2/XBOX spots games anymore.....just can't do it! Platform, adventure and shooters and RPGs...oh heck yeah I still pop in some old favs all the time, but sports games are average compared to todays offerings. They really is no comparison anymore IMO. I think Sports games in general as well as FPS have made amazing leaps in quality, AI and modes this gen. Yeah bugs are being found...then patched and tuned that is a reality of todays games and cycles. The patch has become a Developers crutch much like instant replay has for NFL officials. So it is a blessing and a curse in that regard. I agree games should ship great out of the box. And most don't seem to anymore. Even the great ones like The Show and 2K11 had a big patch each to correct bugs and glitches.


Come on man. It is getting so lame how critical sports gamers have become!!!

When you played Madden back in 1993.....were you not doing cartwheels?

I was. After growing up with Atari Real Sports and Intellivision then even Tecmo Super Bowl this was a huge leap....HUGE!!!

Now I agree Madden has underwhelmed for some time. But 2010 to now they have really stepped up a lot more. It may not be what you want. But for hardcore Madden fans (which I am) the game is getting better and better.

To each his/her own.


But I think most Gen X guys like me agree.....sports games today are amazing and we are getting so much enjoyment out of them as compared to 5,10,15 and 20 years ago.

[coach422001]

the comment about the dynamic player performance going too far each way is one of the things that frustrates me most about programming for sports video games. Programmers want to add something to the game and either they go way overboard to show the swings in performance, or you get alot of the same thing from year to year making it seem stale (like some of the old Fifa manager situations). I think Front Page Sports football was the last one that I played that I felt got it right; you'd see the burst for a number of plays or for a quarter then it would start coming down again. It is sounding like your players become supermen or me trying to run past Ray Lewis for a whole game, which just doesn't seem realistic. Maybe there will be a way to tone the results down a bit from what the reviewer mentions.

[PVarck31]

Most of us grew up in a generation where home gaming systems were completely new to us. It was amazing being able to play videogames whenever we felt like it. I think the early consoles moved so fast forward in terms of quality. We were in the middle of the tech revolution. Things moved so fast, we went from the NES, to SNES, and Genesis very quickly from Atari and Intelevison. Games were getting better at an extremely fast rate. Then the PS1 released and revolutionized games. Throw in the Dreamcast, and PS2 and Xbox. It was a whirlwind.

We have been in this gen for almost 7 years. The longest time before new systems have been released. You would expect to see sports games like Madden to have taken a huge leap. I am not saying Madden 12 is bad. I haven't even played it. (except the demo) But with tech the way it is today, it just seems like madden hasn't been able to keep up with it. I have no idea why but I don't see that changing this gen.

[atomant94]

Quote: Originally Posted by coach422001

the comment about the dynamic player performance going too far each way is one of the things that frustrates me most about programming for sports video games. Programmers want to add something to the game and either they go way overboard to show the swings in performance, or you get alot of the same thing from year to year making it seem stale (like some of the old Fifa manager situations). I think Front Page Sports football was the last one that I played that I felt got it right; you'd see the burst for a number of plays or for a quarter then it would start coming down again. It is sounding like your players become supermen or me trying to run past Ray Lewis for a whole game, which just doesn't seem realistic. Maybe there will be a way to tone the results down a bit from what the reviewer mentions.

Which version of Front Page Sports football u talking about?

[JRod]

One of the best reads you'll find on Madden, ever. Everything was covered. Well done!

[thegreatusurper512]

The game doesn't have the new cba in the game (rooke pay scale #1). Therefore all of the franchise adjustments are moot imo. It will be as unrealistic as buying a football game that puts 12 men on the field.

[coach422001]

Quote: Originally Posted by atomant94

Which version of Front Page Sports football u talking about?

I think it was 97. My guys played better (or worse) for a number of plays but Mike Alstott didn't suddenly run like Walter Peyton for a few games. It also had it's problems (the return game, lousy angles by defenders taken to the ball carrier) but it was alot of fun at the time (speaking a bit to 31's comments).

The other concern I'm thinking about based on Cassel going 21 of 22 when hot is that it seems no matter what he has around hiim, the hot player will be a stud. Receiver ability should come into play here. So even if hot, the QB shouldn't be near perfect if he has a poor set of receivers around him.
What happens if you have a hot QB with a cold WR? Does the ball just hang in front of the receiver due to the conflict, like a cat dropped from a height with a piece of buttered toast butter side up strapped to his back?

[squadron supreme]

I gather that from reading this and other articles on Madden 12 is that it really isn't worth $60 unless you really need that NFL fix. I used to be that way until this year because clearly NHL 12, Fifa 12, and NBA 2k12 are going to be better than their predecessors and better than Madden. Thats not to even mention non sports titles in Uncharted 3 and Batman Arkham City. If I get Madden it will be after a price drop or using my store credit to reduce the price greatly. I just can't justify paying full price for a game that has been out this long on this generation of consolesbut still has the same glaring problems.