Madden 16: Is Connected Franchise Sacrificing Realism? (Roundtable)

[jmurphy31]

One of my biggest issue with these goals is who are they geared toward target market wise? If it is truly for the casuals I think this is where EA made a mistake. I'm guessing a casual fan plays a season at most in cfm. These goals and progression xp points probably are hardly even looked at during the season.

Why not make CFM more detailed for the hardcore gamer and have a simple (CPU does all the off field items automatically ) option for the casual gamer.

[StayPlation82]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lakers24win

Instead we're getting this corny goal system.. Would 2k do something like this.... NO!!!! That's why it's loved by fans and critics.

so what is the teammate grade in 2K but a per possession goal system? sorry to be off topic though.

[Hooe]

Yeah we'll be keeping other video game companies out of this thread please.

Thanks for your cooperation.

[Ozair Hussain ESPN]

We all know Madden is the only football game out their with real rosters and good aspects of the game. It seems as if they try to make it too realistic in a very weird way. For example, whenever the Jaguars do bad in my previous CFM they always draft a QB. It's as though the AI is designed to follow what NFL teams would do whenever they have the 1st overall pick. They should incorporate aspects of scheme, position, versatility, and combine results; which I believe is a great addition to Madden. I want realistic gameplay as well. I hate seeing great teams lose to the Browns and Jets. I want progression to be seen after every offseason.

[bxphenom7]

Do not like the sound of the goals system. I agree, most Madden news, at least ever since exclusivity has brought conflicting feelings. Madden has been on this "less sim, more arcade" trend for all this time now so I see the goals system as something that furthers it. All in all, not surprised.

[Mike Lowe]

How about a mode called "Be the Programmer." Here is some free sample text:

Hey programmer, want to pad your XP?! Here are some GOALS for you that would actually help your game resemble the sport you're trying to emulate!

*Write AI script that actually calls penalties!
*Make a game where the sliders are actually responsive! (see penalties, again)
*Create a tracking system that actually records the listed stats for played games. You know, so we don't have a bunch of 0's for things like "Thrown to" and "Yards allowed."
*Quit showing people the blocking strength of their punter! No one cares!
*Build a player profile that provides details, like what teams my players have previously played for!
*Make a realistic preseason! You know, one where the AI actually subs players from 3rd string, and different subbing patterns for different weeks of the preseason!
*Build a game that does not have out-of-the-box, previously never existing statistical anomalies while simming!
*Allow for players to actually be benched DURING a game due to bad performance!
*Create an intro screen that doesn't reset randomly and make people watch a stupid intro video!

This is just the start to Madden 16's offerings in PROGRAMMER MODE! You too can program a realistic football experience...in Madden 16!

[The JareBear]

Here's my question...

What was wrong with Franchise Mode?

I played Franchise Mode year round

I had very few complaints. I loved how deep it was, and all the off-season was great (college all star game, role changes, staff management, training camp) on the last gen versions. Progression/Regression seemed pretty natural and organic, maybe I am remembering it wrong.

I don't really have, nor have I ever had, my finger on the pulse of the Madden community. Were people not playing Franchise Mode?

This transition to CFM, and the RPG elements that it incorporates, I'm not saying it is a failure and that I don't like it. I accept it, I know it is isn't going anywhere, but what was the original motivation/cause for the change? I kind of feel like they had a pretty decent thing going? Am I wrong? It wasn't about RPG elements as much as it was just about team/player management.

The RPG elements can be cool, if done correctly. Skyboxer has posted some great ideas to realistically incorporate stat goals/xp into the mode. I understand that they can add longevity/replayabilty/personal attachment to your roster.

[Mr.Smif]

Seems like something more for a MyPlayer type mode. Goals for a franchise mode should be set at the beginning of the season, like run for this many yards in a season or pass for this many yards in the season etc. Then your ratings should change depending on how you play during the season.