Madden 09 News Post

Video Game Football Stinks, and No One Seems to Notice

02:55 PM - August 4, 2008 by RaychelSnr

Today at Operation Sports we have a very special guest writer, Todd Zuniga of 1Up fame. Zuniga is writing about a topic which has been heavy on his heart lately, the fact that Video Game Football Stinks, and No One Seems to Notice.

Quote:


	"You�re all suckers. You�ve been waiting around for, what, seven months now, awaiting the next Madden -- or maybe you�re an NCAA guy. Regardless. And you�ll soon celebrate or condemn the tweaks, changes, fixes and faux pas in Madden 09, but you�ll still miss the big picture: American football is a terrible video game sport. And no one seems to notice."

Game: Madden NFL 09Reader Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: NDS / PS2 / PS3 / PSP / Wii / Xbox 360Votes for game: 88 - View All

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Member Comments

# 61 dapoktan @ 08/09/08 12:03 AM

sounds like someone sucks at madden..

# 62 Acedeck @ 08/11/08 04:43 AM

Anyone who gives NCAA 09 a 9+ score has little credibility to begin with. Making an article like this shortly thereafter only reaffirms the lack of credibility.

As for the actual subject matter at hand:

I think football has plenty of potential to be fun on defense. If they could make it rewardingly challenging, it could be fun. Last year was just a turnover fest, so it wasn't that rewarding or challenging whatsoever. They also need to show some attention to the defense. The last time they gave any real attention to the defensive side of the game, Ray Lewis was the cover athlete.

I haven't been paying attention to what changes are coming with Madden this year, but here are some things that need to change in the series when it comes to the defensive side of the ball:

-True gang tackling, like in NFL 2k3, 2k4, and 2k5. Yes, it's literally been over five years and EA is STILL behind when it comes to tackling animations.

-More control. This means more than just two buttons for swim or spin moves on the defensive line. It means more fluid control of your player that you select, since you can only select one of eleven.

-Camera. It's currently very difficult to even play as a CB because the camera doesn't show the entire field.

Those are just a few things I can think of right off the top of my head. I believe defense has the potential to be fun in football video games.

# 63 Spongedaddy @ 08/13/08 12:10 AM

Still feeling harried Todd? That's okay.

It would be cool if you at least came back, but as Stephen Colbert says: apology accepted.

# 64 rudyjuly2 @ 08/18/08 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acedeck


	I haven't been paying attention to what changes are coming with Madden this year, but here are some things that need to change in the series when it comes to the defensive side of the ball: -True gang tackling, like in NFL 2k3, 2k4, and 2k5. Yes, it's literally been over five years and EA is STILL behind when it comes to tackling animations. -More control. This means more than just two buttons for swim or spin moves on the defensive line. It means more fluid control of your player that you select, since you can only select one of eleven. -Camera. It's currently very difficult to even play as a CB because the camera doesn't show the entire field.

I think the "More Control" suggestion is the biggest one. It just isn't as fun as it should be to break blocks as a LB or rush the passer. EA really needs to work on this area.

I alos love the camera suggestion. I would love a defensive perspective camera like you have on offense. Why should we have to play from the QBs point of view while playing on defense? It would be fantastic if you could play from a view that was behind you facing the offense (at least while on defense). At least give us that option and it should be easy. I'd be willing to give it a try.

# 65 Pared @ 08/27/08 12:39 PM

Wow... I've never seen this article.

Very, very true and I agree with it for the most part. There hasn't been much progression overall in the football game genre in the last few years.... some big inclusions here and there, but overall I feel like I'm playing the same game from 3 years ago.

# 66 Pete1210 @ 08/27/08 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	Wow... I've never seen this article. Very, very true and I agree with it for the most part. There hasn't been much progression overall in the football game genre in the last few years.... some big inclusions here and there, but overall I feel like I'm playing the same game from 3 years ago.

But isn't that true of most sports games?

# 67 Pared @ 08/27/08 02:44 PM

Honestly? I don't feel so.

Baseball, basketball and hockey have improved tremendously. Football... not so much.

Until the tackling engines get upgraded, the games will continue to feel like more of the same.

# 68 golli @ 08/27/08 05:08 PM

PS2 NCAA is my favorite football game (2k5 come in a very close second) and no next gen football game yet has fulfilled my hopes

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