Madden NFL 11 News Post

Madden NFL 11 Video: Strategy Pad Criticisms, Letter to Ian Cummings (GoMadden)

09:12 AM - July 29, 2010 by Steve_OS

GoMadden has just posted this Madden NFL 11 video on strategy pad criticisms.

Quote:


	"If there is one thing fans can�t complain about in regards to the strategy pad, it�s that Creative Director Ian Cummings hasn�t been listening. In fact, over the last few days he has communicated with fans and taken messages on Twitter at a rate we would probably be best not to imagine. While a blog detailing the changes is expected to come soon in an attempt to quell knee-jerk concerns, I think there are some fundamental deficiencies to the strategy pad that warrant at least an option for players to revert to the old style."

Game: Madden NFL 11Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
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Member Comments

# 41 ODogg @ 07/29/10 12:13 PM

Oh and i'd like to see any telling evidence that more people like it than dislike it. That's a good one there roadman, I genuinely did LOL at that comment.

# 42 roadman @ 07/29/10 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Oh and i'd like to see any telling evidence that more people like it than dislike it. That's a good one there roadman, I genuinely did LOL at that comment.

Don't think you read the last sentence correctly.

I said there is probably more telling evidence people dislike it.

??

# 43 jamaster14 @ 07/29/10 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	What is the message we are trying to send to the EA team? We can't handle change and consult us before you make any design decisions out of our comfort zone? The results are sales will drop and I won't purchase another game of Madden. Or, get used to the new change and hope EA keeps evolving bringing on changes. The first choice EA will announce that they listened to the masses and will be patching the old system into the game by December.(who knows how long it will take to patch it back into the game) I agree with Skyboxer. There are more important issues in the game vs the SP. Not everyone dislikes the SP. There is probably telling evidence that there is more people that dislike it.

the message i would try to send would be:

"give us options!!!!!!!!!"

let us choose what is the best way to do things. let us choose what controls we want and what camera we want. know one knows better then ourselves what is the best experience for ourselves. if EA thinks strategy pad will rock and everyone will love it... GREAT! put it in. but give us the old option.... at least until feedback is overwhelming that the new strat pad way is great

no one complained about controls back in 2001, because you coudl choose from like 6 different ones

# 44 Skyboxer @ 07/29/10 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	The message is don't change what does not need fixed just for the sake of change.

Agree whole heartedly

# 45 wangtangkiki @ 07/29/10 12:24 PM

I find that the main problem for me is that I have to move my thumb just like described in this video.

For Madden 11, I MUST take my finger off the stick to just activate the SP. I also have to press a button for what I want to do.. Hot routes? Okay, I press down.. If I want to put a person in Man coverage I press down on the right stick.

Madden 11: 1. Activate SP
2. Down [Hot Routes]
3. Right Stick Down [Man Coverage]
4. Offensive player's button

Madden 10: 1. Hot Routes button [X]
2. Left Stick to the left
3. Offensive player's button

It's not that it's just one more button press, it's the fact that they actually changed what button I press for man coverage.. I'm using to pressing left on the left stick for man coverage.. They've changed several different buttons for hot routes.. I could see just moving everything to the D-pad but changing the sub controls?

Hot Routes on Defense for 2010:

Left Stick UP: Hook
Left Stick DOWN: Contain
Left Stick RIGHT: Purple
Left Stick LEFT: Man Coverage

Right Stick UP: Deep Blue Zone
Right Stick DOWN: Blitz
Right Stick RIGHT: Flat Zone
Right Stick LEFT: QB Spy

Hot Routes on Defense for 2011:

D-PAD UP - Hook
D-PAD DOWN - Blitz
D-PAD RIGHT- Flat Zone
D-PAD LEFT - Purple

Right Stick UP: Deep Blue Zone
Right Stick DOWN: Man
Right Stick RIGHT: QB Contain
Right Stick LEFT: QB Spy

# 46 ODogg @ 07/29/10 12:25 PM

Skyboxer, as you said, and I know this must frustrate you very much from your posts, there are so many things that need updated and fixed in this game, doesn't it make you angry they spent time re-designing about the ONLY thing really that no one EVER complained about? I mean that's almost a slap in the face to us as consumers IMO.

We present to EA every year probably 200 things that we have issue with and instead of working on that list they choose something NOT on the list and think "We need to re-design *this*..."

When I think about it in this way, honestly, the more angrier I become. Seriously I mean WTF EA?

# 47 roadman @ 07/29/10 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaster14


	the message i would try to send would be: "give us options!!!!!!!!!" let us choose what is the best way to do things. let us choose what controls we want and what camera we want. know one knows better then ourselves what is the best experience for ourselves. if EA thinks strategy pad will rock and everyone will love it... GREAT! put it in. but give us the old option.... at least until feedback is overwhelming that the new strat pad way is great no one complained about controls back in 2001, because you coudl choose from like 6 different ones

I've said from the get-go that an option would have been the way to go.

They have taken our suggestions over the last few years. A lot has made it in, some hasn't.(from wishlist) At the end of the day, EA makes the final decisions on what goes into the game and what get's put on the shelf. ie, franchise mode.

# 48 ODogg @ 07/29/10 12:28 PM

Roadman - you're right, and it baffles me as to why they seem to listen to their target audience for other games (NHL, FIFA, Tiger) but are so schizophrenic when it comes to their flagship game.

# 49 Skyboxer @ 07/29/10 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaster14


	you are talking about functionality, not control. YES, the functionality is till there. however the interface, input, and control of that functionality has become more cumbersome(to some/many). saying its "a different way to do the SAME thing" is really an understatement. for instance, i could take the 1 lane backroad to get to work in the morning isntead of the 4 lane highway. that would be a different way to do the SAME thing(drive to work) but id have to sit through a ton of traffic lights, more traffic, and get there 10-15 minutes later.

I'm 44 years old and had it down in 1 hour....
Again it should have been an option but IMO (I'm intitled to 1

) it isn't worthy of the uproar when DB's still have eyes in the back of their head.

That's all I'm saying...

# 50 Skyboxer @ 07/29/10 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Oh and i'd like to see any telling evidence that more people like it than dislike it. That's a good one there roadman, I genuinely did LOL at that comment.

he said more dislike it I think........

# 51 Superrandy @ 07/29/10 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Skyboxer, as you said, and I know this must frustrate you very much from your posts, there are so many things that need updated and fixed in this game, doesn't it make you angry they spent time re-designing about the ONLY thing really that no one EVER complained about? I mean that's almost a slap in the face to us as consumers IMO. We present to EA every year probably 200 things that we have issue with and instead of working on that list they choose something NOT on the list and think "We need to re-design this..." When I think about it in this way, honestly, the more angrier I become. Seriously I mean WTF EA?

That's how I feel. They have taken out so many nice features from the PS2 days, and left so many gameplay issues still there. Why do they ask consumers what we want every year when in the scheme of things it doesn't really matter. The game will be sold in bunches no matter what because of the license. EA will take their 8.0-8.5 reviews every year as good enough.

This is seriously the first time in 15 years where I have wondered if maybe I could go without getting the game. This is the first year I have came that close, who knows how much closer I will be next year if things are still not improved. They are almost daring people to quit Madden.

# 52 erkizzlemynizzle @ 07/29/10 12:30 PM

I could learn to adjust to it if they would give me some time to actually make adjustments and not have the CPU snap the ball as soon as they get to the line.

# 53 Flightwhite24 @ 07/29/10 12:31 PM

This is a very good video. EA can't deny that a problem exist. Hopefully something can be done because online is going to be how fast can I get up to the line because I don't want the def to make any changes. High-scoring games will be off the charts if this is not fixed.

Just a BAD BAD move by EA plain and simple.

# 54 2krunk4u @ 07/29/10 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	This video is what we need more of, intelligent and rational discussion of disagreement with EA over a design choice. And the thread I created about people not buying Madden 11 due to this strategy pad should also concern them in regards to the lost sales issue. This video also confirms what I thought, that the game would work much better on the PS3. I hope EA can man up, admit they made a mistake and patch this as they did Fight Night. If nothing else, it definitely needs removed for Madden 12. Once it's gone we shall all never speak of it again.

I agree 100%. Highlight the deficiencies of this new feature because they are definitely GLARING.

Just do it in an educated manner.

Great Vid. Hopefully EA/Tiburon listens.............:/

# 55 Skyboxer @ 07/29/10 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Skyboxer, as you said, and I know this must frustrate you very much from your posts, there are so many things that need updated and fixed in this game, doesn't it make you angry they spent time re-designing about the ONLY thing really that no one EVER complained about? I mean that's almost a slap in the face to us as consumers IMO. We present to EA every year probably 200 things that we have issue with and instead of working on that list they choose something NOT on the list and think "We need to re-design this..." When I think about it in this way, honestly, the more angrier I become. Seriously I mean WTF EA?

Absolutely! I think it was a very bad move and uneccesary one. I guess a lot of things really got me this year with Madden. The most being no OF upgrades and them saying Madden 12 is the real upgrade... Really? Say that even before Madden 11 is out... lol

So yeah I'm not dismissing the fact the move was dumb... there's just other more important things IMO I wish were protested about, that's all.

# 56 2krunk4u @ 07/29/10 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyboxer


	Yeah they should have made it and option but I actually like the new system, but options are good. This is also A really good reason why the exclusive deal is killing the genre. If there was no deal then Madden could be Madden. Other companies could take more risks etc and if it were things that worked out great, then the Madden fans could start asking EA to replicate it etc... As it stands right now Madden is Madden.. You here it all the time "It plays like Madden"...People are so used to the control scheme and gameplay that any major changes are going to ignite the flames and youtube vids. A lot of people say Madden is stale and needs shook up but that's only if things don't change, IMO. I started a thread so people could actually suggest what exactly they'd like to see upgraded and how'd they like to see it implemented...etc, since auto speed burst and strategy pad are widely hated. ... One post other than my own. That just begs the question. *Do people really want Madden to change or is it just the cool thing to say these days?* Who knows. I'm just going to do what I always do. Buy the video game and play and have fun with the video game.

Of course we want madden to change, but why change something that is perfectly fine?

Change the things that need changing. Revamp the AI instead of slowing people down.

# 57 ODogg @ 07/29/10 12:37 PM

Skyboxer - I hear you on that but control changes will always cause the biggest uproar over anything else.

Superrandy - That's a great way of capturing how I feel. It almost seems as if EA is daring us to quit buying the game. That was what I was trying to espouse in my views and you capture it perfectly in one line. I've been buying Madden since the first year it was out for the PC, for like 15 to 17 years, whatever it is, and moves like this make me honestly question if EA wants the veterans of the series, people like me, to go away so they can go to a new demographic completely.

# 58 adembroski @ 07/29/10 12:41 PM

If anyone is wondering what constructive criticism looks like, there it is. Brilliant video, one of the best I've seen related to Madden.

# 59 Skyboxer @ 07/29/10 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2krunk4u


	Of course we want madden to change, but why change something that is perfectly fine? Change the things that need changing. Revamp the AI instead of slowing people down.

Agree the AI among other things need worked on a lot. So why aren't we protesting that instead of a working(Yet un-needed waste of time change) strategy pad? That's my point.

# 60 Skyboxer @ 07/29/10 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Skyboxer - I hear you on that but control changes will always cause the biggest uproar over anything else. Superrandy - That's a great way of capturing how I feel. It almost seems as if EA is daring us to quit buying the game. That was what I was trying to espouse in my views and you capture it perfectly in one line. I've been buying Madden since the first year it was out for the PC, for like 15 to 17 years, whatever it is, and moves like this make me honestly question if EA wants the veterans of the series, people like me, to go away so they can go to a new demographic completely.

Problem is we are the minority. We all could bypass Madden this year and what would really change

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