Madden 12 News Post

Madden NFL 12 First-Look Preview

01:17 PM - April 28, 2011 by RaychelSnr

Ed. Note -- This preview will solely focus on presentation. That does not mean I did not play the game already, but because my initial hands-on time was so brief I feel it would not be worthy of speaking about here -- I would more or less be listing off bullet points straight from EA rather than giving you guys actual gameplay impressions. I believe I will be playing the game in a deeper fashion in the very near future, so expect gameplay impressions from OS by next week.

Madden NFL Football has struggled mightily over the years to find a solid presentation foundation. Over the years the presentation elements have been lacking, aimless or just plain bad. And, to some extent, that�s not surprising. EA had the impossible task of trying to live up to ESPN NFL 2K5 in the presentation department -- a game that was at one time the gold standard for the entire sports gaming industry. On top of that, the Madden developers refused to just go the route of mimicking an ESPN-style broadcast after they acquired the ESPN license, which would have been a commendable creative decision had they actually created presentation elements that were lauded.

Nevertheless, here we are now, and all we have seen during this console generation is bland, repetitive, aimless or just plain bad presentation in our NFL football game. However, it seems like EA is finally putting in the time and effort -- and money -- to create an experience that you will want to be a part of, not just because you want to control your favorite team or player, but because you want to be a part of a football experience.

Read More - Madden NFL 12 First-Look Preview

Game: Madden NFL 12Reader Score: 6.5/10 - Vote Now
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Member Comments

# 61 illwill10 @ 05/01/11 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aggies7


	I agree. I have noticed that if I keep the tv volume up then the presentation is good for me. But with Madden last year I would mute it and listen to iPod.

Commentary too. I want to hear commentary like MLB 2k, Show, NBA 2k, even Fifa has good commentary. Sure any commentary gets stale after a while, but at least there's are different from Play now/exhibition games.
Both EA football games has okay play now commentary not franchise/dynasty commentary.
I played a franchise with the Rams every single game they said the same things about Steven Jackson. After a while I could mute it and still know what they were saying.

# 62 jbd345 @ 05/01/11 04:26 PM

Are team theme songs back in the game?? there were a few in madden 11. Were any added for 12? And are there any additions to home teams scoring touchdowns i.e fireworks or player specific celebrations? other than the Aaron Rogers belt celebration??

# 63 PVarck31 @ 05/01/11 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelman990


	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwvDDdlDxyE I just happened to come across this video on youtube....is it me or does this and Madden 12 sound like the same features being offered. Ea gives and takes away. I see a lot there Madden 12 is claiming to offer

I didn't see anything about a new collision based tackling and blocking system. I also didn't see beefed up zone defense, WR shading, expanded rosters, authentic camera angles, real team entrances, correct sized football, user diving catches, 3 man, and double hit tackles, ball physics improvement, speed rushing, and this what we know before May.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I really don't think you can compare Madden 09's features with 12.

I'm not saying 12 will be great because of these features, but it looks like they are putting a lot more effort in this time around.

# 64 spankdatazz22 @ 05/01/11 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaseB


	I think it is up to you guys to decide when you want to stop talking about last-gen games. I think it would be really hard for Madden to catch those franchises in one year in the presentation department. I also think football games are at a disadvantage in this area because there are a lot more players on the field, and the pace of play is not really conducive to certain presentation elements that video game football can really highlight and keep fresh.

That's an unusual view to have. It's up to us to stop talking about last-gen games? Madden hasn't had "one year" to catch those franchises - they've had at least six. As well as more powerful hardware to work with. That they haven't taken advantage of the situation is their fault, not ours imo.

# 65 roadman @ 05/01/11 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	That's an unusual view to have. It's up to us to stop talking about last-gen games? Madden hasn't had "one year" to catch those franchises - they've had at least six. As well as more powerful hardware to work with. That they haven't taken advantage of the situation is their fault, not ours imo.

I really don't think that was the angle Chase was trying to create. What I got out of it, was, he was referring to this year with all the presentation upgrades that appear to be transpiring with Madden. I thought he meant it will take more than this year to beat out the competition with presentation. I don't think he intended to hammer away at the 6yr issue like you did.

And my take on "It's up to us" is that whenever someone feels that presentation in Madden has beaten the competition, then it up to us to proclaim it.

# 66 Nab_Impervious_XII @ 05/01/11 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	That's an unusual view to have. It's up to us to stop talking about last-gen games? Madden hasn't had "one year" to catch those franchises - they've had at least six. As well as more powerful hardware to work with. That they haven't taken advantage of the situation is their fault, not ours imo.

And it's not an unfair expectation either. EA is getting DIRECT help from CBS and ESPN in creating their overlays and presentation this year. If that's not enough to finally get them near 2k, then I honestly don't know what will. More time certainly isn't going to do it. As you said, they've already had 6+ years (3 years if you want to "only" count Ian's tenure).

And this isn't a last gen issue either. We're comparing them to consoles games this generation.

# 67 spankdatazz22 @ 05/02/11 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	I really don't think that was the angle Chase was trying to create. What I got out of it, was, he was referring to this year with all the presentation upgrades that appear to be transpiring with Madden. I thought he meant it will take more than this year to beat out the competition with presentation. I don't think he intended to hammer away at the 6yr issue like you did. And my take on "It's up to us" is that whenever someone feels that presentation in Madden has beaten the competition, then it up to us to proclaim it.

Huh? I wasn't trying to "hammer away at the 6yr issue". It is what it is - period. At this point imo, beating out what was done six years ago should be expected. It's really not much of an accomplishment. If the game still doesn't put those comparisons to rest, then that speaks to where the game has been/is in the presentation department - nothing more, nothing less. I'm sure we all appreciate improved presentation, but it deserves context. The question posed was:

"Chase do you think that the presentation upgrades made to madden 12 will finally put the LAST GEN football game comparisons to rest?"

I'm sorry but if the game isn't putting those comparisons to rest given the circumstances then it is what it is

# 68 bkrich83 @ 05/02/11 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	I really don't think that was the angle Chase was trying to create. What I got out of it, was, he was referring to this year with all the presentation upgrades that appear to be transpiring with Madden. I thought he meant it will take more than this year to beat out the competition with presentation. I don't think he intended to hammer away at the 6yr issue like you did. And my take on "It's up to us" is that whenever someone feels that presentation in Madden has beaten the competition, then it up to us to proclaim it.

Why would you possibly bother?

# 69 CFTejada @ 05/02/11 03:50 AM

Noticed they aren't any double teams during pass plays; will this be fixed?

# 70 roadman @ 05/02/11 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	Huh? I wasn't trying to "hammer away at the 6yr issue". It is what it is - period. At this point imo, beating out what was done six years ago should be expected. It's really not much of an accomplishment. If the game still doesn't put those comparisons to rest, then that speaks to where the game has been/is in the presentation department - nothing more, nothing less. I'm sure we all appreciate improved presentation, but it deserves context. The question posed was: "Chase do you think that the presentation upgrades made to madden 12 will finally put the LAST GEN football game comparisons to rest?" I'm sorry but if the game isn't putting those comparisons to rest given the circumstances then it is what it is

Then you completely missed my point and focused more on the hammering point.

Bottom line, it's up to each individual when to declare or proclaim Madden has the best presentation. He is saying it wasn't his call. That is what it is-too.

# 71 spankdatazz22 @ 05/02/11 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	Then you completely missed my point and focused more on the hammering point. Bottom line, it's up to each individual when to declare or proclaim Madden has the best presentation. He is saying it wasn't his call. That is what it is-too.

Ahhh... apologize, didn't get that you were saying that above. Still don't see how you gleaned that from the exchange below, but to each his own. For example, no one's running around saying MVP Baseball had better presentation than The Show simply because most would feel it's not true. So in that regard it's really not up to the individual to stop talking about last generation games, because imo it's Tiburon that's still making the last gen games relevant - not the fans.

"I think it is up to you guys to decide when you want to stop talking about last-gen games.

I think it would be really hard for Madden to catch those franchises in one year in the presentation department. I also think football games are at a disadvantage in this area because there are a lot more players on the field, and the pace of play is not really conducive to certain presentation elements that video game football can really highlight and keep fresh."

It's obviously not a big deal either way (and apologize if I came off as overly antagonistic). I was referencing the comment that it'd be really hard for Madden to catch those franchises in one year in the presentation department. All I said was it wasn't one year, it had been at least six with more powerful hardware. If this were EA Canada or some other EA dev house taking over development of Madden then I could see the comment. But for years, the constant has been Tiburon.

# 72 roadman @ 05/02/11 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	Ahhh... apologize, didn't get that you were saying that above. Still don't see how you gleaned that from the exchange below, but to each his own. For example, no one's running around saying MVP Baseball had better presentation than The Show simply because most would feel it's not true. So in that regard it's really not up to the individual to stop talking about last generation games, because imo it's Tiburon that's still making the last gen games relevant - not the fans. "I think it is up to you guys to decide when you want to stop talking about last-gen games. I think it would be really hard for Madden to catch those franchises in one year in the presentation department. I also think football games are at a disadvantage in this area because there are a lot more players on the field, and the pace of play is not really conducive to certain presentation elements that video game football can really highlight and keep fresh." It's obviously not a big deal either way (and apologize if I came off as overly antagonistic). I was referencing the comment that it'd be really hard for Madden to catch those franchises in one year in the presentation department. All I said was it wasn't one year, it had been at least six with more powerful hardware. If this were EA Canada or some other EA dev house taking over development of Madden then I could see the comment. But for years, the constant has been Tiburon.

Understood, but I just interpret what Chase said differently. I didn't gather he meant stop talking about it now, just if and when Madden does past other games in that area, it's up to each individual to stop talking about the past. Like you said, it's neither here nor there.

I agree they probably won't complete everything in one year, let alone the last 6 yrs, but I haven't seen any proof in the pudding either way to comment on 12. If the things they are adding is true and it works, I'll be happy. I think we all know the commentary needs fixing among other things.

As I said last week, all we had last year to look for was patch #4 or 5 with tuner set(tightened up the D offline), run blocking, OB catches, strategy pad and game flow.

I don't think I need to list all the features that came out last week that if they work properly, could be a impressive improvement from 11.

We'll see.

# 73 ChaseB @ 05/02/11 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	That's an unusual view to have. It's up to us to stop talking about last-gen games? Madden hasn't had "one year" to catch those franchises - they've had at least six. As well as more powerful hardware to work with. That they haven't taken advantage of the situation is their fault, not ours imo.

Holy emotional scars from ex-girlfriends. I think you're probably reading too far into this. All I meant by that sentence was that you guys will decide when it's time to give up talking about last-gen games. When you feel like these current-gen games are better, then at that point you all will move on -- this just seems like common sense to me. I am not the arbiter on this matter.

And I'm not trying to play a blame game or anything like that either, so I'm not sure why you think I would say it's your fault for continuing to make the comparisons. In terms of the "one year" thing, again, all I really meant was that if you consider this year one of their new -- and finally wise -- direction on the presentation front, then they aren't going to catch these other games that found their comfort zone years ago in one year. Again, I think this is just common sense.

# 74 spankdatazz22 @ 05/02/11 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaseB


	Holy emotional scars from ex-girlfriends. I think you're probably reading too far into this. All I meant by that sentence was that you guys will decide when it's time to give up talking about last-gen games. When you feel like these current-gen games are better, then at that point you all will move on -- this just seems like common sense to me. I am not the arbiter on this matter. And I'm not trying to play a blame game or anything like that either, so I'm not sure why you think I would say it's your fault for continuing to make the comparisons. In terms of the "one year" thing, again, all I really meant was that if you consider this year one of their new -- and finally wise -- direction on the presentation front, then they aren't going to catch these other games that found their comfort zone years ago in one year. Again, I think this is just common sense.

lol, I didn't mean to offend you either. To me it gets at expectations, which obviously vary greatly for all of us. It's hard for me to say this is "Year One of their finally wise direction" when the same thing was being said three years ago when the Ian-era was supposed to bring a renewed dedication towards realism. Just as people were saying "give them a chance" when exclusivity was first announced. There seems to be this view that the Madden team purposely didn't try to make a good game during certain years, or that the suits kept them from making the game they wanted to, or whatever. Personally I'm sure they tried to their best ability every year. I'm positive David Ortiz, Ian, and this new crew were/are attempting to make the best game they can. I disagreed with their approach at times but I don't doubt each tried the best they could in their own way.

At the same time, the results are what they are. They still haven't put to rest comparisons to the older games and I think it's relevant to remember that. Don't take this as a dig, but OS rated Madden 11 a 9 last year. I'm sure there were a lot of other sites that rated the game highly. I think a large part of that was because the people reviewing the game likely based their opinions on what the game has been this generation, instead of basing expectings by extrapolating what might be because of what came before it. Perhaps there'd be a lot less disappointment if the Madden team weren't given such low expectations to meet. I don't think the older games Madden's compared to were necessarily x-number of yrs ahead of their time, but I think that view gets perpetrated by inferring it's going to "take awhile" for the Madden team to reach those levels. Let alone surpass them.

# 75 ChaseB @ 05/02/11 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	lol, I didn't mean to offend you either. To me it gets at expectations, which obviously vary greatly for all of us. It's hard for me to say this is "Year One of their finally wise direction" when the same thing was being said three years ago when the Ian-era was supposed to bring a renewed dedication towards realism. Just as people were saying "give them a chance" when exclusivity was first announced. There seems to be this view that the Madden team purposely didn't try to make a good game during certain years, or that the suits kept them from making the game they wanted to, or whatever. Personally I'm sure they tried to their best ability every year. I'm positive David Ortiz, Ian, and this new crew were/are attempting to make the best game they can. I disagreed with their approach at times but I don't doubt each tried the best they could in their own way. At the same time, the results are what they are. They still haven't put to rest comparisons to the older games and I think it's relevant to remember that. Don't take this as a dig, but OS rated Madden 11 a 9 last year. I'm sure there were a lot of other sites that rated the game highly. I think a large part of that was because the people reviewing the game likely based their opinions on what the game has been this generation, instead of basing expectings by extrapolating what might be because of what came before it. Perhaps there'd be a lot less disappointment if the Madden team weren't given such low expectations to meet. I don't think the older games Madden's compared to were necessarily x-number of yrs ahead of their time, but I think that view gets perpetrated by inferring it's going to "take awhile" for the Madden team to reach those levels. Let alone surpass them.

No offense taken, and I don't mind the spirited banter since you clearly care about the series. Generally speaking, I try to keep things in perspective and keep it to year to year intervals. I'm not going to hang the past over a series, but rather just gauge the game for what it is during any given year.

As for the Madden 11 review score, take it up with Mr. Man In Charge Steve Noah -- he reviewed the game.

I try to remind him about that 9 whenever it comes up. We also revamped our scoring system and guidelines since I think the higher review scores across the spectrum had more to do with how we were doing things in general than the games themselves.

# 76 ruffdhc @ 05/04/11 10:35 PM

come on madden team lets get it right this year and use the real football as a standard...

# 77 Demoncrom @ 05/05/11 03:53 PM

If EA wants to know how to do the halftime show in game - get a copy of 2k5 and watch closely. Still the best halftime show ever - highlights are awesome. I hope the EA makes an effort to increase the fun factor this year. I still am waiting for the time when I want to play this game for many seasons

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