Madden 12 News Post

Staff Roundtable: Madden NFL 12 Demo Impressions

07:16 PM - August 10, 2011 by ChaseB

Contentious, heated, excitable. Whatever buzzword I use, it probably can't properly sum up the way things get around here once the Madden demo hits each year. It truly is exciting and terrifying all at once. The staff has been playing the demo like all you folks out there, and they have a wide range of views on the game.

So read on to find out what some of our writers think about the Madden 12 demo at this point.

Read More - Staff Roundtable: Madden NFL 12 Demo Impressions

Game: Madden NFL 12Reader Score: 6.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Wii / Xbox 360Votes for game: 44 - View All

Madden NFL 12 Videos

Member Comments

# 61 bichettehappens @ 08/11/11 01:19 AM

I was extremely pleased with the demo. Most of my minor complaints are likely fixable via sliders (WRs catching everything, linebackers with big hits) and really my biggest complaint isn't too much of a bother because I'm used to it and that's the quick CPU QB snaps. Oh also, the quick QB movement in the pocket I imagine would get annoying if I played much online but since most of my time is spent in offline franchise I don't expect that to matter much

Outside of that I was extremely impressed with the new collision system, blocking (and conversely, block shedding), zone defense, receiver movement when the ball is in the air, CPU playcalling and decision-making (ex: stepping up in the pocket and scrambling), presentation, heck I even liked the layout and presentation during halftime better than what they had last year.

And I'm not seeing the issues people are having with play action. Most of my PA passes were successful, much improved from 11 IMO.

# 62 kehlis @ 08/11/11 01:41 AM

I guess the previous warning wasn't understood.

This has nothing to do with any other game. This is about Madden, it is not a comparison thread.

# 63 bichettehappens @ 08/11/11 03:26 AM

Got a link to where you heard the QB quicksnap would be fixed?

# 64 UMhester04 @ 08/11/11 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoke6


	You must not have played the demo enough, so ill gone and post this lil replay vid of whats been happening to me and its very frustrating to see this happen alot. Also why is it everytime in every madden that as soon as I hit the button for my intended WR, the AI (all 11 of them) have this spidey sense and know who, where and when the ball is being thrown? I never get that element of surprise or the defender actually being unaware of the play thats going on up until this demo when I AM PLAYING DEFENSE? But here is the SUPER DB clip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-69B_qFyy_8

How is this Super DB??? He gets beat off the line, gathers himself and trails the WR, and the QB places a ball in the worst spot possible to let the DB that is trailing the WR to pick the ball off. He even turns his head to look at the QB!!! If this ball was placed correctly it is a completion...

Dont get me wrong there are definitely psychic db's sometimes but this is definitely NOT a example of Super DB's. People are a little quick on the trigger these days to say things are wrong in the game.

# 65 guaps @ 08/11/11 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeuceDouglas


	I think it's funny that 68% of people voted on the poll that the demo was either good or great, and yet almost all of the comments I've read about it from others give off the smell of average at best and mostly bad.

Though I voted average in the poll, I have to say that the Madden 12 demo is the probably the best Madden demo I've tried in a few years. However, that does not mean that I think it's a good game nor that I will buy it. Madden is, and have been for years, too arcade for my taste.

I don't care for authentic camera angles, entrances, coin tosses etc., when you don't have authentic gameplay.

# 66 tril @ 08/11/11 10:06 AM

ill still pick up MAdden even if its average, just to get my football game fix. Hopefully Ill be able to get a few seasons in, unlike last years version.
and who ever said 2k5 is trash, really?.......might be getting dated but definetly not trash.

on another nore, itt's really hard to determine if EA is really putting in the required effort to make a compelling, immerssive football game. Graphics and souped up intros only go so far. What about commentary and all the other little stuff.

There seems to be a disconnect between the way the game's Ai logic is coded and the improved graphics.
Its like EA gives us one or the other yera after year.
one yera its about the graphics look good but the gameplay sucks, or iyts they made one or two improvements in gameplay, but the graphices will be from the previous years version,
Im starting to suspect thats how they budget their projects.

# 67 BlackJackRabbit @ 08/11/11 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wEEman33


	I think the retail version of Madden 12 will be a lot better than the demo ala NCAA 12. At least, I hope that's what happens. I'm already bored and disappointed with the Madden demo. Back to enjoying NCAA 12.

I know there will always be differing opinions, but for the life of me I can't understand what people see in in the NCAA ( the retail version) that's better than the Madden 12 demo. To me, all of the problems in NCAA 12 are either not presents in Madden or severely toned down.

The super linebackers and DBs with eyes in the back of their heads are much worse in NCAA 12 than the M12 demo in my opinion. You pretty much need a throwing lane to complete a pass to a receiver who is running any route other than a streak. For posts, deep digs, and deep outs, you need a lane (in NCAA 12) or the pass is getting broken up or picked off.

EA is still behind, but the demo is much better (in my opinion) than Madden 11, and NCAA 12.

# 68 sleepyeagle @ 08/11/11 10:42 AM

Call me crazy, but it feels like so many people give in to peer pressure when it comes to Madden. More-so negative peer pressure.

It's not everyone, but many of the negative posts I read from those who plan to "shun" the game area all just "Madden is always buggy, I hate EA football, psychic defense, horrible gameplay". These are all just general complaints about Madden that people fall back on when they wanna be "haters".

I know for a fact that many of the people posting these things are just using them as excuses for poor gameplay. I also understand that these issues do exist, but not nearly to the extent that every person who has played for a month and can't read coverage has to start believing that it's the glitchy game's fault.

I've been playing Madden for years, I've seen super QB's, REAL psychic defenses, and bugs that literally caused the gameplay to be broken. This year's Madden demo has it's minor problems, and everyone should expect that. But take a second to look at the improvements, and hope they aren't nullified in a day-one patch when EA decides to "fix" the things you are complaining about.

I'm excited about the game. I completely skipped M11 but from what I've seen of the demo, M12 will be the reason I return to Madden.

# 69 PacMan3000 @ 08/11/11 11:32 AM

Has it been 100% confirmed that this demo is a pre-E3 build?

# 70 RGiles36 @ 08/11/11 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacMan3000


	Has it been 100% confirmed that this demo is a pre-E3 build?

I haven't seen it confirmed anywhere, but there is evidence to suggest that it is an older build. Some of the recent Koach K videos (if you can stomach all of the shaking

) show the game with more stability and what looks like a closer default camera.

# 71 RGiles36 @ 08/11/11 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucky60


	Dude, arcadey is arcadey, even if someone's opinion says it's not. Sure somethings are subjective, but there are lines where the subjectivity becomes more objectivity.

Buck, you've been fussin' since the demo dropped. What's the crux of your issue with the game?

# 72 roadman @ 08/11/11 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucky60


	Dude, arcadey is arcadey, even if someone's opinion says it's not. Sure somethings are subjective, but there are lines where the subjectivity becomes more objectivity.

First of all, BK is right, it's just opinions on the net. So, now we are down to my opinion is wrong and everyone else who says it's arcadey is right? It's a two way street. My opinion shouldn't be undervalued vs the round table writers and their opinion shouldn't be under valued vs my opinion. If someone starts telling me I should open up the window and go play football or turn on the TV, I'll put them on ignore. So, I ask again, why is your opinion of arcadey more valued than mine that says it's not? I just don't get that mentality. Is it really a matter of who is right vs who is wrong? There is just as many people who are loving the demo(if not more) vs people that say the game is arcadey. Does that mean the people who are enjoying the demo are wrong in what they are enjoying?

Plus, like I said, opinions goes both ways and should be treated as such. As soon as someone says something bad about the game, look out, because here are people waiting in the wings to pounce on people who have different opinions than that poster.

# 73 swiftychampleone @ 08/11/11 12:45 PM

After playing the demo for Madden 12, it's a mixed bag for me. The game is beautiful and the presentation is top-notch. I did turn the game down to slow and got a better game. I'm still disappointed about the DBs and LBs having "psychic" powers and not being able to force a few tight passes. How should I go about fixing this without cheating? Turn up the QB Accuracy, WR Catching sliders? Turn down DB sliders? Haven't bought this game since '06, so bare with me.

Franchise Mode is what determine whether I buy this game or not. However, like all sports games, you can't buy them on Day 1. There's always something wrong and something that needs a patch. I don't even understand why folks get angry and upset at demos/pre-release. Honestly, I wait until the patches come out and read impressions, then buy it used for $35 or less. Some people should try this method.

# 74 RGiles36 @ 08/11/11 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucky60


	I want to see a realistic number of plays, both offensive and defensive, providing realistic stats, both totals and per play/attempt.

I guess my question would be is why do you find this so difficult to achieve? For most, it's as simple as running a few games, adjusting the quarter length and accelerated clock options until you get to roughly 120 plays or so. It's not that hard Buck.

The demo is just that. I can't speak for anyone else. But for myself, I'm not even keeping up with stats. I'm taking risks that I wouldn't do in a game I cared about. I'm going deep. I'm going for it on 4th down. I'm doing everything I can to get a feel for the game in a relatively short period. I imagine others are doing the same.

When I get the retail, I imagine that I'll again be getting realistic stats with about 13-15 mins and 15 secs left on the play clock via the accelerated clock. It's not that hard.

# 75 scottyp180 @ 08/11/11 02:04 PM

I have been hard on Madden since 2k5 came out but after playing this demo I can actually see my self purchasing Madden this year, something I haven't done since Madden 08. The animation and tackle system have really made a difference in the feel of the game, take into account that out of the last 3 madden releases madden 10 is the only one that i spent any time playing and I only played a handful of games.
Caley Roark said what I have been saying for years "it really might be time for EA to blow the whole thing up and start from scratch". Madden has made numerous changes over the years, for better and worse, but it all these changes are just body work on a car thats been using the same old engine for years. The car (game) still works and the updates make it run and look a little better but its about time to start over with something new and fresh. What is holding EA back from doing this is because of what happened to NBA Elite. NBA Live 10 was a step in the right direction but with Elite 11 they try to create a whole new game and it back fired. I doubt EA is willing to risk jeopardizing their number 1 sports franchise of all time by create a new engine (something that could take a couple of years to produce a worthy and improved product).

# 76 MMurda @ 08/11/11 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottyp180


	Caley Roark said what I have been saying for years "it really might be time for EA to blow the whole thing up and start from scratch". Madden has made numerous changes over the years, for better and worse, but it all these changes are just body work on a car thats been using the same old engine for years. The car (game) still works and the updates make it run and look a little better but its about time to start over with something new and fresh. What is holding EA back from doing this is because of what happened to NBA Elite. NBA Live 10 was a step in the right direction but with Elite 11 they try to create a whole new game and it back fired. I doubt EA is willing to risk jeopardizing their number 1 sports franchise of all time by create a new engine (something that could take a couple of years to produce a worthy and improved product).

the thing is tho, nba elite had competition and HAD to come correct, and they failed against nba 2k11. Madden doesnt have that same risk, because there is no competition. they cant not be #1...thanks to the situtation theyre blessed with (license). but theyll never do it until theyre forced to do it, which is when new systems come out. but even then, they may still be so lazy and just port over with prettier graphics, while the fifas and nhls of the future continue to blow past this stagnant game.

but lets be clear, theres nothing in their way of doing this, if they really wanted to. i know they have to put out a yearly title. now that they have new developers to help develop ahead of time on top of the regular devs, why cant they do this for m13? the answer is they dont want to have that kind of commitment to excellence, and its really sad considering this was their most popular title for many yrs. IMO, even if it aint the greatest if they did blow up and start over, would it really be any diff of an outcome to them putting out bug/glitch filled games with horrible gameplay on this outdated engine? honestly i think more ppl would applaud the effort and give them more slack for trying to advance the tech and the game.

# 77 bichettehappens @ 08/11/11 02:48 PM

Did someone in this thread actually explain what makes this game "arcadey" in detail (I stopped reading when the 2K back and forth started) and if not can somebody do so? I'm curious why I'm seeing so many people up in arms over this game being supposedly arcade when I just don't see it

# 78 209vaughn @ 08/11/11 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blklightning


	imo, ncaa is absolutely terrible. they have to resort to the biggest cheat tactics they can think of to give you a challenge. go try nba 2k11 to see how giving the user a challenge is supposed to be done.

I absolutely agree with this comment. NBA 2k11 actually plays smart basketball, and 90% of the time you lose, you dont feel like it's b/c the developers "coded in" some "it's time for you to lose code". NBA 2k11 and FIFA 11, player ratings actually mean something. In Madden and NCAA, ratings mean nothing. The out come of the game is based upon hidden randomized code structure forcing you to play great or bad.

I'm so over EA football games. (i'm a die hard ncaa fan too, i've played thousands of games the past decade of ncaa, i've maybe played 10 games so far of ncaa 12) NBA 2k12, FIFA 12 and Football Manager 11 for me this fall.

# 79 Jamake1005 @ 08/11/11 03:09 PM

Idk why all the hate over a demo build for madden 12. I havent bought madden game since they had the license and miss 2k football. But honestly the demo is great to me imo. I did play madden 10 and madden 11 and this is by far a great step forward imo. Still has its madden issues but I felt they were turned down quite a bit. Plus with sliders and patches I feel this game will be great. I have been a madden ***** for years and still believe 2k would have a much better product. But I can honestly say im really excited and this will be a day one buy for me! Honestly i feel some ppl are just hating to be hating on madden bc they hated it for so many years. Im sorry i believe that actually madden will be better than ncaa 12. I had to return that game after a month just way to glitchy and could pass for anything in ncaa 12. All I can say is i think madden is finally starting to put out a good game! This is coming from an avid 2k fan. Yes madden def still has it probs but its def looks to be a great game I am really enjoying the demo and will be playing til release day.

# 80 RGiles36 @ 08/11/11 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucky60


	It's not getting the 120-130 plays, it's getting realistic stats with that number of plays that I and football-freaks have struggled with. And on the console, I don't have football-freaks to help me out.

Yes, I get realistic stats. If you venture over to the sliders forums, I'm willing to be that the majority of those people get realistic stats as well. After all, that's the reason people go testing sliders in the first place.

The priority is to first get the amount of plays right -- which again is not all that difficult. Just depends on your clock settings. After that, it just comes down to your own skills and you have to adjust your sliders accordingly. The process is no different than any other sports game.

I think you're making it more complicated than what it has to be. My stats are generally on point and make sense, depending on the course of the game: for example sometimes I can run the ball effectively, sometimes I can't. Sometimes I create turnovers, sometimes I will not. Stats are not black and white. Gotta leave room for anomalies.

« Previous 1 2 345 6 7 8 9 Next »

More Links

Staff Roundtable: Madden NFL 12 Demo Impressions