Madden 12 News Post

Madden NFL 12 Reviewer Impressions: Gameplay

09:59 AM - August 27, 2011 by RaychelSnr

Madden's gameplay is a strange sort of Jekyll and Hyde act this year. While on one hand, I really want to love the gameplay for all the things it does right, there's always a bit of creeping anger and disappointment when I experience the things Madden doesn't do quite so well.

Madden is far from a bad game. I'm about 15 games into my Madden experience, and it's pretty easy to conclude that Madden is anything but a bad game. It's just that to get to some realistic results, the game cuts so many corners and seems to be asking me to suspend my own disbelief to find enjoyment in the face of some lacking realism.

On the basic surface level, if you've played NCAA Football 12, you sort of know what to expect from Madden 12. If you've played an EA football game in the last several years, you've also played a large part of what Madden 12 has to offer. What Madden does differently is important to the core gameplay experience and will probably define whether you, as a hardcore fan, are willing to spend the $60 on the game.

Read More - Madden NFL 12 Reviewer Impressions: Gameplay

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

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Member Comments

# 41 youALREADYknow @ 08/27/11 08:41 PM

This is the same review that could be written for every Madden in the past few years. It's also the same review that will continue to be written about every Madden for the next few years until EA/Tiburon have the testicular fortitude to actually commit to innovation and risk changing the current game engines.

Having said that, it's obvious that if they are going to continue down this road then there should be a lot more focus on the Franchise mode and realism outside of game play. I hope the focus on Franchise this year was the start of that trend.

# 42 Saviour @ 08/27/11 10:10 PM

Excellent write up. Its always a plus to read an article when the writer concentrates on the football elements and how they are not represented well in the Madden series. The Madden series can always be fun but you have to ignore basic realistic details about football to enjoy it. If you are a die hard football fan who understands the physics of the game Madden will always leave you wanting more. If you can ignore the realism issues, you can have a great time with the game.

# 43 TreyIM2 @ 08/28/11 12:02 AM

I have been playing the full game for a couple of days, now, and I can agree with much of what is said about this game by the reviewer. I also found a quirk or so when playing in franchise - Offensive players automatically being put on D. I couldn't believe that Santonio Holmes was attempting to make a tackle on a 3rd and long play when I was playing my Jets against the Bengals. Crazy how he magically appeared. Smh.

At the same time, I am enjoying what's here and appreciate some of the improvements. I do hope see a more huge leap next year, overall. The game is stale, to be quite honest. I pick apart the D with my QBs on All Pro (I don't even bother with that cheating-behind All Madden non-sense) so I really don't see the improvement in the zone coverages. I just Tom Brady the situations. Lol. I KNOW how to pass and read coverages very well.
Anywayz, I'm about to spark up my Jets/Giants matchup in my franchise pre-season and hope that the results, which WILL be a win against the Giants, come to fruition for my Jets on Monday night.

# 44 SteelerSpartan @ 08/28/11 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TombSong


	Details and reasons why he felt the way he felt. THAT'S a review. We can love it or hate it but the only thing that can be argued are facts and everything else is debatable. He spoke in specifics and gave examples. When you bring evidence you shut up all the would be critics of the review and most importantly you are giving the readers something to look at and think about when they play the game and decide if they want to buy the game or not. For the guys who say, its just a game, we should not expect x,y,z. That would be true if the things we ask for are not possible or have never been done before. However. A lot of what we want HAS been done already in older games. This is what makes the Madden situation so sad. I will be the first to say, overall Madden is not garbage. It can be a fun game to play. However in light of what has been and what is now and what is coming, Madden cannot be allowed to go the way its been going the last 6 years. Someone at Tiburon HAS to step up the games game play and "football" features on the field. It is dated and needs some serious work. IMO it looks like they have the last 2 years been trying to skate by on improving the presentation hoping all eyes will be on that while doing little to address the legacy issues and current game play problems and lack of innovative features that matter while playing the game.

I have much the same outlook......On the one hand Im glad the old school novelty of Madden is back with 12 and that the devs seem to want to provide a deeper/more authentic game to the core football junkies

I can see the effort to appeal to that base this year....with things like the franchise editing/bidding/scouting/....Authentic Broadcast Cams...DPP..and their attempts at improving Consecutive Hit Tackling/Zone D

But I think what this review and many others like are saying is.....

"The Paper isn't Complete...you just have a good rough outline again"

before, you could say the game wasn't even writing on paper....it was just "A drawing in the sand"

Thats how I viewed the Last Gen football games....like it was a great Rough Outline but it lacked the horse power of good tech to flesh out the body....That was ok at the time, but its 2011 now, more and more people want the game to evolve past the legacy issues and Madden Sterotypes

People are tired of saying "Thats just Madden being Madden" so much

That means not shifting focus again into some new marketing slogan, but doubling down in the areas that were focused on this year
It means investing serious dollars into just about every facet of the gameplay again

And you know what Im talking about mostly, this Review hit the big Areas.....that means the Legacy Issues

*A much more realistic/expansive movement system complete with Tons of animation variety for different speeds/cuts...Transitional Animations
FTW!!!The Zig Zaggng Arcade stuff has to get cut down immensely

Thats the biggest one^^^The devs are going to have to give a little in Player Control to make that work.....Thats an area where they have to man up and say yeah....little Timmy might have a harder time grasping when to use certain stick movements, but Players are playing/approaching the situation with a realistic plan now.....because the freedom to move out of that bad situation through Our "GameDesign" has now been limited

And thats the point of it, people are starting to get tired of having to always gameplan around the Madden brand of football.......Madden Strategies and Real life Football strategies need to look much more closely alike then they are today moving forward

# 45 roadman @ 08/28/11 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TombSong


	Details and reasons why he felt the way he felt. THAT'S a review. We can love it or hate it but the only thing that can be argued are facts and everything else is debatable. He spoke in specifics and gave examples. When you bring evidence you shut up all the would be critics of the review and most importantly you are giving the readers something to look at and think about when they play the game and decide if they want to buy the game or not. For the guys who say, its just a game, we should not expect x,y,z. That would be true if the things we ask for are not possible or have never been done before. However. A lot of what we want HAS been done already in older games. This is what makes the Madden situation so sad. I will be the first to say, overall Madden is not garbage. It can be a fun game to play. However in light of what has been and what is now and what is coming, Madden cannot be allowed to go the way its been going the last 6 years. Someone at Tiburon HAS to step up the games game play and "football" features on the field. It is dated and needs some serious work. IMO it looks like they have the last 2 years been trying to skate by on improving the presentation hoping all eyes will be on that while doing little to address the legacy issues and current game play problems and lack of innovative features that matter while playing the game.

I somewhat agree with the last paragraph. I hated the years 08 09 and 11. 11 was the first year I didn't complete a season. I don't have the game, yet, but I will in 36 hrs.

Based on some of the trusted reviews I've been reading, looks like I'll be playing 12 much longer than 11. I didn't play the other game, so, I can only compare on either last Maddens or the other sports game I play. The only other one I play with any significance is nba 2k series and that series currently is notches above Madden.

However, if some of the reviews I trust and what I'm hearing from the new football leader are true, Madden seems to be righting the ship. They have doubled the game team employees. That can't hurt, it can only help. That new person is the person you are looking for to "step it up."

Even some of the reviewers that I trust, bottom line, I'm my own best reviewer and that is fact.

# 46 Jukeman @ 08/28/11 12:02 PM

Good read, gives me some ideas to what to adjust in sliders once I get the game (whenever that would be)

# 47 mdiggitydawg @ 08/28/11 12:20 PM

Thanks for the thoughts... my biggest fear is about the need of a patch and how long it will take. my NCAA has been on the shelf for 2 months now....why open the madden packaging if they too will take forever to fix some big issues.

For now, I'll sit on the sidelines like Cam Newton should and watch and wait.

# 48 Kefka @ 08/28/11 01:00 PM

For me it's pretty simple; the game is fun. On All Pro the game is challenging but not stupid hard. It's good football.

I've given up on asking for things that 2k used to give us, until 2k starts making football again. Hopefully the monopoly that EA has will end soon but until then.. enjoy a great football game for what it is.

# 49 rudyjuly2 @ 08/28/11 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papernut


	I was wondering the same. Is there any known patch that is due to hit this game on the 30th for launch for the retail disks?

Justin Dewiel tweeted that there would be a day one update as normal. I don't have any idea what will get updated though. I asked but got no answer.

(JDewiel tweeting at me @rudyjuly2 on August 25th "yea, there's a day one title update like normal")

# 50 gdh5503 @ 08/28/11 02:35 PM

Man this is the same game from last year. That is my problem with forking $60 bucks especially as a consumer. ESPN NFL 2k5 was ahead of its time and I am disappointed how Madden still has not shown up. The game is boring man. Who cares about pregame entrances? what about half time? What about real football presentation with ESPN, I still haven't seen it. I see the ESPN logo on the cover of the game but I don't see it in the game. Look at NFL 2k5... Bottom line is these developers need to put out product every two years and not charge gamer $60 bucks every year for the same game just minor adjustments that can be sent has patches throughout the year. ***USE YOUR VOICE GAMERS***

# 51 gdh5503 @ 08/28/11 02:41 PM

Man this is the same game from last year. That is my problem with forking $60 bucks especially as a consumer. ESPN NFL 2k5 was ahead of its time and I am disappointed how Madden still has not shown up. The game is boring man. Who cares about pregame entrances? what about half time? What about real football presentation with ESPN, I still haven't seen it. I see the ESPN logo on the cover of the game but I don't see it in the game. Look at NFL 2k5... These developers spend more money on Marketing and Advertising then they do actually developing the game. Bottom line is these developers need to put out product every two years and not charge the gamer $60 bucks every year for the same game just with minor adjustments. They can be essentially downloaded as patches throughout the year and the gamer not charged $60 dollars for the same game just with minor upgrades and Marketed as a "New" game. Not buying the same game I have twice!! ***USE YOUR VOICE GAMERS***

# 52 gdh5503 @ 08/28/11 02:41 PM

Man this is the same game from last year. That is my problem with forking $60 bucks especially as a consumer. ESPN NFL 2k5 was ahead of its time and I am disappointed how Madden still has not shown up. The game is boring man. Who cares about pregame entrances? what about half time? What about real football presentation with ESPN, I still haven't seen it. I see the ESPN logo on the cover of the game but I don't see it in the game. Look at NFL 2k5... These developers spend more money on Marketing and Advertising then they do actually developing the game. Bottom line is these developers need to put out product every two years and not charge the gamer $60 bucks every year for the same game just with minor adjustments. They can be essentially downloaded as patches throughout the year and the gamer not charged $60 dollars for the same game just with minor upgrades and Marketed as a "New" game. Not buying the same game I have twice!! ***USE YOUR VOICE GAMERS***

# 53 adub88 @ 08/29/11 12:35 AM

Listening to the latest OS Podcast, I was awakened from my trance. I almost bought this lame reprentation of NFL football. The demo is fun, can't deny that, but after the honey moon phase is over, I could see the same old frustrations I've had with the game settling in, so bump that, I'm taking my pre-order money and putting it towards NBA 2K12.

# 54 TheTodd84 @ 08/29/11 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgalligan


	Pretty much the same story we've been reading every year... It always seems like the game, is SO CLOSE, yet SO FAR away from being whats expected...

All the EA people try to do every year is polish a turd. The current game engine was a dud from the beginning and they have to try and make the best of it. But when does the point come when, year after year, after trying to cut corner after corner to make the game realistic, and it STILL is not realistic, do you just scrap the engine and start new, or purchase a physics-engine that is already in place, like the unreal engine or euphoria?

It would seem like now is the time. It's almost like EA is stubborn with their system and don't want to take credit for the idea that they developed a flawed engine that is stale and is on its last legs. That's at least what it seems like. I don't want to say they don't care, but with a big corporation, that can of worms is always on the time.

I think now would be the time to just say, "the hell with it" and get a real-time physics in here. I don't understand why breaching that subject to EA is like talking about an inoperable tumor, or bringing up abortion.

A lot of good business people say this all the time, "sometimes you just have to realize a poor investment, and cut your losses." EA has been losing money on Madden and NCAA for years now. The engine was poor investment and it's time to move on, to real-time physics... and probably without tiburon, which I, as well as many others on here, would be fine with. EA has the man-power and talent to develop solid games, look at the bad company series. The issue is that these current crop are hindered by an engine that is awful, and they have nothing else to work with. Give Ben Haumiller a real-time physics engine, and see how he does. If the game still stinks then, it's on him. But seeing as how NCAA made such a marked improvement in just a year with a horrific engine, the sky would be the limit w/ real-time physics.

Make the change, EA, it's been due time.

# 55 TheTodd84 @ 08/29/11 11:15 AM

is always on the table*

Dunno what i was thinking when i typed that sentence, lol. But either way. The biggest issues is that this generation of madden is BEHIND its time... it STILL doesn't have gameplay, or features that like that "other football game" had back in 2004. That's why it is time for a change.

# 56 noonan2112 @ 08/29/11 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaliib


	Very, very skeptical. For the last 3 years I've read Pre-pre release impressions and they've "All" included statements "It's not a bad game" and/or "it's an improvement from last year" while noting the same negatives that are year-in, year-out. It just seems that as usual, everything sounds good on paper (sort of to speak) but the reality is that very little change will be seen. For some reason, with these two football releases, the whole football gaming atmosphere feels "Blah" compared to years ago. I just have this "don't expect too much" attitude with EA's football games nowdays. I know some will argue it's still too early, but to read that some of the same issues still exist that the gaming communities have beaten them over-the-head to correct and issues advertised with pride as being gone still there, I just throw my hands up. Man, all this time and not "ONE" impression through the years that says "WOW! What a game. This is football at it's best". It's always "it's an improvement". I remember the days of Super Techmo Bowl in college where hundreds of students would skip classes just to play some football. It was Heated and Hardcore with a football game that doesn't boast half the capabilities of the current football releases, yet it was exciting and you couln't wait to play. Guys lost girlfriends over spending too much time playing this dumb football game "everyday". With all the super-duper gaming systems and T'v's, you would think we would have our minds blown away, but that "something" for 2012 football just doesn't seem to be there as in the days of old.

Wow, you completely summed it up!

It looks like I will save my $60 yet again this season. Why in the world can't EA catch up to our current technology and improve the game. It is as if the next-gen consoles, HD, and insane graphics engines have made the Madden franchise wet its pants. Give us a good game like the old days!!!

P.S. I was always the Bills in Techmo Bowl

Gotta love that offense with Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and Andrew Reed.

# 57 noonan2112 @ 08/29/11 11:48 AM

^That was supposed to be Andre Reed

# 58 TheTodd84 @ 08/29/11 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucfan47


	This to me is a very realistic review. I've played about 20 games thus far. I've played with multiple teams, using different QB's from the greats to the goods to the bads and really think what's said here is very accurate. The game is fun, probably more-so than any other Madden title I've played in years. There are some killer things to like, but most of us just hold Madden to another level. The biggest negative to me isn't mentioned here, and that's the lack of adding any depth online. No additions were made to Online Franchise, and that's very disappointing to me. No slider adjustments online, and I've logged five games online by starting a franchise by myself to gauge the difficulty, and I must say it's just as easy as last year, which is such a disappointment given Madden 11 online last year vs. the cpu was just unplayable it was so easy. That alone forces me to lower my rating on the game substantially, but all-in-all it's still a good game. I don't think the writer intentionally points out the negatives to beat down the game, as the game is quite good. It's just the expectation level. EA has long put their effort into the Fifa series, as that's the bigger money generator, but Madden needs the attention. It needs to go to the next level. It's about a decade behind the technology. There are so many little things that if improved would make the game superb.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Especially the part about the game being "about a decade behind the technology." Some of the flaws being pointed out in this series are seriously flaws that I haven't heard since the ps2 days of gaming. It's inexcusable to not have ANY sort of physics to keep linebackers from having 45'' verticals to bat passes down that in real life would be 6 points.

# 59 TheTodd84 @ 08/29/11 03:30 PM

I'm so glad this game got a 7.5. It's about time people stop sucking off the teat of EA. It probably won't do much to change these games for the better... but it's a nice change and totally deserved.

# 60 darknmild @ 08/29/11 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbo Lax 33


	At the end of the day Madden is a video game, not a recreation of actually playing the game. If you want the experiences the writer has nitpicked about, the only way you will ever get it is by actually playing the game of football, not a video counterpart. Perhaps because I grew up playing video games when Atari football with its 3 men on the field all moving together was the only video game choice, I am more tolerant of games being just a game? At any rate I find this type of article counter productive. THe writer may think he pointed out an equal number of positive and negative issues but the article read to me like one big gripe fest. I will be buying Madden and I will understand and look past the unrealistic events that will occur at times, after all I'm playing a video game.....

I agree and perfect zero I don't think he was referring to back yard football

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