Madden NFL 13 News Post

Madden NFL 13 Review (PS3/360)

07:28 PM - August 27, 2012 by RaychelSnr

“Chase your dream.”

That’s what my coaches used to tell me. It’s what my friends and family tell me to this day. But what if my dreams and aspirations always involved playing or coaching in the NFL? Sad to say that for myself, and probably most of you, that playing in the NFL just isn’t going to be happening anytime soon. So we do what we do best, we compromise and try and fulfill are dreams within the Madden football series.

Well thanks to the near-complete redesign of the said series, in Madden NFL 13 those dreams may be able to finally come to fruition more than ever. With new animations, the most innovative Madden feature to date – and possibly any sports game ever – Connected Career mode, and the introduction of the Infinity engine, Madden NFL 13 should finally be able to please both the hardcore and casual gamers.

Being skeptical when reviewing the most anticipated sports game of the year is a must. You find yourself looking for wrongs moreso than rights. But after playing Madden for a week, those wrongs don’t tend to come up too often.

Read More - Madden NFL 13 Review (PS3/360)

Game: Madden NFL 13Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Wii U / Xbox 360Votes for game: 77 - View All

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Member Comments

# 41 ABR173rd @ 08/27/12 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpdavis82


	No, but they can fix a late game AI situation. Remember guys this is just year one of Cam's 3 year plan, this is only the beginning and is the foundation for the future.

Please this game hasn't officially been released yet and we're bringing out the ole "three year vision" excuse. I can't agree with the difficulty of Madden as I found it much easier to pick up than previous Maddens. The ballhawks feature is cool, but could potentially end in to many CPU turnovers. CPU play calling needs to be tuned to be scheme specific and based on the situation. I agree this is a good foundation, but there is definettly issue's on CPU play calling logic and on the CCM side that need to be patched right out of the box. There are also a couple threads made regarding the lack of team specific chants and player celebrations, so I'm not sure which build of M13 the reviewer was playing.

I want to reserve judgement on M13 until after we see the support EA is willing to put behind this years installation.

# 42 jmurphy31 @ 08/27/12 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGiles36


	Madden 13 is a mixed bag for me. On the surface, a 7.5-8 grade is about where the game would've fallen for me. They really put a lot into M13, and I still see the things that made me very high on the game a couple months back. The problem is that I didn't anticipate so many steps back, and while I recognize those steps aren't a big deal for all, they cut right at the heart of my experience as an offline gamer: AI play calling Signature Animations (lack thereof) Lack of Sim Injuries (CCM) Injuries incurred in-game disappearing (CCM) Auto Sub sliders not working Camera work regressing to a degree Those are relatively minor details on the surface, but they're the cornerstones of my immersion. If all of those were working as expected, I could jive with an 8.5 score. But as an offline gamer and understanding that a great number of OSers are also offliners, it's hard to go past a 7 (for me) until I know these things are addressed.

Rgiles. Do you think EA is giving up or at least putting them on the back burner, the offline gamer and really focusing on 32 team online franchises. It seems most of the bugs are affecting the offline people this year.

# 43 cjallure24 @ 08/27/12 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGiles36


	Madden 13 is a mixed bag for me. On the surface, a 7.5-8 grade is about where the game would've fallen for me. They really put a lot into M13, and I still see the things that made me very high on the game a couple months back. The problem is that I didn't anticipate so many steps back, and while I recognize those steps aren't a big deal for all, they cut right at the heart of my experience as an offline gamer: I AI play calling Signature Animations (lack thereof) Lack of Sim Injuries (CCM) Injuries incurred in-game disappearing (CCM) Auto Sub sliders not working Camera work regressing to a degree Those are relatively minor details on the surface, but they're the cornerstones of my immersion. If all of those were working as expected, I could jive with an 8.5 score. But as an offline gamer and understanding that a great number of OSers are also offliners, it's hard to go past a 7 (for me) until I know these things are addressed.

Couldn't agree more. I've been playing M13 since Friday via early access , and I just can't see making a first day purchase. Madden 12 franchise mode was an un pleasing experience unless you edited the coaching schemes, as well as the UFA, striping us the option to customize ccm to our liking doesn't sit well with me. I may pick it up down the line when the price drops, but that's a big if, especially if 2K13 lives up to its hype.

# 44 ultralow36 @ 08/27/12 10:41 PM

I dont give a crap what the reviewer wrote....i like the game its fun.....you guys cry about some score ......you dont like the game dont play it...you like it enjoy it....I just cant understand why all these grown men are cry over a number...o well .....moving on....

# 45 B1gg Randall @ 08/27/12 10:42 PM

This Madden is damn good..This is the 1st Madden im hype for in a longgggg *** time..I was having fun playing all weekend with the season pass..

# 46 RGiles36 @ 08/27/12 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PVarck31


	So this stuff was all working in the builds you played? If so, this stuff seems to happen every damn year.

I can't say that it all was b/c I didn't test nor notice all of it. But to a degree, all of it worked in M12, and that's where disappointment can creep in. Yes, CCM is brand spanking new but comparing apples to apples, injuries weren't a problem at all last year. Signature animations worked relatively well in M12. I had full control over auto subs so players were subbed as frequently or as infrequently as realism dictated.

So as I said on Twitter a few days ago, I'm not bashing M13. I've enjoyed it quite a bit in my short time with it. At the same time, I think it's reasonable to have expectations for things that worked a year ago to continue working or improve -- not regress.

# 47 CT Pitbull @ 08/27/12 10:53 PM

If you love football..and you love video games then this years madden is a MUST BUY i would give it a 8.9 out of 10 ...without doubt the best madden EVER

and im talking about pure football "on field" gameplay ...its just a blast to play madden again, finally... IMO opinion if you cant enjoy this years Madden 13 you need to give it up for good as far as video game football goes...just my opinion

# 48 roadman @ 08/27/12 10:55 PM

People were cheering last years rating of 7.5 on OS.

This year, it's an 8.5 and people are booing.

Eh whatever, I don't have the game yet, so, I won't be rating it, yet.

# 49 RGiles36 @ 08/27/12 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmurphy31


	Rgiles. Do you think EA is giving up or at least putting them on the back burner, the offline gamer and really focusing on 32 team online franchises. It seems most of the bugs are affecting the offline people this year.

I could see how that conclusion could be drawn, but I don't know if that's the case, you know?

All I know is that if there's anything I'm hoping to contribute as a new member of the GC program, it's to bring awareness of the offline gamer.

I know the case can be made that online gamers have suffered through bare-bones franchise experiences since forever, and I certainly understand that. But from a gameplay perspective, it's been a long time since the offliners have gotten any love outside of some playcalling tweaks over the years. A true adaptive AI would increase the replayability for the offliner ten-fold as an example. But I'm getting off-topic here...

# 50 jmurphy31 @ 08/27/12 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGiles36


	I could see how that conclusion could be drawn, but I don't know if that's the case, you know? All I know is that if there's anything I'm hoping to contribute as a new member of the GC program, it's to bring awareness of the offline gamer. I know the case can be made that online gamers have suffered through bare-bones franchise experiences since forever, and I certainly understand that. But from a gameplay perspective, it's been a long time since the offliners have gotten any love outside of some playcalling tweaks over the years. A true adaptive AI would increase the replayability for the offliner ten-fold as an example. But I'm getting off-topic here...

I just wondered that because of all the success games like COD, Gears of War, Halo, etc have and the popularity they are enjoying due to their online experience as opposed to story mode (which even now, has a co-op online option). I've never been a huge fan of those but once my friends got into Gears and consistently kept talking about it, I caved in and got a copy.

Im glad you are a game changer and are keeping the offline gamer in mind. I mostly want good AI (adaptive AI), teams to play like they're real life counter parts, and great presentation. (All I think we had in earlier versions of madden- though never in the same one)

# 51 D Apocalypse @ 08/27/12 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackRome


	You guys crack me up when it comes to Madden. The nit picking is insane. Yet games like the Show and NBA2k have entire portions of the game not working. No problem. Yet every year those games are the best ever and Madden doesn't compete. Really. Jut on a competitive level and finding out how good you really are. I'll always give Madden one thing. Online is going to work. 2k and the show. Out the box. Not likely. If you really got into Madden. Not just looking for the crossing route a slant or a screen pass. There is a deep game of football in there. But hey. Keep worrying about the halftime show and the announcers. I came to play football. Not watch a halftime show. LOL.

Hahaha! So true! The yearly release of Madden is outmatched by the yearly complaints and nitpicking by O'S users. Granted most of them are legitimate complaints but like you said, everyone talks about how great NBA 2K and MLB The Show are but both games have broken online functionality vs Madden you can at least connect to a game. Smh. I think it's only here in OS that the standards are set way too high and people take for granted how lucky we are to be able to enjoy these games every year. #firstworldproblems

# 52 roadman @ 08/27/12 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daniel77733


	I dont know that the game is going to be awful but I do know that there's a lot of problems that shouldnt even exist because people here who have the actual retail copy have said so and have detailed the problems. I actually hope the game is at the very least, playable and enjoyable enough so I can actually play a full season for the first time since I edited 2K5 which was years ago because the time, patience and caring isnt there anymore for various reasons. I stayed away from Madden NFL 06 to Madden NFL 09. Purchased Madden the last three years and I would say within a week, the game was sold on ebay because there were either too many problems or I just wasnt enjoying and having fun playing the game. When there's major problems, it tends to eliminate the fun that you're having. As for Madden NFL 13, I have it pre-ordered and paid off at Best Buy. Quite honestly, I only did so because as a Gamers Club Unlocked member, im getting a $20 certificate for pre-ordering and a $10 online code for ordering online and choosing in-store pickup. Thus, instead of paying $65, im actually paying $35 and not if but when the time comes, I sell the game, I'll at worst break even or make a profit while still being able to play the game. In other words, if it wasnt for Best Buy's promotion, we wouldnt be having this conversation since I wouldnt be buying the game and thus, wouldnt care either way but since im picking up the game tomorrow, im reading reviews and reading what others who are playing the retail version are saying so I know what to expect. So I know that when I start a off-line CCM with my 49ers and my settings or whatever arent saving, I'll know why ahead of time. As for the problem in general. The problem is simple. Eight years of being the only NFL licensed football video game and its been eight years of average at best quality. What EA still hasnt realized is that no competition has actually hurt them more than not because ALL of the focus is on them, no one else and if they cant deliver on a yearly basis with a quality football game that can be played out of the case with at the very least, minor non gamebreaking issues, then well, consumers need to voice their opinions on the subject. Too many Madden fans just accept what they're given year in and year out which is sad because these are the fans who have stood by EA for what seems like forever yet they receive an average football game every year for the last eight years. There's a reason why 2K5 has all positive critic ratings on Metacritic and has a higher score/rating despite being eight years old and on a last gen system compared to all the Madden's that have been released in the last eight years - its because despite being eight years old and on a last gen system, it plays better, is more fun and has far less problems. Football is my favorite sport and its quite simply, not right that im stuck with either updating 2K5 (which I would do if I could), not playing any football game or playing Madden and accept what EA/Tiburon gives us. What we've been given is a joke, plain and simple but the joke's on us for accepting and buying Madden year in and year out. All I want is a good (doesnt have to be great or even match 2K5) major glitch free football game that plays good and is fun to play. After eight years, I honestly dont think thats asking for much.

So, for half the price, you might be getting a decent football game.

I'm going tomorrow at 10:00am at BB and picking it up for $26.00 w/trade-in.

# 53 Eddie1967 @ 08/27/12 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daniel77733


	LOL. First, saying that Madden NFL 13 is the best Madden since 2005 isnt saying much, if anything at all. Second, hmmm, dont you think that eight years later, its about damn time that Madden NFL 2005 gets SURPASSED or is that just me thinking outside the box??? But hey, if you're having fun playing the game, more power to you but dont act like there's no problems when so many Madden fans have said otherwise.

Rinse and repeat

# 54 bukktown @ 08/27/12 11:26 PM

This game is about a 6 vs the CPU.

If you had a good 32-man CCM then I could see someone thinking the game was a 10.

The AI is really really bad

# 55 PVarck31 @ 08/27/12 11:29 PM

Alright, lets try to reign it in a bit guys.

# 56 PVarck31 @ 08/27/12 11:39 PM

Just some thoughts:

I think some wires are getting crossed here. I think there are a group of us who are fully aware of the flaws, or legacy issues if you will. This group of has found a way to live with those issues and enjoy the game.

On the other hand, it seems like another group of people still can't accept that these issues will not change this generation.

And in the process people are getting chippy.

The bottom line is that its all about your opinion. Personally, from what I have played so far, I love the game. I can live with the legacy issues. (for now anyway) Have I seen things I don't like? Of course. But in the time I have played I haven't seen anything major or "game breaking."

With that said, its ok to love the game, and its ok to hate it. Be constructive with your impressions and respect other peoples opinions.

# 57 RGiles36 @ 08/27/12 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big FN Deal


	Congrats on the being named an EAGC and hopefully you are the Rgiles I have read for the most part and not that one for a couple weeks, lol. Also, an improved adaptive AI is a benefit to every gamer, offline or online because outside of co-op the other 10 players are controlled by the AI during online play. I think the AI is a universal area of focus that should be applied in M14 and every year.

Thanks!

And I agree, and that's sort of my point. A byproduct of improving the offline experience is that everyone benefits -- especially if that adaptive AI were to extend past just playcalling.

Through my admitted limited perspective, it seems there's more emphasis on eliminating user exploits. That's cool, but how much benefit for the offliner is there in that? Most offliners I assume don't resort to cheap tactics to begin with. I'm not saying the pendulum has to swing back offline likes it's 1993, but there's gotta be more emphasis placed on the offline experience.

# 58 SteelerSpartan @ 08/27/12 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGiles36


	Thanks! And I agree, and that's sort of my point. A byproduct of improving the offline experience is that everyone benefits -- especially if that adaptive AI were to extend past just playcalling. Through my admitted limited perspective, it seems there's more emphasis on eliminating user exploits. That's cool, but how much benefit for the offliner is there in that? Most offliners I assume don't resort to cheap tactics to begin with. I'm not saying the pendulum has to swing back offline likes it's 1993, but there's gotta be more emphasis placed on the offline experience.

Yeah when you can't even select the CPU's Uniform, you know theres something pretty wrong there

# 59 leathrneck34 @ 08/27/12 11:51 PM

Like pvarck31 has said legacy issues that will not be resolved this gen should be dropped from discussion. I've been playing this early release almost none stop and while there are some pretty big issues in CCM offline ( im not sure about online I don't play online ) that can be irritating and they are this is still the best Madden to date. And I've been hating on Madden this entire generation because they have given and taken away so much since switching consoles without actually improving anything. Even the new Ncaa has frustrated me to the point I had broken the new controller I had bought prior to picking up my Ncaa copy. But with Madden and like I said previously I have played it non-stop since I downloaded my early release I have not had the urge to even come close to throwing my controller at the ground. I've had very competitive games that I have won and lost and I have seen where I have come up short and deserved to lose, in Ncaa that wasn't the case.

# 60 AGG_JD @ 08/28/12 12:07 AM

Apparently my comment wasn't liked by an admin and removed. Great job. Do exactly what EA does when customers are giving feedback they can't handle.

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