Madden NFL 18 News Post

Madden NFL 18 Features New Target Passing, Coverage Assignments & More

07:11 AM - May 12, 2017 by Steve_OS

Amazon has revealed some of the Madden NFL 18 features, as we get closer to an official announcement from EA Sports. Not only does it look like we will see new target passing, but it also mentions coverage assignments. Maybe we can finally assign the best corner vs. best receiver? EA is also giving users different play styles, ranging from Arcade, Simulation and Competitive.

Amazon also notes, Madden NFL 18 releases on August 25 for the Standard Edition ($59.99), but fans that pre-order the Madden NFL 18 G.O.A.T. Edition ($79.99), can get the game 3 days earlier, on August 22.

More details should be released soon.

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Madden NFL 18 takes a significant visual leap with the power of the Frostbite engine. See stunning new stadium exteriors surrounded by vast cityscapes and watch the spectacle of NFL game day come to life in the most photorealistic game to date. Play each matchup to your specifications by selecting from three new Play Styles or play the best real world match ups each week in Play Now Live! With the introduction of even more ways to play, coupled with your favorite modes, Madden Ultimate Team and Franchise, this is Madden like you've never seen before.

Pre-order today and receive up to $50 in additional value including three days early, full game access to Madden NFL 18: G.O.A.T. Edition. Start building your dynasty on day one with one of five Elite G.O.A.T. players, an Elite Player from your favorite NFL team, 12 Squad Packs, 2500 contracts and one uniform pack in Madden NFL 18 Ultimate Team, the complete NFL team-building mode where you build, play and win with your ultimate team of today's nfl superstars and legends.

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Member Comments

# 181 montesixpac @ 05/17/17 05:47 PM

However the target passing works I just hope that it can be done quickly without adding a pause or slowing down of the gameplay. I'd like to see something fairly simple like hitting the button that corresponds with the receivers icon and then it gives you a general location close to that receiver. Then you use the right thumb stick to move that during the qb's throwing motion and wherever you are aiming when his motion is complete is the general direction which of course can also be affected by a qb's accuracy and how he is throwing it (in the pocket with set feet, falling back, on the move, etc.)

I'm excited for this as often I'd like to do something like simply throw the ball at my receivers feet to keep a safe pass but still give him the opportunity to make a play on the ball. So often I have tried using the directional passing like this but it often goes where I didn't want it and turns into a dangerous pass (although you can have arid passes I feel like it is just the lack of actual control over where I am throwing the ball).

# 182 jfsolo @ 05/17/17 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	I don't know why you guys are so adamant EA cannot put a specific target on the field and have your QB throw to that spot. They did it back on the original Playstation for college football. Am I the only one who remembers this? I think it was 1998 or 1999 but it was the original Playstation I recall, not PS2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenblood60


	I watched some game-play of NCAA 99 and I still can't figure out how the mechanic worked. Don't get me wrong; I'm certainly am intrigued, but I have no idea how the user chose to throw to one spot versus another.

The User chose the receiver and the type of pass, then the game showed you where the ball was actually going to land. The User was't really choosing to throw to that exact spot, just to that receiver in that general vicinity. I'm expecting this to be much more involved than that was.

# 183 ODogg @ 05/17/17 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfsolo


	The User chose the receiver and the type of pass, then the game showed you where the ball was actually going to land. The User was't really choosing to throw to that exact spot, just to that receiver in that general vicinity. I'm expecting this to be much more involved than that was.

In NCAA after you clicked in the right stick you actually moved the reticule on the field; it didn't just show you where it was going to land. I specifically remember because the first time I tried it I was trying to throw a long bomb and the reticule moved so fast I overthrew the guy by about 30 yards.

# 184 SolidSquid @ 05/17/17 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeuceDouglas


	I could see it end up being something like Trigger+Receiver Icon+Thumbstick with different directions correlating to different "targets" (i.e. High and away, low and behind, low and in front, etc.) and having the triggers be tied to either a touch or bullet pass. Basically a mechanic very similar to the ball-carrier moves implemented last year and similar, but expanded, version to what I believe is already in place. The description stating that you're no longer throw at receivers and you can throw it anywhere on the field obviously contradicts that kind of mechanic though. But it's hard for me to envision them implementing any kind of difficult mechanic or something with a steep learning curve, especially if it's the default for online. Hard to say though, definitely the most interested in seeing this in action.

This makes sense. It's basically the precision modifier applied to the passing game. Would be surprised if this isn't exactly what it is

# 185 SolidSquid @ 05/17/17 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	I don't know why you guys are so adamant EA cannot put a specific target on the field and have your QB throw to that spot. They did it back on the original Playstation for college football. Am I the only one who remembers this? I think it was 1998 or 1999 but it was the original Playstation I recall, not PS2.

I see no reason why they wouldn't, as long as they give us the option to hide it.

# 186 Americas Team @ 05/18/17 01:45 AM

My guess is that the target passing is going to work similar to how the passing is now but instead of the ball being tethered to the receiver (where basically thumb stick pressure doesn't matter) you will be able to throw it to a spot on the field using the left thumb stick to aim at a spot on the field.

# 187 BreakingBad2013 @ 05/18/17 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolidSquid


	This makes sense. It's basically the precision modifier applied to the passing game. Would be surprised if this isn't exactly what it is

That would still just be using buttons not throwing to a "spot" but throwing tova WR. I doubt that's the mechanic. It's going to be something new and fresh and hopefully they've tested it with the gamechangers

# 188 ParaAut @ 05/18/17 05:48 AM

Maybe someone can describe the free passing mechanic in FIFA17? I just played it twice and I'm not skilled enough to really judge the mechanic.

But in general you can have the passing help active and just press the button for the pass recipient, works in general in the same way as it is in Madden now. But you can also disable the passing help and just use free passing, so you can really lead the recipient in a certain area of the field. I could imagine Madden will use a very similar system as it is the same Frostbite engine.

Maybe someone more skilled in FIFA can describe the functionality and advantages/disadvantages better than me.

# 189 OhMrHanky @ 05/18/17 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParaAut


	Maybe someone can describe the free passing mechanic in FIFA17? I just played it twice and I'm not skilled enough to really judge the mechanic. But in general you can have the passing help active and just press the button for the pass recipient, works in general in the same way as it is in Madden now. But you can also disable the passing help and just use free passing, so you can really lead the recipient in a certain area of the field. I could imagine Madden will use a very similar system as it is the same Frostbite engine. Maybe someone more skilled in FIFA can describe the functionality and advantages/disadvantages better than me.

I think it's hard to equate FIFA passing a soccer ball on the ground to passing a football in the air. Although, u also have lob passes in soccer. But, in general, I'd say it's too different. In FIFA, u hold down the button a certain length of time and it goes a certain distance. With totally free controls set, where u aim is where it goes and there is no reticle whatsoever. And, actually, imo, it kinda sux. Lol. The ball NEVER goes where I think I'm aiming it, so I always use default passing. U know, it would be interesting if madden did use a FIFA lob pass, though. Which, I don't think they would. But, what if, as the QB, u were just a normal FIFA player? Lol. And, when u decide to pass, u have to aim the stick where u want it and press and hold the button for a range of distances? Lol. Don't get me wrong, I know this couldn't completely work in football. But, maybe u would now have a 'bullet' button A and a 'lob' button X. The motion of the QB running in any direction transitioning into aiming a throw would be a tough spot, for sure. But u mentioning FIFA has sparked some extra thoughts as to how passing could be, actually. The biggest issue being a soccer player is constantly 'free' to roam whereas a QB is looking downfield and has a pass rush, so again, the motion of the QB transitioning to throwing would be difficult. But, actually, if they found a way to tame that, I wouldn't mind that system. In FIFA, you aim a lob pass, for example, to a general spot, with no reticule, u just 'know' where you're aiming, and the X is lob and the amount of power (distance) is how long u hold the button. Wow, yeah, the more I think about it, I wouldn't mind this type of system at all. Lol. And, it would absolutely untether the ball, that's for sure. [emoji458][emoji41]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

# 190 FraserOliver17 @ 05/18/17 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhMrHanky


	I think it's hard to equate FIFA passing a soccer ball on the ground to passing a football in the air. Although, u also have lob passes in soccer. But, in general, I'd say it's too different. In FIFA, u hold down the button a certain length of time and it goes a certain distance. With totally free controls set, where u aim is where it goes and there is no reticle whatsoever. And, actually, imo, it kinda sux. Lol. The ball NEVER goes where I think I'm aiming it, so I always use default passing. U know, it would be interesting if madden did use a FIFA lob pass, though. Which, I don't think they would. But, what if, as the QB, u were just a normal FIFA player? Lol. And, when u decide to pass, u have to aim the stick where u want it and press and hold the button for a range of distances? Lol. Don't get me wrong, I know this couldn't completely work in football. But, maybe u would now have a 'bullet' button A and a 'lob' button X. The motion of the QB running in any direction transitioning into aiming a throw would be a tough spot, for sure. But u mentioning FIFA has sparked some extra thoughts as to how passing could be, actually. The biggest issue being a soccer player is constantly 'free' to roam whereas a QB is looking downfield and has a pass rush, so again, the motion of the QB transitioning to throwing would be difficult. But, actually, if they found a way to tame that, I wouldn't mind that system. In FIFA, you aim a lob pass, for example, to a general spot, with no reticule, u just 'know' where you're aiming, and the X is lob and the amount of power (distance) is how long u hold the button. Wow, yeah, the more I think about it, I wouldn't mind this type of system at all. Lol. And, it would absolutely untether the ball, that's for sure. [emoji458][emoji41] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In FIFA you have the pass button(X/A). But also the mechanic for a drilled pass by pressing R1, which would be your bullet pass equivalent. You also have lob pass button ([]/B) and R1 drilled lofted pass. The passing works that the ball goes the direction the analog button faces on contact with the ball. So if, for example, you were rolling out with QB and wanted to throw. The direction of the pass would be determined at the point of release, or at the moment the QB starts his motion. If that is the idea then I quite like that. Means stats and stick skills are paramount

# 191 Godgers12 @ 05/18/17 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhMrHanky


	I think it's hard to equate FIFA passing a soccer ball on the ground to passing a football in the air. Although, u also have lob passes in soccer. But, in general, I'd say it's too different. In FIFA, u hold down the button a certain length of time and it goes a certain distance. With totally free controls set, where u aim is where it goes and there is no reticle whatsoever. And, actually, imo, it kinda sux. Lol. The ball NEVER goes where I think I'm aiming it, so I always use default passing. U know, it would be interesting if madden did use a FIFA lob pass, though. Which, I don't think they would. But, what if, as the QB, u were just a normal FIFA player? Lol. And, when u decide to pass, u have to aim the stick where u want it and press and hold the button for a range of distances? Lol. Don't get me wrong, I know this couldn't completely work in football. But, maybe u would now have a 'bullet' button A and a 'lob' button X. The motion of the QB running in any direction transitioning into aiming a throw would be a tough spot, for sure. But u mentioning FIFA has sparked some extra thoughts as to how passing could be, actually. The biggest issue being a soccer player is constantly 'free' to roam whereas a QB is looking downfield and has a pass rush, so again, the motion of the QB transitioning to throwing would be difficult. But, actually, if they found a way to tame that, I wouldn't mind that system. In FIFA, you aim a lob pass, for example, to a general spot, with no reticule, u just 'know' where you're aiming, and the X is lob and the amount of power (distance) is how long u hold the button. Wow, yeah, the more I think about it, I wouldn't mind this type of system at all. Lol. And, it would absolutely untether the ball, that's for sure. [emoji458][emoji41] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ummmmthat makes my head hurt just thinking about it. I hope this new system uses both icon and directional passing. The WR icon chooses a location and the stick is used to place the ball in said location within like a 10-15 yard radius, and the QB's accuracy decides the margin of error. I would hate to be throwing a screen and have the ball land 30 yards out of bounds and 50 yards downfield. I also hope this will be an option, and we can select 'Classic passing' or 'Total control' passing. But knowing EA they will force this on us like everything else they add.

# 192 ODogg @ 05/18/17 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godgers12


	Ummmmthat makes my head hurt just thinking about it. I hope this new system uses both icon and directional passing. The WR icon chooses a location and the stick is used to place the ball in said location within like a 10-15 yard radius, and the QB's accuracy decides the margin of error. I would hate to be throwing a screen and have the ball land 30 yards out of bounds and 50 yards downfield. I also hope this will be an option, and we can select 'Classic passing' or 'Total control' passing. But knowing EA they will force this on us like everything else they add.

It'll be optional to use so if you don't like it you won't have to use it.

# 193 Godgers12 @ 05/18/17 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	It'll be optional to use so if you don't like it you won't have to use it.

We know that for sure?

# 194 XtremeDunkz @ 05/18/17 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	It'll be optional to use so if you don't like it you won't have to use it.

An option would ruin the game for online play. Settings have to be standard across the board. It is already bad enough playing in a league where a few people use all of the user assists because to make themselves artificially better. Being able to use classic passing instead of learning the new mechanic is another cop out for online play.

# 195 Godgers12 @ 05/18/17 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XtremeDunkz


	An option would ruin the game for online play. Settings have to be standard across the board. It is already bad enough playing in a league where a few people use all of the user assists because to make themselves artificially better. Being able to use classic passing instead of learning the new mechanic is another cop out for online play.

Not if they allow the commissoner to set it so everyone is using one or the other. I think I'm personally going to hate this new mechanic.

# 196 XtremeDunkz @ 05/18/17 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godgers12


	Not if they allow the commissoner to set it so everyone is using one or the other. I think I'm personally going to hate this new mechanic.

Well yes, but I have been asking the devs on Twitter for the last 2 years to give us a universal lock for ball hawk, heatseeker etc without response. I don't think they care about that kind of stuff.

# 197 ODogg @ 05/18/17 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godgers12


	We know that for sure?

All these enhanced type features are always optional in EA games so there is no reason to believe otherwise. This new passing has been compared to FIFA, just go look at it in FIFA, optional.

# 198 ODogg @ 05/18/17 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XtremeDunkz


	An option would ruin the game for online play. Settings have to be standard across the board. It is already bad enough playing in a league where a few people use all of the user assists because to make themselves artificially better. Being able to use classic passing instead of learning the new mechanic is another cop out for online play.

When you play FIFA online you can use whatever way of passing you like in online games. Its likely it'll be more difficult to use the targeted passing, which means it'll be up to the user to try to learn it or just do it the old way.

Many things in Madden are like that, optional, you can do a stiff arm a few ways for example and those all work in ranked. It's up to the user how they play, as it should be.

Not a cop-out to give people the options to control the game however they like. If you feel you're getting your butt handed to you because the other guy is using the new target passing and you're not then its up to you to learn it.

Another optional item is the total control passing, like whether you throw it low, high or just regular. Many people I know who are friends don't use those things at all, never have never will. Its up to each person to use the new features or not use the new features.

# 199 XtremeDunkz @ 05/18/17 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	When you play FIFA online you can use whatever way of passing you like in online games. Its likely it'll be more difficult to use the targeted passing, which means it'll be up to the user to try to learn it or just do it the old way. Many things in Madden are like that, optional, you can do a stiff arm a few ways for example and those all work in ranked. It's up to the user how they play, as it should be. Not a cop-out to give people the options to control the game however they like. If you feel you're getting your butt handed to you because the other guy is using the new target passing and you're not then its up to you to learn it. Another optional item is the total control passing, like whether you throw it low, high or just regular. Many people I know who are friends don't use those things at all, never have never will. Its up to each person to use the new features or not use the new features.

You're missing the point. I'll give you a scenario.

32 man online franchise. Browns vs Chiefs. You have Kizer going up against Maholmes. The guy controlling the Chiefs is using the new target passing style and since he is using a rookie QB he is throwing some inaccurate passes and has been picked of a couple times. The Browns guy using Kizor is using traditional passing and is hitting guys in stride every time as is Madden standard forever. That is not an even playing field, therefor should not be allowed.

The same goes for competitive online play. Offline sure do whatever you want. But online has to be uniform, otherwise people will just give up on using a new feature that may make the game more realistic in favor of using the easy unrealistic method. You know what happens then? EA's analytics show no one is using the new feature and it gets removed.

# 200 DeuceDouglas @ 05/18/17 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XtremeDunkz


	You're missing the point. I'll give you a scenario. 32 man online franchise. Browns vs Chiefs. You have Kizer going up against Maholmes. The guy controlling the Chiefs is using the new target passing style and since he is using a rookie QB he is throwing some inaccurate passes and has been picked of a couple times. The Browns guy using Kizor is using traditional passing and is hitting guys in stride every time as is Madden standard forever. That is not an even playing field, therefor should not be allowed. The same goes for competitive online play. Offline sure do whatever you want. But online has to be uniform, otherwise people will just give up on using a new feature that may make the game more realistic in favor of using the easy unrealistic method. You know what happens then? EA's analytics show no one is using the new feature and it gets removed.

I wonder if they could have separate tournament settings for the Madden Challenge events that are different than the default online settings. I just can't see an overly difficult mechanic being the default for online H2H and at the same time if it's a combination of an easy mechanic and a more difficult mechanic then it isn't going to do much to change the landscape of the competitive side because people will just use the easy one the majority of the time.

But if they had three options where one was classic or the way it is now, one was a combo of classic and the new mechanic where you could use it but didn't have to (this would be default for H2H online, and then one where it's just the new mechanic which would be the most difficult then I think you could make everyone pretty happy. Online wouldn't be drastically altered because the old Passing would still be there and just as easy to use, competitive would have to learn and use the new mechanic with the greatest skill gap online because it would be used at tournaments and sim guys can choose either of the three. But that is assuming the new mechanic is a difficult mechanic that has as much freedom as they're portraying and we still don't know how accurate that is yet.

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