Madden NFL 10.... More like Meh---den - superstarshad's Blog

superstarshad's Blog

Madden NFL 10.... More like Meh---den

Posted on August 30, 2009 at 03:25 PM.

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After much hype, and an extremely intense marketing blitz, Madden Nfl 10 has hit the streets. Is this the year that'll transcend sports video games as we know them...... Has this years Madden lived up to the hype machine�.. meh. My favorite software developer has over hyped and under sold me again.
When EA announced the graphical improvements back in February, I was extremely concerned. I felt as if they were attempting to pull the wool over my eyes, through bells and whistles, rather than improving their outdated gaming engine. In my opinion the writing was on the wall. EA would release a sub-par madden and attempt to trick (through message boards and updates) their fan base into thinking they put a ton of work into this years offering.
With that said, 3 words sums up the much heralded presentational upgrade�..PEDESTRIAN PROGRAMMING EFFORT�.. Or better yet one word� Meh.. The fans, which resembles the fans from konami�s double dribble basketball, stare out into oblivion vs the action on the field (they're wondering where they can buy the 00 jerseys the players are wearing on the sidelines), there's zero suspense during the chain gang cut scenes (you are tipped off by one of the two referee cut scenes), my quarterback screams at the offensive lineman vs. the receiver who sabotages the route, and since when has EA broadcast a football telecast. Fox, CBS, NBC, Espn are the only companies that broadcast American football. EA hasn't presented anything other that subtle firmware upgrades.

T.O. couldnt have dropped a more important ball, than the one EA dropped in the sound and audio part of the presentation.. You no longer hear trash talk on the field between players. Its been replaced with the cheers and jeers from the double dribble look a like sprites in the stands. Also, can someone please explain to me why Madden's 2005 situational commentary is still light years ahead of this years offering. The commentary is extremely lazy, and the half time voice over�s are putrid! They could have easily took a page out of UFC undisputed, by giving us authentic post game or telecast in game sounds during the franchise menu. Or better yet, they have the ESPN exclusivity license. Bring us Mike and Mike in the morning! EA even managed to sabotage this years EA trax through recycled music. I look forward to new music each year, seeing which songs will be a hit in the mainstream. This years offering�. recycled music from Ian Cummings Ipod.

In regards to game play, it is still backed by the same tired, store bought, game engine from old. Players continue to run out of bounds, there's money plays galore, vacuum tackling is back to take your first unborn child, and much more. EA hyped up the new Degrees of Freedom (DOF) graphical upgrade, but where is it. Outside of a glitchy, blurred cutscene, the feature is missing. My hope was that this feature would allow you to take a snap shot of a replay, customize it, and save it to your hard drive. They could have let camera company Canon sponsor the upgrade, if they didn't have the resources. Also, it�s the year 2009! I want the option to save and replay games I�ve played online. Its supposed to be a football simulator, and I have zero tape on my last opponent. Here�s another thing, EA should implement a quiz game that tests your football IQ. Im tired of playing online participants who line up in a 34 defense, and I have 4 Wide outs on the field. Maddenites should be the smartest football clique in the world. When you tell some one you play Madden, they should instantly know you�re a die hard football genious, not someone who plays video games?! Btw- where's the madden challenge bus mini games, the chess match weapons system, the reliable quarterback vision, vintage teams, and the defensive after snap adjustments. You�ve hyped up these features in previous years, only to remove them in later years. Its as if madden 93, 04, 05, 06, and 08 never existed.

In closing, I know this rant is extremely harsh. But I�ve put a ton resources and time into this title. The fact of the matter, I cant imagine football without Madden, but I�m seriously contemplating purchasing madden every 3 years. I know I�m not the only one! If this was to take place, EA would not have the resources to renew the exclusivity agreement, and a company like activision would own the NFL rights. EA is more than capable of recapturing the magic I felt when I played Madden 93 0r Madden Mike Vick. Take this genre to the next level!