Morning Madden Thoughts
Well, I’m still waiting on the 360 version but I can tell you this much.
The Xbox version isn’t too bad. I don’t think the XB Madden is as good as XB NCAA, but it’s not a bad game by any means. A little ’samey’, and I still think Superstar Mode is a gimmick, franchise mode is underdeveloped, the audio remains shockingly bad, the whole Tony Bruno thing should have been buried two years ago. The gameplay, however, has certainly been tweaked so that the game is no longer a bomb fest. QB Accuracy/Arm Strength is very different now. On default settings I am able to throw it about 50 yards with Charlie Frye (87 arm str) if I really wind up and heave it — which is about 10 to 15 yards under what it should be. However, I’ll take that if it means a tougher time completing that 35-40 yard fly pattern which has been the bane of this game for like…ever.
But, it’s ugly as sin. Even for Xbox standards Madden is starting to look like recycled ass.
So I get the PC version from GameSpy and install it and give it a go on my new monitor.
Whoa.
Pretty. Really pretty. Not quite NCAA 360 pretty but exceptionally crisp.
Most everything is the same as it is on the Xbox from what I can tell. But I have a player editor (wtf is up with the 360 version not having a player editor?), I have a nice little interface wherein I can use a mouse (yeah!) I have printer and HTML support, and I have my accelerated clock (wtf is up with the 360 version not having an accelrated clock?). How is it that the future of video gaming still lacks all these features? Anyway..
I played my season opener with the Browns against the Saints.
It may have been the most fun I have had with an NFL game (graphics based) in the past, hell I dunno…decade. Solo game, anyway. I had some NFL 2K5 battles online in our league that were epic. But for a game against the CPU…this was just great.
All you need to do is look at the stat line.
Browns 17 Saints 15
I won on a last second 43 yard FG. I scored *17* points in a game of Madden on 13 minute accelerated quarters. I thought it was going to be a shootout, actually. I scored on my first two possessions. Then Frye went cold and Droughns couldn’t find the same lanes. Then Frye got hurt late in the 2nd and was out for the game…which meant…Ken Dorsey. Good lord. Dorsey’s arm is noodle-fied. His passes in Madden are ssssssslloowww.
So it’s 15-14 with 3 mintues to play and Dorsey somehow completes two huge 15 yard passes..I run a few times and get into range and kick a game winner.
What made this so cool was the stat line. It looked like a real game with not one play that made me think “bullshit.” No leaping DBs (thank you sliders) and no triple coverage catches.
Bush 23 carries 121 yards (he’s kinda fast)
Brees 13/21 213 1 TD 1 INT
Droughns 21 carries 91 yards
Frye 7/11 89 yards then got hurt
Dorsey 5/13 45 yards 0/0
If all of the games play like this one, Madden PC will be the NFL game of choice for me this football season. Still don’t know if I’d say it’s better than NCAA XB, but there is probably some college football bias in me saying that. Hmm. No, NCAA XB is still the better game. Al Michaels being the deciding factor.
August 25th, 2006 at 9:57 am
What sliders settings are you using?
August 25th, 2006 at 10:14 am
Hey Bill,
If you guys like the PC version (and I love it this year), you should check out some of the online league play options. My league has been playing for over 3 years.
http://mega.leaguepulse.com
We are beta testing new online league software called League Pulse. Basically, it lets you do everything online. Trading, draft, depth charts, etc… all done online and merged back into the franchise. You should really check this out. Even if you run an offline franchise for just yourself on the PC, there is software that simplifies setting up a nice looking website for stats, etc.
http://www.leaguepulse.com
If you have any questions, hit me up on ICQ (2138045) or AIM (magsru99).
August 25th, 2006 at 11:45 am
Bill, I’ve played about 5 or 6 games on the PC version and I would agree that its a much more realistic (and fun) game of football than the console versions this year. I’ve been playing with the Colts. In the past I would win every game (on all-madden) with the Colts. This year I have had a much bigger challenge passing the ball and the running game and animations as well are better and seem more realistic. Definetely not perfect, but its the most fun I’ve had with Madden in years.
August 25th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
C’mon Bill. Say “batshit crazy” again. Just one more time.
August 25th, 2006 at 6:50 pm
Bill, the Xbox version of NCAA is the real deal for single player dynasty. It is to the Xbox what NCAA 2000 was to the psx. I broke down and got a used xbox since I am sick of taking weeks off during inevitable xbox 360 warranty repair cycles and I am glad i got this game. While not as pretty, it plays a great game of football. The momentum feature is a lot less intrusive in this version and I feel like wins and losses have to do with my gaming and playcalling and not EA programmers.
August 25th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
Whoops, I forgot to say that you were spot-on with your review. I am glad I got to play this version.
August 25th, 2006 at 7:07 pm
Great to hear Kevin! Glad I could be of help. It really is night and day.
mags I will definitely check that out, thanks
Oh, and Jonah, per your request: Jonah Falcon is totally and unequivocally batshit crazy. I hope that’s acceptable.
August 25th, 2006 at 11:23 pm
*swoon*