Official Madden 2006 Impressions Thread

[Sport73]

Great comments from OS blog; I especially like #1, which sums up my reaction to the response Madden 06 has gotten from many...


TOP TEN THINGS I THINK I THINK ABOUT MADDEN 06...(Operation Sports)

1. I think that if the "Vision and Precision" system had come from any other publisher besides EA, it would be hailed as one of the great innovations in the history of football gaming. And that Madden fanboys would decry it as the work of the Devil.

2. I think that creating a player by choosing his parents, and therefore his gene pool, is either really cool or really creepy. Eugenics is just not something I expect to find in my football videogames.

3. I think that having Terrell Davis leaving many, many voicemails on my answering machine as my "mentor" is also either really cool or really creepy.

4. I think if someone found the game on store shelves early and spent their time trying to answer questions instead of just playing for their own enjoyment, it would be in poor taste to attack them.

5. I think that if you want to complain that there's a bug because a rule is implemented incorrectly ... you should know the rule.

6. I think I've never noticed the color of cleat a football player wears. In real life or a game.

7. I think that if a mythical EA Network were responsible for NFL broadcasts, the sport would be dead in the water based on theme music alone.

8. I think that the new tackling animation where the player gets his feet taken out from under him is very cool.

9. I also think that after about 6 hours of play with the game ... I've seen that animation enough to last me a lifetime.

10. I think I'm glad Clay drew the short straw on writing the Madden 06 review.

[bdunn13]

I picked up the DS version last night... its the first handheld pro game with a dynasty... I played 1 game and it left something to be desired.

The touch screen at the bottom is by far the coolest part of the game. You can select to see stats there, or the play in action with Xs and Os.. very cool.. The I have not found a camera I like yet so I found myself just playing with the Xs and Os.. I could see open receivers better that way.

I also got a chance to look at the manual for the xbox version. The amount of options is mind blowing - I am too stupid to remember to do all that stuff presnap.. but I am glad its there.. I just might need to get a xbox tutor or something.

BD

[Leebo33]

There is only one thing worse than the Anti-EA crowd and that is the anti-Anti-EA crowd IMO.

The vision and precision system has been knocked in almost every review I've read. A lot of these are from magazines/sites that usually are very very pro-EA. The reason why it is not hailed as one of the greatest innovations is:

a) people haven't had time to get used to it yet. It takes time for people to adjust. Conversely, I can't understand how people that have had the game for 24 hours think it is one of the greatest innovations ever (obviously I'm not talking about those that got the game weeks early)

b) "precision" passing is nothing new to NFL football games

c) It is a good concept, but appears to have some implementation problems

I think there are a lot less "fanboys" or EA haters than people think. It's getting to the point now where too many people are labeled as anti-EA for mentioning anything negative about Madden.

[TCrouch]

I didn't even have to play the game to think it's one of the greatest innovations in recent memory.

Innovation isn't necessarily a success or failure, whether the system works or not. But getting a vision cone even INTO the game...is a huge innovation. A QB can't magically see the field, he can only see where he's looking.

For me, I would probably implement it a bit differently though. Make every QB have the same "vision", but make their awareness display their best guess as to the defensive play based on how often the opposing team runs that base D, etc. A great QB like Manning has precise vision because he recognizes a play, not because he can see out of his earholes.

If you still used a vision cone but when you used your R stick, it displayed a guess as to the opposing defense's play, you could make your presnap reads with even more accuracy, and it would make Manning much more like Manning, not like a videogame god who has the peripheral vision of a housefly. Don't make it a 100% guaranteed way of recognizing a defense, but if a person is using the same blitz repeatedly, then a QB with high awareness could give you a better chance of seeing it diagrammed and you adjust accordingly. It takes away some of the human player's ability to read the D himself, but having a cone that's 75 degrees wide also takes away from the player's ability to play QB.

Either way, it's definitely innovative. I still suck with it, but mainly because I don't have time to get past a 2nd progression. By the time my 5th step plants I need to fire the ball, exactly as it should be...but getting from a primary to secondary to a third and a dumpoff....I just haven't gotten that quick on the buttons yet.

[dbdynsty25]

I finally started getting the hang of the cone passing after about 4 games. I'm definitely glad I waited it out because I'm in the camp that likes the implementation and the skill involved to check down your reads. Nothing is more rewarding to me than making my progressions and then dumping it off to the back coming out of the backfield. It just doesn't get any better than that.

I agree with the thoughts that it needs to be implemented better (not a fan of the analog stick really), but the concept and theory is pretty damn neat.

I am not a fan of the controls though...in NCAA I could just revert back to the 2005 controls and everything is fine (including the QB scramble by holding A). In Madden, if I revert back to 2005...I'm stuck playing games with the passing icons where A throws to the A receiver. Uggh...so now I'm trying to learn the new controls on both games. These guys really should send an email or two back and forth and try to sync up their games so that gamers can easily make a transition between the two.

[wco81]

For one thing, any time I use Precision, even on a quick slant or say a flag route where I'm leading the WR towards the sideline, he jumps up in the air to catch it. So he gets tackled and there's no RAC but it seems they catch it all the time.

Just got through playing Jacksonville vs. Raiders. The guy kept coming out in 46 regardless of what formation I was in so the WRs were getting free releases or outrunning LBs. Got a lot of catches but the separation they were getting was given back because the WR had to jump in the air.

Maybe people will find ways to knock the ball loose or know the best way to go up and challenge the pass but Jimmy Smith was skying high and catching everything. Even their second and third WRs had some alley-oop catches too.

The other guy didn't throw to Moss that deep. Mostly underneath to Moss or corner patterns to Francis. He got a couple of long gainers that way but I held him to only a FG by the offense. However, if he just ran slant/corner patterns to Moss (and even if you're leading him left or right, the pass seems to go high and the WR has to jump up), I'm pretty sure he would have had a field day.

[dbdynsty25]

Got a lot of catches but the separation they were getting was given back because the WR had to jump in the air.

If you control the receiver yourself that doesn't happen. Rarely do you see the flying leap catches when you're the guy pressing the Y button to catch (Xbox version obviously). You won't catch as many balls, but that's pretty much how it should be anyway.

[Danimal]

1. I think that if the "Vision and Precision" system had come from any other publisher besides EA, it would be hailed as one of the great innovations in the history of football gaming. And that Madden fanboys would decry it as the work of the Devil.

That is classic, I have been thinking that same thing.

[MizzouRah]

Are you guys seeing this?

From OS:

on the PS2 version of Madden, the third sideline judge (the one holding the down marker), doesn't have the red vest on. The Xbox version has it right, I mean, does the PS2 really have so little memory left over that they can't make the vest red instead of striped like the other two?? I know it's not a big deal at all, but I've just always wondered

[Badgun]

Great comments from OS blog; I especially like #1, which sums up my reaction to the response Madden 06 has gotten from many...


TOP TEN THINGS I THINK I THINK ABOUT MADDEN 06...(Operation Sports)

1. I think that if the "Vision and Precision" system had come from any other publisher besides EA, it would be hailed as one of the great innovations in the history of football gaming. And that Madden fanboys would decry it as the work of the Devil.

2. I think that creating a player by choosing his parents, and therefore his gene pool, is either really cool or really creepy. Eugenics is just not something I expect to find in my football videogames.

3. I think that having Terrell Davis leaving many, many voicemails on my answering machine as my "mentor" is also either really cool or really creepy.

4. I think if someone found the game on store shelves early and spent their time trying to answer questions instead of just playing for their own enjoyment, it would be in poor taste to attack them.

5. I think that if you want to complain that there's a bug because a rule is implemented incorrectly ... you should know the rule.

6. I think I've never noticed the color of cleat a football player wears. In real life or a game.

7. I think that if a mythical EA Network were responsible for NFL broadcasts, the sport would be dead in the water based on theme music alone.

8. I think that the new tackling animation where the player gets his feet taken out from under him is very cool.

9. I also think that after about 6 hours of play with the game ... I've seen that animation enough to last me a lifetime.

10. I think I'm glad Clay drew the short straw on writing the Madden 06 review.

I think whoever thought up those ten things has got the entertainment value of a rock.

[Danimal]

I finally started getting the hang of the cone passing after about 4 games. I'm definitely glad I waited it out because I'm in the camp that likes the implementation and the skill involved to check down your reads. Nothing is more rewarding to me than making my progressions and then dumping it off to the back coming out of the backfield. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Totally agree.

I agree with the thoughts that it needs to be implemented better (not a fan of the analog stick really), but the concept and theory is pretty damn neat.

I don't ever use the right analog stick, I use the trigger / button method. I still feel it could have been done better.

Personally I think it should have gone like this:

Press the A, B, Y, X, Black or White button to look at that receiver.

Pull the R Trigger to throw the ball. Plus doesn;t the R trigger give you more room for interpeting velocity of a pass, I mean most racing games use it for the gas pedal.

To me that method would have been far easier to use.

[Boom]

The more ii play this game online the more I'm really liking this game and understanding the controls etc.

It won't be fun for me offline, I'm sure of it. The graphics and presentation and whatnot are in desperate need of being overhauled. I get that and agree whole heartedly.

However, on the field playing the game against a friend I don't think it's ever been better. Maybe NCAA 2004 for, but I'm not completely sure that's true.

The mind game is where this game succeeds. Out smarting your opponent and calling a football game and then executing well on the field is dead-on.

If you are having problems with the passing cone due to the right analog stick try using the right analog stick method. All you have to do is hold the right analog stick in and press the corresponding button the the receiver you want to select. The cone will not be centered over him and you can pass the ball to him.

Personally, I use a combination of the two techniques but I do find the right analog stick combined with selecting your receiver to be far easier than using the right analog stick manually.

I'm also getting much better at understanding how to call the adjustments I want to make prior to the snap and am becoming much more efficient. I don't think it takes a controller jockey to be able to do this stuff. Sure, people not used to doing it at first will fumble around a bit... I know I did. However, once you fully understand what to do to make the adjustments you want to make it continues to get easier and easier.

I like the game, you all know that. For me it's not about being pro or anti EA. It's about being a video football gamer. Yeah I'm upset that I don't have more than one choice. At the same time I gotta say that if only one company can make a pro football game, I'm glad it's EA Sports.

It doesn't have the flair, presentation and what not. But for me, I value on the field more than anything. I've never been completely happy with VC/ESPN/2k on the field. I've seen it do some pretty damn good things, but there's always something that leaves feeling like the game was soooo close, but just not there yet. It just always felt incomplete.

Now, if you could give me Madden 2006's gameplay in ESPN 2K5's clothing I'd be a happy man. And that's what I think you gotta ask yourself too. Are you really mad because you don't like the way it plays? Because it's Madden? Because it's not ESPN? Or because it doesn't look as good as ESPN? I'm sure there could be several reason why the people do not like madden, but I think an honest fan of videogame football wail.

That's my final take.
-Out

[bkrich83]

Great comments from OS blog; I especially like #1, which sums up my reaction to the response Madden 06 has gotten from many...


TOP TEN THINGS I THINK I THINK ABOUT MADDEN 06...(Operation Sports)

1. I think that if the "Vision and Precision" system had come from any other publisher besides EA, it would be hailed as one of the great innovations in the history of football gaming. And that Madden fanboys would decry it as the work of the Devil.

2. I think that creating a player by choosing his parents, and therefore his gene pool, is either really cool or really creepy. Eugenics is just not something I expect to find in my football videogames.

3. I think that having Terrell Davis leaving many, many voicemails on my answering machine as my "mentor" is also either really cool or really creepy.

4. I think if someone found the game on store shelves early and spent their time trying to answer questions instead of just playing for their own enjoyment, it would be in poor taste to attack them.

5. I think that if you want to complain that there's a bug because a rule is implemented incorrectly ... you should know the rule.

6. I think I've never noticed the color of cleat a football player wears. In real life or a game.

7. I think that if a mythical EA Network were responsible for NFL broadcasts, the sport would be dead in the water based on theme music alone.

8. I think that the new tackling animation where the player gets his feet taken out from under him is very cool.

9. I also think that after about 6 hours of play with the game ... I've seen that animation enough to last me a lifetime.

10. I think I'm glad Clay drew the short straw on writing the Madden 06 review.

I think whoever thought up those ten things has got the entertainment value of a rock.

Coming from you, I am sure Fossen feels better than had you actually liked it.

[Badgun]

I also got a chance to look at the manual for the xbox version. The amount of options is mind blowing - I am too stupid to remember to do all that stuff presnap.. but I am glad its there.. I just might need to get a xbox tutor or something.

BD

Guess what? You're not in the minority. The options are absolutely overwhelming. I guess I'm going to have to make a "cheat sheet" or a chart with all the adjustments on it because there's no way in hell I will ever remember all that stuff. I just wonder if it's just too much for the average gamer?

[Badgun]

Great comments from OS blog; I especially like #1, which sums up my reaction to the response Madden 06 has gotten from many...


TOP TEN THINGS I THINK I THINK ABOUT MADDEN 06...(Operation Sports)

1. I think that if the "Vision and Precision" system had come from any other publisher besides EA, it would be hailed as one of the great innovations in the history of football gaming. And that Madden fanboys would decry it as the work of the Devil.

2. I think that creating a player by choosing his parents, and therefore his gene pool, is either really cool or really creepy. Eugenics is just not something I expect to find in my football videogames.

3. I think that having Terrell Davis leaving many, many voicemails on my answering machine as my "mentor" is also either really cool or really creepy.

4. I think if someone found the game on store shelves early and spent their time trying to answer questions instead of just playing for their own enjoyment, it would be in poor taste to attack them.

5. I think that if you want to complain that there's a bug because a rule is implemented incorrectly ... you should know the rule.

6. I think I've never noticed the color of cleat a football player wears. In real life or a game.

7. I think that if a mythical EA Network were responsible for NFL broadcasts, the sport would be dead in the water based on theme music alone.

8. I think that the new tackling animation where the player gets his feet taken out from under him is very cool.

9. I also think that after about 6 hours of play with the game ... I've seen that animation enough to last me a lifetime.

10. I think I'm glad Clay drew the short straw on writing the Madden 06 review.

I think whoever thought up those ten things has got the entertainment value of a rock.

Coming from you, I am sure Fossen feels better than had you actually liked it.

I had no idea it was fossen or who it was...doesn't matter. If it's an attempt at humor, then he failed...miserably. Maybe he should stick to doing reviews, he's pretty good at that. Don't mind me though, I'm sure all the young Madden ballers are slapping him on the back telling him how good it was.

[bkrich83]

I think whoever thought up those ten things has got the entertainment value of a rock.

Coming from you, I am sure Fossen feels better than had you actually liked it.

I had no idea it was fossen or who it was...doesn't matter. If it's an attempt at humor, then he failed...miserably. Maybe he should stick to doing reviews, he's pretty good at that. Don't mind me though, I'm sure all the young Madden ballers are slapping him on the back telling him how good it was.

You hear that Sport73, I guess your just another young Madden Baller.

[marino]

I may have missed it but does anyone know what buttons to press on defense when you want to key on run or pass(xbox)? I thought I read somewhere that it is in the game this year.

[bkrich83]

I may have missed it but does anyone know what buttons to press on defense when you want to key on run or pass(xbox)? I thought I read somewhere that it is in the game this year.

It's in the defensvie tutorial. I would tell you, but I totally forgot what the controls were.

[Boom]

After the ball is snapped, if you see run:
(1) Pull Left trigger
(2) Pull down on the right analog stick


If you see pass:
(1) Pull Left Trigger
(2) Push up on Right Analog Stick

They also show it in the tutorial if you want to see an example.

[marino]

Thanks.

[Sport73]

You hear that Sport73, I guess your just another young Madden Baller.

Pretty much sums me up...

It might get under my skin, but I looked up where Danville, VA is...Explains everything

[bkrich83]

After the ball is snapped, if you see run:
(1) Pull Left trigger
(2) Pull down on the right analog stick


If you see pass:
(1) Pull Left Trigger
(2) Push up on Right Analog Stick

They also show it in the tutorial if you want to see an example.

Boom, I haven't tried these. How effective are they?

[bkrich83]

You hear that Sport73, I guess your just another young Madden Baller.

Pretty much sums me up...

It might get under my skin, but I looked up where Danville, VA is...Explains everything

LMAO..

Online rematch some time this week?

[Boom]

They help.

If you've played NCAA you know that the defense doesn't react quicly enough to the run. In madden, once you see run and you do that everyone attacks the run.

Just the opposite for pass. If you originally called a D to stop the run, but they come out and pass, you can drop everyone back after the ball has been snapped.

Just, for the love of God... do not fall for a play-action and playmaker for run... you will be burnt deep for sure.

**EDIT**
One more note on this. You only have a short time after the ball has been snapped to execute it. So, I don't playmaker for Run that much UNLESS I know for sure it's not Play-action.

[Badgun]

You hear that Sport73, I guess your just another young Madden Baller.

Pretty much sums me up...

It might get under my skin, but I looked up where Danville, VA is...Explains everything

yeah, we don't kiss a lot of ass down here in the bible belt.