Official Madden 2006 Impressions Thread

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:10 pm

Dan:

In-game saves definitely in the Xbox version of Madden 06.

Take care,
PK

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:39 pm

Is anybody else having a problem with a complete lack of CPU offense on all pro? I'm talking about the CPU completing 20% and throwing 4-6 picks a game, at least one or two of which get returned for touchdowns, to go along with about 2 yards a carry when rushing. I could literally punt the ball on first down every time I get the ball and win games just by scoring defensive touchdowns I think. It really doesn't seem to matter who I play either. Teams that can really throw the ball like the Colts may score on a couple of long bombs, but they throw the ball so much that I just get that many more interceptions and defensive touchdowns.

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:57 pm

HipE wrote:Is anybody else having a problem with a complete lack of CPU offense on all pro? .

Yes.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:20 pm

Yes, the weather here sucks.

Plus the Cubs just whapped our asses.

Here's what I've heard helps with punt returns, but I haven't tried it since I don't have the game yet:

SPL TEAMS

FGL-10/10
FGA-8/8
PNTL-10/15
PNTA-8/8
KOL-8/8

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:47 pm

I tried the double-click method (while holding the R2). It works but I think you don't have the control over what kind of a pass (lob or bullet) you throw, especially under heavy pass rush.

There may also be a lag if the cone has to move over too far in the course of getting to your intended WR.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:58 pm

Got the game tonight. Spent a couple hours with it, first in practice mode, then starting a Bears franchise and playing one full game (12 min, accel clock, all-pro).

I am definitely in the pro-cone camp. It f***in rocks. I use the trigger switch method, and I love how I have to look at a receiver, at least briefly, to throw in that direction. I actually don't see it causing sacks -- it's just that now, if you sense blitz, you HAVE to do something about it: keep blockers in, audible, throw it away.

The only two things I don't like about the cone: that you can't assign somewhere to look on draws, and that it makes screens harder to complete than they should. On screens, you either telegraph it, or have a hard time finding the time to look away and then to the back without getting sacked. I think that's one play that will require using the manual R stick to complete.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the DB leaping toned down from last year. The DBs still have tremendous ESP, but I'm seeing more realistic mistakes and bites on things like play action, pumps, etc. At least in the one game I played.

The control options suck big time. I really, really, really wish I could have the NCAA control scheme for running and DL/LB shifts. Having the stiff arms on the black and white buttons is just stupid. At least with the passing, I understand why they had to switch to the B&W, you couldn't have cone passing with the trigger being used.

I only played a preseason game, but the CPU did seem somewhat offensively challenged on All Pro. The Rams did move the ball, especially the first team O, but only scored one TD. I picked off three passes and recovered a fumble.

My overall immediate impression was that this game played much better in terms of Xs and Os and player movement than 2005. The offense is an absolute blast to run. I just hope the AI can put up a realistic challenge in single player. I'll have to keep playing to see how that turns out.

Badgun · Post by **Badgun** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:02 am

Brando70 wrote:Got the game tonight. Spent a couple hours with it, first in practice mode, then starting a Bears franchise and playing one full game (12 min, accel clock, all-pro).

I am definitely in the pro-cone camp. It f***in rocks. I use the trigger switch method, and I love how I have to look at a receiver, at least briefly, to throw in that direction. I actually don't see it causing sacks -- it's just that now, if you sense blitz, you HAVE to do something about it: keep blockers in, audible, throw it away.

The only two things I don't like about the cone: that you can't assign somewhere to look on draws, and that it makes screens harder to complete than they should. On screens, you either telegraph it, or have a hard time finding the time to look away and then to the back without getting sacked. I think that's one play that will require using the manual R stick to complete.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the DB leaping toned down from last year. The DBs still have tremendous ESP, but I'm seeing more realistic mistakes and bites on things like play action, pumps, etc. At least in the one game I played.

The control options suck big time. I really, really, really wish I could have the NCAA control scheme for running and DL/LB shifts. Having the stiff arms on the black and white buttons is just stupid. At least with the passing, I understand why they had to switch to the B&W, you couldn't have cone passing with the trigger being used.

I only played a preseason game, but the CPU did seem somewhat offensively challenged on All Pro. The Rams did move the ball, especially the first team O, but only scored one TD. I picked off three passes and recovered a fumble.

My overall immediate impression was that this game played much better in terms of Xs and Os and player movement than 2005. The offense is an absolute blast to run. I just hope the AI can put up a realistic challenge in single player. I'll have to keep playing to see how that turns out.

I don't use the cone, but I think if before the play you hold R trigger and press A it will make the cone go straight ahead on a draw play.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:10 am

Badgun wrote:I don't use the cone, but I think if before the play you hold R trigger and press A it will make the cone go straight ahead on a draw play.

It does do that, it's just that it tends to telegraph draw plays, so you have to do a fair number of middle-cone fakes to throw off the scent. The CPU doesn't do that, so it's fairly easy to spot a draw (although they still work if called in the right situation.

OmflShark · Post by **OmflShark** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:17 am

HipE wrote:Is anybody else having a problem with a complete lack of CPU offense on all pro? I'm talking about the CPU completing 20% and throwing 4-6 picks a game, at least one or two of which get returned for touchdowns, to go along with about 2 yards a carry when rushing. I could literally punt the ball on first down every time I get the ball and win games just by scoring defensive touchdowns I think. It really doesn't seem to matter who I play either. Teams that can really throw the ball like the Colts may score on a couple of long bombs, but they throw the ball so much that I just get that many more interceptions and defensive touchdowns.

If this is true, then it is a game killer for me. I play strictly offline and if the computer A.I. is broken then I will certainly stick w/ NCAA. Is all-madden any better? Anybody try it yet?

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 10:41 am

Has anyone here simmed through a season or three and check out the stats? There's a thread on OS about inflated rushing numbers, and they might get progressively worse as the seasons go on. Passing stats also seem too depressed. This and the possible return game problems are holding me off so far. I trust the reports of the DSP regulars more than anyone else on the 'net, so please confirm or deny these 2 issues.

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 10:45 am

I had similar problems with the All-Pro cpu offense. I was tempted to try All-Madden, but my offense was the perfect difficulty at All-Pro, so I wasn't willing to make that jump.

So I tried some slider adjustments, and I've been very pleased with the results so far. Basically, I pretty much maxed out the cpu offensive settings, and dumbed down some of my defensive settings, and that seemed to do the trick. Things like def. awareness can be brought down, and thankfully doesn't make your defense a brain dead bunch of zombies.

Knockdowns and interceptions should be toned down for both sides. Unlike the similar problem I had with NFL 2K5 last year and the number of ints., setting the int. slider to 0 in this game usually results in 0 picks, in my experiences, so it's good to know that when making slider adjusments. IMO, knockdowns are a little much on both sides of the ball, and I've preferred the game with fewer knockdowns.

I'm kind of a stickler for stats, and I really like what I've been seeing. The only thing I'm trying to pump up is the CPU completion %, which hovers around 50%. Should be a tad higher. If anyone's interested, I can post some game stats along with the settings I've been using.

But I'm also interested in fixing the punting issue. Adjusting the punt length slider has helped a little in this regard.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 10:50 am

That's good to hear AJ. Like you, I'm getting the most realistic results when I'm on offense of probably any football game I've ever played, so I didn't want to mess that up by going to All Madden level. I also read on Abner's blog today that he has had similar success on All Pro by tweaking the sliders. I think I'm going to have to break my self imposed ban on slider tweaking to get the CPU offense to move the ball and score more. I think I'll just let somebody else do the work though, and wait for their sliders to be posted.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 10:57 am

AJ:

Go ahead and post them. Why don't you create a separate Madden slider thread since no one else has, which amazes me!

I think one of the telling indicators of the quality of this game out of the box is that it's been available since Tuesday, and I haven't seen a single slider thread yet at this forum.

But feel free to start a slider thread. It will be nice to have one place to evaluate everyone's sliders.

Thanks,
PK

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:29 am

I think my favorite part about Madden O6 so far has been how you have to put together a drive on offense. In past versions of NCAA and Madden, I would average at least 15 yards per pass completion, and probably at least 5 yards per rush attempt, with most of my drives ending in big play touchdowns. In Madden this year, I've had plenty of 3 and outs or drives where I only pick up one or two first downs. When I have scored touchdowns on offense, I've almost always had to put together 12-15 play drives, I usually only manage one or two big plays on offense per game. It's nice to have my quarterback have games where he completes 20 passes for 200 yards, rather than going 12/28 for 275 yds like I often do in NCAA. I'm also managing to have my top receiver for the game get 7-10 catches now, usually for under 100 yards, rather than having 4 catches for 150 yards and 3 touchdowns. When running the ball, the majority of my carries seem to be in the 2-4 yard range, with only a few over 10 yards, and only a few for negative yards. Because of this, I've really had to use a lot of my playbook this year rather than just relying on a few money plays, which has made the game much more enjoyable on offense.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:31 am

One thing DSP lacks is a true Slider Hero(tm). AJ, you could be our first

I would be curious to see them as well, as I was surprised that I was able to contain the Rams offense so well in my first game. Usually I have a few games of getting adjusted (translation: CPU ass whuppings) before settling in with the new Madden.

On an unrelated note, this was the first game since MVP where I woke up and immediately started thinking about playing. Both encouraging and very, very, very sad.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 1:04 pm

There are some really cool things I am finding in this game the more I play it. I guess it took me a while to get over the graphics. The only problem is that the sound is really bugging me. The game sucks all the energy out of me with the sound on.

Is there a way in the options to have music play or custom soundtracks? anything? I suppose I can turn the sound down as a last option.

bdunn13 · Post by **bdunn13** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:29 pm

Weaver2005 wrote:There are some really cool things I am finding in this game the more I play it. I guess it took me a while to get over the graphics. The only problem is that the sound is really bugging me. The game sucks all the energy out of me with the sound on.

The 5.1 is pretty good except for the sloshing puddle in the rain noise. I actualy can hear different stuff coming out of all the speakers.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:37 pm

The sound in the snow is REALLY annoying. Hearing the sliding players all the time just bugs the hell out of me. I haven't played in the rain yet.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 9:44 am

I broke down and bouthg it at CC for $40. It's at worst a rental, since they are going on Ebay for at least $37. I'd rather do this than rent it for $7 and then buy it.

I've only spent a couple hours with it, but so far my reaction is.....eh. The cone is a more than a gimmick, but can be rendered almost non-essential by using the right trigger. The only differences between this and no cone at all is that you have a beam highlighting a section of the field, and it acts as a look off to defenders. I'm not feeling the whole revolutionary feature thing with this one. I can use it with ease (aside from getting sacked too much), but I get the same satisfation out of reading recivers without it.

The pre-snap adjustments are nice to have, but like Bad stated, I don't know how you'll have time to do more than 2-3 each play. Guess you have to pick your spots, but remember the controls will take some time. I don't want to start getting into comparisons, but these are all adjustments I was used to having last year in another game that will remain unnamed.

Everything else just feels the same from 2004, which I still have and play semi-regularly. I'd say I prefer the graphics in 2004 because they are much clearer, even if the colors are to dark. WTF are they thinking by putting a haze over everything? I'm sure there are lots of minor enhancements that I will notice with time, but aftere a few games it doesn't feel like a $50 game after 2004. I am still trying to understand why the commentary, pregame, etc.. still looks the same. With all of their resources, I'm sure they could afford to add things like the cona and still do SOMETHING with the presentation.

Now I was aslo able to answer my own questions from earlier. First the return game. The kickoffs are alright, but not much better than 2k5 (oops, I went and named it. Oh well, it was inevitable). The punt returns are worse. In 2k5 the guys are slow to turn and block, but I have seen guys faciung me as I have the ball and just stare at me. 2004 works fine, as does NCAA 06. Not sure what they did to it here. Maybe that will be one of 07s bulletpoints: enhanced return game, and the cover will feature Dante Hall.

As for franchise play, I'd say it's just as broken as 2k5. I simmed a season (multiple times to make sure the first was not a fluke), and noticed the same things others at OS have. RBs get way too many carries. I had at least 4 guys with more than 400. Vick is guaranteed to get over 1000 yards rushing. No QB will throw more than 30 TDs ro for more than 3800 yards. The league leaders in tackles for a loss is 6-7. ost everything looks in line, but these really stand out. It also happens after years 2 and 3 of a franchise. Manning never had more than 30 TDs and 3890 yards. I looked for some type of silder/setting to fix it, but couldn't find anything that had an effect.

So fire away Madden fans. I know this game has gotten overwhelmingly positive reviews here, which is why I decided I had to try it out. I'm just not seeing it the same way as most here. What makes this real scary is that BD and I are on the same side for once

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 1:57 pm

Madden 2004 is garbage...I hope you were referring to 2005 Matt.

kicko · Post by **kicko** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 10:14 am

i was never a big stat man but aren't they controlled by the lenght of quarters you have selected?

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:05 pm

I have spent some more time with Madden. Got through 4 pre-season games and one regular season game on All-Pro with the Bears.

My reaction now is that the game is significantly easier on All-Pro than it has been in the past. In my opener against the Redskins, I picked off Patrick Ramsey 9 times, including a couple when I subbed in scrubs in the fourth. I think the CPU offense definitely needs some slider adjustments, especially for the passing game, and also that the human INTs and knockdowns need to be turned down.

On offense, I feel like it's easily the best Madden ever. I strongly disagree with Matt about the same-ol-same-ol feelin in this area. The running game is much, much better, especially the run blocking. It almost has a 2k feel now, where you can follow your blockers and see the holes develop. I still like the Sega running game a little better, but the gap has closed considerably.

I honestly don't understand how anyone who has complained about a lack of realism in Madden can say the cone is a gimmick. I can understand if you don't like the way it's implemented, but for the first time, you have to look in the direction you're throwing. QBs are not bugs, they can't see 180 degrees. Now if you want to look one way and throw the next, you have to wait a moment for your QBs head to turn. I like that.

I am concerned about the stat stuff I've read, although Bill said he wasn't seeing any problems. I haven't gotten far enough to analyze it (I'm going to replay week 1 with new sliders after the silly Washington turnovers).

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:16 pm

Brando70 wrote:I think the CPU offense definitely needs some slider adjustments, especially for the passing game, and also that the human INTs and knockdowns need to be turned down.

Yeah, the CPU offense is pretty pitiful on default All-Pro. I lowered all my defensive sliders by 5 and have QB accuracy and RB ability at 15 and it's working for me so far.

The return game really sucks. I haven't seen a punt return come close to breaking for longer than 15 yards and kickoff returns are zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:25 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
Brando70 wrote:I think the CPU offense definitely needs some slider adjustments, especially for the passing game, and also that the human INTs and knockdowns need to be turned down.
Yeah, the CPU offense is pretty pitiful on default All-Pro. I lowered all my defensive sliders by 5 and have QB accuracy and RB ability at 15 and it's working for me so far.

The return game really sucks. I haven't seen a punt return come close to breaking for longer than 15 yards and kickoff returns are zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Kick returns for me have been okay -- I came really close to breaking one with Azumah. Punt returns are a problem, I think the outside guys tend to get down the field too fast. I'm going to play around with the different punt return plays and see if one of the blocks work better.

On a side note, I've seen some good penetration on punts, to the point where I thought one was going to get blocked.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:37 pm

Brando70 wrote:I have spent some more time with Madden. Got through 4 pre-season games and one regular season game on All-Pro with the Bears.

My reaction now is that the game is significantly easier on All-Pro than it has been in the past. In my opener against the Redskins, I picked off Patrick Ramsey 9 times, including a couple when I subbed in scrubs in the fourth. I think the CPU offense definitely needs some slider adjustments, especially for the passing game, and also that the human INTs and knockdowns need to be turned down.

On offense, I feel like it's easily the best Madden ever. I strongly disagree with Matt about the same-ol-same-ol feelin in this area. The running game is much, much better, especially the run blocking. It almost has a 2k feel now, where you can follow your blockers and see the holes develop. I still like the Sega running game a little better, but the gap has closed considerably.

I honestly don't understand how anyone who has complained about a lack of realism in Madden can say the cone is a gimmick. I can understand if you don't like the way it's implemented, but for the first time, you have to look in the direction you're throwing. QBs are not bugs, they can't see 180 degrees. Now if you want to look one way and throw the next, you have to wait a moment for your QBs head to turn. I like that.

I am concerned about the stat stuff I've read, although Bill said he wasn't seeing any problems. I haven't gotten far enough to analyze it (I'm going to replay week 1 with new sliders after the silly Washington turnovers).

Brando, what stat stuff are you referring to?