Madden 07 (Xbox 360) Thread

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 9:12 pm

It's not as much about the arrow as it is your accuracy when you push down and push forward on the joystick. That is when you can start spraying it around...obviously my forward swing isn't very accurate.

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 9:42 pm

Dave wrote:Seems like there is potential with the radio style; for one, it would be cool to be able to choose home or visitor announcer and get a "homer" call for one team or another.

If I'm not mistaken, the announcer is supposed to be a homer for whatever team you are playing as, or the home team in a 2-player contest. At least that's what I remember them saying about last year's version.

-G7

dougb · Post by **dougb** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 10:24 pm

Danimal wrote:Picked up the PC version, wow did they optimize this code, it plays so smooth on my system and last year it chugged.

Its nice to have features like defenisve adjustments back (ie pick a CB and shade inside etc). I only played a half so far, but it has all the options of the next gen version (lead blocker, highlight stick etc)

The presentation is better then the 360 version and although the graphics aren't as sharp, it still looks good. I'll post some screens and movies later. I think I may stick with this until the 360 is patched, hell I may stick with this even after it is patched.

Using the wired 360 controller is nice, using a mouse in the interface is nicer.

The graphics must look incredible on the 360 if you don't find the PC graphics as sharp. I'm playing at 1024X768 with the lighting turned down just a tad for performance and I'm amazed at how good the graphics look on the pc. Still a couple of tackle animations that could be worked on but overall very impressive. Mind you, I'm absolute crap at the game having skipped last year's version.

One nice thing about the PC version - in game saves. That alone is almost worth getting the PC version if you have a PC with enough horsepower.

Best wishes,

Doug

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 10:30 pm

dougb wrote:
Danimal wrote:Picked up the PC version, wow did they optimize this code, it plays so smooth on my system and last year it chugged.

Its nice to have features like defenisve adjustments back (ie pick a CB and shade inside etc). I only played a half so far, but it has all the options of the next gen version (lead blocker, highlight stick etc)

The presentation is better then the 360 version and although the graphics aren't as sharp, it still looks good. I'll post some screens and movies later. I think I may stick with this until the 360 is patched, hell I may stick with this even after it is patched.

Using the wired 360 controller is nice, using a mouse in the interface is nicer.
The graphics must look incredible on the 360 if you don't find the PC graphics as sharp. I'm playing at 1024X768 with the lighting turned down just a tad for performance and I'm amazed at how good the graphics look on the pc. Still a couple of tackle animations that could be worked on but overall very impressive. Mind you, I'm absolute crap at the game having skipped last year's version.

One nice thing about the PC version - in game saves. That alone is almost worth getting the PC version if you have a PC with enough horsepower.

Best wishes,

Doug

In game saves are on the Xbox, too. At least in Ex mod. Dunno about franchise yet. That' sa huge deal for me too.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:27 pm

Not having in-game saves and the accel. clock is a bummer.

The radio thing blows, during a Vikings-49ers game, he gave up and started calling both teams "Atlanta" after the 1st quarter, seems odd. I miss hearing "BOOM" every once in a while. Of course, a competent play-by-play/color combo would be preferred.

Still getting the hang of the game itself. Anyone know where to see the # of timeouts available for a CPU opponent? Some of the loose ends are surprising for the second year of next-gen football.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:28 pm

Well SS mode just didn't do it for me. Maybe it's because I picked CB, but I don't like the camera angle nor do I like sitting around while the game plays. I know I can change this, but I'd rather play with all real players and start a franchise.

I'm wondering if anyone else is seeing all the pauses I'm seeing during certain game sequences? The game is really jumpy for me and I see things like player's shoes disappearing into the turf. I'm also seeing alot of anti-aliesing (or whatever it's called when the lines move around on say a players facemask).

I will say this, so far I'm not impressed.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:28 pm

Bill,
I was messing around with sliders and well your dreaded QB slider equals no power is back on Madden.

After playing NCAA XB and then Madden XB, I really can't recommend Madden 07 XB. There's so many nagging "madden" issues it's not even funny.

-Speed boost for defenders. Safeties can leave their man and run across the field to get into position on a long pass. (This was in NCAA).

-Dreaded double coverage catches. Sliders don't really affect this.

-Madden Level and the defenders use their mind reading skills again. It's toned down but still in the game.

At this point if the game was as good as NCAA I could recommend it even though it was WE quality graphics. The game's mechanics haven't improved, IMHO. This is the old gen version.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:43 pm

Wow, superstar mode could have been a game in itself. I am a running back drafted by the Broncos, first exhibition game I had 10 rushes for 77 yards and 2 tds against the Lions, lost 41-38 in OT. Second game I only had 6 yards on 6 carries agains the Titans and lost 17-10. So far I like it, I just wish the hall of fame players weren't in there as Denver has Sammy Baugh as the starting qb.

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:51 pm

JRod wrote:Bill,
I was messing around with sliders and well your dreaded QB slider equals no power is back on Madden.

Sigh...I know. I got it to work tonight..and yeah...I have no idea what that is all about. Even at default the arm strength is just plain weird. Charlie Frye (87 Arm Str I think) cannot throw the ball 50 yards in the air. He tops out at around 42-45 yards. That is, of course, just plain goofy. Let's hope a Hail Mary from midfield is never needed because I can't throw it that far. Maybe boosting Accuracy would help but doing that could make accuacy, well, pointless.

After playing NCAA XB and then Madden XB, I really can't recommend Madden 07 XB. There's so many nagging "madden" issues it's not even funny.

I've barely touched it, managing to get through 1 game and some practice time thus far so I can't say either way. I'm still totally loving NCAA XB though. In fact, I doubt I touch the 360 version after we finish the tourney unless someone specifically asks to play online.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:53 pm

The graphics on the PC are very well done, but for whatever reason the 360 looks better IMO.

In game saves is just one of the features, the whole GUI / Interface is better presented. When you call an audible it actually list the plays assigned to each button. Call a Defensive adjustment say in the secondary and all your options pop up, you never need to memorize anything.

Superstar mode is much more in depth on the PC. I've got an appartment, I had more drills to do during my workouts etc.

My superstar is a SS, and the camera angle just blows it is at an angle and if the play goes by you forget about seeing what is happening.

The PC version is just well done IMO, but it is still running off an older engine which is obvious when the QB is facing the wrong way and throwing the ball. But they polished the hell out of the stuff that matters.

I'm off to give the 360 version some time.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:09 am

I'm wondering if anyone else is seeing all the pauses I'm seeing during certain game sequences? The game is really jumpy for me and I see things like player's shoes disappearing into the turf. I'm also seeing alot of anti-aliesing (or whatever it's called when the lines move around on say a players facemask).

Yep, I'm seeing plenty of jumpiness when moving through options, game squences, or various menu screens.

Even at default the arm strength is just plain weird.

I really noticed this when playing as the Vikings. Brad Johnson's arm might be weaker in the game than in real life, which I didn't think was possible. Made throwing anything beyond 10 yards a real chore. In some other situations I thought a pass should be delivered with more authority than it was, made some crossing patterns very difficult.

Anyone else played in the heavy rain yet? There were at least five fumbles during my game.

Oh, so far the CPU is 1-2 in FG attempts. Very good to see a miss.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:13 am

Ok, played a normal game and I'm starting to like the game quite a bit now. I only see a pause after I select a play and it shows the linemen, it's noticeable, but not a big deal.

Saw a missed FG as well, which was nice! Mario running is definitly there, not sure they'll ever get that fixed. Playing on AP default, 9 mins has been quite perfect for me so far.

SS just isn't for me and that's too bad.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:17 am

The only part of the game that's a bit bothersome to me is the way that receivers and DBs occasionally have trouble turning around to face the ball or make a tackle. I am enjoying the running game this year.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:44 am

Just wanted to show some PC images I took. Hopefully won't be too bothersome, if so I will remove them. Just so you can see what the PC version looks like on a normal rig. Detail in game set to high, but certainly no where near the top.

The play calling screen.

One of the Saints alternate Uniforms

Young going down in the Titans alternates. Each team has about 6 or 7

Interception and shaking the tackle

If he breaks this tackle...

Young on the run with a side arm delivery.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:49 am

request : 360 madden screens please

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:50 am

Nice mustard pants on them Saints. Eeesh. I hope those are throwbacks or something.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:01 am

Yeah those were throwbacks, actually one of 6 or 7 alternate uniforms. I could have put the titans in Oiler unis if I wanted.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:26 am

Holy crap those are ugly!

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:42 am

I'm really diggin the SS mode, it is pretty much what I hoped it would be. The mini games are actually kind of cool. My wife kept commenting on the IQ scores of my parents being low (she's a psychologist so knows all the averages and whatnot); I told her "yeah, but my mother owns her own company, so she has a great work ethic!"

I got drafted by the Panthers as a running back. First pre-season game against the Bills was pretty good, got around 65 yards and 2 TDs. Second game against the Jaguars I was limited to only 25 and 1 TD, but didn't see much play time. Probably because of my 2 fumbles (but hey I did recover one!) I like the fact that you can control the team if you want, or just let the CPU do it all.

The training camps, while good at raising stats, are actually helpful. In my last game we ran a HB option, and I got clobbered when I forgot to throw the stinking ball! So that play will be up on the practice field next.

So far I'm liking it, although I will most likely just play pickup games and the SS mode with Madden. I still play 2K5 and will continue to use that for my franchise. The radio announcer isn't a bad idea, but really could be fleshed out a lot more to make it a bit more immersive. One cool thing though is I named my player after my son, and after each play the stadium announcer would say my last name when he announced the play outcome. Pretty slick!

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:12 am

Got the 360 version and played one exhibition on AA defaults. Beat the Packers at Chicago 28-21. Only one game, so impressions are loaded with salt, but:

LIKES
--Speed. Much faster than NCAA, and you feel like you have to make decisions instantly or BOOM (sorry, couldn't resist)

--Controls. Pretty damn tight. Can't compare to current gen as I don't have current gen anymore.

--Running game is the best I've seen in an EA title. You can squirt through holes, and while mario running is there, you have ways to get around it.

--As with NCAA, I like the blocking a lot.

--The passing game feels much sharper and realistic. Playing with Rex Grossman felt like playing with Rex Grossman. He was a bit wild and had a strong arm.

--CPU playcalling (with one glaring exception below) worked well. They seemed to make more adjustments or at least fake more adjustments.

--Picks seemed pretty realistic as far as DBs making reads. I should know, because I saw a lot of them, which leads too...

DISLIKES
--Saw one ridiculous AI gaffe at the end of the game. Green Bay scores a TD with 11 seconds left to pull within one score, then DIDN'T go for the onside kick. Hope that's not a sign of things to come.

--Fatigue isn't there or if it is, it doesn't work right. EA is full of s*** on this being a HUD issue.

--There were a whopping 4 fumbles and 4 interceptions in my game. I fumbled three times. Two were kickoffs, and I was using the impact stick to juke when I got hit (got both of those back). Another was a good hit on Mushin Muhammed after a catch, which GB returned for a TD. I threw one pick, trying to thread a ball in a small spot between two zoned defenders, and one of them made a nice move.

So far, that wasn't too bad, until late in the the third quarter. I was down 14-0. Then Ahman Green fumbled and Mike Brown returned it for a TD. Okay, Green sweats a lot, so that's a push. Favre then proceeded to throw 3 picks in the last 7 minutes or so, one of which I returned for a TD. Again, not completely unbelievable, and the picks with one exception seemed pretty legit. But the TOs at the end were just nuts, and the defenses scored three of the 7 total TDs. Could be a fluke, but definitely raised my eyebrow.

--The announcer sucks. You know it's bad when you're pining for commentary about snot bubbles. I'm going to change the audio to just field and stadium sounds.

--I don't like the blurriness of the crowds from a distance. I think Madden looks better up close but NCAA looks better from a distance, if that makes sense.

--The play diagrams look 10 times worse than in NCAA.

WTF
--Which one of the Spiders from Mars designed that ticker? You know what gets me ready for some football? Glitter behind a play clock.

--Again with the ticker beiing on all the f***in time. If my plasma gets burned in I'm going to drive to the EA offices and throw it through their front window.

--As Dan Clarke pointed out, there seems to be no way to tell how many timeouts the other team has.

--How about giving us the OPTION to add Hall of Fame players after we reach Madden level 2 by hitting A, B, X, LB, LB, LB Y to have our QB scratch his balls? I know there is a pretty simple workaround, but Jimminy Christmas, does anyone in the sports gaming industry actually play sports games?

--No snapshots in replay mode. Yes, I know I'm not 12, but damn it, I miss that feature.

--Franchise seems to be somewhat useless until a roster update and fatigue fix.

FIRST IMPRESSION
Aside from the turnovers and the odd onside kick decision, I thought the on-field action was pretty damn good. Really like the running and the controls. The negative first impressions were mostly minor presentation stuff.

Like NCAA, Madden is a bit frustrating because -- and I know this will sound craaazy -- if the development teams from the same freaking publisher had actually talked to each other, they could have exchanged their best ideas and avoided some of the irritating things that plague both games.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:49 am

I put in more games than I care to admit last night, and the lightbulb started turning on, so to speak.

I made a QB and the Lions drafted me. What a wonderfully overrated offense, and a horrible defense...possibly the worst in video game football history. I finish the preseason riding an average 149.1 QB rating through the 4 preseason games, and not knowing what it's like to throw an interception, compared to 8 TD's.

Regular season starts, and all of it goes out the window (kind of). I can carve up the Seattle defense at will, but they can do WHATEVER they want against the Lions D. The teams combine for over 1,100 yards in the game...that's just ridiculous. I threw for 488 yards and 3 TD's, but tossed 3 horrible interceptions, two of which were returned for scores and lost the game. The Seahawks did whatever they wanted on offense, so me giving them free points proved to be my undoing. Never seen anything like it...I lost 62-37. They put up 62 points .

I decided to give ROLB a shot, so I may get sent on a blitz and get some QB pressures. The Dolphins take me and I sim all the preseason games and just hop right into the fire. First game I just sort of "got it", I don't know why. I made game-changing plays repeatedly. Final stat line: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass deflection, 2 interceptions, and 1 touchdown. Catching the pick and racing to daylight was the biggest hoot-and-holler moment in video game football history so far for me. However, I got no real pressure on the QB, either. It is definitely fun, though. I made myself an ROLB so I didn't have to cover the TE every play hehe.

Lastly, I went back to the Strong Safety position, but decided to play the preseason again. I ran a 4.70 dash, then put up 35 reps on the bench press. My dad was a "Hall of Fame SS", my mom was a chemist or something, and every single agent in the game wanted to sign me at the start. I thought that was cool...with a hall of fame pedigree, there were only 4 or 5 agents who I couldn't hire.

I go through the combine, say all the right things in the interviews (Player Ego: Team Player), and finally the draft arrives. "You've been drafted by the Oakland Raiders".

I almost sh*t myself.

So I'm assigned #45, Michael Huff was taken also somewhere still, and now we're the safety tandem for my beloved Silver & Black. In practice, I'm blitzing Brooks, knocking down passes, and return another INT to the house. I'm a freakin' dynamo.

Then "real" game action hits in preseason week 1. We go to Minnesota and I totally and completely freeze. I'm late reacting to runs, late doing almost anything. The defense is solid, but the offense is horrible (sounds like real life in that game), and we are clinging to a tight 9-7 lead in the 4th quarter...a lead that I had no real part in other than observing. Huff had a nice pick, though. I see the offense line up, twins right, and I move into my standard position closer to the line. The play call is a straight cover 2 zone, so the deep section is all me. No big deal, I'm solid.

That's when it happened. Welcome to the NFL, rook.

The Vikings ran a beautiful "abuse the safety" play, with the slot receiver running a deep post and the flanker running a fly. All I saw was the slot receiver and I broke on the route to try a pick. The QB sets, turns my way, and fires....35 yards behind me to a wide open streaking WR. TD. Game, set, match.

My final stat line for my "future HoFer": 2 tackles, 1TFL, nothing else. I was abused thoroughly throughout the game.

I don't know why I babbled all of this out, other than to say SUPERSTAR MODE KICKS A$$!!!!!!! I've never had such wildly different experiences from game to game before...and I WILL learn to be a good strong safety, dammit!!!!!

TheTruth · Post by **TheTruth** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:57 pm

Wow..saw this over at OS. EA Sports Gamecast. http://www.easports.com/madden07/gamecast.jsp

I was just playing around and did a search on Zeppo's gamer tag and it had a game he played against Mellenium. You can see every play called both offense and defense. Like watching one of ESPN's gamecast on the web.

Oh yeah, Mellenium won 17-0. Sorry Zepp!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:14 pm

TheTruth wrote:Wow..saw this over at OS. EA Sports Gamecast. http://www.easports.com/madden07/gamecast.jsp

I was just playing around and did a search on Zeppo's gamer tag and it had a game he played against Mellenium. You can see every play called both offense and defense. Like watching one of ESPN's gamecast on the web.

Oh yeah, Mellenium won 17-0. Sorry Zepp!

That is pretty damn cool. It shows the offense and defense picked as well. You can use it to scout out your opponents.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:18 pm

That is cool. That would be great if they would incorporate the VIP system from 2k5 with that.

billharris44 · Post by **billharris44** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:20 pm

So for those of you playing Superstar mode, which position gives you the best camera view? TCrouch, that one's really for you, since you've tried so many different positions. And are you guys seeing that influence pop-up screen after every single play, or is that unique to the 360 version? Thanks.