Madden Patch has been released

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:22 pm

It's supposed to fix a number of things, including the rate of fumbles and the DB AI logic.

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:56 pm

My initial response is that the passing game feels better. I've been able to hit some go routes where the slot receiver ends up matched against a safety simply by letting the receiver get level and then putting air under the ball. That was a swat or a pick most times before the patch, but not now.

It feels like the vertical ball may actually be a component again, which is nice.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:28 pm

After playing NFL2K5 again, this couldn't come a moment too soon. To be honest, this year's Madden with the fumblitis was the first "game killer" I've ever had with the series...and I'm generally a pretty forgiving guy. It's easy for me to overlook things and have fun with a game if it even remotely resembles a football game. I just couldn't play a normal game with a fumble every other series, whether it's the CPU back or not.

If the CPU QB's can stop throwing 5 picks a game, I might actually finish a season now.

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:53 pm

TCrouch wrote:After playing NFL2K5 again, this couldn't come a moment too soon. To be honest, this year's Madden with the fumblitis was the first "game killer" I've ever had with the series...and I'm generally a pretty forgiving guy. It's easy for me to overlook things and have fun with a game if it even remotely resembles a football game. I just couldn't play a normal game with a fumble every other series, whether it's the CPU back or not.

If the CPU QB's can stop throwing 5 picks a game, I might actually finish a season now.

With religious use of the cover up button, I really haven't had many fumble issues.

It may just be me, but for the first time in the next gen, the Madden passing game feels great.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:58 pm

I heard that and tried it. I never used speed burst, held the bumper and covered up religiously. I still had fumbles for no apparent reason every other series. I can see the game saying "well the Raiders suck and so does LaMont Jordan", but using cover up like I was going to catch the clap if I didn't, I still had 7 fumbles through 4 games with Jordan...and another 4 with Fargas.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:53 pm

I'm certainly not encouraged by the fact that I got an interception return for a TD and the CPU had two fumble returns for TDs in my first 3 quarters of action. I guess I did *deserve* the two fumbles (Big Ben scramble and a truck stick move with Parker).

It seems like the main thing now is that the defensive backs just jump up and swat instead of picking it off.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:50 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I'm certainly not encouraged by the fact that I got an interception return for a TD and the CPU had two fumble returns for TDs in my first 3 quarters of action. I guess I did *deserve* the two fumbles (Big Ben scramble and a truck stick move with Parker).

It seems like the main thing now is that the defensive backs just jump up and swat instead of picking it off.

It looks like the real patch will be Madden 09.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 11:41 pm

TCrouch wrote:If the CPU QB's can stop throwing 5 picks a game, I might actually finish a season now.

Well, if you can live with about 3 picks a game from the CPU instead of 5 then you will be OK.

If it wasn't for a few more tipped passes by DB's you couldn't convince me that there was a patch. I still see way too many fumbles as well, but at least so far more than half have been recovered by the offense.

I had high hopes for this patch because I love 90% of the game, but the 10% that is screwed up sucks all the fun out of it.

drbaseball · Post by **drbaseball** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:10 am

Leebo33 wrote:
TCrouch wrote:If the CPU QB's can stop throwing 5 picks a game, I might actually finish a season now.
Well, if you can live with about 3 picks a game from the CPU instead of 5 then you will be OK.

If it wasn't for a few more tipped passes by DB's you couldn't convince me that there was a patch. I still see way too many fumbles as well, but at least so far more than half have been recovered by the offense.

I had high hopes for this patch because I love 90% of the game, but the 10% that is screwed up sucks all the fun out of it.

Try the PC version. Its been out for months. No patch necessary.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:37 am

Yup gotta agree with the PC version. It's super refined and has very little to no issues. Once again the PC version plays the best 2 years in a row.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:37 am

Actually surprised they patch so long after release.

Generally don't like streaks to be too easy to complete so I'm wary about this patch (assuming they patched the PS3 version).

How about patching in a Team Online mode? That would refresh the game for me.[/list]

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:18 am

wco81 wrote:Actually surprised they patch so long after release.

Generally don't like streaks to be too easy to complete so I'm wary about this patch (assuming they patched the PS3 version).

How about patching in a Team Online mode? That would refresh the game for me.[/list]

Oh, I agree, but they shouldn't be physically impossible, either. It should be a question of the matchup and the player positioning. A slot receiver going full speed should be able to beat a safety who has to turn and trail, provided there's time to get the pass off.

I'm having a hard time getting over just how much better the passing game feels. Not only are the DB reactions much more plausible, but it feels like the arc and velocity on the throws has been tweaked. It feels so much better.

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:22 am

How do you get the patch for the 360 version - do you have to set up an online game, or does it install if you are logged in to XBL but playing it offline ?

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:27 am

davet010 wrote:does it install if you are logged in to XBL but playing it offline ?

Yes

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:57 am

I'm intrigued about renting the game again, but damn if the presentation is so bland. I just can't stomach playing more than one game.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:15 am

Ironically enough, my very first carry was a fumble.

But the rest of the night, the only fumbles I had were on really big hits that I generally deserved to fumble on (truck sticking with Justin Fargas is just stupid).

Nnamdi Asomugha had 3 INT's in the first game against Kitna, and the rest of the D pitched in with 2 more. So, still right on pace for 5 a game.

In Denver, Jay Cutler only threw 1 and that was a hell of a battle with very few turnovers total and very little scoring....12-3 in a battle of field goals. Then I played some Superstar as Adrian Peterson, and if that's anything close to how that kid feels out on the field, that's ridiculous. I guess they had a ratings increase with the patch, because Peterson is a 92 overall or something with power back, elusive back, etc. I think I had 229 rushing against Atlanta on 32 carries without a single fumble.

So, at least through a limited play session last night, the fumble problem is corrected for me. The picks...I may have to retrain myself to quit switching and picking, because 9 times out of 10 it's an easy lob that I'll switch, strafe, and grab myself. If I quit doing that, I wonder if the CPU will just swat it or miss it...since the CPU QB's are still completing a relatively high percentage of throws. I think Kitna was still at 60% with 5 picks, which is silly.

Either way, it was the first time I've been able to play Madden most of an evening when not solely in Superstar mode, because those fumbles were really pissing me off.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:31 am

I played a couple of games last night and it is definetly noticeable how much better the game plays. You can actually put loft on the ball. I could put a soft high throw in the corner of the end zone and watch two guys go up for it. I think the effects on the passing game are opening up more animations that i had not seen before or at least not very often.

As far as turn overs i think all the people playing one game or half a game (see OS) and saying well I had 3 turn overs in a half so this patch is s*** are just crazy. You need a large sampling of games before making a judgement like that and you also need to see how the turn overs are happening.

I've watched a lot of football this year, I can't recall any games I saw less then 2 turn overs and being a bears fan most times it is more then that. I'm not sure what people are expecting not to have any turn overs?

In my first games Bears vs Texans which I won 15 - 12 and it was an all field goal battle. I was picked once over the middle because I tried to soft touch it in their with a LB right in the zone. I fumbeled once on a blind side hit on Grossman (which knocked him out of the game) and the Texans fumbeled once again on a big hit on special teams. The last one wasn;t even a fumble, but since the CPU still doesn't challenge calls not much you can do about that.

Second game Bears vs Colts I didn't have any fumbles but had 3 INTS. I threw one with Grossman trying to hit Berian Deep in double coverage. Manning through one on one of the weirdest plays I have ever seen.

The wide out was running a drag pattern and my OLB was dropping to the flat and was running through the pattern and his head was turned to another wide out. Manning tried to zip a pass and it hit my guy in the side of the helmet and then bounced off his helmet and my MLB made the pick. I know this sounds like the old pinball pass INT but it really didn't look that way at all when I watched the replay. Finally in the second half the colts backup QB (pre season games) got hammers when throwing and the ball just sailed up, thanks to that new loft tragetory and 3 guys went up for it and my SS was lucky enough to come down with it.

Anyway just a two game sample but what I liked was not one of the turnovers felt cheap. Every fumbles was on a big hit and every INT, even the helmet one was realistic. I even took several of those crunching blows while juking with a WR that pre-patch would have been a fumble without question and held onto the ball. I never once used the cover up button last night either.

If you hate Madden there is nothing here that is going to change your mind. If you mildly enjoyed Madden then this patch appears to make it much more fun. If nothing else their is no denying the passing model is much improved.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:02 pm

I guess I was alone but I enjoyed Madden and NCAA the way they were.

Through two seasons with two different teams in NCAA and one season of Madden...I didnt fumble very often at all.

I did intercept a high total for all the seasons but most of the picks came from a few of the games that were just INT fests . Most of the games were not TO crazy.

Loft while very difficult in NCAA was available...I had very little trouble lofting the ball in Madden.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:05 pm

Great news!!!

I agree that the presentation sucks, but I don't mind the gameplay.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:26 pm

Danimal wrote:I played a couple of games last night and it is definitely noticeable how much better the game plays.

I agree. I started a new Bears Franchise on default All-Pro, 9 minute quarters. Philip Rivers threw one pick and I threw two classic Rex Grossman interceptions. No fumbles all game. I did return the Rivers interception 100 yards for a TD, but it was a pretty legit pick -- he forced a pass into the endzone and I had good position. It feels like you can get passes over coverage a little better because the DBs don't always swat everything. I even lobbed a couple streaks over a close DB (which Bernard Berrian dropped -- if it's in the game...)

I don't think this will completely change anyone's opinion on Madden, but it made me want to play another game again, which I hadn't wanted to do in quite some time. The presentation still sucks and the graphics are really weak compared to what's on the 360, but I could see playing a couple seasons now.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:48 pm

Danimal wrote:I've watched a lot of football this year, I can't recall any games I saw less then 2 turn overs

The NFL average is about 1 interception per team and .75 fumbles, so your numbers are right about on the money. So it certainly isn't out of the ordinary to have each team with 2 or 3. It would be boring without those turnovers.

I think Madden's biggest problem is still the amount returned for TDs. In the entire NFL season to date there have only been 62 defensive touchdowns. Last night in 4 games I had 3 and my opponents had 2. Sure, it's a small sample size but given the large sample size pre-patch, I'm not optimistic this was something they can fix in 08. The offensive players just aren't good at all at chasing down or taking good angles to tackle on returns. In Madden you would never see the type of tackle Big Ben made on Joey Porter on Monday to save a TD. The odd thing is I went back and played some NCAA 07 last weekend and that problem didn't exist.

I had more success last night after some slider adjustments and ended the night with a very fun Philly/Pittsburgh game. I had enough fun that I'm willing to give a season a try starting tonight.

I am also considering a "no-switch to pick" policy. I usually don't like house rules, but I'd be willing to try it because as I mentioned I really like the game overall. I bet the game plays a lot better online now because almost all my problems are CPU QB related.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:53 pm

Danimal wrote:I never once used the cover up button last night either.

I probably overuse it and it's causing me fumbles. Sometimes I'll use it too early and it makes my player vulnerable to big hits. I have to try and find a middle ground.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:38 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I think Madden's biggest problem is still the amount returned for TDs.

I agree I think this and the fact that the CPU doesn't challenge calls is a major issue. I was actually surprised last night when I got run down from behind on an INT. But typically you get one and your gone.

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. Before this patch I would pop Madden in once in a while play a game, get sick to my stomach and not look at it for a few weeks. After playing two games last night I can't wait to get home and start adjusting some sliders and get into my franchise.

It will be nice if they actually release the NCAA patch as well. I know people are bithcing it took 4 months to get a patch, me I'm find it shocking that they would release a patch after so long.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:44 pm

Danimal wrote:I agree I think this and the fact that the CPU doesn't challenge calls is a major issue

Yeah, the "good" news is that *you* can challenge the play and have it overturned.

I know it doesn't seem right, but it does work if it is something that is totally obvious.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 2:10 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
Danimal wrote:I agree I think this and the fact that the CPU doesn't challenge calls is a major issue
Yeah, the "good" news is that *you* can challenge the play and have it overturned. I know it doesn't seem right, but it does work if it is something that is totally obvious.

Yeah but then you waste one of your challenges.