Madden Patch has been released

Blublub · Post by **Blublub** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:30 pm

Meh. Downloaded, fired it up and fumbled my first possession. Picked off the CPU on their second play. Got that same sick feeling as with unpatched and NCAA. Turned off forever.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:46 pm

Blublub wrote:Meh. Downloaded, fired it up and fumbled my first possession. Picked off the CPU on their second play. Got that same sick feeling as with unpatched and NCAA. Turned off forever.

Its toned down.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:51 pm

I fumbled my first carry.

Then didn't fumble for the next 30.

I don't think there's anything you can do about CPU pickoffs unless you refuse to switch-and-pick.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 5:44 pm

I actually had a game today (8 min qrt.) with no CPU turnovers and a game in the rain with no fumbles! This is with crazy slider adjustments (almost everything on zero except QB acc) It's still way too easy to get returns for TDs (I probably have 8 alone since the patch), but it's fair on both sides so I'm just going to live with it.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:55 pm

Second game with the patch was pretty turnover-prone. I played KC vs. Chicago (me). Brodie Croyle threw 4 pics and KC fumbled three times. I threw three picks with Grossman and fumbled a return with Devin Hester.

Here's the big difference I've noticed post-patch: the turnovers don't feel nearly as cheap. All seven picks were from ill-advised throws into coverage or DBs having good position. The fumbles were also pretty realistic -- Hester got absolutely destroyed on a return, got hurt, and coughed it up.

The more troubling thing was that I returned three of the interceptions for TDs. However, two of the picks came with KC backed up in their territory, and my players didn't have far to go to the endzone.

I'm going to lower interceptions for both teams and tweak a bit, but overall I think the game is entertaining again. Not realistic, and certainly not perfect, but I am having fun again.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:59 pm

Brando70 wrote:I threw three picks with Grossman and fumbled a return with Devin Hester.

.

Sounds realistic

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 1:41 am

Yep.. still seeing turnovers galore some games, others.. not so much, BUT the passing game really seems improved imho.

The game is fun and I think I'll finally get to start a dynasty.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:50 am

Having played 9 games post-patch, I haven't really seen a decrease in turnovers. Before the patch, I had some games with just a couple and others with a lot. Post-patch, it's the same. The two biggest differences are that there are fewer fumbles, especially from really good backs, and that the turnovers seem more realistic. DBs don't perform as many gravity defying picks as before.

However, the amount of turnovers returned for scores is still a big problem. I played a game last night where I returned 3 interceptions for TDs, including a 103-yard return by Lance Briggs. I could have had a fourth but I sort of deliberately ran into traffic because it was getting ridiculous. Those types of games do happen in real life, but pretty rarely. This was the second time in 9 games where I had three defensive scores. I think two other games have had two defensive scores, and I'm averaging more than one defensive TD per game, mostly on interceptions.

The problem is partly the poor pursuit AI, but I think the biggest problem is the DB momentum. DBs in Madden often have a full head of steam when they pick off a pass. That allows them to get a huge head start on pursuing offensive players. In the real NFL, most picks tend to happen when the DB and WR are both going for the ball and the DB wins the battle, usually going down or at least going back away from the line of scrimmage.

I really think this game is getting closer. The passing game does feel better after the patch, and the running game had already been improved. But EA really needs to look at why defenses score so much, because it really unbalances the game.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:05 pm

I agree with everything you posted Brando. The patch gives me some hope for '08, but I'm going to sell Madden. I picked up NCAA 07 and NFL 2K5 for $10 combined for when I need a football fix. Might also take a look at APF again at $10.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:25 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I agree with everything you posted Brando. The patch gives me some hope for '08, but I'm going to sell Madden. I picked up NCAA 07 and NFL 2K5 for $10 combined for when I need a football fix. Might also take a look at APF again at $10.

+1

I think Madden has MUCH better control than NCAA does, but I'm with you guys.. too many INT's and most are returned for TDs. This kills the enjoyment for me and I'm getting rid of it for good.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:46 pm

Count me out of the mass EA exodus...at least for NCAA. Just started a 4th dynasty with a 4th team. Love this game.

I will dump Madden as I dont see a point but NCAA is f***in fun!!...I can loft passes

.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:24 am

XXXIV wrote:Count me out of the mass EA exodus...at least for NCAA. Just started a 4th dynasty with a 4th team. Love this game.

I will dump Madden as I dont see a point but NCAA is f***in fun!!...I can loft passes .

NCAA update has been release...it could be the rumored patch.

Or we'll see the real update friday. Either way NCAA is getting a patch.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:13 am

Madden is also kind of a victim of the 360's success for me as well. A year ago, I probably would have played it a lot more. Now, with so many good games out, I don't want to bother with a game with this many issues, even if it is fun. I have NBA 2k8 for my sports fix, and have a lot of other good games to play or on the way for Christmas.

Badger_Fan · Post by **Badger_Fan** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:49 am

JRod wrote:
XXXIV wrote:Count me out of the mass EA exodus...at least for NCAA. Just started a 4th dynasty with a 4th team. Love this game.

I will dump Madden as I dont see a point but NCAA is f***in fun!!...I can loft passes .
NCAA update has been release...it could be the rumored patch.

Or we'll see the real update friday. Either way NCAA is getting a patch.

It is indeed the patch. I can't really comment on the pre-patch game too much (I just got my 360 and bought a used NCAA Football about a week ago), but I played a game last night that was outstanding. I could lead passes to my receivers. I was really able to loft the ball. And I didn't see any DBs react to passes that they shouldn't be able to see. Made the game a lot of fun.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:11 pm

Yeah that NCAA patch is legit. It very easy to see right away once you loft your first pass deep over thye head of a CB.

I played my first game last night and didn't have a single turnover, hell I unlocked the No INT's and No Sacks achievements LOL