Madden NFL 12

[JRod]

Last night set it to 10 minutes quarters and still felt like it needed more.

Had my first franchise game Broncos v Raiders and I have to say I had a lot of fun with it. I was only using game flow and the broken plays that bugged me in the demo, never really came up. (I was using Bill's suggested changes.) McFadden had 20 carried for 65 yards. Jason Campbell went 9-19 but had a long 65 yard touchdown because I screwed up a tackled.

One thing I hate -- JUMPING LBS. There's no way an LB can make a play on a ball that's thrown to a wide open receiver 15 yards deeper then he. What's stupid is that I would float the ball there but then it's a moon ball which allows a one-legged pirate from the stands go get a beer, drink it, piss it out, come on the field, fondler a cheerleader and still have time to swat the ball.

I wish EA could do more in the passing game. In NFL 2k, you could float a ball to the corner of the end zone and either the WR would get it no one would. Things like that are NOT in the game. Instead you try it and in Madden it's a jump ball in front of 3 guys and you guy gets the ball. It just looks cheesy.

But I think it plays a better game of football than NCAA. Heck, I had a lot of fun with my first game which makes Tuesday hard.

[Inuyasha]

But I think it plays a better game of football than NCAA.

in before the lock

[MizzouRah]

If I remember correctly.. and it's been a LONG time since I played Madden... 12 min quarters was about perfect.

[JRod]

This morning has to play the same game as last night because I forget I didn't save.

COMPLETELY different game. The Raiders were able to run. Jason Campbell got hot. McFadden got hot. And Orton got cold with his new rating trigger happy.

It was 28-0 at the half. Then it crashes.

I think one of the reasons why NCAA feels better in the past is because you face so many types of teams that it always feels different. In Madden if you faced one team you faced them all. The streak thing, while overdone, helps to alleviate this problem.

So far it's a lot of fun.

[MizzouRah]

If you watched the Rams - Chiefs game last night.. Bradford threw an INT to a super LB.

[Aristo]

If you watched the Rams - Chiefs game last night.. Bradford threw an INT to a super LB.

I almost tried to find a clip to post of that. I saw it and thought of the Madden and NCAA immediately.

[MizzouRah]

I almost tried to find a clip to post of that. I saw it and thought of the Madden and NCAA immediately.

That's funny.. I thought the same thing as soon as I watched it happen.

[MizzouRah]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpmLG5T2i4E

Fast foward to 1:08 of last night's Rams - Chiefs game.. SUPER LB!

[XXXIV]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpmLG5T2i4E

Fast foward to 1:08 of last night's Rams - Chiefs game.. SUPER LB!

When I saw that pass I didnt think of Madden or EA or super linebackers, I thought of Marc Bulger.

Wrong thread but since we are there ...Except for that play the Rams first team offense from Sam to SJ to the line looked great!

Go Rams!

[Brando70]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpmLG5T2i4E

Fast foward to 1:08 of last night's Rams - Chiefs game.. SUPER LB!

Ha, that's a controller-breaker right there.

[MizzouRah]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpmLG5T2i4E

Fast foward to 1:08 of last night's Rams - Chiefs game.. SUPER LB!

Ha, that's a controller-breaker right there.

Haha.. you got that right!

[TCrouch]

I almost never try sliders, but after shutting out the Jets 43-0, and beating the Patriots 42-3 (the Jets had the "CPU doesn't show up" game that Bill had mentioned before), I decided to see if I could do anything about it. I was a little skeptical of some of the sliders that Bill had recommended...bumping up CPU Pass protection to 85? I'd never get a sack! Lowering my run D awareness, and cranking up the CPU run blocking? It seemed pretty much like just inviting the CPU to cheat as much as possible.

Then I tried a game.

I'm blown away by how different it can feel. I stuck to his recommendations across the board and had 2 of the best games I've had in this year's version last night. I gave up 126 yards on 24 carries to Shonn Greene in a test matchup, and squeaked by on a late FG to win 27-24.

I thought it would be impossible for me to run (as I'm not terribly great at it to begin with), but it turned my 6-yard-ISO runs into 2 or 3 yarders, which is much more believable. I still got a few 15 to 20 yard runs off when I just hit the gap perfectly on time, and it put McFadden's per-carry average in the 4 range instead of 6.X...so, again, about perfect.

Then, in the passing game, I threw one pick when I just completely misread the defense and threw it right at a backer dropping into a hook zone that I thought was in man to man. Other than that, some of the irritating picks I'd been throwing disappeared--things like a wideout getting inside position on a deep in, making his break, and then watching as the CPU corner breaks late, beats him to the inside, and grabs the interception. I was getting irritated being punished for a sound football decision, but saw nothing like that in those games.

I wasn't hating the game, but I could see myself getting bored after a season or so if I continued to have offenses putting up 0 rushing yards and 38 total yards (like the Jets did in that game, combined with 5 picks). I still got a couple of turnovers in those 2 games after trying the sliders, but quite a few that would have been picks were just incomplete passes, so it didn't end up getting out of hand with 5 turnovers or something in a single game.

The pass rush was something I found very interesting, though. On my first match it was a simple preseason game, and early on I didn't get much pressure. But as it's been noted, the depth charts really do some weird stuff once they start subbing in preseason. Richard Seymour somehow ended up on the field as a defensive end in a Nickel, even though he was buried on the depth chart on all defensive line positions. With him against a 2nd or 3rd string offensive tackle in the late goings of a game, he was absolutely dominant. He had a pair of sacks and completely ran amok in the offensive backfield for a good series or two before I went "wtf is Seymour still doing out there???" and found a way to get him off the field (pass rush package swap finally got him out of the game). But I thought that it really was telling that even with the pass rush cranked up, a good player still dominated crappy players. At least that meant the game wasn't outright cheating

I guess the point is...thanks, Bill. I'm a skeptic of anything slider-related, but based on what I experienced last night, I might be a believer this year, at least! Although I don't know what the good penalty settings are. I tried cranking up the obvious ones--pass interference, roughing the passer/kicker, etc. And I think I'm pretty good with almost everything except roughing the passer. I ended up with FIVE in the first game, and I was still seeing them an inordinate amount of times with it set at 60--do you guys leave that one alone?

[JRod]

All I am going to say is Madden is fun. (I only play with the game plan mode -- And Bill's sliders.)

I need to find a good sub in/out slider set because I could have easily racked up 35-40 carries with some RBs. There's no need to have back-ups. I also upped injuries.


Played a game last night where the Raiders (had to replay this three times because of crashes) could run but Campbell couldn't pass. He got hot and I got an important sack and pick on two drives in the 4th. Orton got hot too where he could make any throw. Oh and each game was different.

If there's a red flag, it's late game AI. They just get weird and do some really stupid things. In the last drive of the game down by 4, they called a few all fly plays where it was just a wasted down because I was in prevent mode. It resulted in a jump ball and they had more the 1:30 on the clock to call plays to move the ball.

I think the AI is a mixed bag in recognizing star players. I want to think it will pass away from Champ Bailey because of the shutdown corner attribute. I need to play as more teams to see.

Damn I had no intention of getting Madden.

[toonarmy]

I almost never try sliders, but after shutting out the Jets 43-0, and beating the Patriots 42-3 (the Jets had the "CPU doesn't show up" game that Bill had mentioned before), I decided to see if I could do anything about it. I was a little skeptical of some of the sliders that Bill had recommended...bumping up CPU Pass protection to 85? I'd never get a sack! Lowering my run D awareness, and cranking up the CPU run blocking? It seemed pretty much like just inviting the CPU to cheat as much as possible.

Then I tried a game.

I'm blown away by how different it can feel. I stuck to his recommendations across the board and had 2 of the best games I've had in this year's version last night. I gave up 126 yards on 24 carries to Shonn Greene in a test matchup, and squeaked by on a late FG to win 27-24.

I thought it would be impossible for me to run (as I'm not terribly great at it to begin with), but it turned my 6-yard-ISO runs into 2 or 3 yarders, which is much more believable. I still got a few 15 to 20 yard runs off when I just hit the gap perfectly on time, and it put McFadden's per-carry average in the 4 range instead of 6.X...so, again, about perfect.

Then, in the passing game, I threw one pick when I just completely misread the defense and threw it right at a backer dropping into a hook zone that I thought was in man to man. Other than that, some of the irritating picks I'd been throwing disappeared--things like a wideout getting inside position on a deep in, making his break, and then watching as the CPU corner breaks late, beats him to the inside, and grabs the interception. I was getting irritated being punished for a sound football decision, but saw nothing like that in those games.

I wasn't hating the game, but I could see myself getting bored after a season or so if I continued to have offenses putting up 0 rushing yards and 38 total yards (like the Jets did in that game, combined with 5 picks). I still got a couple of turnovers in those 2 games after trying the sliders, but quite a few that would have been picks were just incomplete passes, so it didn't end up getting out of hand with 5 turnovers or something in a single game.

The pass rush was something I found very interesting, though. On my first match it was a simple preseason game, and early on I didn't get much pressure. But as it's been noted, the depth charts really do some weird stuff once they start subbing in preseason. Richard Seymour somehow ended up on the field as a defensive end in a Nickel, even though he was buried on the depth chart on all defensive line positions. With him against a 2nd or 3rd string offensive tackle in the late goings of a game, he was absolutely dominant. He had a pair of sacks and completely ran amok in the offensive backfield for a good series or two before I went "wtf is Seymour still doing out there???" and found a way to get him off the field (pass rush package swap finally got him out of the game). But I thought that it really was telling that even with the pass rush cranked up, a good player still dominated crappy players. At least that meant the game wasn't outright cheating

I guess the point is...thanks, Bill. I'm a skeptic of anything slider-related, but based on what I experienced last night, I might be a believer this year, at least! Although I don't know what the good penalty settings are. I tried cranking up the obvious ones--pass interference, roughing the passer/kicker, etc. And I think I'm pretty good with almost everything except roughing the passer. I ended up with FIVE in the first game, and I was still seeing them an inordinate amount of times with it set at 60--do you guys leave that one alone?

This is great news. It sounds like this game is really good with minimal slider adjustments. I can live with a little slider tweaking here and there if it truly fixes major issues without screwing up other parts of the game. Really looking forward to getting the game tomorrow.

[TCrouch]

I played a season opener against Denver (most of it) at lunch. They marched down the field on me on a controlled attack on the opening possession, taking a 7-0 lead. I punted, forced a punt, and ended up notching a FG to close it to 7-3. Battling back and forth, we end up in a 13-13 halftime tie.

But the Broncos still could not stop McFadden. I broke off a 70 yarder for my first touchdown, and then just ground the piss out of them in the second half as I jumped out to a 20-13, and then 27-13 lead. The only thing that kept the game close was me doing my best CPU AI attempt and throwing it at Champ Bailey (didn't know it was him as it was a twins left and I thought he was somewhere else haha) for a pick, and Jason Campbell doing his best impression of JaMarcus Russell.

Maybe it's something about the Raiders, JRod...I could run like a demon on Denver but couldn't pass to save my life. I had to pause it and come back to work up 30-13, but Campbell completed less than 50% of his passes with 2 interceptions and no touchdowns. McFadden had almost 200 on the ground, though, which kept me controlling the clock and the game.

[Danimal]

I've been meaning to post but I am going to buy this game thanks to Bill's sliders. Since using them 4 out of 5 games have been great and all 5 have had a competent cpu offense.

I was 3-0 pre-sliders and I went 2-3 with the sliders which is how it should be the Bears aren't very good. So now that the game plays well I can appreciate the other things like cutting rosters down. It was tough getting attached to rookies during pre-season but having to cut them.

I made a few changes that he didn't have. I like to see subs during games so I have the fatigue set at 65 right now and I have most autosubs set to come out at 80 and back in at 85. This creates a good rotation on the defensive line. I honestly have no idea if these auto subs work on the cpu though. I also needed to see a bettewr speed differential and I am still tweaking this but right now it is at 35. It really helps to seperate the faster guys.

There are still things I don't like for example the franchise menu is crappy and as stated the audio is really horrible. Last night Julius Peppers picked up a fumble and scored a 6 yard TD. Then one of the guys went on a audio rant on how he has it all as a ball carrier, vision, speed elusiveness. I'm sorry that goes beyond bad commentary to just not giving a s*** about it.

Anyway you can make this game play well and on the field it's better then it has been but you'll need to find good sliders to not get bored as Terry says.

[10spro]

One aspect of the game that I'd like to see improved is the PA call. Establishing a good run should make the defense more likely to bite, but play action calls should be executed well regardless. And right now PA calls are not working for me. However like some of you, I really enjoyed the challenge from the CPU after some minor slider adjustments but I would really like to include more PA calls in my gameplan before my QB getting creamed regularly. It just seems to take too long to execute.

[TCrouch]

PA seems to be completely hit or miss for me. Some of my best passing plays have been PAs to the tight end down the sideline against a cover 2...but even if I'm gashing them for 200 yards on the ground, sometimes the PA still gets ignored and they obliterate the QB like the run is no threat whatsoever. I feel you there.

[MizzouRah]

Mine comes tomorrow and I'll start with a game on AP to see how it plays out of the box.

Danimal, if you get a chance, post what sliders you are using please. Also, are you on 12 minute quarters?


Thanks!

[Diablo25]

Just don't think I am going to want to put the time in with the game. My preorder will be here tomorrow. If anyone wants a brand new sealed Madden 12 (360) send me a PM otherwise I will go the EBay route. $50 shipped. First come first served.

[bkrich83]

Just don't think I am going to want to put the time in with the game. My preorder will be here tomorrow. If anyone wants a brand new sealed Madden 12 (360) send me a PM otherwise I will go the EBay route. $50 shipped. First come first served.

Imo, the game is worth at the least a rental. I generally don't enjoy Madden that much, but this game has been different for me.

[Danimal]

Mine comes tomorrow and I'll start with a game on AP to see how it plays out of the box.

Danimal, if you get a chance, post what sliders you are using please. Also, are you on 12 minute quarters?


Thanks!

Ah I just turned off the game for the night I'll get them to you tomorrow.

I got blasted by the Bucs 44-13 which while not fun was all my fault. Throwing picks all over the place and the Buc's offense chewed me up in every way possible. When your whole defense is basically on a cold streak for 3 games it's tough to win.

Then I lost a game 10-7 to the Eagles in the pouring rain. I saved some videos of the Eagles players falling down in the open field because the turf was wet and they leaned forward too much. Losing this game put a sour taste in my mouth because the Eagles went up with a touch down with 1:37 left. It wasn't that it happened but how. My safety just kind of got caught in some kind of goofy animation and when he went to cut he back peddelaed right out of the play it was weird. If it was the game's way of animating a missed coverage then it looked horrible.

However since adjusting these sliders I am getting good games, Jay Cutler is being sacked so much it is frustrating but the bears don't have an O-linemen in the 80's so it makes sense.

[dbdynsty25]

I'm actually wondering if I am going to get to play a franchise game NOT in the rain. Hopefully its not some sort of bug.

[TCrouch]

Oh my God, me too.

I restarted my first preseason game twelve times and it was rainy every single time. I just wanted to see if it would ever NOT rain, and it never did. I gave up.

[dbdynsty25]

Wonderful. So I wonder how to get around it??? I'd rather just play in sunny weather everytime like its madden 92 again. Rain sucks.

Played four franchise games and it's rained in every one of em.