IGN Madden review

injunwal · Post by **injunwal** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:53 pm

Not sure if this is Insider only as it was linked in their forums

9.5 - DAMN, Madden may truely be back

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/536/536289p1.html

skidmark · Post by **skidmark** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:06 pm

"This season, ESPN might have plenty of sizzle, but Madden is still the steak."

This review had a lot of sizzle...

...the only new feature it really touts over last year is the "hit stick"? I don't have anything against Madden, but I don't see one bit of innovation that is truly exciting.

Parker · Post by **Parker** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:09 pm

Sometimes the best innovations are minor gameplay tweaks. If defense has improved like promised and there are no glaring problems that can't be fixed with sliders or issues with franchise mode, then it could be worthy of a 9.5.

injunwal · Post by **injunwal** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:13 pm

I was not a fan of Madden last year mainly because I thought the defense was horrible. After reading Terry's impressions and this review it seems that the defense has been greatly improved. I could care less about new innovations. I thought Playmaker control was gimicky and I expect the same from the Hit Stick.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:16 pm

injunwal wrote:I was not a fan of Madden last year mainly because I thought the defense was horrible. After reading Terry's impressions and this review it seems that the defense has been greatly improved. .

TCs review holds alot more water with me than IGNs..............but more praise sure doesnt hurt my anticipation..........

TrojanMan · Post by **TrojanMan** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:44 pm

I wonder how the online leagues will work, in comparison to ESPN, e.g., will there be real divisions? Trading? "Living Rosters"? The super cool web site, with stats, box scores, etc?

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:59 pm

No trades, no living rosters.

Unknown about divisions. They are trying to set it up for the start of the NFL season.

IGN has always given Madden a 9+ review.

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 6:22 pm

The thing about Madden, the thing that MUST be fixed is that player ratings have to matter, and not just "speed". This is a reason I'm loving ESPN and not so loving NCAA. You can tell a difference in the ability of the players in ESPN, and not just by how fast they can run. Flaws and all, that's a HUGE advantage that ESPN has, at least right now before we've had a chance to dissect Madden.

There is also a fabulous feeling of unexpectedness in ESPN that I relish--so many little things can happen in a game that help it come alive; Madden needs to feel less scripted because over the past few years it's been as scripted as a political convention--down to the letter. I'm looking forward to seeing it, though. I doubt I start a franchise until the real rosters are set, anyway.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 7:58 pm

Went to the mall today and paid off Madden 2005. Picked up Doom 3 and got a pretzel. Overall I gave my afternoon a 9.6.

IGN has always given Madden a 9+ review.

For the PS2 yes, for the Xbox no. Only the reviewer Jon Robinson has given out the 9+ for Madden the last 2 years. Arron Boulding gave Madden 2002/2003 an 8.6/8.8 respectively on the Xbox.

For the record Jon Robinson was the very same reviewer to give NFL Street a 9.2. Did anyone here play more then 20 games of NFL Street? Of course I am not saying he is biased or that EA pays well for reviews but...

He spends a chunk of time comparing the games in his review yet...

(Xbox scores)

ESPN
-------------------
10.0 - Presentation
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
------------------
Overall: 9.4 (From a different reviewer)

MADDEN
-------------------
9.0 - Presentation
8.0 - Graphics
7.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
-------------------
Overall 9.5

Apparently IGN math is more complex then trig class. Also many people have found this statement to make you scratch your chiny chin chin.

"If you have $70, buy a copy of each game and be thankful for owning both. If you only have $20.00, beg someone for $30 more and buy yourself a copy of Madden. It's a close call, but someone has to win, just ask the Panthers."

Oh joy a new reality show... Beg Borrow and Deal for Madden 2005.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:12 pm

bdoughty wrote: Oh joy a new reality show... Beg Borrow and Deal for Madden 2005.

Now that ............was funny

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:24 pm

No offense to Terry and IGN, but since I'll be working in another state for the next three months, I'm waiting on the Bill Abner review.

If there's someone who will get to the bottom of the game and spend the needed time and not gloss over the bad, I'm interested in hearing what Bill says.

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:29 pm

JRod wrote: If there's someone who will get to the bottom of the game and spend the needed time and not gloss over the bad, I'm interested in hearing what Bill says.

Oh, great. Pressure. Thanks a lot JRod!

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 8:33 pm

I don't include TC in this at all

EA has greatly expanded it's Community Leaders program. It's using early copies (some guys getting both PS2 and Xbox copies) to help promote the game.

Okay not everyone of these guys are doing formal reviews. But they are posting on forums their opinions of the game, answering questions, posting screens and videos, etc.

That's all good but this summer, they flew out a number of them out to California to get a tour of EA headquarters, hobnob with NFL players and play the game.

As long as these guys don't review the game, I have no problems. But if they do, watch out. I think it's a sticky issue with film, TV and music reviewers who are hosted for print junkets by studios and record companies, as far as the credibility of their reviews.

It's one thing if EA buys the so-called gaming media. But I wonder if these guys will have problems expressing criticisms of the game or EA if the occasion arises.

Heelfan71 · Post by **Heelfan71** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:10 pm

I am undecided about this game. The previous two Maddens were great games but didn't have that "fun factor" for me. ESPN is fun to play and I am enjoying every minute of it. I'm in the same boat as JROD, I'll wait to see what Bill says.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:23 pm

Well it is never too early to build up the pre-orders for next year according to EBgames.

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/245117.asp

btmmayor · Post by **btmmayor** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:23 pm

Bill_Abner wrote: Madden needs to feel less scripted because over the past few years it's been as scripted as a political convention--down to the letter.

Amen!!!

That is the sole reason I've stopped playing the Madden series outside of a brief "tryout" period after release. This has to be fixed for me to enjoy the game again. Sadly, I just don't see EA addressing this.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 12:32 am

I'm still wondering if all-madden is really as good as he says it is. I've always played Madden on AP, but it seems as if AM was his choice of difficulty and for the most part he loved the realism that AM gives.

Like Bill, I'll reserve judgement until playing it myself, but it does have promise.

Todd

thejake · Post by **thejake** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 9:17 am

Heelfan71 wrote:I am undecided about this game. The previous two Maddens were great games but didn't have that "fun factor" for me. ESPN is fun to play and I am enjoying every minute of it. I'm in the same boat as JROD, I'll wait to see what Bill says.

Same for me. So thats a lot of pressure bill. I am loving ESPN right now but the franchise stuff and its bugs kind of get to me. Sounds like maddens franchise is excellent except for the restricted free agent bug.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 1:52 pm

bdoughty wrote:He spends a chunk of time comparing the games in his review yet...

(Xbox scores)

ESPN
-------------------
10.0 - Presentation
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
------------------
Overall: 9.4 (From a different reviewer)

MADDEN
-------------------
9.0 - Presentation
8.0 - Graphics
7.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
-------------------
Overall 9.5

I think the free knee pads EA threw in gave the game an extra half point.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 2:01 pm

Brando70 wrote:
bdoughty wrote:He spends a chunk of time comparing the games in his review yet...

(Xbox scores)

ESPN
-------------------
10.0 - Presentation
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
------------------
Overall: 9.4 (From a different reviewer)

MADDEN
-------------------
9.0 - Presentation
8.0 - Graphics
7.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
-------------------
Overall 9.5
I think the free knee pads EA threw in gave the game an extra half point.

It's actually a tenth of a point. EA will have to try harder next year

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 2:32 pm

I get Madden every year and this year will be no exception. I was initially not very excited about getting Madden this year and merely looking forward to it with ESPN being so damn good IMO. After hearing what Cincy and Terry have to say though I am very excited now.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 3:27 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:I get Madden every year and this year will be no exception. I was initially not very excited about getting Madden this year and merely looking forward to it with ESPN being so damn good IMO. After hearing what Cincy and Terry have to say though I am very excited now.

You have ESP...........N

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 4:14 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
Brando70 wrote:
bdoughty wrote:He spends a chunk of time comparing the games in his review yet...

(Xbox scores)

ESPN
-------------------
10.0 - Presentation
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
------------------
Overall: 9.4 (From a different reviewer)

MADDEN
-------------------
9.0 - Presentation
8.0 - Graphics
7.0 - Sound
9.0 - Gameplay
10.0 - Lasting Appeal
-------------------
Overall 9.5
I think the free knee pads EA threw in gave the game an extra half point.
It's actually a tenth of a point. EA will have to try harder next year

Me no very good at math either

Seriously, though, the ESPN score adds up to 9.4, the Madden one to 8.6. Now I could see if they weighed gameplay of lasting appeal more than sound or presentation, but both games received the same gameplay and lasting appeal scores. I mean, if you're going to deny being a whore, at least make a point to hide the money instead of leaving it on the dresser.

skidmark · Post by **skidmark** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 5:33 pm

Brando70 wrote:Me no very good at math either

Seriously, though, the ESPN score adds up to 9.4, the Madden one to 8.6. Now I could see if they weighed gameplay of lasting appeal more than sound or presentation, but both games received the same gameplay and lasting appeal scores. I mean, if you're going to deny being a whore, at least make a point to hide the money instead of leaving it on the dresser.

They do specifically state on their site the final tally is "not an average", but when the one game beats out the other in 3 of the 5 categories and ties the other 2... well, I just wouldn't want to smell the fingers that pulled that score out.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 5:53 pm

skidmark wrote: well, I just wouldn't want to smell the fingers that pulled that score out.

Now thats just nasty............