espn v madden
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espn v madden
i listened to the hype for a game i planned on NEVER buying. of course, i got sucked in and buy it even though i'm really enjoying ESPN. after about 3 games...back to espn. anyone else?
I, too, was sucked in by the Madden hype, and bought a game I never wanted.
I have only played 1 game of Madden so far, but I am not running out to sell my copy of ESPN. (Actually I abought 2 copies of ESPN and still spen $15 less than Madden)
One good thing about Madden is that it feels nothing like NCAA which I hated in my limited rental. I also reall like the special teams in Madden. I like the fact that they rotate the screen as soon as the ball is kicked which makes it easier for me to find my blockers. I also like the punt return game. It just looks much more realistic to me than ESPN. Updated rosters were nice too, couldn't wait to get rid of Quincy and get Eddie.
The biggest downside of Madden is the fact that I still love ESPN. I played a couple of online games with some different teams and was amazed at how differently (and realistically) they played. Carolina had a stifling defense and power running game. I actually had to have different game plans based on who I was playing with and against. With the Cowboys, my two safeties could shut down almost any long passes. With Seattle, I was getting toasted using the same coverages that I had used with the Cowboys. I had to try something different to get my DB's in a position to make plays. My oppponent (Carolina) kept putting huge amounts of pressure to stop the run, lots of blitzes. I was able to hot route him out of the game because he lacked safety help so much. I usually have a hard time throwing deep. I almost never try deep passes if I see a lot of safety help. But when he walked those guys up to the line of scrimmage, I chunked it and Koren Robinson was great at pulling them down. The beauty is, these weren't money plays. He could have stopped me at any time if he would have quit blitzing.
I definitely have that one more game feeling with ESPN, I still need more games with Madden, but I don't hate it yet. I actually see a lot of promise there as well as the possibility that I might play two football games this year.
I have only played 1 game of Madden so far, but I am not running out to sell my copy of ESPN. (Actually I abought 2 copies of ESPN and still spen $15 less than Madden)
One good thing about Madden is that it feels nothing like NCAA which I hated in my limited rental. I also reall like the special teams in Madden. I like the fact that they rotate the screen as soon as the ball is kicked which makes it easier for me to find my blockers. I also like the punt return game. It just looks much more realistic to me than ESPN. Updated rosters were nice too, couldn't wait to get rid of Quincy and get Eddie.
The biggest downside of Madden is the fact that I still love ESPN. I played a couple of online games with some different teams and was amazed at how differently (and realistically) they played. Carolina had a stifling defense and power running game. I actually had to have different game plans based on who I was playing with and against. With the Cowboys, my two safeties could shut down almost any long passes. With Seattle, I was getting toasted using the same coverages that I had used with the Cowboys. I had to try something different to get my DB's in a position to make plays. My oppponent (Carolina) kept putting huge amounts of pressure to stop the run, lots of blitzes. I was able to hot route him out of the game because he lacked safety help so much. I usually have a hard time throwing deep. I almost never try deep passes if I see a lot of safety help. But when he walked those guys up to the line of scrimmage, I chunked it and Koren Robinson was great at pulling them down. The beauty is, these weren't money plays. He could have stopped me at any time if he would have quit blitzing.
I definitely have that one more game feeling with ESPN, I still need more games with Madden, but I don't hate it yet. I actually see a lot of promise there as well as the possibility that I might play two football games this year.
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pk500
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>>>I played a couple of online games with some different teams and was amazed at how differently (and realistically) they played.<<<
Slimer:
Bingo. I haven't played Madden yet, but you're spot-on about the differences between players and teams in ESPN.
I played a game yesterday as the Niners, and Tim Rattay was AWFUL. Overthrowing guys, getting picked, sacked, etc. Then I played last night as New England, and Tom Brady was a surgeon. Amazing the difference between the two players.
I also saw a big difference between New England's offensive line and Frisco's offensive line. I couldn't get much of a running game going as Frisco because the line wasn't opening many holes (can't remember the opponent). But once Hearst found a rare hole, he would get 4 to 6 yards, on All-Pro.
But Dillon had many "parting of the Red Sea" holes last night when I played for New England, and he made the most of them.
I'm falling hard for ESPN. Really, really enjoying it. But I'm looking forward to a comparison rental of Madden, too.
Sounds like two great, yet different, NFL games this year. We're all lucky.
Take care,
PK
Slimer:
Bingo. I haven't played Madden yet, but you're spot-on about the differences between players and teams in ESPN.
I played a game yesterday as the Niners, and Tim Rattay was AWFUL. Overthrowing guys, getting picked, sacked, etc. Then I played last night as New England, and Tom Brady was a surgeon. Amazing the difference between the two players.
I also saw a big difference between New England's offensive line and Frisco's offensive line. I couldn't get much of a running game going as Frisco because the line wasn't opening many holes (can't remember the opponent). But once Hearst found a rare hole, he would get 4 to 6 yards, on All-Pro.
But Dillon had many "parting of the Red Sea" holes last night when I played for New England, and he made the most of them.
I'm falling hard for ESPN. Really, really enjoying it. But I'm looking forward to a comparison rental of Madden, too.
Sounds like two great, yet different, NFL games this year. We're all lucky.
Take care,
PK
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"First on the throttle, last on the brakes." - @MotoGP Twitter signature
XBL Gamertag: pk4425
I've only had Madden for one night, but I think both are fantastic games. I don't regret the purchase one bit. I am playing on All-Pro with slider adjustments to help the human (ok, I suck) and CPU running. It really increased my enjoyment.
I am initially impressed with the improvements to Madden gameplay. I haven't really enjoyed a Madden game in years, but I have very high hopes for 2005 based on my initial time with the game.
I am initially impressed with the improvements to Madden gameplay. I haven't really enjoyed a Madden game in years, but I have very high hopes for 2005 based on my initial time with the game.
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matthewk
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I fell into the trap and bought Madden last night. It's too early to make a final judegement on which is better, but I do have a comment regarding teams playing differently.
I played 2 games of Madden last night, one against the Colts and another against the Panthers. I was the Packers both times.
In the first game against the Colts, Manning was constantly calling audibles at the line (just like Terry said). Harrison was his favorite target, and it took me most of the first half to figure out how to double-cover him (manual, what manual?). What I liked was that Manning was acting like Manning, and using Harrison a lot, just as he is supposed to.
In the second game, the CPU ran Davis 25 times for over 100 yards, and I was TRYING to stop him. They only threw 11 times. Again, just like the real Panthers.
I am used to this type of difference from teams in ESPN, but this is the first time I've noticed it in Madden.
Right now, the frachise glitches are killing ESPN for me. Every time figure I can live with them, I find (or read about) a new one.
I played 2 games of Madden last night, one against the Colts and another against the Panthers. I was the Packers both times.
In the first game against the Colts, Manning was constantly calling audibles at the line (just like Terry said). Harrison was his favorite target, and it took me most of the first half to figure out how to double-cover him (manual, what manual?). What I liked was that Manning was acting like Manning, and using Harrison a lot, just as he is supposed to.
In the second game, the CPU ran Davis 25 times for over 100 yards, and I was TRYING to stop him. They only threw 11 times. Again, just like the real Panthers.
I am used to this type of difference from teams in ESPN, but this is the first time I've noticed it in Madden.
Right now, the frachise glitches are killing ESPN for me. Every time figure I can live with them, I find (or read about) a new one.
-Matt
Ahhhh, nice to know the running sliders are actually helping/working. I will be trying those today! Too bad you can't use them online...(or can you?)Leebo33 wrote:I've only had Madden for one night, but I think both are fantastic games. I don't regret the purchase one bit. I am playing on All-Pro with slider adjustments to help the human (ok, I suck) and CPU running. It really increased my enjoyment.
I am initially impressed with the improvements to Madden gameplay. I haven't really enjoyed a Madden game in years, but I have very high hopes for 2005 based on my initial time with the game.
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Jimmydeicide
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I hated the 49er playbook in ESPN. However, I could use the I-form 3 WR and there's a play where the 2 WRs on one side do a corner-post combo. One or the other is open if the QB has time. These are good 20-yard patterns.
Barlow doesn't break as many tackles as Jamal Lewis and Eddie George, even though in real life, he's a 240-pound bear to bring down. But you can make plays with him. The 49er line is young and probably not rated well but the Patriots line isn't known for run blocking yet.
The 49er offense is rated low but their defense is rated respectably in ESPN, at least in the default rosters. In Madden, both sides are rated in the 60s and the line doesn't do anything. The WRs have okay speed but they can be jammed so easily, whereas you try to jam an elite WR like Moss and you're asking for it.
I think Madden's improved pass defense is a bit unrealistic in the number of swats. Last night, in a game with 4-minute quarters, I had 11 swats or passes defensed and my opponent had 14.
There were a lot of gameplay complaints about ESPN in the espnvideogames.com forums. There will be a lot of gameplay complaints about Madden as well.
Pick your poison.
Barlow doesn't break as many tackles as Jamal Lewis and Eddie George, even though in real life, he's a 240-pound bear to bring down. But you can make plays with him. The 49er line is young and probably not rated well but the Patriots line isn't known for run blocking yet.
The 49er offense is rated low but their defense is rated respectably in ESPN, at least in the default rosters. In Madden, both sides are rated in the 60s and the line doesn't do anything. The WRs have okay speed but they can be jammed so easily, whereas you try to jam an elite WR like Moss and you're asking for it.
I think Madden's improved pass defense is a bit unrealistic in the number of swats. Last night, in a game with 4-minute quarters, I had 11 swats or passes defensed and my opponent had 14.
There were a lot of gameplay complaints about ESPN in the espnvideogames.com forums. There will be a lot of gameplay complaints about Madden as well.
Pick your poison.
Jimmydeicide wrote:It seems Even the same team is on One day and Off the next,.a nice touch. Ask Pigpen about San diego.
It's true, over the past 2 weeks we have played quite a few games on Live between his Raiders and my Chargers.
They range from close, nail biting affairs, to ass whoopings by the Raiders, to ass whoopings by the Chargers.
Some games I couldn't hit a WR if my life depended on it.
Other times my WR's drop to many passes.
Then the next game I can't miss.....and my defense is outstanding.
It really is back and forth gameplay wise and I am glad that it is.
I reallly like the variety of ESPN, but I hope it isn't scripted....sometimes I wonder.
I haven't had enough time with Madden yet, I hope they have the same type of variety.
I am really enjoying Madden's Franchise/Storymode the more I play it. But once you get to actually playing the game, I am finding the gameplay dull and boring.
One of the cool things in franchise is that they do a good build up of the upcoming Sunday game. It really get's me excited to play Sunday to see how my franchise decisions will work out. But when I finally get to play the game that Sunday, it is a very dull and sterile experience. Very anti-climatic considering the build up in Franchise mode for it.
For myself, this would be the best NFL game this year: Take ESPN's on the field game and surround it with Madden's Franchise mode.
One of the cool things in franchise is that they do a good build up of the upcoming Sunday game. It really get's me excited to play Sunday to see how my franchise decisions will work out. But when I finally get to play the game that Sunday, it is a very dull and sterile experience. Very anti-climatic considering the build up in Franchise mode for it.
For myself, this would be the best NFL game this year: Take ESPN's on the field game and surround it with Madden's Franchise mode.
Random thoughts on the football games.
Well I have now had Madden for a few days. Couple of quick Observations.
I am really enjoying Madden this year. Remember I hated it last year, but this year I like it a lot. The defensive playmaker stuff allows me to make sight adjustments to my defense based on the offenses formation. Formation shifts are cool and allow you to try to create bad matchups. On the field, this is the first year EA actually got Cover 2 right. Actually zone defense in particular is improved across the board. The DB's actually attempt to maintain some leverage. Mario Running is still there, but it's better than it has been. And using the shoulder charge/protect ball button, you can almost all but eliminate it.
Madden's franchise mode is unbelievable. They took FOF and added a bunch of features and bells and whistles to it, and then strapped it to the game. After dealing with all the ESPN franchise issues, playing Madden's franchise mode is pure bliss. Add in, in-game saves, and NCAA draft imports and I really think that Madden is a franchise players dream. I wouldn't say that unless the gameplay had improved, and for me it really has. Really a nice surprise.
Madden needs to adopt the ESPN audible system. Not only the on-the-fly audible stuff, just the whole system. Formation based audibling is the way it should be.
All that being said, I still slightly prefer ESPN's gameplay. It's much closer than I thought it would be, but still I give the edge to ESPN. The run game in ESPN is amazing. I think that ratings matter in ESPN a little bit more. And the rating system in ESPN is far superior. I love that I can get a guy with average intangibles but he can get to the QB because his Pass Rush Rating was high. There are guys like that in the NFL. Guys who's measurables are ok, but they can just do certain things in the game.
Playbooks in ESPN are vastly superior, although I think Madden's improved this year. I still feel the depth and leverage of defenders in zone coverage is better in ESPN. I love that ESPN has some randomness and misplayed balls and blown coverages programmed in to the game. I love how much ratings do matter in this game.. The online league setups have been a blast for me so far, and the web pages they create are off the charts. I still think ESPN suffers from QB's who are a little to accurate and WR's who drop too many balls. But it's no where near as bad as it has been in the past. In the pass game, matchups really do make a huge difference.
While the Mario/pinball running in Madden is better, it has eliminated some things for me. Draw plays and delayed handoffs are basically useless against the Blitz or a team that really gets it's dline up the field. Because of the way ESPN gets it's RB's through holes, this is a powerful weapon against the blitz or aggressive upfield defenses. I can't tell you how many times online against people who love to bring the house everyplay I have unleashed a LaDainian Tomlinson draw play or shovel pass for big gains, which has really made people think twice about playing overly aggressive on defense. All that being said I enjoy the run game in both games.
I won't even address graphics/presentation. As far ahead of ESPN, Madden is in franchise mode, ESPN is equally as far ahead in graphics and presentation. Although I think Madden's stadium models look great.
So here's what it looks like I will be doing this year. Samething I have basically done the last couple of years. I am going to play Madden offline for franchise mode. The gameplay I feel is behind ESPN, but not very far behind. But the franchise modes is sooooo far ahead, that after playing it, I just can not enjoy franchise mode in ESPN. I will be playing ESPN online. I have had nothing but absolutely great times online in ESPN. Their online leagues are awesome, the game plays great online, and I just enjoy it to no end. The added bonus to this, is both games stay fresh, as I seem to play them in spurts.
I like both games, and think both games are by far the best editions of both franchises. For me ESPN is slightly ahead on gameplay, vastly superior on Graphics and presentation, while Madden is just a little behind in gameplay (due to ESPN better run game imo), and vastly superior in franchise mode. Really, this is an absolute great time to be a football gamer.
Sorry for the long, incoherent, rambling post, but they were just sort of random thoughts.
I am really enjoying Madden this year. Remember I hated it last year, but this year I like it a lot. The defensive playmaker stuff allows me to make sight adjustments to my defense based on the offenses formation. Formation shifts are cool and allow you to try to create bad matchups. On the field, this is the first year EA actually got Cover 2 right. Actually zone defense in particular is improved across the board. The DB's actually attempt to maintain some leverage. Mario Running is still there, but it's better than it has been. And using the shoulder charge/protect ball button, you can almost all but eliminate it.
Madden's franchise mode is unbelievable. They took FOF and added a bunch of features and bells and whistles to it, and then strapped it to the game. After dealing with all the ESPN franchise issues, playing Madden's franchise mode is pure bliss. Add in, in-game saves, and NCAA draft imports and I really think that Madden is a franchise players dream. I wouldn't say that unless the gameplay had improved, and for me it really has. Really a nice surprise.
Madden needs to adopt the ESPN audible system. Not only the on-the-fly audible stuff, just the whole system. Formation based audibling is the way it should be.
All that being said, I still slightly prefer ESPN's gameplay. It's much closer than I thought it would be, but still I give the edge to ESPN. The run game in ESPN is amazing. I think that ratings matter in ESPN a little bit more. And the rating system in ESPN is far superior. I love that I can get a guy with average intangibles but he can get to the QB because his Pass Rush Rating was high. There are guys like that in the NFL. Guys who's measurables are ok, but they can just do certain things in the game.
Playbooks in ESPN are vastly superior, although I think Madden's improved this year. I still feel the depth and leverage of defenders in zone coverage is better in ESPN. I love that ESPN has some randomness and misplayed balls and blown coverages programmed in to the game. I love how much ratings do matter in this game.. The online league setups have been a blast for me so far, and the web pages they create are off the charts. I still think ESPN suffers from QB's who are a little to accurate and WR's who drop too many balls. But it's no where near as bad as it has been in the past. In the pass game, matchups really do make a huge difference.
While the Mario/pinball running in Madden is better, it has eliminated some things for me. Draw plays and delayed handoffs are basically useless against the Blitz or a team that really gets it's dline up the field. Because of the way ESPN gets it's RB's through holes, this is a powerful weapon against the blitz or aggressive upfield defenses. I can't tell you how many times online against people who love to bring the house everyplay I have unleashed a LaDainian Tomlinson draw play or shovel pass for big gains, which has really made people think twice about playing overly aggressive on defense. All that being said I enjoy the run game in both games.
I won't even address graphics/presentation. As far ahead of ESPN, Madden is in franchise mode, ESPN is equally as far ahead in graphics and presentation. Although I think Madden's stadium models look great.
So here's what it looks like I will be doing this year. Samething I have basically done the last couple of years. I am going to play Madden offline for franchise mode. The gameplay I feel is behind ESPN, but not very far behind. But the franchise modes is sooooo far ahead, that after playing it, I just can not enjoy franchise mode in ESPN. I will be playing ESPN online. I have had nothing but absolutely great times online in ESPN. Their online leagues are awesome, the game plays great online, and I just enjoy it to no end. The added bonus to this, is both games stay fresh, as I seem to play them in spurts.
I like both games, and think both games are by far the best editions of both franchises. For me ESPN is slightly ahead on gameplay, vastly superior on Graphics and presentation, while Madden is just a little behind in gameplay (due to ESPN better run game imo), and vastly superior in franchise mode. Really, this is an absolute great time to be a football gamer.
Sorry for the long, incoherent, rambling post, but they were just sort of random thoughts.
-BK
>> Mario Running is still there, but it's better than it has been
How is Mario running being defined? I don't remember seeing this so I don't know what it is?
>> Madden's franchise mode is unbelievable.
I didn't spend a LOT of time in franchise mode in either title, but I thought that the week of setting priorities in ESPN was a great idea. Aside from 'problems', what is it about the Franchise FEATURE set that Madden has over ESPN this year? (Please don't let him say pricing pretzels <G>)
Re: Draw plays, I've never gotten them to work right in Madden, but I agree in ESPN they can be great weapons. Do you think it's a matter of better defenses against the run in Madden? Or something else?
How is Mario running being defined? I don't remember seeing this so I don't know what it is?
>> Madden's franchise mode is unbelievable.
I didn't spend a LOT of time in franchise mode in either title, but I thought that the week of setting priorities in ESPN was a great idea. Aside from 'problems', what is it about the Franchise FEATURE set that Madden has over ESPN this year? (Please don't let him say pricing pretzels <G>)
Re: Draw plays, I've never gotten them to work right in Madden, but I agree in ESPN they can be great weapons. Do you think it's a matter of better defenses against the run in Madden? Or something else?
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dbdynsty25
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That BK kid is great.
Good impressions bro...I feel amost EXACTLY like you do. I'll be keeping both and I'll play them in spurts to keep each of them fresh. I know what's going to happen if I don't do that. I'm going to sell one of them to get a new game and a couple weeks later I'll be out buying it again. Sometimes that happens when you get two really solid games, which ESPN and Madden are.
It's a great year for football gaming. Here's to hoping that we have the same great options in the spring when my favorite sports genre starts releasing games.
Good impressions bro...I feel amost EXACTLY like you do. I'll be keeping both and I'll play them in spurts to keep each of them fresh. I know what's going to happen if I don't do that. I'm going to sell one of them to get a new game and a couple weeks later I'll be out buying it again. Sometimes that happens when you get two really solid games, which ESPN and Madden are.
It's a great year for football gaming. Here's to hoping that we have the same great options in the spring when my favorite sports genre starts releasing games.
I think they're talking about when the RB gets stuck behind a linemen who's blocking but you can't easily slide off him and go around him.
If the linemen hold their blocks and better yet, not get pushed into the backfield, you can actually squeeze in between the gaps for good gains. If you have a stud MLB on the other side tho, the center not going to get much of a push.
I haven't made the draws work either but I've seen people do it successfully. The main problem is too often, the offensive linemen get pushed into the backfield (also a problem with NCAA) and worse, they don't always hold their blocks or at least stay engaged. Tackles and TEs are consistently leaving their initial assignments, going downfield looking for someone else. This is before the back has reached the line of scrimmage.
If the linemen hold their blocks and better yet, not get pushed into the backfield, you can actually squeeze in between the gaps for good gains. If you have a stud MLB on the other side tho, the center not going to get much of a push.
I haven't made the draws work either but I've seen people do it successfully. The main problem is too often, the offensive linemen get pushed into the backfield (also a problem with NCAA) and worse, they don't always hold their blocks or at least stay engaged. Tackles and TEs are consistently leaving their initial assignments, going downfield looking for someone else. This is before the back has reached the line of scrimmage.
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dbdynsty25
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Getting stuck behind your linemen and not being able to move. Basically you have to go backwards so that you can go forward again. It's ridiculous. In ESPN the back will slide to the side to get around the lineman, or he will push him in the back and move the pile. Neither are in Madden which make the running game, well, maddening.RandyM wrote: is Mario running being defined? I don't remember seeing this so I don't know what it is?
God damn running game!!!!!!!!!!!! That is my whole game style. I live and die by the running game and here I am having traded ESPN in for Madden (I thought I remembered the running game in Madden to be fairly good...it's been a while though).
If the running game was as good in Madden, the choice would be easy for me to stick with it, however, with the running game being so difficult, it is making me re-think my decision.
Sliders don't really do anything for me either since I plan on playing mostly online games.
hmmmmmmmmm....
If the running game was as good in Madden, the choice would be easy for me to stick with it, however, with the running game being so difficult, it is making me re-think my decision.
Sliders don't really do anything for me either since I plan on playing mostly online games.
hmmmmmmmmm....
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Danimal
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BK,
Excellent post. I feel almost exactly the same. I like Madden's gameplay a little better because I feel more control in defense and the playmaker options are very nice. But hey I played DB in college and coached Defense in HS so that's my thing.
I also am keeping both games, today for the first time in a week I had a strong urge to play ESPN. How I wish Madden had the ESPN run game, then I would really be in heaven. Anyway I can see myself playing both games a lot.
Excellent post. I feel almost exactly the same. I like Madden's gameplay a little better because I feel more control in defense and the playmaker options are very nice. But hey I played DB in college and coached Defense in HS so that's my thing.
I also am keeping both games, today for the first time in a week I had a strong urge to play ESPN. How I wish Madden had the ESPN run game, then I would really be in heaven. Anyway I can see myself playing both games a lot.
As a former WR/QB in college and former position coach in college (WR/QB),I guess the flexibilty and playbooks in college not to mention the Oline interaction is probably why I slightly prefer ESPN.Danimal wrote:BK,
Excellent post. I feel almost exactly the same. I like Madden's gameplay a little better because I feel more control in defense and the playmaker options are very nice. But hey I played DB in college and coached Defense in HS so that's my thing.
I also am keeping both games, today for the first time in a week I had a strong urge to play ESPN. How I wish Madden had the ESPN run game, then I would really be in heaven. Anyway I can see myself playing both games a lot.
However as good as the adjustments you can make on the field on defense in ESPN are, I feel there is more defensive flexibilty in Madden. So I can see where you are coming from. You really can make very effective sight adjusments to formation in Madden, unlike any other game I have ever played.
Damnit, I wish I didn't have to work today, I am getting ready to start the regular season in my madden franchise. Bolts went 0-4 in pre-season baby!!!
-BK
Madden's franchise set it deeper. The game stories, and newspaper stuff is a blast. All the ownership stuff is cool (stadium upgrades, etc. ). They have franchise tags, and RFA's. AI trade logic doens't seem to be as screwy, draft doesn't have the ESPN 1st round draft issues. Their just seems to be more depth. (Bear in mind it's built on FOF technology EA bought a few years ago.). Not only is it deeper, but it seems to be a bit more bulletproof and closer to reality. (Does that make sense).RandyM wrote:>> Mario Running is still there, but it's better than it has been
How is Mario running being defined? I don't remember seeing this so I don't know what it is?
>> Madden's franchise mode is unbelievable.
I didn't spend a LOT of time in franchise mode in either title, but I thought that the week of setting priorities in ESPN was a great idea. Aside from 'problems', what is it about the Franchise FEATURE set that Madden has over ESPN this year? (Please don't let him say pricing pretzels <G>)
Re: Draw plays, I've never gotten them to work right in Madden, but I agree in ESPN they can be great weapons. Do you think it's a matter of better defenses against the run in Madden? Or something else?
As far as draws plays. I don't think they work in madden vs. the Blitz as much, because the RB's require more space in get up the field, because of the pinball/mario running. In ESPN since RB's can slip through much smaller holes, so if a team really gets up the field your RB can slip by, and find himself in the middle of open field. Much more like real life.
-BK
My thoughts.......after 2 days with Madden
ESPN has the better graphics and presentation.......EA no reason for this except?
Madden has the better Franchise and better pre snap options.........which are more important than the previous.......if it wasnt for online this would definately make me swing towards Madden
Gameplay........is .....is.......just different.........different style.......different feel......I think this is the part thats up to the individual.......Im not making a definate commitment yet..but at this point I still prefer playing ESPN.......
ESPN has the better graphics and presentation.......EA no reason for this except?
Madden has the better Franchise and better pre snap options.........which are more important than the previous.......if it wasnt for online this would definately make me swing towards Madden
Gameplay........is .....is.......just different.........different style.......different feel......I think this is the part thats up to the individual.......Im not making a definate commitment yet..but at this point I still prefer playing ESPN.......
Man I hate to even run a draw or play action due to the fact I will be blinded by the L & R buttons that come up on the screen for what seems like an eternity. How can any playtester not mention that the L & R icons are just a wee bit to large?As far as draws plays. I don't think they work in madden vs. the Blitz as much, because the RB's require more space in get up the field, because of the pinball/mario running.
We played 5 or so multiplayer games last night and had a pretty good time with the game. Most of the people who played are those who have adopted ESPN as their sole game. Everyone had the same gripes - The Mario Running and Pinball effects are the still there. The game just looks drab to put it nicely. ESPN is so colorful and Maddden just looks washed out. It still feels to me like I am playing an early PS2 generation game graphically that just never came out of it's shell. Where ESPN continues to evolve in graphics and presentation EA seems content to stay where they are.
But even with all the faults I am keeping it as we had fun with the game. ESPN will still get the majority of the playtime but Madden and NCAA will get their share.
Oddly enough the game we played the most last night was NBA Inside Drive 2004. That game is always played to the hilt when people come over.
You hit that nail on the head WCO. We were playing 7 minute quarters and the number of swats was unheard of. They need a little more varaity for the player who does not throw the ball of his back foot or on the run all the time. Of course it is nice to be able to get in position to swat the ball without having to worry about the DB turning the opposite direction.I think Madden's improved pass defense is a bit unrealistic in the number of swats. Last night, in a game with 4-minute quarters, I had 11 swats or passes defensed and my opponent had 14.
Also I think they overdid the fumbles on punt returns. On occasion I like to return a punt even with defenders bearing down on me. In every game we have played there has been at least one and in many cases 2 muffed punts (default sliders - all pro). Which is saying alot because that kicking meter is a bear this year and we are lucky to keep half our punts and kicks inbounds.
Last edited by bdoughty on Wed Aug 11, 2004 5:46 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Thread hijack in progress........bdoughty wrote:
Oddly enough the game we played the most last night was NBA Inside Drive 2004. That game is always played to the hilt when people come over.
I wasnt enamored the first time I bought it but after MS bailed and I rebought..........well..........I love that game
I agree with most of what bk said. I'm not a big franchise player- if anything, I'd rather have the option for season modes so the rosters stay accurate- but Madden's seems so good that I will end up spending some time with it. (Actually I'm toying with doing a side-by-side Jets season with both Madden and ESPN to see which produces results that I'm more comfortable with.) The weekly prep is a great idea, but the lack of documentation makes it very frustrating in practice. Meanwhile Madden's training camp player progressions aren't as realistic, but they are are a ton of fun and end up being more user friendly.
The defensive playbooks in ESPN are definitely better. I like the fact that you choose your defensive line stunts at the playbook level, which saves you time once you get on the field. With Madden you have so many adjustments to make that stopping to redirect the line may cause you to miss out on doing something else. On the other hand, Madden has 3-3-5s and quarters, two formations which are sorely missed in ESPN. Madden's offensive playbooks have come a long way, but they still lag slightly behind ESPN.
The audible issue is really big. I call so much of my game from the line, and it's going to kill me that I can't do that in Madden, especially when it comes to online play where you really need to have a backup play to respond to what can often be overly aggressive defensive playcalls. My NCAA enjoyment went up exponentially once I realized I could have run/pass options out of the same formation, and it's going to hurt Madden a lot. Yes, you can counter that to some degree by customizing the play to a great extent, but it's still a poor substitute.
Good call by whoever noticed the DB swats. It's much like the odd things you see in ESPN from time to time, as the animations simply aren't there to model what is going on. Basically, the DBs should be running step for step with the receivers, but instead they fall into trail position and then leap up to bat down the ball. It looks less awkward than the ESPN DBs circling around or running straight upfield when they miss a jam, but it's really the same thing going on.
One huge improvement that has not been getting mentioned is that Madden has finally implemented quarterback drops. The QB will now plant his foot and be ready to throw in rhthym to his primary receiver. This has been one of the things I've loved about ESPN, and it's great to see it make its way over to Madden. The animation isn't as good as ESPN's, but it does the trick and makes throwing outs, hooks and slants a lot more instinctive.
The running game is not as bad as advertised, but nor is it as good as ESPN. The guards don't really got out there when pulling, and there is none of the balancing game of ESPN where you are idling with your runner as you wait for your blocks to set up and then hitting the hole. The special moves philosophy is different, as you make most of your jukes and spins before contact, where in ESPN the right juke stick will usually work best to cause you to break the tackle. The upside is that it is not so difficult to keep your back under control, whereas in ESPN it takes a lot of work to keep your back from moving too quickly and then having to stop and stutterstep.
The defensive playbooks in ESPN are definitely better. I like the fact that you choose your defensive line stunts at the playbook level, which saves you time once you get on the field. With Madden you have so many adjustments to make that stopping to redirect the line may cause you to miss out on doing something else. On the other hand, Madden has 3-3-5s and quarters, two formations which are sorely missed in ESPN. Madden's offensive playbooks have come a long way, but they still lag slightly behind ESPN.
The audible issue is really big. I call so much of my game from the line, and it's going to kill me that I can't do that in Madden, especially when it comes to online play where you really need to have a backup play to respond to what can often be overly aggressive defensive playcalls. My NCAA enjoyment went up exponentially once I realized I could have run/pass options out of the same formation, and it's going to hurt Madden a lot. Yes, you can counter that to some degree by customizing the play to a great extent, but it's still a poor substitute.
Good call by whoever noticed the DB swats. It's much like the odd things you see in ESPN from time to time, as the animations simply aren't there to model what is going on. Basically, the DBs should be running step for step with the receivers, but instead they fall into trail position and then leap up to bat down the ball. It looks less awkward than the ESPN DBs circling around or running straight upfield when they miss a jam, but it's really the same thing going on.
One huge improvement that has not been getting mentioned is that Madden has finally implemented quarterback drops. The QB will now plant his foot and be ready to throw in rhthym to his primary receiver. This has been one of the things I've loved about ESPN, and it's great to see it make its way over to Madden. The animation isn't as good as ESPN's, but it does the trick and makes throwing outs, hooks and slants a lot more instinctive.
The running game is not as bad as advertised, but nor is it as good as ESPN. The guards don't really got out there when pulling, and there is none of the balancing game of ESPN where you are idling with your runner as you wait for your blocks to set up and then hitting the hole. The special moves philosophy is different, as you make most of your jukes and spins before contact, where in ESPN the right juke stick will usually work best to cause you to break the tackle. The upside is that it is not so difficult to keep your back under control, whereas in ESPN it takes a lot of work to keep your back from moving too quickly and then having to stop and stutterstep.