Here's my story and I'm sticking to it. On the way home from the gym, I stopped by Best Buy to see if they had a playable game of Madden 08. To my amazement and happiness, they did.
It was the 360 version, and wow did it look beautiful. Fortunately, no one was playing so I picked up the controller. I began to play and I immediately could tell this game was in fact playing at a clip of 60fps. It was buttery smooth and just felt so unbelievably responsive. It felt just as nice as MLB The Show does on the PS3. I played a quarter and a half and had a very enjoyable experience. I left extremely impressed.
As I had written earlier, I picked up the PS3 version at Blockbuster during lunch. I was real excited to see how it looked and played on my HDTV. Enthusiastically, I loaded up the game. Loading felt like it took forever. Finally, I started a game. Immediately, I could tell this version was inferior. It wasn's as crisp looking, and it definitely didn't feel as responsive. Also, the frame rate stood out like a sore thumb. It was almost unplayable. I made it through a quarter and turned it off. Unfortunately, the choppiness of the game was quite prevalent.
Those of you with a 360 should be extremely happy. The game looks and plays great, while the PS3 version is definitely not worth the $60. You guys were right. There's a definite difference.
Madden 08 Hands On
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sportdan30
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Perhaps that's too strong of a word. I do think the statements hold true though that if I had never played the 360 version, then maybe my feelings towards the PS3 version wouldn't have been so strong. But, the fact is I have and there is a noticeable difference. I didn't want to believe it, trust me.wco81 wrote:Unplayable would mean it's worse than Madden 07 for the PS3?
wow, i got to say MADDEN IS BACK for me. Again, it's the pace of the game for me.
Just feels so different this year. they finally got the pace of the game right where you don't sit around waiting and getting bored. I don't even notice the radio announcer.
Can't really comment on gameplay since I haven't played that much, but the game seems like it's pretty solid. Game just plays really smooth and reminds me how smooth 2k games play.
Just feels so different this year. they finally got the pace of the game right where you don't sit around waiting and getting bored. I don't even notice the radio announcer.
Can't really comment on gameplay since I haven't played that much, but the game seems like it's pretty solid. Game just plays really smooth and reminds me how smooth 2k games play.
Game is suiting me just fine. I guess I don't know what gamers want if this one doesn't suffice. There's never been a football game that was the complete and total package. Not one game in the past hasn't had it's fair share of problems.
I guess the closest for me was NCAA 2004 on the PS2, but I spent 95 percent of my time with that online. It was a thing of beauty!
My favorite football games of all time are probably Gameday 98, NCAA 2004 and NFL 2K1. They all had their problems, but they were definitely fun. So far Madden 08 is a lot of fun. My biggest beef is the kicking game and if that's my biggest beef then things are good.
My first game offline was a turnover fest, but I've played 4 more games and two of them had 0 turnovers by either team. I'm thoroughly enjoying this game and that's all the matters.
I guess the closest for me was NCAA 2004 on the PS2, but I spent 95 percent of my time with that online. It was a thing of beauty!
My favorite football games of all time are probably Gameday 98, NCAA 2004 and NFL 2K1. They all had their problems, but they were definitely fun. So far Madden 08 is a lot of fun. My biggest beef is the kicking game and if that's my biggest beef then things are good.
My first game offline was a turnover fest, but I've played 4 more games and two of them had 0 turnovers by either team. I'm thoroughly enjoying this game and that's all the matters.
One game, 5 minute defaults, All-Pro, Saints at Bears (me).
A fun and kind of quirky game. First score, I was in the red zone and threw a typical Rex Grossman interception into double coverage while under pressure. One of my players reached in and popped the ball loose when the Saint player tried to run out of the endzone, and Desmond Clark fell on it for a Bears TD.
I had a nice second score, a 30-yard strike to Mushin Muhammed. I had one-on-one and was able to throw inside where Mushin had position.
Saints made it 14-7 after Reggie Bush ran back a spectacular punt return. For the first time in Madden I felt like a return man was dangerous. He juked and ducked his way past my guys, shaking off arm tackles and finally breaking free.
I threw a second INT on a boneheaded play late, one that was accurately picked off and returned for a TD. The Saints later managed to get into FG range and barely make a 53-yard FG to win as time expired.
THE GOOD
Controls are terrific. Best response ever, and I like how things are laid out. The hit stick is not Blitz-level and very useful.
Speed and smoothness: excellent like others have said.
Running game: Awesome. Holes open, the hit stick really triggers all kinds of moves, and a tank like Cedric Benson feels like a tank.
Passing game: Definitely more touch than on previous Maddens. Not as good as 2k but the gap has closed somewhat.
CPU Offense: Very efficient in the air. They didn't run much, but Brees played like Brees, not making many mistakes.
CPU Defense: Pretty tough but not ridiculous. They got good pressure (6 sacks) and coverage was good. There is still the eyes in the back of the head syndrome, but overall I felt like I had to read the field to find players open.
Returns: Like I said, dangerous return guys feel dangerous. There's a much different feel returning kicks with Devin Hester than Rasheed Davis. Bush almost broke a second punt against me, too.
THE BAD
Bush had 0 touches on offense. Once again, second HBs will probably be on the sideline unless there's fatigue or injury.
Fumbles: I forced three. One on the second play, one brutal hit by Urlacher, and the interception fumble in the endzone. Plus, Reggie Bush bobbled a punt that I recovered.
Fumble return: On the bobbled punt, I grabbed the ball while being touched but not down, and the play stopped. Has that rule changed?
CPU running: Only 4 attempts. They were behind early so maybe that had something to do with it.
The presentation sucks. The "radio" announcer sounds like he's calling the game on the cell phone. Replay angles are often bad. Crowd is generic.
OVERALL
Except for the lack of play by Bush, I really liked it. The CPU pass rush was pretty tough, Brees was a cool customer, and running the offense was really fun. A much better first impression than 07.
A fun and kind of quirky game. First score, I was in the red zone and threw a typical Rex Grossman interception into double coverage while under pressure. One of my players reached in and popped the ball loose when the Saint player tried to run out of the endzone, and Desmond Clark fell on it for a Bears TD.
I had a nice second score, a 30-yard strike to Mushin Muhammed. I had one-on-one and was able to throw inside where Mushin had position.
Saints made it 14-7 after Reggie Bush ran back a spectacular punt return. For the first time in Madden I felt like a return man was dangerous. He juked and ducked his way past my guys, shaking off arm tackles and finally breaking free.
I threw a second INT on a boneheaded play late, one that was accurately picked off and returned for a TD. The Saints later managed to get into FG range and barely make a 53-yard FG to win as time expired.
THE GOOD
Controls are terrific. Best response ever, and I like how things are laid out. The hit stick is not Blitz-level and very useful.
Speed and smoothness: excellent like others have said.
Running game: Awesome. Holes open, the hit stick really triggers all kinds of moves, and a tank like Cedric Benson feels like a tank.
Passing game: Definitely more touch than on previous Maddens. Not as good as 2k but the gap has closed somewhat.
CPU Offense: Very efficient in the air. They didn't run much, but Brees played like Brees, not making many mistakes.
CPU Defense: Pretty tough but not ridiculous. They got good pressure (6 sacks) and coverage was good. There is still the eyes in the back of the head syndrome, but overall I felt like I had to read the field to find players open.
Returns: Like I said, dangerous return guys feel dangerous. There's a much different feel returning kicks with Devin Hester than Rasheed Davis. Bush almost broke a second punt against me, too.
THE BAD
Bush had 0 touches on offense. Once again, second HBs will probably be on the sideline unless there's fatigue or injury.
Fumbles: I forced three. One on the second play, one brutal hit by Urlacher, and the interception fumble in the endzone. Plus, Reggie Bush bobbled a punt that I recovered.
Fumble return: On the bobbled punt, I grabbed the ball while being touched but not down, and the play stopped. Has that rule changed?
CPU running: Only 4 attempts. They were behind early so maybe that had something to do with it.
The presentation sucks. The "radio" announcer sounds like he's calling the game on the cell phone. Replay angles are often bad. Crowd is generic.
OVERALL
Except for the lack of play by Bush, I really liked it. The CPU pass rush was pretty tough, Brees was a cool customer, and running the offense was really fun. A much better first impression than 07.
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dbdynsty25
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Danimal
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Nopegreggsand wrote:(360 vers) Is there any way to zoom the camera closer? I see no camera options at all actually...
I also wanted to note I am not seeing any fumble issues everyone is reporting. I also made some slight slider tweaks and just had a game with 0 INT's.
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Plays so damn smooth too bad the INTs seems so prevalant...I have 9 thru two games on My all pro franchise.dbdynsty25 wrote:08 is definitely legit. I love it so far.
Ofcourse it could be cause I got 6 off the whiners...we all know they suck ass.
The pace is amazing....quick and keeps you in the game.
Another positive...They got rid of that weird hesitation after plays.
Early yet but so far I have high hopes.
Love the intro!
Game looks great, player ratings definitly matter.. I like how the CPU controlled teams pick their offensive plays really fast. In fact, presentation isn't the best, but I LOVE the fact the game moves along VERY quickly - so it's a catch 22 for me.
Played on 5 mins Pro difficulty and the Saints tore me up. I need some time because I haven't really played Madden since 05.
I love the injury graphic. I also agree with Troy, running is the BEST in a Madden game yet.
Still need more time, but I'm enjoying it so far.
Oh, one thing APF definitly has down pat is the atmostphere - they kill Madden in that department.
Game looks great, player ratings definitly matter.. I like how the CPU controlled teams pick their offensive plays really fast. In fact, presentation isn't the best, but I LOVE the fact the game moves along VERY quickly - so it's a catch 22 for me.
Played on 5 mins Pro difficulty and the Saints tore me up. I need some time because I haven't really played Madden since 05.
I love the injury graphic. I also agree with Troy, running is the BEST in a Madden game yet.
Still need more time, but I'm enjoying it so far.
Oh, one thing APF definitly has down pat is the atmostphere - they kill Madden in that department.
Thats good to hear i go back to work Thursday. I am going to need something to play. I thought it would be good because it was last yeardbdynsty25 wrote:The PSP version is pretty damn sweet as well. It's the only one I can play at work, so I've been playing it all afternoon. It is very similar to last year with a few more animations and some control tweaks. I'm impressed.
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dbdynsty25
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dbdynsty25
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I've played two full games...have fumbled once when I tried to leap over a defender going for a big hit and threw one interceptions. The CPU has one of each as well. On Pro, it's much too easy, but I'm not seeing any issues thus far.XXXIV wrote:Plays so damn smooth too bad the INTs seems so prevalant...I have 9 thru two games on My all pro franchise.
Hope your sample is the more accurate one cause the game is so damn good otherwise....like butter...dbdynsty25 wrote:I've played two full games...have fumbled once when I tried to leap over a defender going for a big hit and threw one interceptions. The CPU has one of each as well. On Pro, it's much too easy, but I'm not seeing any issues thus far.XXXIV wrote:Plays so damn smooth too bad the INTs seems so prevalant...I have 9 thru two games on My all pro franchise.
I meant if the PSP has it, why not the 360? Not a kick to the PSP at all.dbdynsty25 wrote:Why is that strange? The PSP is using the engine from last gen...you know, the one with all of the options.10spro wrote:Which is strange, because the PSP has camera options and a nice game save which is a must for any sports game.
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dbdynsty25
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I finally got a chance to play an exhibition and it was a very nice gameplaying experience. I am impressed with a Madden game for the first time in like 3-4 years. I (Eagles) beat the Jets 30-20 on pro with 10 minute quarters. Westbrook had 105 yds on 23 carries. Very fun. I only had 2 total turnovers in the game. 1 fumble (me) and 1 int (Jets). I love the play action rollouts. My first TD was a 26 yd play action rollout with McNabb. I hit Matt Schobel for a 26 yd score and it was sweet. Its only 1 game but it was very nice. I like what I see so far.
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Give it time.Diablo25 wrote:I finally got a chance to play an exhibition and it was a very nice gameplaying experience. I am impressed with a Madden game for the first time in like 3-4 years. I (Eagles) beat the Jets 30-20 on pro with 10 minute quarters. Westbrook had 105 yds on 23 carries. Very fun. I only had 2 total turnovers in the game. 1 fumble (me) and 1 int (Jets). I love the play action rollouts. My first TD was a 26 yd play action rollout with McNabb. I hit Matt Schobel for a 26 yd score and it was sweet. Its only 1 game but it was very nice. I like what I see so far.
First game, I was impressed.
I've played about 3 games tonight. I turned madden off to finish a work project. The game is just football on crack. Very little thinking and just a series of pressing the right button at the right time.
In my last game, Buf v Den. Buffalo fumbled 4 times in the first half. Threw two picks. (I can live with the picks). I'm up 30-0 at the half, so I decide to use the supersim to get to my next game. Final score 57-10.
Don't super sim during a blowout early or you just end up ruining the stat line.
It just seems that Madden is about pleasing the Madden Nation crowd. It's less about NFL football and more about arcade football. Plus I'm positive most will need to do some serious slider work to get the CPU to run better. Have the CPU throw less picks. INTs are directly related to CPU accuracy. If you don't want to feel cheated you will want to turn down awareness because it just feels cheap when you pick off a ball an d your player isn't even looking at the play.
I think if they could have slowed the game down a little bit. Fixed the turnover problems. And not have a stupid super sim feature that destroys reasonable stats. Madden would be fun. I just don't want to fight with the sliders to fix EA's game.
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Ok, been playing all night and I have to say this game falls under the 'sweet' category.
What I mean by that is when you get those rare games that right when you put them in your machine for the first time and play them, you say to yourself, 'this game is sweet', well that's the feeling I get with this game. It may not do everything perfect, but as a whole package, it just does it right. It's an intangible.
Other games I felt this way about were NFL2K1 , NCAA2004, and NFL2K5. This is the first Madden game in a long time for me where I see it's potential being reached.
The presentation is top notch imo. Marshall Faulk isn't half bad as the preview videos' on the net had him. Also, it was VERY COOL to see the intro not just to the game, but the player intro's before the on the field game. AND LIKE 2K they have Halftime and Post game Hightlights!
I just love the running game, love how the player models look like, and the overall graphics are terrific. Looks like the PS3 has better field textures than the xbox360 version, but the 360 just runs soooo smooth that Its flawless.
ITS THE WHOLE PACKAGE! By EA! for Madden! I can't believe it, their lazy asses finally delivered! I read at OS that next year they will have revamped presentation, no more radio annoucer but madden instead, and a whole bunch of things.
This game maybe a keeper for me, meaning even beyond this year's version, I'll probably keep playing it well into the future.
What I mean by that is when you get those rare games that right when you put them in your machine for the first time and play them, you say to yourself, 'this game is sweet', well that's the feeling I get with this game. It may not do everything perfect, but as a whole package, it just does it right. It's an intangible.
Other games I felt this way about were NFL2K1 , NCAA2004, and NFL2K5. This is the first Madden game in a long time for me where I see it's potential being reached.
The presentation is top notch imo. Marshall Faulk isn't half bad as the preview videos' on the net had him. Also, it was VERY COOL to see the intro not just to the game, but the player intro's before the on the field game. AND LIKE 2K they have Halftime and Post game Hightlights!
I just love the running game, love how the player models look like, and the overall graphics are terrific. Looks like the PS3 has better field textures than the xbox360 version, but the 360 just runs soooo smooth that Its flawless.
ITS THE WHOLE PACKAGE! By EA! for Madden! I can't believe it, their lazy asses finally delivered! I read at OS that next year they will have revamped presentation, no more radio annoucer but madden instead, and a whole bunch of things.
This game maybe a keeper for me, meaning even beyond this year's version, I'll probably keep playing it well into the future.
I'm really enjoying the game so far. I first tried a quick play game on all pro default as the Steelers vs the Bengals and lost 31-24. My offense consisted of lots of big pass plays vs the weak Bengals secondary, but the four interceptions I threw killed me. I then jumped into franchise mode, beating the Packers 23-13 and the Redskins 20-13. I've picked off the CPU four times in my three games, and forced 7 fumbles (three of those were by my offensive players right after turnovers).
The first thing that really sticks out that I enjoy is that I can finally get to the qb rushing a linebacker up the middle. I used to only have success when speed rushing around the tackle, but this year you finally don't get stuck in the line. I'm really enjoying rushing the ball too, having Willie Parker in the first half of my games and Najeh Davenport in the second half has been quite a contrast in styles and feel. I'm also liking the training drills you can do for three players before each game to build them into weapons, although it does seem like over the course of a season it will be pretty easy to build at least 3-4 new players into weapons, which could be a problem over a couple of season in franchise mode.
I agree with Jrod that something feels off about the passing game. I'm enjoying the challenge of it, but it looks a little ridiculous on replays when you see all the dbs and lbs break on the ball the second your qb throws it. I'm still seeing too many ridiculous breakups by linebackers, but at least it keeps my stats realistic. Is there a way to lob the deep ball and still lead your wr? It seems like every time I try, my wr almost stops in place and the db breaks up the pass. I'm also having trouble covering the pass manually with a linebacker, the speed of the game is going to take some time to get used to, right now I always seem to run my player out of the play.
All in all, I'm very impressed with my first night of play. I love the new gamespeed and control of the players, and the quick pace of the game between plays makes up for the lack of presentation for me. I'd rather be able to quickly get back on the field playing the game than wait around watching post play animations I think.
The first thing that really sticks out that I enjoy is that I can finally get to the qb rushing a linebacker up the middle. I used to only have success when speed rushing around the tackle, but this year you finally don't get stuck in the line. I'm really enjoying rushing the ball too, having Willie Parker in the first half of my games and Najeh Davenport in the second half has been quite a contrast in styles and feel. I'm also liking the training drills you can do for three players before each game to build them into weapons, although it does seem like over the course of a season it will be pretty easy to build at least 3-4 new players into weapons, which could be a problem over a couple of season in franchise mode.
I agree with Jrod that something feels off about the passing game. I'm enjoying the challenge of it, but it looks a little ridiculous on replays when you see all the dbs and lbs break on the ball the second your qb throws it. I'm still seeing too many ridiculous breakups by linebackers, but at least it keeps my stats realistic. Is there a way to lob the deep ball and still lead your wr? It seems like every time I try, my wr almost stops in place and the db breaks up the pass. I'm also having trouble covering the pass manually with a linebacker, the speed of the game is going to take some time to get used to, right now I always seem to run my player out of the play.
All in all, I'm very impressed with my first night of play. I love the new gamespeed and control of the players, and the quick pace of the game between plays makes up for the lack of presentation for me. I'd rather be able to quickly get back on the field playing the game than wait around watching post play animations I think.