Official Madden 2006 Impressions Thread

ubrakto · Post by **ubrakto** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:05 pm

I don't really agree with that. Even using the trigger the vision cone has to scroll to the receiver you intend to target. It doesn't just switch. Being able to use the trigger just means less fighting with the controller to try and get a narrow cone centered on a moving receiver (which is nigh impossible if you've got a poor/rookie QB from what little I've played so far).
---Todd

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:10 pm

ubrakto wrote:I don't really agree with that. Even using the trigger the vision cone has to scroll to the receiver you intend to target. It doesn't just switch.

That's true.

rubba19 · Post by **rubba19** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:11 pm

ubrakto wrote:I don't really agree with that. Even using the trigger the vision cone has to scroll to the receiver you intend to target. It doesn't just switch. Being able to use the trigger just means less fighting with the controller to try and get a narrow cone centered on a moving receiver (which is nigh impossible if you've got a poor/rookie QB from what little I've played so far).
---Todd

Excellent. I was hoping for this.

Anyone going the PC route with Madden?

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:14 pm

I am warming up a little more to madden the more I play it. I still prefer NCAA over it right now, but I do agree that the DB controls are better in madden, at least more responsive. As for the RB game, going back to the RL jukes seems very archaic. Also, the Running in 06 reminds me of the old school madden games where you need to spin a lot to break tackles.

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:20 pm

matthewk wrote:
seanmac31 wrote:I should make a correction to my earlier review- you can indeed call audibles from the playscreen. You have to click on the right thumbstick, at which point you can map up to three audibles from the playcall screen, just like NFL2K5. This was a long overdue feature, and I'm glad to see EA stealing from a competitor. You can also cycle through defensive players by holding down A and then moving the left thumbstick around, again like 2K5, again a major improvement.

Now if only they hadn't decided to steal the Crib and tout it as a new feature...
Does this mean you can have audibles out of the same formation? I have 2004, and you had the 3 audibels, but they were usually a different formation from what you were in. This resulted in audibling from a Power I into a spread. I like the way 2k5 lets you stay in the same formation as not to give away the change.

Yes. There are now two different ways of calling formation specific audibles, and both of them are pretty cool. The first way is to click the right thumbstick while you're in the playcalling screen, after which you'll be allowed to map any three plays to any three buttons, just like 2K5. The other way is pre-snap on the field. If you see a defense that you don't like, you can call a quick audible. You press X, and then can select one of four basic play types- quick pass, run, play action, deep pass-and you will audible to that type of play within the same formation. You then have to check the coach cam to see what it is you called.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:21 pm

ubrakto wrote:I don't really agree with that. Even using the trigger the vision cone has to scroll to the receiver you intend to target. It doesn't just switch. Being able to use the trigger just means less fighting with the controller to try and get a narrow cone centered on a moving receiver (which is nigh impossible if you've got a poor/rookie QB from what little I've played so far).
---Todd

Ok, this makes sense if in fact it takes awhile to scroll the cone over when using the trigger plus receiver button combo to move it. In that case, a guy with a bigger passing cone would have his receiver highlighted before a guy with a smaller cone. I guess I thought it instantly switched who was highlighted without scrolling the cone across the field.

jimd · Post by **jimd** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:22 pm

So all you dudes enjoying the cone system are moving it around with the R-thumbstick, and not using the R-trigger?

tsunami · Post by **tsunami** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:23 pm

I'm planning to pick up Madden fairly soon, but I had a couple of questions:

1. Is the Circuit City price of 39.99 for a limited time or particular stores? Does it have to be price matched from somewhere else?

2. Is the Xbox version superior to the PS2 version in any this year, besides load times? I usually lean towards the PS2 versions of EA football games...they usually feel, play, and look better than the Xbox version. I read through most of this thread, but I wasn't able to get a definitive answer. What about load times?

3. What about sliders? Are there codes like NCAA? Do the sliders actually work? I can't believe there are 18+ pages for an EA game and there hasn't really been any mention of sliders. Is is that good out of the box? Usually slider talk starts on day 1.

I think that's it...everyone else has basically covered almost everything else. I'm certainly glad to hear that the QB will do his drop without intervention from the user and not try to pass it for you (although I believe it was this way in 05 as well as opposed to NCAA). I can't get over what a stupid idea that was to implement and it bugs me to no end in NCAA 06...especially since it wasn't there as late as 04.

If I get confirmation on the Circuit City thing I'll probably pick it up this weekend...just need to know which version.

Thanks

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:25 pm

jimd wrote:So all you dudes enjoying the cone system are moving it around with the R-thumbstick, and not using the R-trigger?

I was moving it w/ the R stick but someone online showed me to do it with holding down the R Trigger which makes it easier.

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:32 pm

jimd wrote:So all you dudes enjoying the cone system are moving it around with the R-thumbstick, and not using the R-trigger?

Heh not me. I cant use that Rstick to guide the cone to save my life. I use the R trigger.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:35 pm

QB Cone observation:

Does anyone know if the advantages is the same regardless of which part of the Cone the receiver is on (i.e. doesn't matter if receiver is on edge or center of cone)?

I am thinking, if it does not matter, EA should tweak this so that next year, the cone will have different levels, center cone has the highest accuracy bonus, where the edges has small bonus. Just a thought.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:44 pm

Right trigger for me as well.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:46 pm

jimd wrote:So all you dudes enjoying the cone system are moving it around with the R-thumbstick, and not using the R-trigger?

A little of both. Hell, I'm still getting used to the Vision Cone, period, although I'm enjoying it quite a bit!

Take care,
PK

TheTruth · Post by **TheTruth** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:47 pm

I was using the right stick for the cone last night. Didn't know about the right trigger. Will have to try it tonight and also read the manual a little.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:48 pm

tsunami wrote:I'm planning to pick up Madden fairly soon, but I had a couple of questions:

1. Is the Circuit City price of 39.99 for a limited time or particular stores? Does it have to be price matched from somewhere else?

Tsu:

$39.99 was the posted price in the Circuit City flyer last Sunday, so I assume that price is valid through Saturday of this week.

I bought it for $39.99 last night at Circuit City. Sticker said $49.99, but the circular said $39.99, and it rang up as $39.99.

Take care,
PK

tsunami · Post by **tsunami** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:52 pm

pk500 wrote: Tsu:

$39.99 was the posted price in the Circuit City flyer last Sunday, so I assume that price is valid through Saturday of this week.

I bought it for $39.99 last night at Circuit City. Sticker said $49.99, but the circular said $39.99, and it rang up as $39.99.

Take care,
PK

Thanks PK...I'll be picking it up this weekend.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:25 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:BD:

I believe as you increase difficulty, the cone descreases...or so I'm told. I use Feeley so it sucks all the time....not sure if it decreases the Manning/Favre/Brady entire field cone. Does anyone know for sure that skill level decreases the cone size?

DB, not only does the cone decrease, after a brief period of time the icons of the WRs outside the cone are not visible...you can only see them if they are in your vision. Now THATS hardcore.

tjung0831 · Post by **tjung0831** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:34 pm

tsunami wrote:I'm planning to pick up Madden fairly soon, but I had a couple of questions:

1. Is the Circuit City price of 39.99 for a limited time or particular stores? Does it have to be price matched from somewhere else?

2. Is the Xbox version superior to the PS2 version in any this year, besides load times? I usually lean towards the PS2 versions of EA football games...they usually feel, play, and look better than the Xbox version. I read through most of this thread, but I wasn't able to get a definitive answer. What about load times?

3. What about sliders? Are there codes like NCAA? Do the sliders actually work? I can't believe there are 18+ pages for an EA game and there hasn't really been any mention of sliders. Is is that good out of the box? Usually slider talk starts on day 1.

I think that's it...everyone else has basically covered almost everything else. I'm certainly glad to hear that the QB will do his drop without intervention from the user and not try to pass it for you (although I believe it was this way in 05 as well as opposed to NCAA). I can't get over what a stupid idea that was to implement and it bugs me to no end in NCAA 06...especially since it wasn't there as late as 04.

If I get confirmation on the Circuit City thing I'll probably pick it up this weekend...just need to know which version.

Thanks

i made my decision to go with the PS2 version after playing both versions at best buy yesterday. I feel the PS2 version plays a little faster. Best buy also matched the CC price plus you get a $20 game for $5 at best buy with the purchase of madden.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:07 pm

Has anyone solved the punt return issue? i am using the same crappy method I did in 05. Which is call a punt block, then audible to a return after the cpu switched to tight punt formation.

This sucks because it eats up a D audible position.

I tried messing with the sliders, but it doesn't seem like Punt length or accuracy are the problem. Seems like my return guys just don't block. However the CPU has 15-20 yards free when he catched the punt.

Frustrating.

bdunn13 · Post by **bdunn13** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:09 pm

Diablo25 wrote:
DB, not only does the cone decrease, after a brief period of time the icons of the WRs outside the cone are not visible...you can only see them if they are in your vision. Now THATS hardcore.

Yes it is and it simply makes sense too.

On the All Madden level after your guys finish their routes, you can't see their icons ect as they will break off their routes and improvise. Which makes sense, after there route is done, if they are not in the QB's vision, the QB should not know where they are.

tsunami · Post by **tsunami** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:11 pm

tjung0831 wrote:
i made my decision to go with the PS2 version after playing both versions at best buy yesterday. I feel the PS2 version plays a little faster. Best buy also matched the CC price plus you get a $20 game for $5 at best buy with the purchase of madden.

Nice...Best Buy is actually easier for me to get to. Do I need a copy of the Circuit City flyer or can they call and confirm? If so, I'll need to hunt down a copy of the flyer. Is a printed copy from their site acceptable?

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:16 pm

HipE wrote:Does the vision cone have any impact at all if you just hold the r trigger and then double tap the receiver button to move the cone and then pass? It seems that almost everybody is manipulating the cone in this matter, but wouldn't Vick do just as well passing as Brady if you are using it this way? It kind of defeats the purpose of having different sized cones for each player if you can just lock on to your receivers with a tap of the button.

I tend to agree with you about this now that I am holding down the R button and pressing the button. It really doesn't seem like it's all that much different from the regular passing mode since it locks onto the WR.

When I was moving the R stick for the cone, I found it much more of a challange and more realistic. Moving the R stick was more like I was the qb moving my head around the field to see who could be open and then trying to get the cone in the right spot so I can then attempt to make an accurate pass. I couldnt just lock onto the WR this way but had to develop my Vision Cone skill. Switching to the R button method it's just like regular mode but with a few extra button presses.

I think I am going to go back to the R stick method even though I dont think they made it this way. Or am I completely missing something here with the R button method?

tjung0831 · Post by **tjung0831** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:29 pm

tsunami wrote:
tjung0831 wrote:
i made my decision to go with the PS2 version after playing both versions at best buy yesterday. I feel the PS2 version plays a little faster. Best buy also matched the CC price plus you get a $20 game for $5 at best buy with the purchase of madden.
Nice...Best Buy is actually easier for me to get to. Do I need a copy of the Circuit City flyer or can they call and confirm? If so, I'll need to hunt down a copy of the flyer. Is a printed copy from their site acceptable?

I took the CC ad with me and they definitely wanted to see it. Another buddy of mine got the pricematch without having to show the CC add.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:56 pm

If Madden isn't leaps and bounds better than NCAA 2006 (which I own), then I just can't condone the purchase. I say this because we're only a mere 4 months away from the 360 and the next-gen Madden.

It's 97 degrees today here in St. Louis and I currently have zero interest in NFL training camp as well as pre-season football, which in my opinion is 4 games too long.

Plus, it's hard to think about football when the baseball Cardinals are on cruise control and winning with any lineup they throw out there. Perhaps once the baseball season ends, my interest in the NFL would peak.

Until then, I'm having a blast with NCAA 2006 and am not in a rush to switch....yet.

EDIT: I guess perhaps the only way I would consider purchasing Madden is if I can get a decent deal on a trade-in for NCAA 2006. The fact that there are in-game saves might put this purchase over the top. Are in-game saves definitely in the game?

tjung0831 · Post by **tjung0831** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:04 pm

sportdan30 wrote:If Madden isn't leaps and bounds better than NCAA 2006 (which I own), then I just can't condone the purchase. I say this because we're only a mere 4 months away from the 360 and the next-gen Madden.

It's 97 degrees today here in St. Louis and I currently have zero interest in NFL training camp as well as pre-season football, which in my opinion is 4 games too long.

Plus, it's hard to think about football when the baseball Cardinals are on cruise control and winning with any lineup they throw out there. Perhaps once the baseball season ends, my interest in the NFL would peak.

Until then, I'm having a blast with NCAA 2006 and am not in a rush to switch....yet.

EDIT: I guess perhaps the only way I would consider purchasing Madden is if I can get a decent deal on a trade-in for NCAA 2006. The fact that there are in-game saves might put this purchase over the top. Are in-game saves definitely in the game?

In game saves are in Madden at least on the PS2 version. I'm actually enjoying owning both NCAA and madden right now. I plan on putting them both to the test. i could care less how hot it is outside right now...it's officially football season tomorrow night for me when the Rams host the Bears. The Cardinals beating up on everybody is ruining the baseball season for me! It's totally unfair!!