Madden 18

[Danimal]

[vader29]

I only played a half last night and had two injuries in that first half. Player models look great. Going to save my remaining EA access time for when the game gets a 4k update, just haven't invested any time in Madden the last few years and it shows in my play as I can't run worth a crap with one of the leagues top running backs.

[pk500]

Now see I played 2 games and saw one out right drop, the rest were good plays by the D or good hits. I saw Brady miss 4 or 5 throws. Not drops, but over throws, under throws etc.

I forgot to add this to my feedback list. All of the QBs missed throws in the game I played last night. A welcome addition.

[Danimal]

I didn't want to even try Longshot because I didn't want to give them the satisfaction but it is pretty good as an interactive piece. I really only put in about 30 minutes so thus far I've spent more time watching and doing some, idk what to call them QTE's but it was really good from a visual / story telling standpoint.

Finally got to play some play now live games. Was excited to play with Trubisky and he got hurt on the 1st play he was in lol.

I feel like the AI plays a better zone against me then I do against it. They also bait you a lot, and have caused me to throw some int's. I've seen all manner of drops, missed throws etc. The AI QB is still lighting me up, I figured I play the Jets and Joshy football threw for 275 on me with 2 TD's. There always seems to be once a game where someone gets open and by my safeties but that is so Bear like it could just be the team.

Now that I know how ID the Mike works (thanks Terry) it is a great feature. I was able to handle some odd man rushes and hit some big plays thanks to IDing the right guy.

For the life of me I can't find the defensive matchups they talked about. I pause during a game and went into coaching and nothing. Has anyone found those?

[TCrouch]

It's not in the pause menu. It's at the bottom of your normal play calling root-level screen, where you'd choose recommended, by formation, by personnel, etc. It's one of the bottom options.

I had newly-arrested Sean Smith get torched on the first pass for a 75 yard TD, so I went in and matched by Speed, and then when they got in the red zone, matched WRs by height. It was actually a pretty sweet little setup. Quick changes prior to calling a play, and I got an achievement for making an adjustment in the 4th quarter.

I love the ID the Mike, honestly. But when you guess wrong...ouch.

[sportdan30]

Played a couple halves last night. Was getting trounced against the Chargers before I threw up the white flag late in the third quarter. I wanted to see what the stadium looked like most specifically, which was pretty nice and different. Rivers pretty much moved the chains with ease, mixing in Gordon at running back. That guy is a fierce runner and carried several of my players.

Second game was against the Bears. Glennon's first play from scrimmage was a bomb to one of the receivers down to the 10 yard line. Don't recall his name but he had a pretty significant height advantage. Held them to a field goal and you could tell their offense wasn't as strong as the Chargers.

Still, I was unable to get anything going on offense in both games. I might have to drop my skill level down to Pro so I don't get frustrated. I was able to move the ball quite well from time to time, but never could quite get over the hump. I wish Madden had an skill level option similar to MLB The Show. Meaning, I'd like to use All-Pro when on defense to give the A.I. a competitive advantage, but play on Pro when I'm on offense.

Can't imagine how nice this game is going to look in 4K and HDR. It already looks really good in 1080p! Those are some good looking pics Dan! I'd still like to see less clipping with the players after the play, and the visual of a downed player on the field hovering inches above the grass is an eye sore.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons and I'm enjoying my time with the game.

[Danimal]

[Danimal]

After spending time with the game over early access I'm here to eats some crow. While on the surface this game seems like a very minimal upgrade to 17, after playing a dozen plus game there has been some great work done to the game play.

If you liked 17 and played a lot of game you will notice the differences the more you play. The line blocking is substantially better, so is the pressure from the D-line. There is a tremendous leap in the DB / WR interactions, I see this a lot when I change my from balanced to swat ball or play receiver.

The juke when no body is there is still in the game but not as prevalent as I believed. In fact AI uses jukes and spins to great effect on All Pro, try tackling John Brown from the Cardinals in the open field.

The AI has a great commitment to run the ball when they have the backs to do it. The eagles ran 24 times on me in a game last night. The ID the mike is a great addition. Target passing is hard but I've decided to use it only when throwing flat routes and back shoulder throws. With some practice these can work.

The most glaring issue is the lack of AI pocket presence. I've seen them scramble and make some throws but I've not seen them take off and run and a lot of guys just stand like statues in the pocket.

There is so much more I'm not thinking of at the moment but I notice little touched every few games.

I'm really enjoying Madden and can't wait to start a franchise tonight.

[pk500]

Agree with you on all counts, Dan. I also thought this was just a spit-and-polish upgrade, but the more I play the trial, the more subtle and overt improvements I see.

Pre-ordered last night from my local Best Buy.

[10spro]

I am enjoying it too. Playing mostly MUT, ratings definitely matter with your players, if you want a running game, those OL with Golden standards will do a much better job at blocking. I find the fullbacks and TE are smarter in 18. They no longer miss the easiest blocking assignments, and even when they do miss blocks, there's usually a logical reason.

Look forward to also trying "Longshot" experience.

[Aristo]

I have my MUT team up to a 77 OVR. When I set up my Salary Cap team, I was over, so I had to do some work to save space by reducing the cap hit on back-ups. The cap is just 700, and OVRs are lower. My team is an 81 on defense, but a 70 on offense now. So this is not pretty.

Lost my first MUITS SC game in a major way. Not even close. Contrast that with winning my first DC game, which was in a major way and not even close. SC is where the guys go that really know the game.

I'm only a Level 9 on MUT so far. Not sure how much the levels matter, outside of opening up opportunities for cheap packs.

[Wilk5280]

No MUT or Longshot for me. I'm pretty much just an old school basic online head-to-head and franchise player and I'm really liking it so far this year.

[Danimal]

I got the GOAT edition and don't even play MUT. I have no idea what to do with all this s***.

[TCrouch]

I've never tried Salary Cap MUT, but I think that's where I'll go once I figure out what it is.

[sportdan30]

Last night convinced me that I'll be picking this game up on Friday for the PS4 in 4K! Played two really great and close games on All-Pro.

[TCrouch]

Wait, what? It's in 4K on PS4 Pro? Is that a setting I missed?

***EDIT*** I'll be damned. I only did Longshot stuff last night and didn't notice. I just fired up a play now game, and it sure is in 4K.

[sportdan30]

Wait, what? It's in 4K on PS4 Pro? Is that a setting I missed?

***EDIT*** I'll be damned. I only did Longshot stuff last night and didn't notice. I just fired up a play now game, and it sure is in 4K.

HDR will be patched in a later update from what I understand.

[dbdynsty25]

Wait, what? It's in 4K on PS4 Pro? Is that a setting I missed?

***EDIT*** I'll be damned. I only did Longshot stuff last night and didn't notice. I just fired up a play now game, and it sure is in 4K.

And now I'm stoked I decided to get the PS4 version even with my EA Acess discount. Just love seeing games in 4K.

[grtwhtsk]

Played it for the first time last night (Thank you EA Access!), and have fallen in love with Madden again. For those who have put extensive time into the game so far, is this a love that may last? I am afraid it will just be that "one hot night" followed by the slow decline to mediocrity. Oh my, think I am starting to talk like someone else I know and love from this family here at DSP.

[Aristo]

Had a great MUT SC game last night that really showed off how even this mode is more sensitive to rating. I won 13-12 despite 5 turnovers, including 4 I TD ans a pick six by Geno Smith. I struggled to get him over 50% completions. My opponent had the early 68 OVR Dak Prescott, and complete just 37% of his passes. The game was ridiculous as we tried to move the ball with cruddy QBs.

I won because I was able to run for 143 yards on 19 carries with LT. My opponent, who had zero turnovers, ran just 3 times for 19 yards. It's really what did him in. Running feels really good now, and so many MUT guys play the pass super heavy, so it opens up draw plays.

For the record, despite the 4 minute quarters, we ran 73 offensive plays it's not the 120 of a real game, but it is plenty to make the mode engaging.

After the game I bought an 82 OVR Alex Smith. His cap hit is small enough, and he is at least very accurate short. Plus, by assembling six Chiefs players, I get a tier two boost from them.

Still right at 77 OVR, though.

[Danimal]

Since I have all this MUT stuff I decided to give it a try. I really have no idea what I'm doing and the solo challenges start so easy, it is on rookie level. I opened a ton of packs and I still have like 12 left. I had to make a choice on an elite guy so I went with Prime Time as CB. Guy picked off 2 passes in first game and returned a punt for a TD. I also got a Gold Von Miller guy just waltzes through the line.

I still don't really get what I am doing, how contracts work and what all these different options are like seasons etc. but like the fantasy team aspect for a change of pace.

[10spro]

Since I have all this MUT stuff I decided to give it a try. I really have no idea what I'm doing and the solo challenges start so easy, it is on rookie level. I opened a ton of packs and I still have like 12 left. I had to make a choice on an elite guy so I went with Prime Time as CB. Guy picked off 2 passes in first game and returned a punt for a TD. I also got a Gold Von Miller guy just waltzes through the line.

I still don't really get what I am doing, how contracts work and what all these different options are like seasons etc. but like the fantasy team aspect for a change of pace.

As you progress, you'll need the contracts for the players you wish to keep. The challenges are easy in the beginning as you mentioned and it's a way to help you get the coins and aim for Gold players as your team gets better. The challenges will get tougher. My team is around 76 overall I think and my best highest ranked player is Golden Tate at 84 which I got in a pack. Thing is, once the season starts and lets say G. Tate really shines in a particular week, that 84 ranking means nothing as they'll upgrade him to an 86-88 range. then you get newer and tougher challenges to acquire that upgraded player if so it's your wish.

Winning online games may give you more coins, but basically what you're doing is trying to improve your team in every aspect, players from the same team, similar formations, chemistry etc.

[Leadfoot5]

The "Longshot" story mode, as some reviewers have noted, was worth the price of admission. Wow. The quality of the story and performances genuinely surprised me. Kudos to EA, Michael Young and the Madden team. Quality stuff.

[MizzouRah]

What is the consensus on quarter time? I see most over at OS use either 9 minutes with no accelerated clock or 15 minutes with 15 seconds accelerated clock.

[dbdynsty25]

What is the consensus on quarter time? I see most over at OS use either 9 minutes with no accelerated clock or 15 minutes with 15 seconds accelerated clock.

I've always played 15 w accelerated clock down to 20 seconds.