Official Madden 2006 Impressions Thread

[Toper]

Got the game Sat from Target and played pretty much the whole day. Here are some quick impressions after about 5 games:

- First off, passing cone is worthless, IMO (I think EA is even a little non-commited to this mode, as they tell you how to turn it off during the tutorials/load screens).

I had an open mind going in and gave it a chance, but it is just implemented poorly...using the analog stick is wonky, and using the R button plus receiver button to check off is unintuitive to me, as well. I liken the passing cone to cursor hitting in baseball games...I think people out there are gonna love the greater control, but the majority are gonna stick with the "tried and true" method.

I guess I just come from the old school of thought that "less clutter is better" when it comes to graphical interface. Which is why I probably favor things such as timed hitting to cursor, or stat based one button free throw shooting to "lining up icons". Of course, YMMV with this feature.

- After I turned off passing cone, I started to have alot more fun with this one.

- There are new catching and pass defending animations that really help the passing game. It improves the "deep ball effect" so that it's easier to throw deep than madden 2005, but harder than ncaa2006.

Also, new animations have been put in to help receivers play the sidelines...guys actually try to stay in bounds this year (Finally)!

Last thing about passing is that good WRs seem to get better separation from the defense, and defensive pass coverage WILL break down as more time passes...2 things I wasn't seeing in Ncaa.

- Another reason why I hate flashlight mode...it takes away the L and R buttons from your receivers. Yup, now you have to use the white and black buttons (yaaay...*sarcasm*). You can change the controls back, but then you lose the A button for QB sprinting...AAARRRGGGHHH!

- Running game seems a little harder than ncaa 2006, which is good. My only complaint is they did not implement the new right stick controls that they did for ncaa (same thing on defense). Truck stick is as lame as it sounds, but they have the stutter step in there. Too bad I'm gonna have to relearn the controls every time I switch between games.

- Buttons for defensive shifts have been changed from ncaa, as well...very annoying.

- Plenty of love on the defensive side of the ball if you like to call pre-snap audibles...you can even shade wr inside/outside or concentrate coverage towards the middle of field or sidelines.

- Fake snap button on offense makes me dizzy.

- Added a new wr hot route where the receiver will run a hook right past the first down marker...nice touch.

- Doesn't seem to be a way to turn off flashlight mode for cpu. Really distracting for me when I'm on defense.

- Pass protection is excellent...probably the best by an ea football game. You will get sacked for dropping back too far, but you are actually safe in the pocket this year. Blockers actually try to funnel the pass rush to the outside. Also added some pre-snap stuff for the o-line this year, as well.

- You can turn off auto passing (I think you could last year also?).

- No robo-qb sightings (yet).

- Kick meter has some sort of variable timing that goes faster/slower depending on power...very annoying, and makes extra points/kickoffs an adventure when they shouldn't be.

- Banner looks nice, but touchdown message looks, ummm, ghey.

- After a score, they show a drive summary before kickoff...very nice.

- Teams don't feel "generic" this year...I was shredding the bears secondary with randy moss and the raiders, but using manning and the colts, I was having a tougher time against the chargers.

- Finally, I tried a little superstar mode. I created a rb, and as a lifelong Steeler fan, wouldn't you know...I was drafted by the BROWNS!

Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised by this mode...WAAAY deeper and better implemented than RFTH mode in NCAA. You setup a player rpg-style, meet with a mentor, do interviews/tests, get drafted, hire an agent, go to practice/training camp (which actually has an effect on your attribs, unlike rfth)...alot to do, and admittedly, alot of fun.


If I had to choose, I would take Madden over Ncaa at this early stage. Madden just seems more polished to me...even though there isn't any other competition, it's good to see EA at least putting their best effort in their NFL title this year. I guess EA is back on the cycle where their madden release is "better" than their ncaa title (I thought this was true last year, as well).

Toper

[Boom]

There are new catching and pass defending animations that really help the passing game. It improves the "deep ball effect" so that it's easier to throw deep than madden 2005, but harder than ncaa2006.

One of the biggest complaints year in and year out pre Madden 2005 was the ease of throwing deep.

Personally, I thought Madden 2005 nailed the deep ball. Hope it's not too easy. I know you said it's not NCAA easy, but shoot... the deep ball in NCAA is toddler age easy. So there's a lot of room for it to be harder than NCAA, but still too easy IMO.

- Added a new wr hot route where the receiver will run a hook right past the first down marker...nice touch.

Killer!

[wco81]

Yeah you have to look at Madden in a 3 or 4-year cycle.

If they made the deep ball easier, that's a regression from 2005. In 2004 and 2003, it was too easy.

Plus, before 2005, pass protection was too good, which is why you could roll up big scores, along with the deep passing game.

Now, they bring back better pass protection? They had to, in order to bring the cone in, because you need more time. Some cynics have said they put the cone in to make it harder to pass, not because it necessarily advances gameplay mechanics.

I think a part of it is that the cone is visual, so it's a very obvious example of a new feature, whereas many of those presnap adjustments are not obvious and many people won't use all of them.

Also, you see Peyton with the big cone but I think part of the reason for his success is he makes good presnap reads and locks in on a WR mismatch and leads him perfectly on the break. That imples a focus or tunnel vision rather than a wide field of vision. He's watching the one WR and anticipating the break. So you can argue that the whole cone concept is counterintuitive.

However, one thing that sounds promising is the Precision passing, which in conjunction with the cone lets you potentially throw to the back or front shoulder as you prefer.

These features do raise the curve and emphasizes more dexterity so I think the people who play every year will approach them with enthusiasm.

[Toper]

With regards to the deep ball, maybe "easier" is the wrong term...let's just say that the new catch animations strike a great balance with the pass defense animations, and I'll leave it at that.

As for the pass cone, maybe I wasn't "excited" about it, but I was very interested in seeing what it had to offer. With that said, it has been turned off in my settings.

Toper

[Danimal]

Calling the passing cone worthless is a bit of an overstatement in my opinion. As I said yesterday some will write this off right away because it is too difficult.

But it is not implemented poorly, Using the right analog stick to scan works fine. My buddy was bitching and moaning because he couldn't sprint out of the pocket to the right and look down the left hand side of the field and fire a ball on the run. I was like f***in great you can't do that cheesy s***!

People with lack of patience or who just aren't quick enough with a control pad will hate this feature. 30 minutes in practice mode and I was checking off receivers easily. You can't just drop back and chuck the ball to anyone, you have to make pre-snap reads, immediately check off of your primary receiver and get rid of the ball to be succesful.

However I think this feature is only going to go over well with the hardcore crowd and I will admit I think the game is going to be more fun to most without it on.

[Toper]

Calling the passing cone worthless is a bit of an overstatement in my opinion. As I said yesterday some will write this off right away because it is too difficult.

But it is not implemented poorly, Using the right analog stick to scan works fine. My buddy was bitching and moaning because he couldn't sprint out of the pocket to the right and look down the left hand side of the field and fire a ball on the run. I was like f***in great you can't do that cheesy s***!

People with lack of patience or who just aren't quick enough with a control pad will hate this feature. 30 minutes in practice mode and I was checking off receivers easily. You can't just drop back and chuck the ball to anyone, you have to make pre-snap reads, immediately check off of your primary receiver and get rid of the ball to be succesful.

However I think this feature is only going to go over well with the hardcore crowd and I will admit I think the game is going to be more fun to most without it on.

It's worthless TO ME...like I said, it is is either unintuitive or implemented poorly (take your pick...I think it's both).

IMO, I think it's unintuitive because it makes you either use both sticks at the same time (comparable to rubbing your tummy and patting your head), or select a receiver TWICE to pass to them (if they're not the primary).

It's implemented poorly TO ME because an analog input is too slow...you can't move the stick as fast and as accurate as you can scan the field with your eyes (this is the same problem I have with cursor hitting in baseball games, or using a controller versus a keyboard and mouse for an FPS). IMO, they should have made the right stick scanning digital (where it "snaps" to each receiver in the direction you flick it)...I mean, why would you scan an "empty" part of the field in real life?

I can already see a passing cone/anti-cone flame war brewing (comparable to cursor hitting versus timing base)...all I can say is use what's best for you.

As for me, call me "impatient" or "slow with a control pad", but I've played enough maddens/ncaas to know that this feature adds nothing FOR ME. I actually think that the new pass catch animations and wr awareness with the sidelines add ALOT more to the passing game than this feature. With that said, I think that this year's madden has been a pleasant surprise for me, and plays better than this year's ncaa (with passing cone off).

Toper

[Badgun]

I'll say I have to agree with Toper on this one. The feature could have been useful if implemented properly, but putting it on the right stick and asking someone to completely eyeball the entire field in what...3 seconds and then get the pass off is just asking too much of the average gamer.

You're right, Danimal, the feature will be a hit with "I play Madden 12 hours a day" crowd, but it is a useless feature to those of us that want to just drop back, find an open receiver, and then throw the ball. Is that asking too much?

Say I'm focused on the right side of the field, but my guy is covered. Out of the corner of my eye I see the "X" receiver open on the left side of the field waving his hand. I can't just sling the ball over to him while he's open, I've got to swing the stupid cone around to encompass him and then throw the ball. By then, I've either been sacked or he's no longer open. It's just a stupid feature that gives more tools to the Mountain Dew infused crowd than it does to the average gamer. I'd be willing to be that the cone has to be on in a ranked online game. Just feeding the MOrtal Kombat crowd in my opinion.

And I'll admit...I'm a little slower with the gamepad these days as I will be 46 in less than two weeks and my vision is starting to go away. But I can still be damn competitive online or offline if the playing field is level, but this cone thing is going to give the edge to the joystick jockeys who live and breath Madden.

[Danimal]

It's worthless TO ME...like I said, it is is either unintuitive or implemented poorly (take your pick...I think it's both).

IMO, I think it's unintuitive because it makes you either use both sticks at the same time (comparable to rubbing your tummy and patting your head), or select a receiver TWICE to pass to them (if they're not the primary).

It's implemented poorly TO ME because an analog input is too slow...you can't move the stick as fast and as accurate as you can scan the field with your eyes (this is the same problem I have with cursor hitting in baseball games, or using a controller versus a keyboard and mouse for an FPS). IMO, they should have made the right stick scanning digital (where it "snaps" to each receiver in the direction you flick it)...I mean, why would you scan an "empty" part of the field in real life?

I can already see a passing cone/anti-cone flame war brewing (comparable to cursor hitting versus timing base)...all I can say is use what's best for you.

As for me, call me "impatient" or "slow with a control pad", but I've played enough maddens/ncaas to know that this feature adds nothing FOR ME. I actually think that the new pass catch animations and wr awareness with the sidelines add ALOT more to the passing game than this feature. With that said, I think that this year's madden has been a pleasant surprise for me, and plays better than this year's ncaa (with passing cone off).

Toper

Precisely why I said in my opinion I think your statement was overdone. I'm fine if you find it useless, an although I never called you impatient specifically, let me ask how much time did you spend on the practice field with the passing cone? How many games did you play with it on?

[bdunn13]

I'll say I have to agree with Toper on this one. The feature could have been useful if implemented properly, but putting it on the right stick and asking someone to completely eyeball the entire field in what...3 seconds and then get the pass off is just asking too much of the average gamer.

So you are bashing the feature saying its not done properly and you have not even played the game?? I always thought the everage gamer was someone who went into a store and picked up what sounded familiar ect... I thought OS, DSP ect was a place for hardcore gamers that like a challenge.. maybe I am wrong.

Say I'm focused on the right side of the field, but my guy is covered. Out of the corner of my eye I see the "X" receiver open on the left side of the field waving his hand.

Why even have 5 pass buttons? Why not just have 1 where you press it when you are ready to throw and the AI chooses the man with the greatest chance of catching the ball.


- and you can turn the feature off.. its like people bashing mascot games in NCAA.. they are there, they have been done... removing them will not give you any extra features and no one is forcing you to play a mascot game...

[Danimal]

I'll say I have to agree with Toper on this one. The feature could have been useful if implemented properly, but putting it on the right stick and asking someone to completely eyeball the entire field in what...3 seconds and then get the pass off is just asking too much of the average gamer.

First exactly how much time have you spent with this feature so far to make such an informed opinion?

Second did I not say in both my posts it will be the hardcore guys who like it, the thing can be turned off.

You're right, Danimal, the feature will be a hit with "I play Madden 12 hours a day" crowd, but it is a useless feature to those of us that want to just drop back, find an open receiver, and then throw the ball. Is that asking too much?

Personally I think it will be less of a hit with the 12 hour Madden crowd as you put it and more of a hit with people who want to play a bit more realistic QB.

Let me say this again so you can understand. It can be turned off, so exactly what is this crap about asking too much. You can play the game the same as in the past if you want.

Say I'm focused on the right side of the field, but my guy is covered. Out of the corner of my eye I see the "X" receiver open on the left side of the field waving his hand. I can't just sling the ball over to him while he's open, I've got to swing the stupid cone around to encompass him and then throw the ball. By then, I've either been sacked or he's no longer open. It's just a stupid feature that gives more tools to the Mountain Dew infused crowd than it does to the average gamer. I'd be willing to be that the cone has to be on in a ranked online game. Just feeding the MOrtal Kombat crowd in my opinion.

You can just fling away to the "x" guy it just won't be as accurate. The cone represent the QB getting his eyes focused on the target. If you think this is an advantage to the chesse players I don't know what to tell you.

Plus show me an NFL QB who throws a "no look" pass to a receiver, nevermind one that is accuarate, and isn't on the Bears roster.

And I'll admit...I'm a little slower with the gamepad these days as I will be 46 in less than two weeks and my vision is starting to go away. But I can still be damn competitive online or offline if the playing field is level, but this cone thing is going to give the edge to the joystick jockeys who live and breath Madden.

Wow so much to digest in this statement. A level playing field? I've got news for you, if someone is playing 12 hours a day of Madden without the passing cone and he has good control pad skills he is still going to kick your ass. The playing field is at the same level with or without the passing cone. I think I've heard it all now, when someone dislikes a feature because it allows the 13 year olds to beat him more then he likes.'

For the record, I do not care if anyone likes or dislikes this feature. It won't ruin my day if everyone here at DSP hates it. Someone posted it was worthless and I though that a bit harsh so put in my 2 cents. If it makes you feel any better I haven't even decided if I will use it in my franchise.

[CerealKillah]

If your a casual Madden baller...your not gonna like vision/precision (i.e. Cone passing)...If you are a hardcore baller who like a simulation/realistic style of play the Cone will be welcomed...Enjoy no matter what.

[bdoughty]

I thought OS, DSP ect was a place for hardcore gamers that like a challenge.. maybe I am wrong.

Yes a challenge is one thing but I gave up fighting games along time ago due to my hand-eye coordination not being what it used to. For some of us the controls as they are, present more then enough challenge. That makes us no more or less hardcore. Many hardcore gamers love sports text sims which require little to no dexterity. So I would have to go with you are wrong.


Dan it is early yet. I would hate to see you burst a blood vessel before the game is even officially relased.

[bdoughty]

If your a casual Madden baller...your not gonna like vision/precision (i.e. Cone passing)...If you are a hardcore baller who like a simulation/realistic style of play the Cone will be welcomed...Enjoy no matter what.

DSP is a baller free zone (casual or hardcore).

[Leebo33]

In game saves?

[CerealKillah]

I'll say I have to agree with Toper on this one. The feature could have been useful if implemented properly, but putting it on the right stick and asking someone to completely eyeball the entire field in what...3 seconds and then get the pass off is just asking too much of the average gamer.

First exactly how much time have you spent with this feature so far to make such an informed opinion?

Second did I not say in both my posts it will be the hardcore guys who like it, the thing can be turned off.

You're right, Danimal, the feature will be a hit with "I play Madden 12 hours a day" crowd, but it is a useless feature to those of us that want to just drop back, find an open receiver, and then throw the ball. Is that asking too much?

Personally I think it will be less of a hit with the 12 hour Madden crowd as you put it and more of a hit with people who want to play a bit more realistic QB.

Let me say this again so you can understand. It can be turned off, so exactly what is this crap about asking too much. You can play the game the same as in the past if you want.

Say I'm focused on the right side of the field, but my guy is covered. Out of the corner of my eye I see the "X" receiver open on the left side of the field waving his hand. I can't just sling the ball over to him while he's open, I've got to swing the stupid cone around to encompass him and then throw the ball. By then, I've either been sacked or he's no longer open. It's just a stupid feature that gives more tools to the Mountain Dew infused crowd than it does to the average gamer. I'd be willing to be that the cone has to be on in a ranked online game. Just feeding the MOrtal Kombat crowd in my opinion.

You can just fling away to the "x" guy it just won't be as accurate. The cone represent the QB getting his eyes focused on the target. If you think this is an advantage to the chesse players I don't know what to tell you.

Plus show me an NFL QB who throws a "no look" pass to a receiver, nevermind one that is accuarate, and isn't on the Bears roster.

And I'll admit...I'm a little slower with the gamepad these days as I will be 46 in less than two weeks and my vision is starting to go away. But I can still be damn competitive online or offline if the playing field is level, but this cone thing is going to give the edge to the joystick jockeys who live and breath Madden.

Wow so much to digest in this statement. A level playing field? I've got news for you, if someone is playing 12 hours a day of Madden without the passing cone and he has good control pad skills he is still going to kick your ass. The playing field is at the same level with or without the passing cone. I think I've heard it all now, when someone dislikes a feature because it allows the 13 year olds to beat him more then he likes.'

For the record, I do not care if anyone likes or dislikes this feature. It won't ruin my day if everyone here at DSP hates it. Someone posted it was worthless and I though that a bit harsh so put in my 2 cents. If it makes you feel any better I haven't even decided if I will use it in my franchise.

BTW...your analysis is on point...Good Job.

people who do not value an increased level of realism and just wanna sling passes will not like the feature..The 12 hr a day chhesball playin hardcore player is gonna be in the same boat because they are used to mindless level of gameplay that Madden has allowed for the last 3-4 years.

On the other hand if you are looking for more common sense in the game like a QB actually haviong to see his WR to throw it to him or fatige being a factor then Cone vision is a no brainer. The learning curve to get it down will be and is STEEP...I see too many peopl wanting instant gratification..They wanna put up all these outlandish stats and stare at them w/o investing any strategy in how to really read a D, run the ball or play the game. This year maybe EA/Madden did a lil something to reward those ballers who are the real hardcore purists...

[wco81]

Like I said, I don't know that it's more realistic.

However, this forum like others have been known to make early, snap judgements. Lets see how it looks for people in a couple of weeks.

I'm pretty sure it is on for ranked online games. Plus leagues will likely require it.

I think the UI could be a better. It's good that they started using the right analog stick a couple of years ago but they may be overusing it now. Using the right stick takes your thumb or whichever fingers you use off the face buttons. That is why the jukes being moved from the shoulder to the right stick seems to be less effective too.

Instead of holding the right shoulder and then pressing a WR button to put the cone on a particular WR, it might have been better if they had let the right shoulder just cycle the cone through each WR. So if your cone is on the far WR on the left, just press it a couple of times to have the cone locked on the WR on the right. Each click would cycle the cone fast. This would probably be a quicker scheme, which might make a difference against a blitz or to avoid a sack.

[RobVarak]

If your a casual Madden baller...your not gonna like vision/precision (i.e. Cone passing)...If you are a hardcore baller who like a simulation/realistic style of play the Cone will be welcomed...Enjoy no matter what.

DSP is a baller free zone (casual or hardcore).

Thanks for catching that one, BD. I was thinking the same thing.

[Jason]

Instead of holding the right shoulder and then pressing a WR button to put the cone on a particular WR, it might have been better if they had let the right shoulder just cycle the cone through each WR. So if your cone is on the far WR on the left, just press it a couple of times to have the cone locked on the WR on the right. Each click would cycle the cone fast. This would probably be a quicker scheme, which might make a difference against a blitz or to avoid a sack.

That would make it too much like Joe Montana Football and every other football game that came out before icon passing caught on. Rememeber in the old days when you'd hit a button to cycle through receivers to pick the one you wanted to throw to? I'd hate to go back to that style of play again.

[wco81]

I don't remember Joe Montana being that way but no doubt that was the case since there was no icon-passing then.

It sounds like if you use the right stick, you could have the cone pointed at nobody. But if you use the shoulder and face button combo, it centers it on the desired WR.

Say you have to get the ball off quick and you're still relatively unfamiliar with the playbook. I think having it cycle through that way makes it easier to navigate the progression, left to right, rather than jumping from the triangle to the square WR or vice versa.

Triangle is now a WR this year, instead of the X, which makes the QB sprint.

[GTHobbes]

Sounds like this feature is getting the same kind of reaction that FPF got when it was introduced. I'd be curious to know if the guys who are willing to put the time in for V&P also put the time in to learning FPF.

[Danimal]

Dan it is early yet. I would hate to see you burst a blood vessel before the game is even officially relased.

Don't worry I won't.

Look at least Toper tried it, I really do not care if anyone likes it. Truth be told it is very difficult and I am not even sure i will end up playing with it on.

I was just stating my opinion on why I don't think it was poorly implemnted and that I thought worthless was a bit much. I think the way it is implemented it is definetly challenging and it simulates the vision of a QB.

To me the superstar mode is worthless, seems like Toper likes that. Again it is all opinion and I'm just stating mine. I thought it might be appreciated since I've actually played the game but it is obvious the same old crew (not you BD) are going to pull the same old s***. So I will keep my impressions to myself on the passing cone from now on.

[Danimal]

Sounds like this feature is getting the same kind of reaction that FPF got when it was introduced. I'd be curious to know if the guys who are willing to put the time in for V&P also put the time in to learning FPF.

For me yes, FPF was one of the features I really enjoyed in the 2K series. My only problem with it was the same problem I have with shooters, tunnel vision.

[Slumberland]

I'm excited about the passing cone. One of the things I really appreciated in one of those making-of-Madden docs a couple of years ago was Coach Madden's sincere frustration with people who would abuse the game and play unrealistically. Now, I know Madden's not really programming the game, but this seems like a step in the right direction as far as forcing people to play realistic football. If they've made the O-line a bit better at holding the pocket, then the extra nanoseconds needed to use the cone shouldn't be a problem.

The thing I'm really interested in is difficulty level. Has anyone tried All-Madden, and does it feel like there's any cheating going on as far as speed-bursts and stuff like that?

[Jason]

Doesn't seem to be a way to turn off flashlight mode for cpu. Really distracting for me when I'm on defense.
Toper

This kinda sucks. I'm not sure whether or not I'm going to use the passing cone, but if I decide not to, I don't want it appearing when I'm on defense.

[Badgun]

I'll say I have to agree with Toper on this one. The feature could have been useful if implemented properly, but putting it on the right stick and asking someone to completely eyeball the entire field in what...3 seconds and then get the pass off is just asking too much of the average gamer.

So you are bashing the feature saying its not done properly and you have not even played the game?? I always thought the everage gamer was someone who went into a store and picked up what sounded familiar ect... I thought OS, DSP ect was a place for hardcore gamers that like a challenge.. maybe I am wrong.

Say I'm focused on the right side of the field, but my guy is covered. Out of the corner of my eye I see the "X" receiver open on the left side of the field waving his hand.

Why even have 5 pass buttons? Why not just have 1 where you press it when you are ready to throw and the AI chooses the man with the greatest chance of catching the ball.


- and you can turn the feature off.. its like people bashing mascot games in NCAA.. they are there, they have been done... removing them will not give you any extra features and no one is forcing you to play a mascot game...

You are correct, I do not have the game yet, but from the moment I saw the first passing cone movie, I knew I wasn't going to like it. Why? Because I can envision myself trying move that damn cone around to cover the receiver I want to throw to and not seeing the blitzing linebacker and getting sacked over and over again.

You ever play a shooter like Halo online? Personally I hate shooters on consoles because of the precision it requires to aim and shoot a guy. Same concept with the passing cone. A guy runs in front of you, you swing your gun around to shoot him, the crosshair passes by the guy a little so you have to bring it back a tad to guarantee a hit. Bam! You're dead. I just see this happening a lot with the passing cone. Yeah, I'm predisposed to not liking the cone, but I think it's justified. A lot of the people that I have read initial impressions from DO NOT like the cone for the reasons I mentioned. Lack of time, annoying visual on the field, and having to work two sticks at the same time.

I'm not saying I won't at least try it, and I may even grow to like it, but my hunch tells me that its going to get between a lot of people's enjoyment of the game.

To me a better implementation of such a feature would have been to put it on the trigger buttons. Maybe just when the qb has the ball. Left trigger scans left, right trigger scans right.

Call me a pansy if you want, it's just one more thing you have to do now before you can throw a pass. I think that's a bad thing considering how fast the blitz already gets to you.