Are you ready for some football?!!!!

http://fantasysports20.com/img/Madden09Preview_EC09/madden12.jpg

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/blog/images/MaddenNFL_09_snow.jpg

http://www.pastapadre.com/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/madden-09/madden09jonescowboys.jpg

It's been a loooooong time since many have felt that EA has lived up to they're marketing schtick. Three years to be exact, since EA's last great football game came out. Well, it seems THIS is the year for a great gridiron comeback. If you've played NCAA 09 then you have a pretty good idea of Madden gameplay-but still far from final, and there are some differences. Flawless?-of course not. Bug free?-probaly not. The Yellow Brick Road of all directions?-you bet'cha! As well as EA stuffing their deep, ankle-reachin' pockets, it seems this year they've finally put it....in the game. Goodbye David Ortiz, hello Peter Moore! Yes! EA is finally heading in a great, new direction, using alot more hardware power, pushin' the limits of football gaming on consoles. This year will include more animatons, realistic movement and effort than ever before! Also, ugrades in passing, tackling, and running-which includes a zoom-in, roadie run type camera for breakaway runs (thank GOW for this one). Hell, even online leagues! There will be a complete presentation overhaul, with great new graphics and sound (announcers are back), and even custom end zone celebrations to help show off the new awesomeness with some swagger.
This year should be a turning point in NFL football gaming (there's no competition that includes NFL players, so the only ones who could make a turning point would have to be EA, greedy sons of....anyway, as I saying). This year, Madden is shaping up to arguably be the greatest representation of America's national pastime (no, not baseball, football-the game with the most teamwork)-adding a real sense of speed, better A.I. and more.This is the year Madden returns to greatness! Maybe this football season will be the great inspiration for all future sports games. Of course, every year us fans get our hopes up so high because of past Madden high points. But since the last great Madden hit shelves in '06, most fans (including me) have needed our Gatorade (with a little vodka) just to bear the seemingly effortless and goofy gameplay. But this year, hopefully, the Madden curse will be broken in more ways than one....unless Brett Favre (Farv-ra) is at home, sippin' on a warm cup of cocoa and chokes on a marshmallow.
Maybe this year EA finally lives up to their thought provoking-yet innacurate slogan....and maybe this year I'll just drink some vodka before pressing start-just in case.

Maybe this year EA finally lives up to their thought provoking-yet innacurate slogan...

Ahhhh, the exuberant hopes of the weeks immediately preceeding another Madden launch. :D

This will just be another reminder of how much I miss the 2k series.

Am I the only one impressed with the NCAA 09 demo?! I mean, these players are really smart! There are alot of times when the ball is batted into the air, or juggled by a receiver and lost; and a nearby player will always make the effort to catch it, and usually always does! I even saw a player dive...sideways in the end zone to catch the ball! As long as Madden is as good as NCAA 09, IMO, the drought is over!

Am I the only one impressed with the NCAA 09 demo?!

Nope

Am I the only one who thinks the grass looks terrible?

Am I the only one who thinks the grass looks terrible?

Probably not.

This will just be another reminder of how much I miss the 2k series.


Exactly. Ill rent it . Try and force myself to like it. Then innevitably return it within two weeks out of bordom.

Yeah, EA will hype up all the features that you would think make the game better than last year. You get it, and it's the same game with those minor features. I felt the NCAA demo was ok, but the players seemed to be walking on air. If they could harness the 2k5 play, then it could be great. For now, I will kill myself if I buy this game again and to only to trade in after month.

I feel the passion with you naysayers, and there's a big part of me that's right there with you, so I'm not trying to convince you at all. But, I didn't list every new feature I've read about or seen. The NCAA demo is far from the final build itself, and Madden always gets more attention. I've seen the videos of new foot-planting animations and interrupted animations-which are no longer canned and unfold quite naturally. And I've seen videos of the new better lookin' grass. Again, I wouldn't dare try to convince anyone to forget the travesty of the development lately. I would say: If you truly care about Madden and football gaming in general, then maybe you should check out the blogs and videos on the official Madden webpage at EA Sports, then come back and share your thoughts after you've researched a bit.:)

I pay no attention to the hype of Madden anymore...last football game I bought was NFL 2k5. I'll agree the the college games are better than Madden, but I'm more of an NFL fan.

From all I've read on the community sites not ran by EA from people that have played both games, if you like NCAA you're gonna love Madden this year. All I've seen is basically NCAA is good, but Madden is over the top Excellent. Hoping it all comes true, really..
I'm optimistic for the first time in a few years.

If the last football game you bought was NFL 2K.. you need to do yourself a BIG favour and wait till Madden '09 comes out.. and then go purchase Madden '08 for about $9.99. Its only $10 bucks..

It is absolutely amazing the amount of stuff that goes into the game and what you can do on and off the field. Youre really cheating yourself by not participating. Especially if you are a real NFL fan.

I was a huge 2k series fan myself.. but you know what in the end.. football was more important to me. And if for whatever reason 2k doesnt offer an up to date NFL game.. then I have to play what they do have. And trust me.. Madden is rewarding. It may be a monopoly, but that still doesnt mean its not fun to play. It has many of the features NFL2K invented.. so you will feel at home.

As much as some people dislike the Madden monopoly on football.. they couldnt accomplish it without the help of the greedy NFL who signs these silly azz contracts. The DirectTV Sunday football package pisses me off ALOT more than the Madden monopoly. Because I live in an apartment and cannot get a DTV satellite signal. So I'm stuck watching sucky azz regional coverage of teams I have zero interest in all day Sunday. Half of the time I flip over to Bowling on ESPN.

I said I haven't bought a Madden game since 2k5, which doesn't mean I haven't played them.

For Madden to make me sit up and take notice, they would have to completely scrap their current engine, and basically build the game from the ground up again. They keep iterating on the same busted engine. Sure, they keep refining it, to make it "seem" better, but it's still a bunk game engine to begin with. The core code from Madden 06 is still in it. It's been refined to death, so you don't see it, but the foundation is still from 06.

Does anybody remember the target render that they were showing before the next gen systems came out? The one with Terrell Owens on the Eagles, and they were playing the New York Giants in the snow?

http://media.teamxbox.com/games/ss/1136/1113940024.jpg

Remember that?


They need to completely scrap their current game and start over from scratch. Problem is, they'll never do that. Why should they? Chumps keep buying the slop they've been serving for the last 20 years. Last great Madden was Madden 93' on Genesis. Ever since then it's been downhill. Maybe after the Take Two aquisition, they can take some of the best talent that was on the 2K series, and make a new team combined with Tiberon and 2K members, and have them secretly build a totally brand new engine, and then I'll actually give a damn about Madden once again.

As much as some people dislike the Madden monopoly on football.. they couldnt accomplish it without the help of the greedy NFL who signs these silly azz contracts. The DirectTV Sunday football package pisses me off ALOT more than the Madden monopoly. Because I live in an apartment and cannot get a DTV satellite signal. So I'm stuck watching sucky azz regional coverage of teams I have zero interest in all day Sunday. Half of the time I flip over to Bowling on ESPN.

Oh man, I'm with you all the way there. Being a comcast subscriber for over 20 years, I would hate to switch over to satellite just for a season of football and mess up my whole TV scheduling. Every Sunday I'm always hoping that the Niners or Raiders won't sell out so I can actually watch teams that are actually good.

Anyways, as much as I hate the Madden series, I love football and competing online even more. I'll be buying Madden for the 3rd year in a row..just so I can lay the smackdown on all you noobs. :p

I said I haven't bought a Madden game since 2k5, which doesn't mean I haven't played them.

Well why didnt you make that point clearer in your first post. You post was worded to come off as though Madden somehow wasnt worth your time. And only NFL2k5 was good enough.

Whether you play it, buy it, or take it out on a date really doesnt matter to me. I was just simply trying to convey, that its definitely worth your time if youre a gamer who is a true NFL fan.

Madden seems to get alot of bad hype.. because its 'cool' to hate EA these days. And alot of it really is undeserved.

I love football and competing online even more. I'll be buying Madden for the 3rd year in a row..just so I can lay the smackdown on all you noobs. :p

Something else we seem to agree on. I find its necessary to purchase Madden every year just for the roster updates. Sure it may cost me $60 a year. But its priceless to be able to kick all of my friends azz'es.

The last thing I need after laying the smackdown on one of them.. is for them to pull out the "only reason you beat me is because the roster is a year old" card.

With the 360 price drop looming.. I expect i'll have a few new azz'es to whip in Madden this year. As football fans are anxious as hell to participate in anytype of 1st and 10 action right now. I played Madden08 with 3 friends all of last Saturday.. and they cant wait to pick up a 360 and hop online to continue the battles.

Sweet, Roster Update 2009 is coming out!

I used to be such a staunch Madden fan, even took part in some Madden Tourneys when I was back in college. The game just isn't that fun anymore. Its like the game play is all based on gimmicks now, hit sticks, taunt sticks and all this nonsense. I find little reason to throw down $60 when the only difference from my copy of Madden 2005 is the guy on the cover and some roster updates.

Sweet, Roster Update 2009 is coming out!

I used to be such a staunch Madden fan, even took part in some Madden Tourneys when I was back in college. The game just isn't that fun anymore. Its like the game play is all based on gimmicks now, hit sticks, taunt sticks and all this nonsense. I find little reason to throw down $60 when the only difference from my copy of Madden 2005 is the guy on the cover and some roster updates.

Same could be said about all sports games. Thats why these games are such money makers for EA, Take-two, etc. They lay the foundation, then make minor tweaks and improvements along w/ roster updates and charge $60 a pop.

My argument has always been.. what more do you people expect besides roster updates and few new buttons here and there. Its football. Hell look at the sport itself.. do you stop watching the NFL **this** year.. because the league didnt add anything new from last year.

Lemme explain football in a nutshell. 11 guys one team.. try and advance the ball, by running or throwing the ball, in an effort to cross a line 100 yards away.. while 11 guys on the other team try and stop them. Kicking the ball for points or field position may or may not happen during the game play.

How much more can tweak something to accomplish getting the ball accross the line. EA says "If its in the game.. its IN the game". And I personally cant see where they can be called liars. Maybe I should ask this question. What is missing from Madden that makes people so standoffish to the title??

What does EA need to add to Madden to make you satisfied with the title??

^ which is why the argument always comes up. Why charge customers another $60 for a game thats virtually identical to its predecessors? Why not just release a roster update for say, $30?

^ which is why the argument always comes up. Why charge customers another $60 for a game thats virtually identical to its predecessors? Why not just release a roster update for say, $30?

Because it still sales at $60 :D

Every year this game is released isn't it number 1 based on NPD sales?
I seriously think if they did just a roster update and that was it the thing would still sale. They actually took features out last year.

My argument has always been.. what more do you people expect besides roster updates and few new buttons here and there. Its football. Hell look at the sport itself.. do you stop watching the NFL **this** year.. because the league didnt add anything new from last year.

Lemme explain football in a nutshell. 11 guys one team.. try and advance the ball, by running or throwing the ball, in an effort to cross a line 100 yards away.. while 11 guys on the other team try and stop them. Kicking the ball for points or field position may or may not happen during the game play.

How much more can tweak something to accomplish getting the ball accross the line. EA says "If its in the game.. its IN the game". And I personally cant see where they can be called liars. Maybe I should ask this question. What is missing from Madden that makes people so standoffish to the title??

What does EA need to add to Madden to make you satisfied with the title??
Make it a 100% simulation.. Look at the madden tourneys & tell me how realistic that is..EA really needs to stop how easy it is to manipulate the game.Ea won't cause 80% of people that buy madden want that, & it's easier to sell a title with new features instead of fixes the majority doesn't care about.. Madden is more about finding flaws & glitches to get over on people/AI then being a great player..Albeit there are great madden players out there..

The thing is, the majority of people would be happy playing Madden 2003 if it just had roster updates every year. The last Madden game I bought was Madden 2005 for the Gamecube. A friend of mine bought the X360 version of 2007 for my kids. I'm not a "hardcore" Madden player, so I really didn't notice too much of a difference. And I bet most Madden players don't notice many differences either. But EA wouldn't make tons of cash and get all of the hype if they released updates though. I don't fault EA for doing this. It's great for them. I just laugh at the people who buy basically the same game every year.:D

One of these years it will get good enough reviews that I'll buy it. But I like college football and running the ball too much so I've been getting NCAA that last couple of years. I just can't see buying that and Madden in a year.

I'd like to get on the every other year deal, where I get NCAA one year and Madden the next. Too bad EA doesn't get on that schedule and go to bi-annual releases. But I don't know why they would...

I'm an EA hater myself and NCAA football this year is the jam! It's quite awesome if you haven't played it. Online leagues? If enough of my friends get involved, it could be epic. We're talking tons of beers epic on sundays. Even better than fantasy football

The graphics aren't the problem with Madden, so screenshots don't do much for me. Fix the gameplay and the damn Franchise mode and I'll be happy.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/35057.html?type=

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/35057.html?type=

Day 1 purchase for both NCAA and Madden. I am looking forward to playing both version. I like all the new features.

Holy crap...did I just offensive lineman actually blocking on a sweep play? And a screen that worked correctly? Wow, maybe they are actually trying this year.

Lake your post sounds just like the typical EA marketing hype. We'll see...

About Online leagues... Have they ever released a version that wasn't heavily bugged out in which you could actaully finish it?

Lake your post sounds just like the typical EA marketing hype. We'll see...

About Online leagues... Have they ever released a version that wasn't heavily bugged out in which you could actaully finish it?

You're right. I would've liked to have waited until after I actually played the game before making such declarations. But, sometimes the excitement and optimism is overbearing. So, I make an attempt to at least start the discussion.
My advice to everyone: Don't buy the game on day 1. Show EA a lesson this year and wait for a demo.

I don't see how this year's game could suddenly be worth buying. As someone else mentioned, the ENTIRE thing needs to be scrapped. The running is not realistic, the passing movements are just terrible, same thing with the receivers. Nothing feels even remotely realistic and adding a few features isn't going to fix the core system that is terrible. Until they start over, I will never buy their game again.

I really wish they would fix the tackle animations, they look so plain. 2k5 had the best tackle/truck animations. I still remember when Jamal Lewis runs over someone it looks as if the defender was hit by a car.

one of the Leads posted, took what lil advise he could and showed vids on a few forums. Tackling has been improved but of course still needs work.

I'm always more interested in ncaa but this football yr should be even more fun as you also have head coach (if you can get into it).

"IT" will never be "In the game" but the game should always be fun and '08 was not fun.

Yeah, EA will hype up all the features that you would think make the game better than last year. You get it, and it's the same game with those minor features. I felt the NCAA demo was ok, but the players seemed to be walking on air. If they could harness the 2k5 play, then it could be great. For now, I will kill myself if I buy this game again and to only to trade in after month.

They made a game with 2K5 gameplay called All Pro Football 2K8.

Nobody bought it.

With that said I still think we are going to get the same old crap from EA. At least it's not the Nascar series. Those games look like they could be done on the original XBox. They really take advantage of those Rednecks.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/35057.html?type=

BOUGHT!


Not just bought.. but I will have this game a week before its released.

Not just bought.. but I have forwarded that gameplay video to 15 of my good old college buddies with whom I used to play Madden with all day on genesis and playstation back in the day.. 5 of those guys already have xbox360s.. the other 10 I told the 360 premium is now $299.

Should be a fun fall

If the last football game you bought was NFL 2K.. you need to do yourself a BIG favour and wait till Madden '09 comes out.. and then go purchase Madden '08 for about $9.99.
i'd personally rather pay someone $9.99 to update the roster on ESPN NFL2K5, then e-mail it to me, so i have a reason to play the best football video game ever made again... :D

For Madden to make me sit up and take notice, they would have to completely scrap their current engine, and basically build the game from the ground up again. They keep iterating on the same busted engine. Sure, they keep refining it, to make it "seem" better, but it's still a bunk game engine to begin with. The core code from Madden 06 is still in it. It's been refined to death, so you don't see it, but the foundation is still from 06.

Does anybody remember the target render that they were showing before the next gen systems came out? The one with Terrell Owens on the Eagles, and they were playing the New York Giants in the snow?

http://media.teamxbox.com/games/ss/1136/1113940024.jpg

Remember that?


They need to completely scrap their current game and start over from scratch. Problem is, they'll never do that. Why should they? Chumps keep buying the slop they've been serving for the last 20 years. Last great Madden was Madden 93' on Genesis. Ever since then it's been downhill. Maybe after the Take Two aquisition, they can take some of the best talent that was on the 2K series, and make a new team combined with Tiberon and 2K members, and have them secretly build a totally brand new engine, and then I'll actually give a damn about Madden once again.

Sad thing is there are already games that look close to that target render, but EA just doesn't seem to give a damn about upgrading their Madden engine.

Madden is a hail mary fest. QB running backwards 20 yards to throw a long bomb on 4th down. BS. Like the guy above said, this game is merely based on the strategy of exploitation. If you like that sort of stuff, like most people do, you'll like the game. IMO, If you rather play football the way it's supposed to be played, you've been tired of Madden for years now.

Madden is a hail mary fest. QB running backwards 20 yards to throw a long bomb on 4th down. BS. Like the guy above said, this game is merely based on the strategy of exploitation. If you like that sort of stuff, like most people do, you'll like the game.

Isn't that what real football is about?

I think people who get "exploited" are either football novices (ie: never actually played) or don't no much about defense...

You play prevent every down I'm going to "exploit" you with quick outs. You cheat your linebackers to the left, you get "exploited" with a slant to the right.

I haven't come across a "super play" that can't be countered by good defense.

That's like saying "I don't play chess, because the queen rules the board"

I love playing the guys who blitz every down, run there quarterbacks all the time, and throw down field all day. (Easy wins):rolleyes:

I buy a new madden every year. Lots of online matches year round. It is worth it to me. I thought 2k was clunky, but I did like the team identity. Steelers run, etc

Day 1 purchase for both NCAA and Madden. I am looking forward to playing both version. I like all the new features.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/34477.html

Isn't that what real football is about?

I think people who get "exploited" are either football novices (ie: never actually played) or don't no much about defense...

You play prevent every down I'm going to "exploit" you with quick outs. You cheat your linebackers to the left, you get "exploited" with a slant to the right.

I haven't come across a "super play" that can't be countered by good defense.

That's like saying "I don't play chess, because the queen rules the board"

I love playing the guys who blitz every down, run there quarterbacks all the time, and throw down field all day. (Easy wins):rolleyes:
I blitz every down. I can guarantee I'm no easy win.:D

I get what your saying, but I think Payne was referring to exploiting unrealistic gameplay mechanics specifically.

The gameplay is the problem and why I'm not buying another Madden until it's fixed. Whoever said it above that it's drop back 20 yards and throw a bomb/hail mary is right. That's what they turned the game into.

The camera angles and the animation have taken away the beauty of the gameplay in the past where you could see the field at a better angle w/o cuts and pick a hole and follow your blockers.

This new version is animation heavy and the gameplay is for the add crowd who just want to bust a deep one and end zone dance.

That's the major gripe with the franchise. It's lost it's football soul year after year and turned into arena football instead of NFL.

The same thing happened with baseball and it's why some gamers, like myself, still play MVP 2005 on their PC and get the free updated rosters year after year. They finally perfected the game engine and then EA lost the baseball license and this game disappeared.

Madden needs to find a game engine that you feel like you control rather than the console controls. That's what playing Madden feels like these days. It's less user friendly.

I don't know...every football game has their flaws. Yes...even 2k5. What I hate that I think they need to do something about is the people you play that quit when they are loosing. Now I am not going to say I am good by any means but when I am loosing I take my beating like a man and try to learn from it. Yes I know...Stop playing those random games. I did but there are even some who still do it and then blame their connection or EA servers. Not that the EA severs don't suck but still.

Are you ready for some football?!!!!

am i the only one driven to fits of rage every time someone utters this moronic phrase?

am i the only one driven to fits of rage every time someone utters this moronic phrase?

So... you're not ready for some football?


:p

So does anyone know what's in the $50 coupon book you get from Gamestop for pre-ordering Madden?

I am getting it... :)

Double post...

First review! I scanned this from my OXM issue I received today... :D
http://i38.tinypic.com/ivbuas.jpg

so i have a reason to play the best football video game ever made again...
Tecmo Bowl?


But back to Madden - any way to bring back Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, and get Marino out of retirement? Hard to get motivated to buy a game when your team really, really sucks.

YOU CAN IMPORT YOUR FRANCHISE FROM LAST YEAR.

*faints*

I was wondering about that myself. Does that mean it will successfully import a franchise you've already run through more than one season? I'd hope so, but you never know...

First review! I scanned this from my OXM issue I received today... :D
http://i38.tinypic.com/ivbuas.jpg

Thanks for the upload that got me excited :)

Not bad review at all... :)

This will just be another reminder of how much I miss the 2k series.


Somewhat off topic but why does 2K not make a college game and focus efforts on that?

Somewhat off topic but why does 2K not make a college game and focus efforts on that?


Because the evil empire owns those rights too.

After the debacle with online dynasties in NCAA, lack of pass rush, and roster naming; I can only IMAGINE the heinous issues that Tiburon will have with their game.

First review! I scanned this from my OXM issue I received today... :D
http://i38.tinypic.com/ivbuas.jpg

Review seems a little hyped-up (hellz yes, rules, totally, awesome, etc.), but the improvements seem welcome. I had a gift certificate to nfl.com, so I pre-ordered Madden, free for me this year. My question is, why did OXM choose the Detroit Lions for 3 of the 6 screen shots; one of which shows Kevin Jones, who was foolishly released from the team in March, doing a jig? That's not a way to promote a game. ;)

http://www.gamespot.com/video/945383/6194792/madden-nfl-09-e3-2008-stage-show-demo

http://www.gamespot.com/video/945383/6194792/madden-nfl-09-e3-2008-stage-show-demo

It's not #8 behind center...

lol

Now that you mention in it one full season I think I only had one sack in NCAA 09! :eek:

3 days until demo!

YOU CAN IMPORT YOUR FRANCHISE FROM LAST YEAR.

*faints*

Hey, they finally added a feature that Front Page Sports Football had 15 years ago, lol. Now if they could only add the play editor from the Apple II Madden, we'd really be on fire. :)

Taylor34

my EGM that came today gave it an A, B and A-.

The Good:
Shockingly pretty

The Bad:
The play-by-play guy needs some coaching

Lives Up To:
2005's "next-gen" video