Madden 12 has been a very polarizing game for many longtime Madden fans. But no matter how you feel about this year's iteration, if you're playing this year, you know that the game is best served with a good set of sliders. The goal for all of the slider sets we'll look at is to create a more true to life NFL experience.

1) Playmakers' Madden 12 'Hybrid 0' Custom Sliders - last modified 11/1/11

I've been following Playmakers' slider work on Madden 12 since reading his thoughts on NCAA 12's issues. With his 'hybrid 0' sliders, I think he's hit a great sweet spot. These sliders make the game feel slightly more organic and less scripted. Quarterback accuracy is at a premium in this slider combination. You can really feel the difference between using a great QB, a good QB and a passable QB. 

For example, I could make certain throws with Aaron Rodgers that I couldn't make with Jay Cutler. With Cutler, I could make throws that Colt McCoy couldn't make. They force you to play to your team's strengths. If you have a workhorse running back, you need to ride him. If you're defenders are better at man coverage than zone, you had better watch your playcalling. 

Playmakers also has a house rule - no switching on defense - to try to limit the user from damaging the ratings integrity of CPU teammates. Leave your switch and dive tackling at the door with this set. I really enjoy this slider set and use it in my own franchise (along with Playmakers' QB Accuracy Table).

2) Jarodd21's Madden 12 All-Madden Custom sliders - last modified 11/4/11

Looking for a challenge? Try the sliders provided by Jarrod21. I'll be the first to admit I've never been able to consistently win on All-Madden. Over the years I've found the cheap AI tactics to be controller-throwingly frustrating. What I really like right off the bat about the sliders here, is that Jarrod21 provides three sets. One is for those of us trying to work our way up from All-Pro and give All-Madden a shot. These are called his "red" sliders. The next set is called a "blue" set and it is for those who might find the "red" set too easy. Finally comes the "black" set. This is admittedly for veterans of All-Madden or those who cannot find a challenge on All-Pro level (I know you guys exist, but good grief). 

There are no house rules here, just a suggestion. Play smart. One of the few things I have always enjoyed about Heisman level in NCAA Football and All-Madden level in Madden, is that it feels like playcalling matters more. You can't get sloppy for any length of time. Every play feels like it matters a little bit more. Using these sliders, I found myself having to audible to short passes against a stacked box and hot route my receivers to beat the coverage more often than on All-Pro level. 

With Speed Threshold at 0 you will also find yourself being a little more conservative with your playcalling on defense, keeping safeties deep and calling fewer blitzes (or smarter blitzes) unless you enjoy watching the name on the back of the CPU RB's jersey. It honestly felt a little overwhelming at times, but I imagine that's similar to how an NFL coach might feel after a difficult Sunday.

3) dfos81's Normal/All Pro/Realism Sliders - last modified 11/5/11

I highly recommend reading dfos81's first post of the thread. Tweaks to these sliders are still ongoing, which means you should keep an eye on these going forward. There is so much good information in there that hardcore football heads and longtime Madden gamers alike will enjoy reading the information provided. 

One of the great things about this thread is that you are provided with multiple slider sets within the first post including high-end, hardcore, medium and base level sets. The testing on these started back in September and you can certainly feel the work that has gone into these. As dfos81 ran test after test, made youtube videos of his findings and "labbed" in the actual game to try out different variables, the work has proven fruitful for us gamers. 

This might be the most complete slider set on OS to be honest. One of the big differences in dfos81's slider philosophy and others is the idea of "equal based sliders". This means, in layman's terms, that the sliders should be the same for the User and the CPU. Coaching schemes are provided for better balance with these sliders as well as a great explanation on the speed threshold slider. The latest All-Pro v2 set plays very well for me.[/b]

4) KBLover's M12 Experimental Sliders, 2nd Experiment - last modified 11/3/11

Don't be put off by the name of this slider set. These may be called experimental, but they create a great improvement over the game out of the box. This slider set is actually three different sets with two allowing for All-Pro level and another for All-Madden. KBLover has attempted to use a slight variation of real NFL averages and custom algorithms to create a more ratings driven game and minimize the flaws with Madden 12's gameplay engines. The "feel" with these sliders is pretty good. I found blitzing particularly risky even using the All-Pro version of the sliders. 

KBLover recommends using coaching sliders with these in franchise mode and I agree. I enjoyed reading the first post (and subsequent posts) and learned a little something along the way. I recommend you give these a look if you're reading this piece.[/b]

5) Playmakers' Madden 12 Custom Sliders - last modified 10/25/11

I know what you're thinking. Did he list this one twice by accident? Run out of good slider sets? No not at all. What I have done is include Playmakers' Custom Sliders that were developed before he went to the 'Hybrid 0' sliders. They are on the same page as the hybrid sliders, under the dashed line in the first post. 

Before trying Playmakers' hybrid set, I was using his base custom set. These played a very good game of football with many of the same characteristics mentioned in his hybrid 0 set. QB Accuracy was the most obvious change in this set. I personally feel that the human run game and pass rush were improved in the hybrid set, but these are still extremely playable and fun! I rolled with these for quite a while, so I felt I had to include them on this list. You won't find any glaring flaws with these in my opinion.[/b]

Final Thoughts 

As you can see, Operation Sports is the platform for so much of the great work that goes on to get a more simulation experience from Madden 12 using sliders. OS is the go-to place for those looking for ways to improve the experience and slider makers like the ones above make the forums a must read for fans of sports gaming.

What say you OS, was someone snubbed? Who's set do you run with this year?