Madden 2007

[stevew]

Madden NFL 2007 Cover Athlete Announcement (Thursday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN)



I'm betting it will be Shaun Alexander.

[Scholes]

Wait, they're actually going to televise this? Wow.

[Lathum]

Wait, they're actually going to televise this? Wow.
It's going to be on sportscenter. It ties in well with that Madden nation show they have.

My bet is Rothlesberger.

[kcchief19]

Maybe they can avoid the Madden Curse by putting Carson Palmer on the cover.


My top three choices would be: Alexander, Thomlinson and Edgerrin James. I read somewhere that the "odds" had Peyton Manning as the best bet, but until EA puts a white guy on the cover for the first time I'll take the under on that.

[Franklinnoble]

My vote is for Terrell Owens.

[Bee]

Steve Smith

[PackerFanatic]

Polamalu :)

[mooreadamc]

Tom Brady

[Toddzilla]

Joey Harrington

[Kodos]

Ricky Effin Williams!

[Raiders Army]

Again, it will depend on what are the new features.

2005 featured Ray Lewis when they made the defensive audibles more complex (as well as the hit stick).
2006 featured Donovan McNabb when they made the QB Vision cone.

Any word on what the new features are?

[stevew]

I was kind of thinking

2007 features more trick plays and specialty formations aka Gadget Plays?

And then put someone like Antawn Randel El on the cover.

But he's really not that big of a name as to get the cover.

[Dutch]

Any word on what the new features are?

So far the best feature is that it will not support CFL or Indoor leagues.

[Maple Leafs]

I was kind of thinking

2007 features more trick plays and specialty formations aka Gadget Plays.

And then put someone like Antawn Randel El on the cover.

But he's really not that big of a name as to get the cover.
Tomlinson could fit there... he's always throwing TD passes.

[Pumpy Tudors]

comedy mike vanderjagt option

[Raiders Army]

I was kind of thinking

2007 features more trick plays and specialty formations aka Gadget Plays.

And then put someone like Antawn Randel El on the cover.

But he's really not that big of a name as to get the cover.
Good call there on Randle El

[stevew]

Good call there on Randle El

I'm not positive on the trick plays, but they are supposedly using them in NCAA more, so i bet they move over as well.

[Franklinnoble]

Good call there on Randle El

Ugh. No thanks. I don't want a Redskin to get the Madden curse.

[Greyroofoo]

I don't think it will be Peyton because he was on the NFL Fever's covers.


My guess right now is Chad Johnson

[sabotai]

Again, it will depend on what are the new features.

2005 featured Ray Lewis when they made the defensive audibles more complex (as well as the hit stick).
2006 featured Donovan McNabb when they made the QB Vision cone.

Any word on what the new features are?

Kind of ironic if you think about it... :D

[Coop]

No panthers please

[Terps]

It's Alexander, and the game will feature better RB control.

[stevew]

It's Alexander, and the game will feature better RB control.

Ah, sounds like a logical move for the franchise.

[SegRat]

Seahawks | S. Alexander lands Madden '07 cover
Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:23:43 -0700

Jonathan Miller, of ign.com, reports Seattle Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander has landed the cover of Madden NFL 07, EA's critically acclaimed football title to be released in August on all major platforms. "To be on the cover of Madden NFL 07 is a big milestone in my career since I have always been a huge fan of this franchise," said Alexander. "EA Sports is focusing on the running game in this year's version, so I was honored when I was chosen to be on the cover to represent the improved running game."

[ISiddiqui]

Well, I guess Seattle isn't going to the Superbowl next year.

[Franklinnoble]

And thus continues the streak of Super Bowl losers who fail to make the playoffs the following year...

[MikeVic]

Hmm... do I keep him in a keeper league now where I have Tiki, Steve Smith, and Chad Johnson. :P

[AlexB]

Hmm... do I keep him in a keeper league now where I have Tiki, Steve Smith, and Chad Johnson. :P

Hey, if it's a keeper league, how will SA's production rate over the next 4-5 years compared to the others? Given his ruptured achilles/torn ACL/shattered kneecap :p

[SackAttack]

Wait, they're actually going to televise this? Wow.

EA holds the ESPN license for their sports videogames.

What, you thought ESPN somehow wouldn't stoop so low as to shilling another corporation's product for self-aggrandizement?

[SackAttack]

Hey, if it's a keeper league, how will SA's production rate over the next 4-5 years compared to the others? Given his ruptured achilles/torn ACL/shattered kneecap :p

I'll have you know I never had a--oh, wait. *That* SA.

[Eaglesfan27]

According to Operation Sports, more details will be revealed tomorrow on IGN, but the new running attack will allow the user to begin the play controlling the FB, and use them to pick a guy to block. Once the user has the FB engage a block, then the user will take control of the HB. Interesting.

Also, according to Operation Sports, the Super Star mode will be greatly enhanced and will allow for the control of just one guy on the field. It will reportedly have special camera angles depending upon the position you are controlling, and will also have moves mapped to the button depending upon your position. I wonder if you will still set lineups and act as the GM in this mode like last year.

[sabotai]

According to Operation Sports, more details will be revealed tomorrow on IGN, but the new running attack will allow the user to begin the play controlling the FB, and use them to pick a guy to block. Once the user has the FB engage a block, then the user will take control of the HB. Interesting.

Well, that's certainly one way to "fix" shitty FB run blocking AI....

Also, according to Operation Sports, the Super Star mode will be greatly enhanced and will allow for the control of just one guy on the field. It will reportedly have special camera angles depending upon the position you are controlling, and will also have moves mapped to the button depending upon your position. I wonder if you will still set lineups and act as the GM in this mode like last year.

Sounds promising. I thought the superstar mode was really lacking last year. If they can make it so you control just yourself at all times on the field, then that would be a very big improvement.

[Logan]

According to Operation Sports, more details will be revealed tomorrow on IGN, but the new running attack will allow the user to begin the play controlling the FB, and use them to pick a guy to block. Once the user has the FB engage a block, then the user will take control of the HB. Interesting.

What about on plays where the FB doesn't engage a blocker right away? Like a sweep? So you lose control of your RB for those first couple seconds? Seems like something that would bother me.

[DaddyTorgo]

According to Operation Sports, more details will be revealed tomorrow on IGN, but the new running attack will allow the user to begin the play controlling the FB, and use them to pick a guy to block. Once the user has the FB engage a block, then the user will take control of the HB. Interesting.

Also, according to Operation Sports, the Super Star mode will be greatly enhanced and will allow for the control of just one guy on the field. It will reportedly have special camera angles depending upon the position you are controlling, and will also have moves mapped to the button depending upon your position.

okay now that just sounds cool. although i'm sure they'll find a way to f*ck it up they've got my attention (once again).

[Terps]

Is Super Star mode making it to the 360 this time?

[Emiliano]

According to Operation Sports, more details will be revealed tomorrow on IGN, but the new running attack will allow the user to begin the play controlling the FB, and use them to pick a guy to block. Once the user has the FB engage a block, then the user will take control of the HB. Interesting.

Also, according to Operation Sports, the Super Star mode will be greatly enhanced and will allow for the control of just one guy on the field. It will reportedly have special camera angles depending upon the position you are controlling, and will also have moves mapped to the button depending upon your position. I wonder if you will still set lineups and act as the GM in this mode like last year.
Very nice.

[MizzouRah]

If Head Coach is any good, Madden will not see my money. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

If Head Coach is any good, Madden will not see my money. :)

Same here. I'll probably still buy NCAA for my college/action football fix, but if Head Coach is good, I don't see a need to buy Madden this year.

[Icy]

Also, according to Operation Sports, the Super Star mode will be greatly enhanced and will allow for the control of just one guy on the field.

Finally, i hated to be forced to control all the guys in superstar mode. We are supossed to be one player not the whole team. In fact i don't even want to set lineups etc, if i wanted that i would play standard or coach mode.

[MizzouRah]

Same here. I'll probably still buy NCAA for my college/action football fix, but if Head Coach is good, I don't see a need to buy Madden this year.

BBCF will give me my college fix.. but you have a 360 so I don't blame you. :)

It's a dream, but.. but.. but.. if Head Coach is good, I could see it taking up all of my free time for quite some time. Thing is, Jim would probably come out with FOF 2007 just as we were getting to Head Coach.

[Eaglesfan27]

BBCF will give me my college fix.. but you have a 360 so I don't blame you. :)

It's a dream, but.. but.. but.. if Head Coach is good, I could see it taking up all of my free time for quite some time. Thing is, Jim would probably come out with FOF 2007 just as we were getting to Head Coach.

Not only do I have the 360, but my wife has confirmed that we are getting the Excellent Sony TV that we have both been thinking about getting, except we are getting the 60" screen since she thinks it will "fill" the size of our media room better :) We are ordering it as soon as the furniture company delivers the entertainment center that we have ordered which will hold the TV.

I figure I'll want to play one "action" football game where I take control, and if NCAA 360 can improve the drop rate and provide better coverage for scrambling QB's that it should fill that niche. I'm also hoping that Head Coach will fill my NFL needs at least until Jim comes out with FOF 2007.

[Eaglesfan27]

JRob's Madden Preview is up:


http://sports.ign.com/articles/705/705351p1.html



Highlights (or lowlights)

Superstar is only on the current gen. It doesn't say if you control the GM aspects, however, it does say that you only control your player with cameras and moves specific to your position. If you are on offense, you don't control anything on defense unless you choose to do so. If you don't choose to control the other side of the ball, it plays out but with increased speed so you didn't sit watching for too long. Your goal in this mode is to get inducted into the hall of fame after your career is over. You don't call plays either. If you are a WR, you have to earn trust with your QB so he will look for you more. However, on a downside IMO you can state your role from drive to drive which isn't the worst problem. It gives you a boost. State you are focusing on possession, and you get a boost to your hands. State you are focusing on going deep, and you get a boost to your speed. Hopefully, JRob got this wrong...


Next Gen has a new Training camp mode in which you run the 40 yard dash or do the bench press drills. Apparently, these are done by moving the right and left sticks up and down in rhythym. Personally, I've never been a big fan of the old track and field games which did something similar with alternating button presses, and I doubt I would play this mode if I get the Xbox 360 version.


The one very cool feature which sounds like it might only be on the Xbox 360 is that if one of your friends is online, you can challenge them in your franchise mode and have them control your next opponent. In the past, I always liked taking control of my friend's opponents in his dynasty and try to ruin his record.

He doesn't give details, but he mentions in franchise mode that there will be improved "college scouting" including a college all star game that you can watch.


Edited to add:

He talks in some detail about the new running game. You can control any blocker on the field including WR's. You can run to block where you think it is needed, and use up on the right stick for pancake blocks, down for cut blocks, or left and right to try to push the guy that way. Your back will try to run for whatever hole you create.

[jaygr]

Superstar is only on the current gen.


This is pretty disappointing for me. I was really upset last year when I found out that superstar mode didn't let you control only your specific player. I was excited earlier today when I read this thread and saw that they would be adding that for this year. I only have xbox and wasn't looking to get a 360 for at least another year or two because I don't play a whole lot of console games. I can't see myself getting one just for Madden. Actually now that I think about it, will the PC version have superstar mode?

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, Xbox version will have the Superstar Mode. I haven't read anything that has specifically talked about the PC Mode.

[jaygr]

Well, Xbox version will have the Superstar Mode. I haven't read anything that has specifically talked about the PC Mode.

Wow, I guess I read that wrong, even after quoting you. For some reason I was reading that as next-gen. Ok, maybe I am not disappointed now :o

[MizzouRah]

Not only do I have the 360, but my wife has confirmed that we are getting the Excellent Sony TV that we have both been thinking about getting, except we are getting the 60" screen since she thinks it will "fill" the size of our media room better :) We are ordering it as soon as the furniture company delivers the entertainment center that we have ordered which will hold the TV.

I figure I'll want to play one "action" football game where I take control, and if NCAA 360 can improve the drop rate and provide better coverage for scrambling QB's that it should fill that niche. I'm also hoping that Head Coach will fill my NFL needs at least until Jim comes out with FOF 2007.

If it's my dream TV (the SXRD) may I now call you, "one lucky bastard!" ;)

[dervack]

If it's my dream TV (the SXRD) may I now call you, "one lucky bastard!" ;)
My Co-Worker just got one of those 3 weeks ago. He likes it.

[MizzouRah]

Yep.. a good friend of mine decided to check the 60" one out last week after I told him how much I love that TV and that sometime in the future I will be getting the 50".

He calls me later and says, "Ok, I'm getting it." :) I think he's picking it up next week.

[jbmagic]

The Sony SXRD has only one hdmi connection?
Its 1080p right?

Whats better the Sony 50" Grand WEGA SXRD or the Samsung 50" DLP™ HDTV (HL-S5087W)? There both 1080P and the Samsung has 2 hdmi connection on it.

There both TV's i am eying on.

[MizzouRah]

Not sure which one is better, but I buy nothing but Sony brand TV's.

Go into a store that has both and look at the pictures. I could tell right away when I went to the local Circuit City which TV was the Sony SXRD.

[Eaglesfan27]

If it's my dream TV (the SXRD) may I now call you, "one lucky bastard!" ;)


Yes, it is the 60" SXRD :) We spent all day yesterday getting our Direct TV hooked up and we got a smaller HD TV yesterday as well which will be going downstairs in our main living room. Even on the smaller TV (The Sharp 32" Aquos) the picture looks great. I can't wait to see how HD Sports and games look on the 60" SXRD.

[Eaglesfan27]

Not sure which one is better, but I buy nothing but Sony brand TV's.

Go into a store that has both and look at the pictures. I could tell right away when I went to the local Circuit City which TV was the Sony SXRD.


My wife and I did this a few weeks ago. She was blown away by how much better the Sony SXRD picture looked in comparision to other TV's. Even at extreme viewing angles it looked very good. That is when she talked me into getting the 60" model! :)

[jbmagic]

Eaglesfan27

Did you get the HD directtv video recorder (TIVO)?

You getting any local HD on it with the HD package?

[Eaglesfan27]

Eaglesfan27

Did you get the HD directtv video recorder (TIVO)?

You getting any local HD on it with the HD package?

I got a HD-DVR box from Direct TV. No local HD yet, but I should be able to get it soon according to my neighbors who said it is scheduled to be added there in a few months. The technician said the same thing, but I believe my neighbors more. Right now, we'll just be getting regular local channels.

[Blade6119]

Both this thread and the soccer thread have gone to TV equipment...please god make it stop

[MizzouRah]

My wife and I did this a few weeks ago. She was blown away by how much better the Sony SXRD picture looked in comparision to other TV's. Even at extreme viewing angles it looked very good. That is when she talked me into getting the 60" model! :)

What a woman. ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

According to Gamespot, Madden 07 on the Xbox 360 will now have Superstar mode and it seems like it will have all of the features of the current gen versions. With NCAA "adding" all of the team specific playbooks and trick plays to the 360 version, I find myself wondering. Did EA plan on having these features all along, or did they add them to customer complaints on various boards that the next gen versions were going to be missing current gen version features?

Edited to add: The 360 version of Madden Superstar will have the various position specific cameras and position specific controls where you will control just your player.