Madden 2004

[Darkiller]

Is it me or the graphics in 2004 are much less shiny than in 2003 ? I was kind of surprised to see that -from what I remembered- the graphics in 2004 are much less enjoyable than the ones on the previous version ?
Am I alone to feel that ?

For the record, I run in 1024x768 32 bits with all details at High/highest.

Have you already ran the "owner mode" in 2004 ? how is it ? is it "that much" different than 2003 ? I know there are some new owner features and etc..but about the Draft AI for instance, is that improved from Madden 2003 or is it basically the same process ?

[AgustusM]

I think 2004 graphics are better, but not by a huge margin. Also helps if you get one of the “recommended” video cards. I picked one up for $99 and it made a big difference

Owner mode is well, a waste of time. Nobody cares about setting the price of a hot dog and the “good” features like picking a coach and creating a new stadium are a big disappointment. The coaching idea, especially hiring retired players (e.g. Jerry Rice as your OC or Head Coach) is cool. However it appears to have zero actual impact on the game and is nothing more then a cosmetic thing. The stadium thing which is a great idea is horrible – the options are so limited that the new stadiums basically all look the same and are not up to par with the existing stadiums.

Draft AI (especially the WR problem) is not improved.

Realistic Results are slightly better then 2003, that is after the patch.

Overall another slight bump in several areas, but nothing groundbreaking. Having said all this relatively negative stuff, I still enjoy 2004 better then 2003.

[MikeVic]

Yeah, Owner Mode is just whatever... coaches don't seem to do anything, and the Draft AI is crap. I still enjoy playing this game a lot, since I like to be able to see my players play.

One thing I found that made this game much more fun in Franchise mode, was to create a custom team, and pick one of the options (eg. Smashmouth, Passing, etc.), then try to stick to that build. So say I pick Smashmouth, and I have a good defense with good tackling and all that, with a good RB on offense, but that's it. I won't go out and draft a crazy QB, trade for Randy Moss, etc. I'll try to stick with putting out a crazy defense with a running game. It makes it more challenging than doing a Fantasy Draft, since after one year in a fantasy Draft, you can have an unbeatable team...

just my 2 cents.....

[Darkiller]

Originally posted by AgustusM


Draft AI (especially the WR problem) is not improved.



What is that with the WR problem ?

[AgustusM]

WR Problem is that all of the WR will be drafted (even the 4th-7th round guys) by mid-second round. If you need a WR, you pretty much need to draft him in the first round, or you will never get one.

[Darkiller]

I see...

[Darkiller]

In Madden 2003, coach Mode and "Madden Camera" set, you really feel like you're watching a game on TV.
How can you get that same "TV style" presentation in Madden 2004 ?
I see there are the same Camera options but when I set "Madden", I don't have nearly as what I had in the other game...

[AgustusM]

There is a utility that enables you to use the TV view in coach mode.

you can find it here: http://www.football-gaming.com/downloads/detailed/890.shtml (you need to go half way down the page past the ads)

worked pretty seamlessly for me.

[Darkiller]

Thanks a million for this link.

[Philliesfan980]

So is anyone still playing this game in Coach only mode? I played about half a season using some nice coach only sliders, but got a little tired of it. Now that you guys are talking about how bad the franchise mode is, I guess I really don't see any reason to continue this season.

[Raiders Army]

Just gotta throw 2 cents in here. You know how everyone complains about the bugs in TPF or FOF? Madden has a huge bug with the challenge system. If a guy fumbles (specifically the QB) and his arm is moving forward, the challenge will just see if his knee touches the ground before he begins to lose control of the ball. Never challenge the QB fumble!

On a side note, there are a bunch of stupid people out there. I kick off with Seabass, and the kick goes into the endzone, and the other player moves his returner away from the ball. I run down and get a touchdown, easy.