Alright Boyz, here we go! Madden 10 first impressions thread

[Sweed]

Got the game, PS3 version, from GoGamer yesterday. Played one "play now" and two franchise preseason games with the Vikings and then simmed ahead and played my first regular season game vs. Cleveland.

The game looks great (I know that's all we care about here at fofc :lol:) Player motion isn't as good as The Show but much improved over previous versions. While the player models, unis, and stadiums are at times stunning.

I am using "My Skill" as I enjoyed never touching a skill level slider last year in the short time I played 09 and from reports at OS it works even better this year.

15 minute Qtrs accelerated clock -15 seonds

AI subs set at 69/70 with QB at default (OS suggestion)

Player Speed Threshold at 40 as suggested by some at OS. 50 is default, the lower the number the more you see a speed difference between players. Think Randy Moss will blow past a slower corner with a lower setting.

Minn. at Cleveland

Vikings 14-10-3-0 final 27
Browns 7- 7-0-0 final 14

Vikings\Browns
Total offense:222 \ 408
Rushing 114 \ 95
Passing 108 \ 313
1st downs 12 \19
KR yds 138 \ 136
Total yds 464 \ 594
Turnovers 0 \ 2 both ints
3rd conversion 5-14 35% \ 7-14 50%
Penalties 3-15 yds (all delay game) \ 4-45yds (clip & 2 holds, one brought back a KR TD)
Possesion 29:45 \ 30:15

Individual stats

Passing Comp Att Yds TD Int
Quinn 25 40 323 1 2
Anderson 1 2 2 0 0

Rosenfels 12 24 123 1 0

Rushing Att Yds Avg TD Long
Lewis 18 77 4.2 0 25
Harrison 3 13 4.3 0 6
Quinn 2 4 2.0 0 4
Vickers 1 1 1.0 1 1

Peterson 24 97 4.0 0 13
Taylor 6 17 2.8 0 4

120 plays excluding punts and FG. Pretty close to RL.

Leading tacklers for Cleve had 10-10-9 and were ROLB(I ran Peterson left a lot), MLB, and DT Shawn Rogers. Minn. SS and MLB 8 each. Browns were behind and threw a lot so tackles were spread out more across the whole defense.

Pancakes : 3 total for the game. Jb will be pissed, how can his linemen develop without pancakes? At least AI not get more than human!

Fun game with a believable flow. Cleveland did throw deep a few times hitting and hit some passes in the 20 yard range without RAC. Their longest pass, 31 yds. Mine was 22yds.

Quinn injured for a short time and that's why Anderson played. A few other injuries for both clubs but players were able to come back.

I did return a kick and a punt for TD's. Not sure if it's something to worry about yet. Didn't even come close in my previous three games so maybe it was the Brown's coverage.

Cleveland had two TDs brought back due to a hold on a kick return and a clip that let one of their WR get to the endzone. I watched both replays and could easily see the penalties take place. On the KR their man literally tackled my last guy that had a chance to bring down the returner.

The clip happened on a crossing route with their WR getting the ball at the 5 and breaking the corner's tackle for a chance to score. My safety was closing in from the goal line when the other WR took him out from behind.

Hopes are high again and time will tell but it's a much better experience than either 08 or 09 provided. If there's not major franchise issues I may finally settle in for a good dynasty.

[Sweed]

Now for some likes ...

Rushing and tackling animations are much better. I knew about the gang tackles, and they are cool, but was happy to see Peterson get about 5 yards and then get stood up by three or four guys that never got him to the ground. The ref blew the whistle for stop of forward motion.

"Slow" is the default speed for the game and I really like it. It doesn't feel slow to me but has a good flow. Keep in mind though I've not played ncaa or madden 09 in a year so I don't have to try to gear down from something faster.

The line play on both pass rush and when defending the run looks and plays more realistically. The shoulder buttons for defensive linemen's special moves are gone. You now use the right stick to try to make your way to the QB or cutoff the RB. Still getting used to it but its much better than my old way of constantly tapping and trying to get my d'lineman to spin. It's still not easy to get to the QB but when I get there I have a better understanding of how and why I made it:)

and dislikes...

Madden is a game of statistics, why do they have to make it so damn hard to see the whole picture? All of this stuff really pisses me off.

We have widescreen and high def tvs, how about showing more than 4-6 columns of stats? NBA 2K gets almost everything on one screen so you don't have to scroll side to side why can't EA?

Look at team stats at the end of the game, what a joke. If you want to know how many plays you ran you have to go to player stats and add it up.
Nowhere does it give rushing or pass attempts, just yards. Is it too hard to have "25-40-323 yds" for passing or "30-114-3.8" for rushing? Hell they have "5/14 (35%)" for 3rd down conversions!

Looking at individual stats at the end of the game and you get 4 or 5 columns of stats to look at. QB has a ~7 or 8 stat coulmns, defenders have ~9. IIRC the only category that doesn't have to scroll is OL with pancakes and sacks allowed. The sad thing is last year as you highlighted a player you got his "card" at the top of the screen with all of his stats from the game. Not now, hell no! All you get on the player's "card" is his picture, college, experience, etc but no stats from the game. There is no place either during the game or bringing up the boxscore after the game that you can see a players total stats without scrolling. I mean really, in 2009? Hell back in the days or Micro League or Pure Stat baseball on the Commodore 64 you could see all of a players stats without scrolling. Sure they had to use two lines but that was circa 1985 and at least they knew the value of having all of the information visible.

Here's one more that just makes me wonder what the hell? Last year in franchise and the main menu you could bring up a roster screen that showed all of the positions on offense or defense and who was on the depth chart 3 deep. If you don't recall it was something like this..

QB.. T. Jackson S.Rosefels Booty
HB.. A. Peterson C. Taylor
FB..
TE


It made it very easy to see your depth at a glance on either side of the ball.
Well guess what it's still there on the main menu for "play now" games. Is it in franchise? Ah, no. I've searched franchise everywhere I can think of to try to find it, no dice. I hope someone comes on and says "hey dummy, it's right here open your eyes". I just can't believe this information is accessible on the main menu but not in franchise.

None of this is gamebreaking but, to me, it just doesn't make sense and makes things a lot harder than they have to be.

[Shkspr]

They're probably just waiting to add the extra stat columns in as consumable DLC.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

They're probably just waiting to add the extra stat columns in as consumable DLC.

I hadn't even scrolled down to your post and already knew this was coming. :)

[Sweed]

Yeah the DLC is just stupid stuff. At least it's nothing that takes away from the core game, at least for me the solo franchise player.

[Sweed]

dola

Before work today I did get in the second game of my Viking franchise. Played Detroit and whipped them 26-7. Their offensive line was pathetic as I sacked Cullpepper 8 times. Totally dominated as they only scored late in the fourth quarter.

AP went for a 132 yards on 31 carries with a ~45 yard td run. Team rushing 168 yards and Rosenfels passed for 144.

Had an 18 play 56 yard drive that ate up almost 9 minutes of the clock to start the third quarter. Detroit then went three and out and I backed it up with a 12 play 7:30 minute drive that ended in a FG.


Kick returns and punt returns were normal. Never came close to breaking one off. So goes a ways in laying to rest my fears that part of the game may be too easy.

Kicking sliders are on default and that seems to be working well. Not banging kicks out of the back of the endzone. Have made FG's from the 45 yd line in pretty easily but once I get to 50 yards it becomes very tough.

Punting I'm not as sure on. I'm happy with the way it's playing with the AI getting normal results for average. Harder to tell with me as I've been in a lot of coffin-corner situations. I'd guess my punter is averaging around 46 yards but to tell the truth I not sure how good he is IRL.

I love covering kick offs and punts in this game. In previous versions I usually just stayed controlling the kicker or punter so I wouldn't screw up the coverage and get burned. Now I have good control of the coverage team and can switch to another player and get the job done. It just feels good.

The speed threshold slider is a great addition to the game. Speedsters will indeed outrun people they should. I threw an INT to Detroit's safety and he was off to the races down the sideline. My WR on that side of the field ran him down and tackled him at about the 25 yard line even though he startd with a ~5 yard lead. This was not a WR getting an angle and cutting off the safety, he caught him coming from straight behind. Previous versions he would have scored with ease. In this game he was caught and Detroit later missed a FG that would have had them on the board in the first half and down only 10-3.

Only 6 games played but each has been fun and nothing game-breaking occurring (IE too many fumbles, int's, pick sixes, etc from previous versions).

Going to need to find some penalty sliders as they are still too low which isn't usually to hard to come up with. The bigger problem to me has been that Madden has tended to not call some penalties at all. In the games I've played I haven't seen one pass interference, encroachment (usually though with accelerated clock I don't have a lot of time to "hard count"), intentional grounding (FWIW I haven't seen any that I thought should have been called either)or the cpu false start. Most other things have been called at least once.

I shouldn't say it but I'm cautiously optimistic that this may be the year I can finally enjoy a franchise again.

[MizzouRah]

Here is one for MBBF...

Per Bill Harris:


A reader (who wishes to remain anonymous) sent me a copy of Madden 10 early. I've put in 25+ hours since I got the game, and on Monday, I'll put up sliders that are very close to a final version. There's a day one patch dropping on Friday, so I just want to make sure I don't need to make any additional changes.

With the right sliders, this is the most realistic football game ever made. Period.

I'll explain how and why on Monday.

[FBPro]

Wow, pretty strong words....my initial thought has been to pass on this one but may need to reconsider.

[Atocep]

Heading out to pick it up 2 hours. My first time buying madden since '02 and I'm actually kind of excited to play it (obviously, since I'm picking it up at midnight).

[Epi_862]

SAVE. YOUR. GAMES.

Played 6 games of franchise with my beloved pack yesterday, and the game crashed. Never saved. SAVE. YOUR. GAMES.

Jeez, cant we have an autosave feature in 2009?

Other than that, the game -really- is that good.

[RainMaker]

Crap. I really want this game. I'm really hoping that it plays well. The DLC pisses me off but I can live with it for a great game. My biggest concern now is buying it and finding out that by the 3rd season every quarterback is a 95 or stats are completely messed up. I'll give it another week and if no superbugs pop up, I'll get it.

[RainMaker]

And without starting a flame war, is there a difference in the PS3 and 360 versions? I'd prefer 360 but if there if the PS3 looks or plays better, I'll go with that.

[Atocep]

Picked it up a bit ago. I'll get some impressions up tomorrow afternoon from the viewpoint of someone who hasn't played Madden in 7 years, but did play NCAA last year and thought it was good but not great.

[INDalltheway]

And without starting a flame war, is there a difference in the PS3 and 360 versions? I'd prefer 360 but if there if the PS3 looks or plays better, I'll go with that.
I have both systems and like sports games on the 360 for some reason. It just seems like they play smoother and also for Xbox Live.

I've played 5 games online tonight and the game is a lot of fun. Slowing the game down has made it so much better. It's hard to explain, but it just feels more like playing football rather than quickly mashing buttons. I do have two gripes, but this only has to do with online. The "fight for the fumble" is the worst feature in a video game I can remember, and of course it is used for online ranked games.. (Apparently I suck at mashing buttons or something) My other gripe is the auto run off. In solo play when I set the quarters higher it's great, but with 5 minute quarters you can literally only have 1 possession for a half. I wish they had a feature like "chew the clock" on NCAA 10 which you can turn on or off throughout the game. No other complaints though besides being 3-2 with two overtime losses. :D

Oh, and one last thing to add. Using a wider range of ratings is seriously great. You now have to play to players strengths rather than everyone pretty much being identical.

[Balldog]

Anyone playing 15 minute quarters? How long does it take?

[Balldog]

This might be the best video I've seen yet.

Madden NFL 10 Video Highlight | EA SPORTS (http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/8414293)

[Kodos]

And without starting a flame war, is there a difference in the PS3 and 360 versions? I'd prefer 360 but if there if the PS3 looks or plays better, I'll go with that.

The main differences I know of:

1) Supposedly longer replays on PS3 for some technical reason that I don't recall

2) Create-a-play for PS3 via the PSP.

I'm getting the PS3 version, as I've always liked the Dual Shock better than the Xbox 360 controller. If it matters to you, more folks around FOFC seem to have the 360, so if you're looking for online games, you should probably go that way.

[Icy]

For first time in my gaming life, i'm not excited about Madden even reading all those positive early comments. I'm going to buy it, that is for sure, but instead of on release day, i'll have it shipped to me with NHL10 in September to save some import shipping cost. This year i can't justify the extra expenses to have it early like i do every year.

Now NHL10, that is the game really got me salivating this year, even when I barely watch the NHL in real life, unlike the NFL that is my fav sport.

[SegRat]

Played 3 games last night, and so far I love it. First game I played against the Vikings with the Packers, Peterson rushed for over 300 yards. I guess I need to mess with the sliders.

[gstelmack]

For first time in my gaming life, i'm not excited about Madden even reading all those positive early comments. I'm going to buy it, that is for sure, but instead of on release day, i'll have it shipped to me with NHL10 in September to save some import shipping cost. This year i can't justify the extra expenses to have it early like i do every year.


It helps that I skipped 09 I think.

[Big Fo]

I rented the game today and am about to finish my first game, a 23-21 win over the Jets with Miami. It seems pretty good so far. The AI ran the ball better than they normally did in previous versions. I wish I could press start or some other button to skip the chain gang thing, that's ten seconds of boredom I could do without a few times per game.

[Philliesfan980]

Picked it up at Target today (PS3 version). Should have some impressions later.

[rowech]

I haven't played Madden in 2 years and I haven't bought a Madden game in three or four. I really like this game. I've played two games and the rust shows as I lost to the Steelers 21-7 and the Browns 24-14. (with the Bengals)

I'm not sure how much of it is me being bad and how much of it is the Bengals being bad, especially on the o and d lines.

[samifan24]

This is the first Madden game I've purchased since about Madden 2002. I'm 0-3 so far in exhibition games with different teams. I checked out the virtual trainer and now I have a better idea of how to juke defenders as a running back and when to time passes for my receivers. If you're a new player like me, I suggest you check out the virtual trainer. It's surprisingly helpful.

[JetsIn06]

I feel so stupid right now, but how do I changed human sliders? I see "Player Skill" where I can change Passing, Rushing, Pass D, and Rush D, but where are the more specific sliders?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I went through the "Madden test" to get the MySkill rating set up, and then I started an exhibition game between the Broncos (me) and the Chiefs (CPU). OK, maybe I'm sort of doing something wrong, but I was up 35-7 after 20 minutes of game time. They only scored their 7 points because I hit the wrong button while trying to swat a pass down, and it went over my DB's head. The game seemed way too easy. Orton was completing everything for me. I had to go to bed, so I stopped playing, but I may have to adjust the game to be more challenging. Trust me, I'm no EA Sports football god or anything. I actually thought I was pretty bad at these games, but the Chiefs didn't give me any resistance at all.

I intend to play a ton tonight, so we'll see if it was an aberration.

[Eaglesfan27]

I feel so stupid right now, but how do I changed human sliders? I see "Player Skill" where I can change Passing, Rushing, Pass D, and Rush D, but where are the more specific sliders?

Sliders are different than past years and different than NCAA. There are a few different types of sliders now and you get to them all by hitting "my madden" then "settings." Games options has the player min speed threshold which is an interesting new slider that I haven't messed with at all.

Player Skill has the 4 that you mentioned. If you raise your passing, it will decrease accuracy. Raising the rushing will make it harder to break tackles and run in general. Etc.

CPU skill is the last set that is right below it. It has more of the traditional sliders. It's an interesting design choice and a bit confusing at first.

I went through the "Madden test" to get the MySkill rating set up, and then I started an exhibition game between the Broncos (me) and the Chiefs (CPU). OK, maybe I'm sort of doing something wrong, but I was up 35-7 after 20 minutes of game time. They only scored their 7 points because I hit the wrong button while trying to swat a pass down, and it went over my DB's head. The game seemed way too easy. Orton was completing everything for me. I had to go to bed, so I stopped playing, but I may have to adjust the game to be more challenging. Trust me, I'm no EA Sports football god or anything. I actually thought I was pretty bad at these games, but the Chiefs didn't give me any resistance at all.

I intend to play a ton tonight, so we'll see if it was an aberration.

I did horrible on my Madden test and ended up getting set up at Rookie or Pro in all areas when I play much better than that. I just had a very good game on Default All-pro with only a few things I would tweak:

- Passing accuracy for both QB's was a bit too good. To lower it, I need to raise Passing in my skill set from 10 (which is default for Pro) and also lower QB accuracy in the CPU Skill setting. Again, it is a bit confusing, but not too bad.

- It was a bit too easy for me to break out of tackles. Macklin has a high evasion rating and it makes him able to spin/juke out of tackles a bit too much, I'm not sure if I'll change any sliders for this.

Overall, my first game was very fun and I'm looking forward to trying out a few different teams now. The Eagles have some incredible speed on offense, but their defense is weak and I want to see how much differently a strong defensive team plays.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

The CPU sliders also control your CPU controlled teammates I believe.

[Eaglesfan27]

Double Dola -

One thing that I'm impressed with is that the computer did a very good job on punts of kicking it away from DeSean Jackson. Also, after Macklin returned a kickoff for a TD, they kicked it away from him every time and squibbed it at the end of the half.

[Noop]

I feel so stupid right now, but how do I changed human sliders? I see "Player Skill" where I can change Passing, Rushing, Pass D, and Rush D, but where are the more specific sliders?

Press X or A for the 360 I am guess Square and X for the PS3

[Eaglesfan27]

Press X or A for the 360 I am guess Square and X for the PS3

Thanks, I had no idea that could be tweaked further. By the way, it is A for the 360.

Very helpful as people are recommending 14 pass rating but that is making the CPU pass rush a bit too difficult. Now, I can individually switch each of the sliders.

[Noop]

I have to say I am impressed by Madden so far outside of a few things its a great game. I am still tweaking my sliders so far but once I find one that feels good this game is damn near perfect.

[MJ4H]

I went through the "Madden test" to get the MySkill rating set up, and then I started an exhibition game between the Broncos (me) and the Chiefs (CPU). OK, maybe I'm sort of doing something wrong, but I was up 35-7 after 20 minutes of game time. They only scored their 7 points because I hit the wrong button while trying to swat a pass down, and it went over my DB's head. The game seemed way too easy. Orton was completing everything for me. I had to go to bed, so I stopped playing, but I may have to adjust the game to be more challenging. Trust me, I'm no EA Sports football god or anything. I actually thought I was pretty bad at these games, but the Chiefs didn't give me any resistance at all.

I intend to play a ton tonight, so we'll see if it was an aberration.

:mad::mad::mad::banghead: (this post could have been about any other team but NO it had to be the freaking Chiefs)

[Mike Lowe]

I'm reading that the sliders are not effecting pancake blocks? Someone was in week 10 and while the league leader had 22, his team leader (Redskins) had like 4.

I guess he did a test game with blocking sliders at 100 and there were only like 3 pancakes total between both teams?

Has anyone given this a try? Will it mess with progression? Is this something that is going to be in the first patch or has that info not been released yet?

[Noop]

Here are my impressions so far...

Gameplay
This game feels like football. Nothing about the game feels arcade like to me and everything that should typical work in real life does work. I ran the ball constantly for three quarters and in the fourth quarter I ran a play action that left Ted Gin wide open for the touchdown.

I also wore down their defense with Ronnie Brown and during my last drive to seal the game he ended up breaking for a 40+ yard touchdown. With the right sliders this game is very realistic and has been a joy to play so far.

On the defense front I have to say I don't think I have ever had as much fun playing D-Line and pressuring the QB. It seemed to me as the game worn on my line was beginning to rattle their QB. Early in the game he was deadly accurate and tossed two early touchdowns against my young secondary.

However my defense started to impose its will on the Packers and by the fourth quarter they were dropping passes and giving up sacks. Also Rogdgers began to get very inaccurate with the ball eventually throwing an interception that lead to my final drive.

It was a great game that played the way I expected it to play.

[Atocep]

Just finished up my first game and I'm impressed.

Things I like (keep in mind this is my first madden in 7 years so I don't know how much of this stuff is old news):

- DBs tackle like DBs. They tend to bounce off of the stronger players when they try to tackle high and they have success going for the ankles.

- QBs actually throw poor passes and no stupid interceptions. There were 3 interceptions in my game. 1 was because I got hit as I threw the ball and it went right to a linebacker. Another was a great play by my corner breaking on a well thrown ball. The last one was just a terrible throw by Aaron Rodgers right into Urlachers hands over the middle. I still think accuracy could be turned down a notch, but I was happy to see some poorly thrown balls and no unrealistic interceptions.

- The running game feels like it should. Try to break everything outside and you're going to end up with a lot of 2-3 yard losses. Take what's there and you're going to see a lot of 1, 2, 3 yard gains with the occasional longer run.

- 12 minute quarters with 15 second accelerated clock gives the game a realistic flow. It just feels like an actual football game when you see long, time consuming drives.

- Wide receivers feel like wide receivers and even the fastest of linebackers still feels like a linebacker. They've done a great job of making speed feel like speed, but not making it overpowered like it typically is in the NCAA games.

- The slower engine is brilliant. You see plays develop rather than just guessing and mashing buttons.

[Sweed]

- QBs actually throw poor passes and no stupid interceptions. There were 3 interceptions in my game. 1 was because I got hit as I threw the ball and it went right to a linebacker. Another was a great play by my corner breaking on a well thrown ball. The last one was just a terrible throw by Aaron Rodgers right into Urlachers hands over the middle. I still think accuracy could be turned down a notch, but I was happy to see some poorly thrown balls and no unrealistic interceptions.


This is all new to the Madden next-gen series and great to finally see.

[Eaglesfan27]

This is all new to the Madden next-gen series and great to finally see.

It's very welcome to see this. I've lowered accuracy to 25 for my QB's and I'm seeing a video game version of McNabb that looks a lot like the real life one in that he's been missing all over on short throws. In the game, his best accuracy rating is his deep ball just like real life and that is where I'm connecting particularly as Maclin and Jackson can use their speed to get open deep and adjust to his throws sometimes when they are offline. Passing is very fun right now and feels realistic.

[Balldog]

Just finished my first game on default All-Pro (15-min), lost to Houston 24-22 as Detroit. They stopped my 2-point conversion try. I had 362 yards to their 320.

[Jughead Spock]

Dammit, this is making me crave this one.

[WVUFAN]

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with the game itself, but others have said all I was going to -- this game is the full package. Hell, even EA Trax in the game has some great songs.

So far, just a great, great game.

[aran]

I played a couple of games against my brother on All-Pro with no slider tweaks. First game was Cards vs. Titans. Kurt Warner played great and Boldin made a great catch when he was double covered at one point. Second game we played Saints v. 49ers. I played Saints and had trouble throwing the ball while my bro had two big play touchdowns. Bush didn't feel as elusive as I thought he should've. Brees had trouble completing passes because receivers were not holding on. At no point in either game did I throw my hands up and ask what the hell was happening on the field. That's a great sign considering how often that would happen in the past.

[rowech]

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with the game itself, but others have said all I was going to -- this game is the full package. Hell, even EA Trax in the game has some great songs.

So far, just a great, great game.

Agreed...I told my brother that it's the best soundtrack to any sports game.

[Kodos]

I really enjoyed the two 15-minute quarter games I played tonight. I know it's early on, but right now, I'm thinking this one could be the best ever if it holds up to scrutiny.

[Balldog]

I played a couple of games against my brother on All-Pro with no slider tweaks. First game was Cards vs. Titans. Kurt Warner played great and Boldin made a great catch when he was double covered at one point. Second game we played Saints v. 49ers. I played Saints and had trouble throwing the ball while my bro had two big play touchdowns. Bush didn't feel as elusive as I thought he should've. Brees had trouble completing passes because receivers were not holding on. At no point in either game did I throw my hands up and ask what the hell was happening on the field. That's a great sign considering how often that would happen in the past.

Just played with the Saints and beat Carolina 16-14. I thought Bush played pretty similar to real life. So did Jake Delhomme, we picked him off 4 times. I had 9 carries for 31 yards and 6 receptions for 96 yards with Bush.

Just for note, I'm getting right around 120 plays not including punts/kicks with 15 minute quarters with accel clock at 25 seconds.

[rowech]

Just played with the Saints and beat Carolina 16-14. I thought Bush played pretty similar to real life. So did Jake Delhomme, we picked him off 4 times. I had 9 carries for 31 yards and 6 receptions for 96 yards with Bush.

Just for note, I'm getting right around 120 plays not including punts/kicks with 15 minute quarters with accel clock at 25 seconds.

How long does it actually take you to play a game with those timing settings?

[PurdueBrad]

How long does it actually take you to play a game with those timing settings?

I'm playing with similar settings (biggest difference is I use the 15 second run down) and I think it took a tad bit over an hour. My game went OT, so I'm trying not to factor that in.

[PurdueBrad]

I echo a lot of what I've heard above. There are still a couple minor things that bug me: The announcing doesn't match up to the situation a couple times a game and I sometimes feel like the fight for every yard feature is a bit too dominant (i.e.- Rashard Mendenhall was getting bent over backwards behind the line of scrimmage but using the playmaking stick he suddenly threw his arms up and out, bent back to upright and fell forward).

Overall though, this game easily outclasses NCAA this year. I haven't bought Madden in six years I believe and have solely purchased NCAA and this is the best football game I've ever played (which is hard for me to say as I had become quite disenchanted with the Madden series).

It just feels and looks like football, so my minor complains aside, I'm impressed thus far and I've only played two games (and a series so I could use Pat White in the Dolphins' Wildcat although I was disappointed to see that he was never an eligible passer on the available plays).

[Big Fo]

I echo a lot of what I've heard above. There are still a couple minor things that bug me: The announcing doesn't match up to the situation a couple times a game and I sometimes feel like the fight for every yard feature is a bit too dominant (i.e.- Rashard Mendenhall was getting bent over backwards behind the line of scrimmage but using the playmaking stick he suddenly threw his arms up and out, bent back to upright and fell forward).

Overall though, this game easily outclasses NCAA this year. I haven't bought Madden in six years I believe and have solely purchased NCAA and this is the best football game I've ever played (which is hard for me to say as I had become quite disenchanted with the Madden series).

It just feels and looks like football, so my minor complains aside, I'm impressed thus far and I've only played two games (and a series so I could use Pat White in the Dolphins' Wildcat although I was disappointed to see that he was never an eligible passer on the available plays).

By messing around with the subs and one of the options (forgot which one) in the formation screen you can find a play or two where White passes out of that formation.

[RainMaker]

Do QB's fumble when they are hit from behind? Not a floater pass but just fumble. This is the biggest cause for fumbles in the NFL and is never clearly recognized in Madden.

[Balldog]

How long does it actually take you to play a game with those timing settings?

About an hour and 5 minutes.

Just got my ass handed to me by the Packers 38-10 with the Bears in the pouring rain. Cutler sucked, 4 ints and a fumble. Devin Hester is a lot of fun to play with, almost broke a couple kickoff returns but just got tripped up.

[samifan24]

Agreed...I told my brother that it's the best soundtrack to any sports game.

I HATE the music in this game. Hate it. I would only listen to a couple of these songs outside of a video game anyway but I think I already disabled a couple of songs from the menu including the Killswitch Engage song. It's just not my type of music. Although I can't stand the music anymore I prefer something like the NHL 09 soundtrack, which is mediocre at best, to something I just don't care for. To each his own though.

[SegRat]

I got a few more games in today, and after every game I come away a little more impressed each time. I love being able to stand in the pocket. I love being able to lead WR's. I love that QB's no long play like robots. To me this is the best football game since Tecmo Super Bowl. It's goping to be a long time until I put this game down.

I have to mention that last night when I was in line to pick the game up, Hornswoggle was about 5 people in front of me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Do QB's fumble when they are hit from behind? Not a floater pass but just fumble. This is the biggest cause for fumbles in the NFL and is never clearly recognized in Madden.

Yes, the floater pass is the more common result, but fumbles do occur from hits from behind. I lost a game because of that today when I foolishly tried to throw it on 3rd and 5 at midfield with 1 minute left instead of just running it. McNabb was hit from behind by Aaron Curry who came on an outside blitz and he was stripped. One of their linemen picked it up and rumbled for about 20 yards until Jackson caught him.

[Big Fo]

Anyone find a menu for formation specific subs that you can mess with outside of the playcalling screen?

[Izulde]

I've resisted the NCAA urge, but this thread is putting the Madden urge in me. Damn you all! :mad:

Maybe I should go sim another game in Bengals historical FOF to resist the tempation.

[Big Fo]

Manning has thrown three picks in my week 2 game as Miami, all of them returned for touchdowns. It's the only reasons I'm winning as Pennington has three picks himself to go with a lost fumble, and Ted Ginn fumbled on a punt return inside my own 10 yard line to setup an Indy touchdown.

Now Pennington has an abdominal strain and I was presented with the option of rushing him back with a "medium" re-injury risk, which is kind of cool. Instead I put White in (Henne is also hurt) and the one time Ginn got open deep he overthrew him by five yards.

Are the AI QBs throwing a lot of picks in your games?

[Eaglesfan27]

Manning has thrown three picks in my week 2 game as Miami, all of them returned for touchdowns. It's the only reasons I'm winning as Pennington has three picks himself to go with a lost fumble, and Ted Ginn fumbled on a punt return inside my own 10 yard line to setup an Indy touchdown.

Now Pennington has an abdominal strain and I was presented with the option of rushing him back with a "medium" re-injury risk, which is kind of cool. Instead I put White in (Henne is also hurt) and the one time Ginn got open deep he overthrew him by five yards.

Are the AI QBs throwing a lot of picks in your games?

I've turned interceptions down to 15 for both sides (same as I'm using for NCAA actually) and it has been a reasonable number - some games none, 1 is usually common and the most I've had is 3 against Tavaris Jackson.

[SegRat]

I also turned INT's down. Not sure what I turned it down to off the top of my head.

[ColtCrazy]

For anyone up, I'm leaving for a Madden tournament in a few hours to try to win a copy of the game. I'm likely to be playing against the Colts (local team) or Steelers (defending champs) a lot. What teams seem to match up well against them?

Loving the talk about realistic play. Hopefully that stops the guys that drop back 20 yards and do nothing but throw deep.

[Philliesfan980]

What are the slider settings most of you are using so far?

[Mike Lowe]

I HATE the music in this game. Hate it. I would only listen to a couple of these songs outside of a video game anyway

Agreed! It is awful! I just turned them all off as I didn't want to hear the 1-2 songs I actually cared for be played over and over.

[Mike Lowe]

Dola,

Has anyone found good sliders which provide realistic pancake totals; ones that would match a typical simmed franchise game? This is the only hangup I have so far before starting my franchise...that, and I'm not sure which team to be!

Bengals
Browns
Bucs
Lions (my favorite...always feel dirty taking them)
Raiders
Rams
Seahawks
49ers
Jaguars

[gstelmack]

Played one half of Cardinals vs Patriots last night, me as Patriots. Man that Patriots offense is good, we got up 14-0 with two long drives, then Warner picked us apart on his second drive to get back within 7. Next possession Brady threw a pick when he was getting hit just as he let go and the ball floated a bit. Really liked the gameplay I saw, I could even run the ball decently (not just 2-3 yard gains with the occasional breakaway, I was picking up 5-6 yards regularly with one breakaway on a pitch and got stuffed once). Franchise to start once the alluded-to launch-day patch is out (didn't see it last night, and perhaps the info was wrong).

[Eaglesfan27]

Played one half of Cardinals vs Patriots last night, me as Patriots. Man that Patriots offense is good, we got up 14-0 with two long drives, then Warner picked us apart on his second drive to get back within 7. Next possession Brady threw a pick when he was getting hit just as he let go and the ball floated a bit. Really liked the gameplay I saw, I could even run the ball decently (not just 2-3 yard gains with the occasional breakaway, I was picking up 5-6 yards regularly with one breakaway on a pitch and got stuffed once). Franchise to start once the alluded-to launch-day patch is out (didn't see it last night, and perhaps the info was wrong).

I'm waiting for that patch as well to start my dynasty. Rumor on OS is that the developers decided to delay it a bit to squeeze in 1 or 2 more things, but that it should be out within the next week. Next big roster update is also due next week on the 19th.

[Philliesfan980]

I'm waiting for that patch as well to start my dynasty. Rumor on OS is that the developers decided to delay it a bit to squeeze in 1 or 2 more things, but that it should be out within the next week. Next big roster update is also due next week on the 19th.

Do you know if they are planning on releasing another roster when the season starts? I'm just trying to decide when to start my franchise, although I'm not sure the changes would be material between the 19th and the start of the season.

[rowech]

Played this morning with Carindals versus Chargers. I was San Diego and lost 52-41. Don't ask. In any case, if someone has time, use the Chargers and see if Gates is unstopable for you. I threw to him for 301 yards on 15 catches. They had no answer for him as he's constantly too fast for whoever is covering him.

Don't ask about my own pass defense as it's horrid.

[Galaril]

I do n't have a console. Does anyone have it for PC and how is that version of it?

[Kodos]

There isn't a PC version.

[Balldog]

If anyone wants to play online on the 360 this weekend let me know. I'll be available today 2-4pm (EST) and after 9pm tonight. Same tomorrow...hopefully!

[Eaglesfan27]

Do you know if they are planning on releasing another roster when the season starts? I'm just trying to decide when to start my franchise, although I'm not sure the changes would be material between the 19th and the start of the season.

They have said they will also release a more updated roster at the start of the season, but I'm probably going to start a franchise next weekend anyway. They are also going to do 1 more patch that will be more comprehensive than the first patch but probably won't be released for a month or two.

[LastWhiteSoxFanStanding]

I know that nobody cares in particular, but according to IGN Madden for the Wii,

"As for the other modes players know and love, Franchise, Superstar, and situational mode are included, but they're hidden away as unlockable bonus modes,"

Maybe it doesn't take much to unlock it, and I know the Wii is supposed to be for the casual crowd but how do you make FRANCHISE mode an unlockable? I would think its the main reason get the game, even casual players.

[MJ4H]

Yes, they are easily unlockable with a code. They are separated from the rest of the game because they don't follow the same UI as the rest of the game and they almost cut it because they didn't have time to update the hundreds of screens they contain with the new UI. Instead of cutting them they just did this to keep it separate. For those that want it it's really easy to unlock just:

From the main menu, select EA Extras and then point and click on Enter Game Code. Enter the code as you see it below, without spaces in between each word.

Franchise Mode: TEAMPLAYER

Superstar Mode: EGOBOOST

Situation Mode: YOUCALLIT

Super Bowl Stadium: THEBIGSHOW

Pro Bowl Stadium: ALLSTARS

Master Code (unlocks everything): THEWORKS


For things like franchise mode, it is essentially the same as 09 for the Wii version, especially in the UI. The gameplay itself, of course, uses the Madden 10 game engine, which is the main thing (at least for me). But, basically, the Madden Wii team spent so much time updating the guts of the game and the UI for the newer stuff to the new direction they didn't have time to do everything. I am very happy with the sacrifice (the UI and guts of the franchise mode is WAY less important to me than the in-game play and new art style on the field plus the newer controls--ie the point to pass controls--so if it meant not getting the new stuff until next year, I'm happy with the sacrifice (that was a brutal sentence but I don't care).

[MizzouRah]

Double Dola -

One thing that I'm impressed with is that the computer did a very good job on punts of kicking it away from DeSean Jackson. Also, after Macklin returned a kickoff for a TD, they kicked it away from him every time and squibbed it at the end of the half.

More Maclin!!! :) I bet playing offense is a blast with that speed the Eagles have.

[MizzouRah]

I went ahead and picked up my copy yesterday and had a chance to finally get a game in.

So far, I'm impressed.. I do miss the player lock feature on defense, but so far, the game is quite fun to play.

I saw a ton of FOF'ers playing just a bit ago. :)

[rowech]

I went ahead and picked up my copy yesterday and had a chance to finally get a game in.

So far, I'm impressed.. I do miss the player lock feature on defense, but so far, the game is quite fun to play.

I saw a ton of FOF'ers playing just a bit ago. :)

There's something called Player lock in the game. I have no idea what it is but if you hit one of the sticks, one of the directions, locking certain players become options. Of course, I have no idea if this is what you're talking about.

[dubb93]

Stupid me question. When calculating total number of plays do you include punts and field goal attempts? I'm on a quest to get a realistic numbers of plays(125 is the number I'm aiming for).

I have noticed in this quest of mine that the game does not consider a QB sack to be a play(unless I'm just not adding things right). When the game calculates total number of plays(like what they display during the half time show) it seems to me that they simply add the total number of pass attempts to the total number of rush attempts for a team. Since a QB sack is neither a rush attempt or a pass attempt in the game it doesn't get counted.

This has made counting plays a little trickier.

[Mike Lowe]

Stupid me question. When calculating total number of plays do you include punts and field goal attempts? I'm on a quest to get a realistic numbers of plays(125 is the number I'm aiming for).

I have noticed in this quest of mine that the game does not consider a QB sack to be a play(unless I'm just not adding things right). When the game calculates total number of plays(like what they display during the half time show) it seems to me that they simply add the total number of pass attempts to the total number of rush attempts for a team. Since a QB sack is neither a rush attempt or a pass attempt in the game it doesn't get counted.

This has made counting plays a little trickier.

Add sacks via the defensive stats page. From what I was told, over at OS, you want 125 plays which would be total pass and rush attempts plus sacks. I guess FG attempts and punts are not factored in.

I'm not positive this is how the franchise sim engine is set up...that to me is the key thing to match.

Anyone have any luck producing pancake blocks? With run block at 100 I still only saw about 2 per team when I played the Bears as the Lions (using DrewBledsoe's sliders via OS Madden slider forum).

[Galaril]

There isn't a PC version.

Ah yes I see that now. Oh well my 40 years old reflexes weren't good enough to keep up with Madden on console anyways. So fuck EA:)

[Calis]

Well I haven't bought a Madden version since 2002 or 2003 I believe(I'm a 2k5 fanatic still), but I usually give them a rental, and usually am instantly disappointed and turn it back in. I've only had a chance to play one game of 10 so far, but I'm very impressed. The game felt smooth, and I even enjoyed the hell out of playing defensive line. I was the 'Skins and using Haynesworth was a blast. Really feel like you're working to get past the lineman, and it also just feels better for collapsing holes. The mass feels right if that makes sense.

Offensively it went ok. Hard to say with just one game, but Portis started out very strong for me and then they really started focusing on him and Campbell was able to complete some passes(Cooley was clutch for me). Game was too quick with the default settings, but I think Campbell ended up 10-14 for a little over 200 yards. I was throwing mostly short passes though, so not many chances for me to screw it up.

Everything feels pretty tight, and the presentation is top notch. It might finally be time to retire 2k5 and move on to this if things hold up.

[JetsIn06]

Ah yes I see that now. Oh well my 40 years old reflexes weren't good enough to keep up with Madden on console anyways. So fuck EA:)

Well, this version has a game speed setting so your 40-year-old reflexes might cut it on Very Slow ;)

[dubb93]

Finally got what I feel are close to the right sliders for myself after about 5 exibition games and bit the bullet on a Bears franchise.

Week one sees me destroy the Pack to the tune of 34-10. Week two sees Willie Parker cut through me like butter and Cutler throw 4 picks against the Steelers. Back down to earth I guess.

[MizzouRah]

There's something called Player lock in the game. I have no idea what it is but if you hit one of the sticks, one of the directions, locking certain players become options. Of course, I have no idea if this is what you're talking about.

I believe that just locks you to one player for the game. In NCAA, you click the L stick and the view switches to the defensive side of the ball with the player you have selected.

[sooner333]

I've never really been a Madden guy, but I'm slowly getting convinced to get it. And I already wanted to get NCAA and Tiger Woods.

[Jughead Spock]

I had a stack of trade-ins lying around, so took the plunge. (extra 25% on your trade-ins @ Gamestop, btw).

Presentation's definitely better. Have only played one full game so far, but that's further than I got with 08 or 09. Announcing isn't too annoying yet. Gameplay is very enjoyable. I don't know if it's 2k5-level yet, but it's in the ballpark for sure. Not a fan of the menu system, haven't been for a couple iterations now.

I have to admit I miss the mini-games from 06-07. Am I the only one? Wonder if it'll be DLC... the mini-games in this one blow, but that's far from a deal-breaker. Along those same lines, the goals and records in 2k5 were a great feature, figured Madden would keep/improve upon that idea. I liked watching the end of the game where it would rack up how many long plays you had, 100+ yard rushing, etc etc.

Went through an off-season and draft - that was disappointing. Maybe I just missed it, but there was no scouting whatsoever and no training camp.

For the game, I took the Raiders (+free agents Plexico Burress and an OLB I can't remember). Played Denver, and stomped them (wheeeeeee). The 'My Skill' option looks intriguing, but forgot to turn it on until about halfway through. Denver couldn't run on me; Orton sliced me for a lot of yards (and their only TD, a 77-yarder to C. Jackson), but ultimately lost the game because of his 4 INTs. Sounds about right. He avoided Asomugha for the most part, and paid for it when he didn't. The Raiders jumped out to a fluky 4-0 start on the season (Garcia starting for an injured Russell) - then could only beat KC and Cincy the rest of the way, with Russell back. Again, sounds about right.

So, my 'initial impression' is that the game itself is better - love the game speed - but the franchise mode is a step back so far. I'm thinking some of that is addressed in the looming patch, and probably in the DLC.

[Balldog]

After 5 games my only complaints are, the play-by-play sometimes just doesn't make sense or reflect what actually happened and wide receivers do not attempt to get two feet inbounds on sideline catches. Other than that it is GREAT.

[Eaglesfan27]

Went through an off-season and draft - that was disappointing. Maybe I just missed it, but there was no scouting whatsoever and no training camp.


I don't believe there is any training camp, but scouting is in the game. You scout during the regular season each week.

[Bearcat729]

Picked this up today though I wasn't planning on it.

Started a franchise with the Browns and instantly learned that the trade AI is flawed as I was able to pick up Felix Jones from the Cowboys for a 2nd round pick. I then turned around and traded Jamal Lewis to the Raiders for a 2nd, 5th and some scrub CB who was rated 39 overall so that the Raiders would have roster space for Lewis.

[Big Fo]

Played this morning with Carindals versus Chargers. I was San Diego and lost 52-41. Don't ask. In any case, if someone has time, use the Chargers and see if Gates is unstopable for you. I threw to him for 301 yards on 15 catches. They had no answer for him as he's constantly too fast for whoever is covering him.

Don't ask about my own pass defense as it's horrid.

Not quite what you were looking for but I just played San Diego and Gates tore my guys apart. I think Rivers completed 80-90% of his passes to Gates. Their defense kicked my butt too.

[SegRat]

Played an awsome game tonight. I was the Bengals playing against the Titans. I held the Titans in check all game, though I think I need to mess with the sliders a little more as I held Chris Johnson to a 2.6 yards a carry. The Titans held me in check almost the enitre game. On the final drive of the game Carson Palmer finally got a little time to throw and Ocho came up big catching the game winning TD with 4 seconds left as the Bengals win 7-3. This is the most fun I have had with a football game in a long, long time.

[bhlloy]

Also just got my first game in, a preseason tilt as the Bengals vs the Saints. I agree with everything here, it's pretty damn fun so far. Need to jack the defensive skill up quite a bit as Brees couldn't do anything against a pretty bad Bengals defense, but couldn't ask for much more at this point.

The pass rushing/blocking is absolutely brilliantly done, I switched to a 3-4 and it's awesome calling middle linebacker blitzes and just creating havoc with Maualuga. Really feels like there is defensive strategy in this one and the chess match that goes on matching up blitzes vs protection like in real life.

The passing game is also a million times better, Ochocinco and Coles were making plays left and right for me and going to get the ball when I threw it to them in single coverage (at least until I got Chad injured for five weeks - oops. Went straight into depth chart and moved all my half decent players way down the list after that) Even my backup receivers will make some nice plays if matched up against a backup corner rather than just watching the corner make the play.

Running is better with the slower speed, and it's great that players have distinctive styles. Bush made a few plays in open space against me and was totally useless up the middle, whereas Benson and Leonard didn't break a lot of big runs but when I was able to get them into the second level, they dragged quite a few tacklers for some extra yards.

I did notice a couple of the annoyances in this thread. Receivers stepped out of bounds for no reason a couple of times when they had plenty of room to drag the feet, that looks like a pretty bad bug or oversight. And even with jacking the penalty sliders up I think I only got one holding call (on an extra point) and one false start. Other than that, I think I'm going to get a ton of play out of this one.

Only other negative I can think of is that the roster ratings are heavily slanted towards older players who really aren't that effective anymore. I thought they were really making an effort to make the ratings better and more realistic this year. But that is hopefully pretty easily fixable in this age of online rosters (assuming they put this function in)

[Epi_862]

I got something like 15 games done now, and a couple of things stand out.

-> Run blocking is really bad, i dont think it has changed much from last year. Before adjustments, the cpu was under 3 YPC on most games, and im always under 4. I took up the run block slider to 75, and the very next game Marion Barber killed me with an 8.2 YPC, but guessing it was just an anomaly. After that, the CPU went back to about 3YPC.

Now, this is really killing me, since the game is REALLY fun, but i have to have realistic running, and maybe i need to play with the sliders more.

-> My TE Donald Lee is 2nd in the NFL in cathces. 3rd in rec yards. So i guess the tight ends are a bit overpowered right now. Guys like Donald Driver and Greg Jennings seem unable to beat man coverage consistently at all, which is strange but no game killer.

...But yeah, all in all, the gameplay is still damn awesome. If i get some of these anomalies out, i'll be paying a long time.

[INDalltheway]

-> My TE Donald Lee is 2nd in the NFL in cathces. 3rd in rec yards. So i guess the tight ends are a bit overpowered right now. Guys like Donald Driver and Greg Jennings seem unable to beat man coverage consistently at all, which is strange but no game killer.
I think this has more to do with how you play rather than your guys getting open. I know I can be the same way and I just look to the middle of the field for receivers and that's where the TE's are.

I've played 24 games online (20-4 record :p ) with 20 different teams and the 1 thing I am liking the most is having to play to teams strengths. No longer are there money plays that you can run with any team or any player. You truly have to play a realistic style of football. I just had a game with the Dolphins where I passed the ball only 6 times (6-6 around 200 yards, 2 TDs :) ) and pounded the ball around 20-25 times. I ran the wildcat and kept the defense off balance by mixing in a few playaction passes out of the formation. It felt like I was watching a real game of football.

[Mike Lowe]

DB (DrewBledsoe) sliders on OS are really starting to take shape. He and others have found a way to eliminate the constantly open flat passes by increasing the speed threshold up to 75. This helps the LB's keep up more with RB's although not enough that they will be catching them all from behind. Brilliant move! Now we just need a solution to the pancake blocking which is NOT tied into the run block slider we've confirmed.

He is still tinkering but this guy seems like one of us, he knows real football and is trying his best to emulate it with Madden 10.

[rowech]

Not quite what you were looking for but I just played San Diego and Gates tore my guys apart. I think Rivers completed 80-90% of his passes to Gates. Their defense kicked my butt too.

I worry that Tight Ends might be unstoppable in this game. Nobody ever covers them and if they do get any coverage, a good one like Gates, just blows by them.

[Balldog]

DB (DrewBledsoe) sliders on OS are really starting to take shape. He and others have found a way to eliminate the constantly open flat passes by increasing the speed threshold up to 75. This helps the LB's keep up more with RB's although not enough that they will be catching them all from behind.

I'm guessing this will help with the dominate TE play too!

[Mike Lowe]

I'm guessing this will help with the dominate TE play too!

Yeah, that's right, or at least that's what we were thinking!

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm wondering if speed backs will be able to rush outside effectively with speed threshold at 75. I guess I'll give it a try for myself later today.

[ColtCrazy]

Okay, going down to get the game today. Today is my last official day off before school starts back up, gotta get some game time in.

[gstelmack]

Tried some Superstar last night. It felt like we weren't getting enough plays in with the default 7 minute quarters, so I tried the 15 minute quarters / accelerated clock / 20 second runoff, and apparently that ONLY applies to live plays. The supersim side doesn't care and runs plays like mad. There was something like 1200 yards of offense in my Denver / San Fran preseason game. So, um, only use the 15 minute quarters if you are playing the game out and not intending to supersim.

And being Oakland's QB is no fun. Created a QB superstar, Oakland grabbed me, and I had about 1.5 seconds to find an open receiver before the D-Line was on me. Sounds about right for that team...

[Balldog]

Stupid question...how do you turn on sliders? I go to options and all I get is Skill stuff?

[Eaglesfan27]

Custom skill level allows you to change sliders, and you can click A on each subset to get more individualized sliders.

[Mike Lowe]

How are you guys playing franchise if at all? I feel like I REALLY want to start one but should wait for the first patch which hopefully will be soon.

I wish we knew what the first (and even 2nd) patch was going to include.

[Balldog]

How are you guys playing franchise if at all? I feel like I REALLY want to start one but should wait for the first patch which hopefully will be soon.

I wish we knew what the first (and even 2nd) patch was going to include.

I might start one tonight, just to get used to it then start a real one in the next week or so.

Played a game with speed diff. at 70 and it definitely made passing in the flats and to TEs a little more difficult.

I got beat by Seattle 14-13 as Tampa Bay. They scored the winning TD with 1:27 to play and I missed a 50 yard FG as time expired.

[rowech]

THe more I play this game, the more I wonder if I'm too old to play it. I'm good on offense but my defense is just wretched.

[samifan24]

THe more I play this game, the more I wonder if I'm too old to play it. I'm good on offense but my defense is just wretched.

I'm the same way but I think that's because I never played football at any level and don't understand which defensive plays are set for the pass or the run. I'm ok on obvious passing or running downs but on 1st and 2nd and around 6 or 7 yards I always guess wrong.

When I'm on offense I go seven-12 plays for a TD. When I get on defense I usually give up a huge play for a TD, something like a 40-70 yard play, because I guess wrong and the RB breaks free from the first group of defenders and there's no one left in my secondary.

I really like the breakdown segments because they show you why a play worked or why it didn't work. I feel like I need to read up on football strategy to have fun playing defense and give myself a chance in the game.

[rowech]

What plays are you calling on defense when they have 2 wr? 3wr? 4wr? out on offense? 4/3, nickle, dime, etc?
Also there are plays to stop teams that like to throw to their TE too.

I feel I'm always in good defensive packages and tend to have plays stopped...I tend to do just a terrible job of taking and angle and tackling.

[The Jackal]

I started a fantasy draft team with 15 minute quarters (15 second accelerated clock) and it's going quite well through two games. A bit more offense than you'd normally see, but that's fine. I really enjoy seeing 15 minute quarters. Had a 16 play, 69 yard, 9:28 drive in the fourth quarter against the Tom Brady led rams to secure a victory. Nothing bad to say about the game thus far.

[lungs]

So I thought last years version stunk. Will I feel the same about this year's?

[Izulde]

I hate FOFC sometimes.

I bought Madden '10 today. :P

[The Jackal]

So I thought last years version stunk. Will I feel the same about this year's?

First impressions - no. I thought last year's was pretty stale as far as advancement in gameplay, and there were some buggy plays that worked too easily. This year I've been very pleased with what I've seen.

[The Jackal]

The only thing that's bothered me thus far is the frequency that I've had passes picked by defensive linemen, whereas my defensive linemen like to let it clunk off their hands. But I've had a very small sample size so far, that'll probably even out.

[gstelmack]

I feel I'm always in good defensive packages and tend to have plays stopped...I tend to do just a terrible job of taking and angle and tackling.

I've never been good at that. Take a DL and rush the passer every down.

[bhlloy]

So my second game of the preseason I also dominated the Pats, Brady and O'Connell threw 5 INT's between them. This is at Pass Defense skill at 16 and run defense skill at 12. Starting to get a little worried this game might be too easy on defense, unless I get to the regular season and teams actually start playing like their real selves. Brady should shred my defense. For some reason he didn't throw a pass over 10 yards the entire half. Going back to jack up the defensive skill settings some more and see how the third game goes.

On offense I had real trouble running the ball (as I should against the Pats defensive front) but the passing game is still a blast.

[The Jackal]

So my second game of the preseason I also dominated the Pats, Brady and O'Connell threw 5 INT's between them. This is at Pass Defense skill at 16 and run defense skill at 12. Starting to get a little worried this game might be too easy on defense, unless I get to the regular season and teams actually start playing like their real selves. Brady should shred my defense. For some reason he didn't throw a pass over 10 yards the entire half. Going back to jack up the defensive skill settings some more and see how the third game goes.

On offense I had real trouble running the ball (as I should against the Pats defensive front) but the passing game is still a blast.

Don't worry, I have it set on All-Madden and defense is not a walk in the park in regular season games. Any QB can tear you apart if you don't get pressure on them.

[PurdueBrad]

Don't worry, I have it set on All-Madden and defense is not a walk in the park in regular season games. Any QB can tear you apart if you don't get pressure on them.

As I found out after holding Adrian Petersen to 31 yards on 22 carries and Tavarias Jackson sliced through me for 331 yards in the air.

[The Jackal]

As I found out after holding Adrian Petersen to 31 yards on 22 carries and Tavarias Jackson sliced through me for 331 yards in the air.

Thomas Jones tore me up for 200+ rushing/receiving in my first game, friggin Matt Hasselback couldn't make a mistake. But I've got Aaron Rodgers, Chris Johnson, Kellen Winslow, Vincent Jackson, and guess who my favorite receiver is ... Darius Heyward-Bey!

[samifan24]

Are you guys changing the sliders to have these huge rushing games? I've never topped 100 rushing yards in a game with 12 minute quarters yet. The computer has done it against me but that's always because of single big plays not a sustained effort. I'm playing on "My Madden" level and I'm a beginner but still, I should see good RBs tear up at least mediocre defenses.

[The Jackal]

Are you guys changing the sliders to have these huge rushing games? I've never topped 100 rushing yards in a game with 12 minute quarters yet. The computer has done it against me but that's always because of single big plays not a sustained effort. I'm playing on "My Madden" level and I'm a beginner but still, I should see good RBs tear up at least mediocre defenses.

I haven't even seen the option for "My Madden" level. I just set it on All-Madden to begin the season. CJ had 83 yards in game 1 and 101 in game 2.

It's damn hard to run to the outside unless you have stellar blocking. Computer players come off blocks very quickly.

[samifan24]

I assume that "My Madden" tailors the game to my own gameplay? Meaning if I'm a better passer it makes passing more difficult and rushing easier?

[The Jackal]

I assume that "My Madden" tailors the game to my own gameplay? Meaning if I'm a better passer it makes passing more difficult and rushing easier?

Yes, that's the way it worked last year. It changes itself game by game to reflect how you've been playing. If you start dominating through the air, it'll get harder to pass, and vice-versa. Just be aware of the changing difficulty level.

But passing and rushing are separate entities. If you pass very well and still get good gains on rushes but don't rush very often, it's still going to get harder to run, if that makes sense.

[ColtCrazy]

Okay, I spent the afternoon just playing a few 5 minute quarter games. With everyone finally asleep, I get my first game with the DB sliders (15 min quarters/20 sec accelerated clock).

I play the Texans against the Raiders to try things out.

The first quarter is pretty much an exchange of punts. McFadden breaks one big run on me to get the Raiders a FG, but nothing exciting.

End of the 1st: Raiders 3, Texans 0.

I finally start putting together one of my classics drives. Lots of running with Slaton (who is great in this game) and lots of passes underneath to Johnson and Daniels with some flares to Slaton. I get a TD. The rest of the quarter, I get stalled. The Raiders stack against the run and Schaub is inconsistent at best. Meanwhile, McFadden continues to run rough shot over my defense. Luckily I hold them to mostly FGs except on McFadden TD run.

Halftime: Raiders 16, Texans 7.

The 3rd quarter is a disaster. Russell suddenly is on fire with his passes (he was pretty bad in the 1st half) but it probably helps there's a lot of one on one coverage as I try to slow McFadden down. I manage a FG on one decent drive, but that's all.

3rd Quarter: Raiders 29, Texans 10.

I finally hit my first pass of over 15 yards, a 34 yarder to Daniels. That helps set up a Slaton 2 yard run. I'm within striking distance with about 8 minutes left. The Raiders are forced to punt and I finally get my break. I hit Andre Johnson on a slant. The safety takes a bad angle (his first the whole game) and Johnson runs 66 yds for a TD. Now it's a ball game, with about 5 minutes left. The Raiders have a long drive, but miss a 50 yard field goal. I get the ball, 2:20 left. Since I'm about at midfield, I mix in a few Slaton runs and Slaton has a nice 15 yard catch on an out route. Leach, the FB, breaks a tackle to get us to first and goal from the 7. Here are the next 4 plays (I'm down 29-24)

1st and goal from the 7: I-Form Tight, stretch run. I call the play, then realize Slaton is out (tired). Brown gains one yard.

2nd and goal from the 6. I call a timeout hoping Slaton gets back in. He doesn't. This time I call a pass designed to hit Daniels on a crossing route. He gets bumped, catches it, but is tackled for no yardage.

3rd and goal from the 6. I go shotgun, calling a play where Daniels takes the out route while the receivers run in above him. I'm going for Daniels, but have Brown coming out of the backfield. The pass is dropped, 4th down.

4th and goal from the 6. Well, if I'm going down, I'm going to Andre Johnson. I call a slant play for him, drawing the safety to the slot with a corner route and Daniels hitting the flat. Johnson cuts and has his man....TOUCHDOWN!

I score with 23 seconds left. Raiders get stuck deep on the kick and the final:

Texans 31, Raiders 29.

A 21 point forth quarter in a game where the Raiders basically got too conservative with the ball and Schaub finally hit some targets consistently.


Stat wise, there was too much passing, not enough running on both sides. I thought the Raiders should have used McFadden more, but they basically went pass happy in the 3rd, mostly because I was stacking the line.

Stats:

Raiders Passing: Russell 24-40 354 yds 1-1

Raiders Running: McFadden 21-139, Fargas 3-5

Raiders Receiving (best 3): Schilens 7-73, Neal 5-69, Heyward-Bey 4-67

Texans Passing: Schaub 30-59 356 2-0

Texans Rushing: Slaton 18-86, Brown 2-5

Texans Receiving (best 3): Slaton 10-107, Johson 8-133, Daniels 6-68

[The Jackal]

I am starting to get very annoyed with defensive linemen getting interceptions multiple times per game.

I'm actually starting to be of the opinion that this is a serious game flaw that needs to be fixed in a patch.

Is anyone else having this problem or am I getting that unlucky?

[EagleFan]

After last season's I have been avoiding this year's like the plague. Now I am curious, and may have to find a way to get this purchase past the wife. What sucks is the games that I would trade in I currently have lent out to friends.

[MizzouRah]

So are most playing with straight difficulty settings or doing the madden skill level thingy?

[mauchow]

I have not had one DL pick yet. I've played five or six games so far.

And by the way, I'm liking the game a lot. This is my first version in more than a few years. Thanks for convincing me to get the game.

[The Jackal]

I have not had one DL pick yet. I've played five or six games so far.

And by the way, I'm liking the game a lot. This is my first version in more than a few years. Thanks for convincing me to get the game.

It's getting crazy. I can think of 10 defensive line picks off the top of my head I've seen already.

And 0 of them were by my teams.

[RainMaker]

I picked this up today and it's better than last year. I guess my problem is with defense. I don't feel like I have much control over what happens. If they want a first down, they'll get one regardless of what you do. This has always been a big gripe for me with Madden. It almost feels like Coach Mode on defense.

Offensively I was able to dominate with Greg Olsen. They can't cover tight ends at all. 12 catches for 142 yards and it could have been more if I wanted to.

It's early but it feels like they improved some areas but made others worse. Still think this franchise needs a complete gameplay overhaul.

[RainMaker]

It's getting crazy. I can think of 10 defensive line picks off the top of my head I've seen already.

And 0 of them were by my teams.
I haven't played enough but the computer has 3 against me and I've yet to get one.

[Jughead Spock]

For whatever it's worth, I'm retiring my 2k5 finally. The things I talked about in my first post, I've found the 'fixes' or things I was missing. I won't say it kills 2k5, but it definitely kills Madden 06-07-08-09.

I think with some maturation - patches and user recommendations on sliders, et al. - this could be great. At this point, my biggest beef is with the interface, which is certainly manageable.

Some of my gripes, that I think can be fixed with patching/sliders, echoing others -

Breaking tackles is a pain in the ass, insomuch that the computer does it far too much.

TEs are unstoppable, especially Gates.

I've not seen the DL picks yet.

No training camp, that kinda blows. But if it keeps it from freezing, guess that's a fair tradeoff.

[Eaglesfan27]

So are most playing with straight difficulty settings or doing the madden skill level thingy?

I'm playing with custom sliders that have QB accuracy down for both sides as well as interceptions. With interceptions at 15, I've played 7 games since the last time a DL caught a pick. I forget the rest of my sliders (but I know pass rush is increased for both sides) and am about to head to bed.

[INDalltheway]

Played over 40 games online and I can't remember more than 2 DL picks.

[MizzouRah]

I'm playing with custom sliders that have QB accuracy down for both sides as well as interceptions. With interceptions at 15, I've played 7 games since the last time a DL caught a pick. I forget the rest of my sliders (but I know pass rush is increased for both sides) and am about to head to bed.

Thanks..

[Noop]

For those of you struggling with defense I suggest you mix up what you do and play to the strength of your cornerbacks. For instance if your CBs are better at zone then you should lean toward more zones, if they are better at m2m then more m2m.

One more tip save that all out blitz until the second half and do it on a 3rd and 5ish play... I have had amazing results doing that.

This maybe a glitch but I have a running back in my franchise who is unstoppable when I juke using the right stick. I barely move it right or left depending on the location and he always slips out of the tackle...always. I have tried with other backs and have had almost the same success. So either I have found a glitch or I have stumble across a once in a generation runningback.

[aran]

Try to run a screen play. In my games against my brother, he has run a few of them and has had two 40+ yard plays. Defenses are TERRIBLE at reading screens. The only reason I stopped him short of a big plays was due to poor WR blocking or the OL choosing to block the wrong guys or just being boneheaded.

[RainMaker]

Seems to be a money play. Same with tight ends. Someone on OS tried the sliders and was still able to score every trip down by running the RBs in the flat. I'll have to give it a shot since I didn't throw too much to my RBs or with the sliders on OS.

If I get the same results, I'll throw it up on EBay. Pissed I bought into the hype.

[Philliesfan980]

Very fun game, but I think this confirms that I'm no longer interested in console sports games.

If anyone wants to buy my copy for the PS3, shoot me a PM. I'll accept the first reasonable offer I get.

[rowech]

It's getting crazy. I can think of 10 defensive line picks off the top of my head I've seen already.

And 0 of them were by my teams.

The only DL picks I've had are against me and they're when my QB gets drilled just as I throw it. Frustrating when it happens but they're my fault.

[gstelmack]

Perhaps the DL pick issue is you throwing while getting hit too much? Not seeing it here either.

[Epi_862]

You know, for the people that still think wether to buy it or not... A couple of pointers.

First of all, yes, the gameplay is the best next-gen football game by miles. No doubt about it. Playing online is very fun, especially with someone you know plays realistic football. Franchise is very much streamlined, and more fun.

BUT.

If you are not comfortable with adjusting the sliders A LOT, the singleplayer game will grow stale. Thankfully, the sliders can make the game balanced.

Im normally not too good at madden - but my first franchise season i went 14-2, and to the SB (lost to Steelers)... With the Pack. Now, that is in the realm of possibility, but for two things: Rodgers threw more picks than TD's - 28/33, and my only RB Grant rushed for 4 TD's with a 2.8 average. No team should be 14-2 with absolutely NO running game and turnovers galore.

I played at All-pro, and the computer never could rush. The comp would always be under 3 ypc, and very often under two. And im NOT that good at this game, and the packers front seven isnt THAT awesome.

Interceptions happen WAY too often (Woodson broke the season int record in week ten, the team had over 45 picks in the season), and the computer seems to blitz all the time, so passing to your backs and TE's is a better option mostly all the time.

SO, what im saying is, the gameplay is EXCELLENT, but wildly unbalanced. If you like to play with the sliders to find a balance, it'll be really good. If you dont, on the other hand, it'll grow stale. At least if you look for realistic results. Now, as a disclaimer, i hate sliders. I feel like the designers should balance the game out, not players.

But yeah, hopefully this helps some of you. Im still liking the game, and have had some progress with the sliders, and maybe i'll start a new franchise after the roster update with better settings.

[samifan24]

Try to run a screen play. In my games against my brother, he has run a few of them and has had two 40+ yard plays. Defenses are TERRIBLE at reading screens. The only reason I stopped him short of a big plays was due to poor WR blocking or the OL choosing to block the wrong guys or just being boneheaded.

This has been the case for me, too. Screen play to the RB who just takes off for 40+ yards almost every time.

[CleBrownsfan]

Nice write up Epi_862 - this is the reason why I will not but Madden this year. I have the same issues with previous Maddens - the game just becomes very stale to me.

[gstelmack]

Epi, have you tried setting the difficulty to "My Madden", where it adjusts the difficulty based on your success or failure?

[Epi_862]

Epi, have you tried setting the difficulty to "My Madden", where it adjusts the difficulty based on your success or failure?

No, i really, really dislike the whole concept.

First of all, i really think the feeling of accomplishment would go with it. The game would always be easy. I would not be able to have "off days", without it making the next game really easy. It would totally destroy the immersion for me. I'd like to be challenged by constant difficulty, with realistic stats, and win or lose. I dont mind losing, that really is not the point, but i want to lose a realistic game. If i throw five picks (as i've done before :)) it's on me.

Secondly, when im only controlling one player (OLB matthews) on defense, and the computer runs 25 times for 32 yards, it's really not my skill per se that is the issue, it's that the basic difficulty has great balance issues.

I just want to find slider settings that make the run work on both sides, not just on mine, and the idea of a dynamic difficulty setting is really bad to me. Like i said, i want the challenge to be constant, realistic, and i want to fail becouse i play bad, and win becouse i play well, not becouse the computer deliberatly plays bad just i cant win otherwise.

Make any sense?

[rowech]

No, i really, really dislike the whole concept.

First of all, i really think the feeling of accomplishment would go with it. The game would always be easy. I would not be able to have "off days", without it making the next game really easy. It would totally destroy the immersion for me. I'd like to be challenged by constant difficulty, with realistic stats, and win or lose. I dont mind losing, that really is not the point, but i want to lose a realistic game. If i throw five picks (as i've done before :)) it's on me.

Secondly, when im only controlling one player (OLB matthews) on defense, and the computer runs 25 times for 32 yards, it's really not my skill per se that is the issue, it's that the basic difficulty has great balance issues.

I just want to find slider settings that make the run work on both sides, not just on mine, and the idea of a dynamic difficulty setting is really bad to me. Like i said, i want the challenge to be constant, realistic, and i want to fail becouse i play bad, and win becouse i play well, not becouse the computer deliberatly plays bad just i cant win otherwise.

Make any sense?

I guess you should bump it to All Madden then?

[Philliesfan980]

Very fun game, but I think this confirms that I'm no longer interested in console sports games.

If anyone wants to buy my copy for the PS3, shoot me a PM. I'll accept the first reasonable offer I get.

I'm also open to a trade. Is it bad taste here to open a new thread to sell/trade games?

[Logan]

Only played a few games so far, but definitely loving it. Had a great game with the Vikings playing against Atlanta, I won 38-34 after being down 10 late, scored a TD, actually recovered the onside kick, and scored again with 20 seconds left for the win.

My favorite aspects so far are the DL play and the WR animations, especially the over the shoulder catch in stride.

[Epi_862]

I guess you should bump it to All Madden then?

But thats the issue. If on all-pro, both me and the CPU run half of what we should, how will making running harder help it? This all comes back to my original point. If you want to enjoy this great game to its full potential, you need to use custom sliders. And i think it's backwards. The normal difficulty levels should be balanced.

[The Jackal]

The only DL picks I've had are against me and they're when my QB gets drilled just as I throw it. Frustrating when it happens but they're my fault.

I'd say about half of them have happened while I've been hit and the other half have been straight bullet passes caught by defensive linemen. But still, even if you get hit, defensive linemen shouldn't be making so many interceptions. I only just learned about the flick of the right stick in the pocket, so maybe that will help.

[rowech]

But thats the issue. If on all-pro, both me and the CPU run half of what we should, how will making running harder help it? This all comes back to my original point. If you want to enjoy this great game to its full potential, you need to use custom sliders. And i think it's backwards. The normal difficulty levels should be balanced.

But everybody's playing levels are different. That's one of the things that cracks me up when everybody starts talking about using this guy's sliders, etc. What works for one guy isn't going to work for another.

[EagleFan]

I am confused. Is this one of the better football games or does it suck? It seemed early opinions were good but now the bashing has begun.

[Epi_862]

I am confused. Is this one of the better football games or does it suck? It seemed early opinions were good but now the bashing has begun.

I really dont think anyone is bashing the game... I at least am only saying: It is a great football game, but you NEED to do a lot of work with the sliders to make it realistic.

[RainMaker]

SO, what im saying is, the gameplay is EXCELLENT, but wildly unbalanced.
Not sure how you can say it's excellent. I mean you can throw for 500+ yards with any QB on any level in every game. I know Madden has always had money plays here and there over the years, but I can't remember one this bad.

[RainMaker]

I am confused. Is this one of the better football games or does it suck? It seemed early opinions were good but now the bashing has begun.
Lot of stuff improved but there are some major gameplay issues that I think make it unplayable. If that was fixed, I think the game would be really good.

[The Jackal]

If you are on the fence I'd suggest waiting until they release the first patch, which I'm sure has to happen in the relatively near future what with adding Vick. They will hopefully have had time to make some tweaks.

[eiskrap]

Not sure how you can say it's excellent. I mean you can throw for 500+ yards with any QB on any level in every game. I know Madden has always had money plays here and there over the years, but I can't remember one this bad.

I don't think I've thrown for over 300 yards yet... and I've already played it more then 09. It feels much better than last year, whether there are issues I haven't discovered yet or not I'm not sure.

[The Jackal]

Not sure how you can say it's excellent. I mean you can throw for 500+ yards with any QB on any level in every game. I know Madden has always had money plays here and there over the years, but I can't remember one this bad.

I averaged 355 passing yards through my first two games of franchise on 15 minute quarters on All-Madden - you've been getting 500+ that easily? Granted I like to mix in a lot of runs so it's realistic gameplay, but still.

[RainMaker]

I averaged 355 passing yards through my first two games of franchise on 15 minute quarters on All-Madden - you've been getting 500+ that easily? Granted I like to mix in a lot of runs so it's realistic gameplay, but still.
Just run Double Drags where your running back goes in the flat. It's a guaranteed 10+ yards a play. You can mix it up with any other screen or pass play to a RB in the flat. It can't be stopped.

[The Jackal]

Just run Double Drags where your running back goes in the flat. It's a guaranteed 10+ yards a play. You can mix it up with any other screen or pass play to a RB in the flat. It can't be stopped.

Yeah, I try to employ those only when I'm being all-out blitzed every play. I do recall my RB and FB averaging around 10 yards a catch because of it.

[The Jackal]

What difficulty are you playing on, RainMaker?

[RainMaker]

What difficulty are you playing on, RainMaker?
I was able to do it on every level including All-Madden.

[The Jackal]

I was able to do it on every level including All-Madden.

Anything below All-Madden for anyone who has played this game a lot is kind of useless for stats. All-Pro and less is far too easy. You do it regularly or all the time on All-Madden?

[TroyF]

Some quickfire thoughts:

1) I said before the game came out that all I wanted was a fun football experience. I've got that. I love this game.

2) Of all the gripes, most either don't bother me or are minor. Let's address them:

A) Sliders - Yeah, so the game has to be tweaked to my skillset. I expect that. Outside of the swing passes (to be addressed in a second), I found a fairly realistic balance after 5 or 6 games.

B) DL Interceptions - Haven't noticed this problem at all. Only two I've had were after the QB was hit and he floated it up. (about 15 games or so in, not unrealistic at all)

C) Madden Shop - Haven't needed it and haven't seen any spot where it's mandatory. I've simmed through about 6 seasons and haven't seen any unrealistic retirements. That said, I think I'll purchase the one get out of jail free injury card. (can be used once per year)

D) RB/TE in the flats, double slants/drags - This is the one thing I've seen that could be a deal breaker for some. It's a pretty easy exploit. Like all easy exploits, I just don't use those type of plays. I'll keep the RB in to block for extra time and either use hot route to change a drag into something else or just not throw it to the guy on the drag play. Doing that, I get very realistic passing numbers. (19-29, 234 yards 3TD, 1 INT last game, two of the TD's on short throws inside the five) Where this could be killer is online. I hope the slider gurus can find a fix or EA patches it. As a 95% solo player, this isn't a big deal for me. (there are ALWAYS money plays in a football game. Even 2K5 had em)

3) Playing the game from the 360 HD seems to save a pretty good deal of time.

4) The Broncos are disaster in the game as with real life. All of the defensive players are old or playing out of position. I've decided when I start a franchise in depth I'm going to hold a fire sale in year one and tank it. Champ, Dawkins, Dumerville, DJ Williams, Orton will all be shipped out. I'll get the draft to where the Elway clone is. (won't spoil for those who don't know about head coach draft classes) Then I'll rebuild them.

5) I love the matching of the classic uniforms. I've thought about a Houston Oiler dynasty. :) (Chris Johnson doesn't hurt in that regard)

6) I'll be playing this for a long, long, long time.

[Eaglesfan27]

I am confused. Is this one of the better football games or does it suck? It seemed early opinions were good but now the bashing has begun.

Bill Harris, one of the games harshest critics over the years, gives it a glowing review (and also discussed his custom sliders):

Dubious Quality (http://www.dubiousquality.blogspot.com/)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I agree with everything Troy said. There is a money play or two, but I simply do not call those plays and it ends up being a very fun experience. I'm going to be playing this all year long.

[CraigSca]

I'll get the draft to where the Elway clone is.

So, wait for the buck-toothed QB who refuses to play for the team he was drafted. Thanks!

-Disgruntled Baltimore Colts fan

[MizzouRah]

So, wait for the buck-toothed QB who refuses to play for the team he was drafted. Thanks!



Amen!

[Balldog]

Bill Harris, one of the games harshest critics over the years, gives it a glowing review (and also discussed his custom sliders):

Dubious Quality (http://www.dubiousquality.blogspot.com/)

Going to check these out in a few, wasn't too thrilled with Drew Bledsoe's at OS. Kind of intimidated by the Very Fast setting!

[RedKingGold]

Yeah, I'm definitely going to try these DQ sliders out as well. I've still found it too easy despite my tweaks, perhaps these sliders would do the trick.

[Balldog]

Just finished my first game with his sliders, I like them...its fast!

Cincinnati 14, Cleveland (me) 13

Total Offense: Cin 261, Cle 264
Rushing: Cin 58, Cle 166
Passing: Cin 203, Cle 98
First Downs: Cin 11, Cle 134

I opened the game with a 13 play drive that resulted in a FG after Quinn overthrew an open receiver due to pressure. The Bengals couldn't do anything in the 1st half. Neither could I except for one other possession which ended in an 11 yard TD pass to Cribbs. It was a wounded duck as Quinn was rocked while making the throw.

I left them back in the game with a pick six in the 3rd, bad read on my part. Then the Bengals offense finally started to get going, resulting in a perfectly executed 30-yard wheel route to Benson. I later added a FG and had a chance to win it but they brought the house on a couple blitzes resulting in sacks that forced me into a 4th and 17.

Overall I liked it a lot, I'm going to play another game with two better teams.

Brady Quinn was 10-27, I started off doing well but then couldn't hit anything in the 2nd half. I haven't come close to having a game like that before. Jamal Lewis had 22 carries for 164 yards, including 38 and 39 yard runs. Palmer was 17-29 with 203 yards. Benson had 20 carries for 41 yards, most of his yards came in the 4th.

[TroyF]

So, wait for the buck-toothed QB who refuses to play for the team he was drafted. Thanks!

-Disgruntled Baltimore Colts fan


sorry. If it's any condolence, you've got a much better QB than we do now. :)


Other quick notes while I'm thinking about them:

Those that are familiar with head coach need to use a house rule to prevent you from grabbing a superstar team. I liked the inclusion of some of the players, but they have a bunch of them in there and you can find steals galore in the draft because of it.

I tried a half with Bill's sliders and I like them quite a bit.

I hate the fact on a long play replay will only show so much of the play. That really, really sucks.

[Pumpy Tudors]

First Downs: Cin 11, Cle 134
Wow!

[Balldog]

Wow!


haha I mean 13!

[Sun Tzu]

Balldog = cheeser.

[Balldog]

Second game with DQs sliders resulted in a 31-20 win with the Patriots against the Colts. It wasnt really that close, 31-6 midway through the 4th. Manning was 36-64 for 414 yards with 2 TDs and 2 picks. I was 19-34 (started 6-14) for 246 with Brady with 2 TDs and a pick. Got Moss and Welker both deep on man-to-man coverage with no help.

The Colts never really tried to establish a running game but Addai had 12 carries for 22 yards.

I'm leaning towards moving game speed to normal or fast. On very fast you basically have 3 seconds or less to pass, so its tough to make progressions. I'm not capable of reacting that fast.

I should also note I upped pass blocking to 90 for me and the CPU. I thought it played much better.

[EagleFan]

Just had a Maximum Football moment with the game while in the Superstar mode. Early in the 3rd my team scored to make it 48-24 (the scoring is WAY too high in this mode). While kicking the extra point there was a hold called against us. Instead of a 10 yard penalty and another attempt at the PAT the game made it 1st and goal at the 12 and kept the score 48-24. The following play was another touchdown and a 55-24 lead.

The choice should either be 10 yards on the kickoff or attempting the PAT from the 12. 1st and goal should not ever be an option.

I guess we found Daivd's influence...

Also, trying to us the 15 minute quarters in Superstar mode does not seem to take the runoff time into account when simming the plays (or something) as the scores are super inflated. I tried a second career to see what is going on but in my first the Chiefs (who drafted me) are averaging almost 60 points a game and giving up around 40 a game.

This bizarre game is my first in my second career and well on it's way to about 130 points scored in the game. (55-24 with 13:53 left in the 3rd).

[EagleFan]

dola: Final score of that game...

Colts 93 Vikings 34

My stats as HB:
20 carries, 216 yards, 3 TD
1 reception for 11 yards


We had me with 216 yards rushing, Addai with 178 and D. Brown with 119. On the same freaking team.

Our team was still throwing from the shotgun with under 5 minutes left in the game and with a 49 point lead at the time.

Total Offense: Vikings 503, Colts 791
Rushing: Vikings 227, Colts 522
Passing: Vikings 276, Colts 269
1st downs: Vikings 22, Colts 18 (18 1st downs with 93 points scored, though it should be 87 points scored thanks to the odd penalty call).

3rd down conversions:
Vikings 3/19
Colts 4/14



I do have to say this part of the game is seriously f'd up.

[Icy]

Just had a Maximum Football moment with the game while in the Superstar mode. Early in the 3rd my team scored to make it 48-24 (the scoring is WAY too high in this mode). While kicking the extra point there was a hold called against us. Instead of a 10 yard penalty and another attempt at the PAT the game made it 1st and goal at the 12 and kept the score 48-24. The following play was another touchdown and a 55-24 lead.

The choice should either be 10 yards on the kickoff or attempting the PAT from the 12. 1st and goal should not ever be an option.

I guess we found Daivd's influence...

Also, trying to us the 15 minute quarters in Superstar mode does not seem to take the runoff time into account when simming the plays (or something) as the scores are super inflated. I tried a second career to see what is going on but in my first the Chiefs (who drafted me) are averaging almost 60 points a game and giving up around 40 a game.

This bizarre game is my first in my second career and well on it's way to about 130 points scored in the game. (55-24 with 13:53 left in the 3rd).

At least past year, you must play 6 minutes Q to have realistic stats in superstar more. The problem is the supersim clock.

[INDalltheway]

It's the same problem you see in NCAA. The game is just flat out enjoyable. If you're looking to nitpick or take advantage of the computer, you can and will find something. I agree with just about everything Troy wrote as I think we had the same mentality going into playing Madden. Bill Harris even mentioned that this game took the biggest step forward in 1 year that he has ever seen. That is really saying something, and it is only going to get better.

[Epi_862]

Anyone care to give me some info on the myskill-setting?

Im really struggling to find sliders that produce believable stats, and even though i hate the auto-difficulty concept, i might have to try it.

But the question is, does it feel like it's always easy, do the stats get inflated... Or basically, does the myskill-thing make the game produce realistic stats or does it make the game easy?

And what if i got a 50 rated half back on my franchise, will it make the running game so easy that i can get a 5.0ypc with him, or does it normalize to ratings?

Thanks in advance.

[Epi_862]

Anyone care to give me some info on the myskill-setting?

Im really struggling to find sliders that produce believable stats, and even though i hate the auto-difficulty concept, i might have to try it.

But the question is, does it feel like it's always easy, do the stats get inflated... Or basically, does the myskill-thing make the game produce realistic stats or does it make the game easy?

And what if i got a 50 rated half back on my franchise, will it make the running game so easy that i can get a 5.0ypc with him, or does it normalize to ratings?

Thanks in advance.

So i went ahead, put the difficulty on "My Skill" and all i can say is, what... the... fuss is going on here? After ~25 games of Madden 10, im averaging somewhere below 3 ypc, and im killing teams on the passing game. My Skill puts my passing level on 2 (second to easiest!) and actually raises my rush offense skill by ten damn points!

I love the gameplay of Madden 10, but by god im getting frustrated of trying to make it play like football so i could actually enjoy it.

Any guys with similiar problems that have found some sliders that work?

[bhlloy]

You sound like you have the same problem I was having. I switched to Bill Harris' sliders linked somewhere in the thread, and the passing game became damn hard (Rivers averaging 3+ INT's a game) and the running game became way too easy, but that's with the Chargers who have a pretty sick line and running backs. I'm going to start a new franchise with the Texans and see if it's still too easy to run the ball, and maybe tweak Human run blocking down from there.

No matter what I do I can't get the CPU to run the damn ball effectively, even with Human reaction time and shed blocks at 20 and CPU run blocking at 100. They just get 1-2 yards per carry and give up on it. I still get shredded through the air but Harris' sliders have at least made it so I can stop somebody every once in a while.

I tried starting with My Skill and adjusting from there but Harris' sliders gave a much better game right off the bat. I should mention I'm not using his game speed adjustments, I love the feel of the Slow setting (best change to the game this year IMO) and don't really care if players aren't running a realistic 40. That may be why I'm finding it so easy to run thinking about it. But I'd rather tweak run blocking down a bit rather than bump the speed up.

[gstelmack]

Enjoying my superstar career, 3 games in as a QB with the Bucs. I'm not seeing the uber-flat routes or the uber-TEs. I've hit one or two big plays to the RB, but these are mostly coming on blitzes which is what I'd expect. I did end up turning down CPU interceptions; I may turn them back up when I get better at reading the defense, but on the default 50 they pick off anything that gets near them.

Whoever said you only get 3 seconds to throw on Very Fast, I'm lucky to get that on Slow with some of these teams that pick you up as a QB in superstar as they have crappy offensive lines. No way am I increasing the game speed.

[Epi_862]

A question, continuing the sliders/balance topic:

Has anyone had reasonable running stats for more than a game here, game there? I mean, running YPC in the realm of believable. And if so, what difficulty/settings are you using?

I might have OCD or something. I love this game but i cant play it if the computer runs a 2.0ypc. Should maybe get my head checked. Or maybe im expecting too much from a videogame.

[Kodos]

I used the DQ sliders last night, and in the only game I played, the Lions were running pretty well against my Dolphins. Their starting back broke the 100-yard mark, and was regularly getting 5 yard runs or better. But I could just suck at run D. If anyone's running game is underpowered, it was mine. I was getting stuffed for minimal gains until I broke off a big run at the end when the game was already decided.

On offense, you definitely need to get the ball off fast. I found it almost impossible to let guys get open downfield without getting sacked.

I also ran into the holding glitch on field goals. Twice in a row, I got called for holding on an FG, until I was successfully moved out of FG range and had to punt.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm also getting run over quite a bit, maybe I'm just bad at run defense (but I'm good at it in NCAA), but most teams are running for about 100-120 yards per game against my Eagles with average YPC of about 4. I am using sliders though that boost the CPU run game.

[Mike Lowe]

Lions (me) @ Saints Week 1

Just scored with under a minute to go to make the score 24-19 Saints. We missed the 2-point conversion and did NOT get the onside kick. Game over.

NOPE! The Saints decide to pass (empty backfield) on 1st down. Mind you, I HAVE ZERO TIMEOUTS AND THERE ARE 50 SECONDS LEFT. Lions make the interception.

What the hell is that? Please patch this garbage. For every positive stride Looman and co. made with Head Coach, they have matched with awfulness in this years game.

[TroyF]

I got in two full "halves" with the Bill Harris sliders last night. Both playing as Pittsburgh against Cleveland.

In the first game, Lewis broke a 38 yard TD run and was pushing 85 yards at halftime. Big Ben threw 3 INT's. The Browns crushed me with 3 sacks and a ton of pressures. Almost all came from Wembley who abused my LT. I had one sack on them with Harrison destroying Quinn. Cleveland won the half 17-10.

The next game, I actually payed attention to ratings and saw Starks has a 69 in pass block footwork. Not get when going against a good pass rusher. I called rollouts to the other side of the formation. I called curls, hooks, short ins (not the drags, more like 8 yard ins) and quick outs. On defense, I put more men in the box, doubled Edwards and forced Quinn to beat me.

The results? Big Ben went 13-18, 165 yards and 2 TD's. Parker had 12 carries for 72 yards. The Browns "tried" to run the football. Lewis had 13 carries for 28 yards. Quinn went 5-14 with two pics. I won the half 24-0.

The end result of both halves was fair. The first time I played I acted as though I could do anything I wanted, didn't go in with a plan and was slaughtered. The second time I actually thought about how to play and the 93 rated team smoked the 69 rated team.

I was scared of the very fast game speed, but I really like it a lot. I may make a tweak or two, but I think these are my full time sliders.

[TroyF]

Lions (me) @ Saints Week 1

Just scored with under a minute to go to make the score 24-19 Saints. We missed the 2-point conversion and did NOT get the onside kick. Game over.

NOPE! The Saints decide to pass (empty backfield) on 1st down. Mind you, I HAVE ZERO TIMEOUTS AND THERE ARE 50 SECONDS LEFT. Lions make the interception.

What the hell is that? Please patch this garbage. For every positive stride Looman and co. made with Head Coach, they have matched with awfulness in this years game.


The under two minute logic is good about 80% of the time. When it's not good, it's brutal.

I disagree overall. I still love the game, but I can see where the something like the above would cause some people to pull their hair out. Me? I'd run the ball out of bounds. Kneel on it twice and move on to the next game. If the game is "fun" for me to play, I can overlook a lot and I mean a lot of issues.

[TroyF]

dola:

The under two minute AI in Head Coach was also not very good. And Looman is not the end game AI logic for Madden. Ian Cummings runs the show, Looman's main job is franchise mode.

[Mike Lowe]

dola:

The under two minute AI in Head Coach was also not very good. And Looman is not the end game AI logic for Madden. Ian Cummings runs the show, Looman's main job is franchise mode.

There is no I in Looman! It's a team effort! JK, thanks for the info, I don't care who is responsible for it, it just blows.

I also love how in "training camp" for Superstar mode, I get to run the same exact play with my WR for which is eternity or until I quit the mode...the same play...with Tom Brady throwing to Randy Moss 100% of the time at the EXACT same time. I literally just starting running random routes trying to get him to notice haha. It was like a schoolyard game or something golly!

[Philliesfan980]

Hey Guys.. final chance for my copy of the PS3 version before it hits eBay. I'd actually prefer to trade if possible.

[RainMaker]

For those getting good games, are you just avoiding throwing to your running backs and tight ends? With these sliders that are out there I can still score every trip down if I want to. Am I doing something wrong?

[The Jackal]

Do you only run a few plays that are sort of glitchy? I sort of echo what other people have said, I like to mix in a ton of plays from the playbook anyways to give it a more realistic feel, plus the computer is supposed to be able to pick up on the same play if you run it multiple times, but it sounds like you aren't experiencing any difficulty.

[RainMaker]

Do you only run a few plays that are sort of glitchy? I sort of echo what other people have said, I like to mix in a ton of plays from the playbook anyways to give it a more realistic feel, plus the computer is supposed to be able to pick up on the same play if you run it multiple times, but it sounds like you aren't experiencing any difficulty.
I just try to score. I mean I can play the game where I don't try to score but that's not really much fun to me. Avoiding passes to my running back and tight ends just doesn't seem like much fun for a football game.

[gstelmack]

plus the computer is supposed to be able to pick up on the same play if you run it multiple times, but it sounds like you aren't experiencing any difficulty.

According to the thread on this topic at OS, you can run the exact same play over and over and over again with huge success.

So don't run the same play over and over and over again.

[Sun Tzu]

Note to self, don't play Rainmaker online.

[TroyF]

For those getting good games, are you just avoiding throwing to your running backs and tight ends? With these sliders that are out there I can still score every trip down if I want to. Am I doing something wrong?

I answered the question above.

I avoid using drag routes. I keep my RB's in to block most of the time. When I do throw to a back, it's usually a circle route in the middle of the field. I'll have an occasional screen pass or quick flare to mix things up, but if I find a play the CPU can't stop, I just avoid using that play.

I have never played a football game that didn't have "money" plays. Heck, I've found few text sims that don't have some exploits.

I do agree that the Madden team made a mistake with the RB flat passes and made drag routes too easy. (that said, if you have a bad QB, the drag routes can get you in really big trouble, try throwing them with Derek Anderson (brutal). I know if they fix the flat routes, there will be another exploit I can use.

FWIW, I can still get my RB's and TE's touches without using drag routes or flares to the flats. It also makes the game much harder to move up and down the field on. I'm sure someone will find a defensive exploit as well. There is probably some defensive play out there that sacks the QB 50% of the time. If I find that play, I'll replace it in my playbook with another play.

The object of the game for me is to have fun. Finding and exploiting a money play (or money style) isn't that thrilling. If you can't contain yourself from throwing those routes, I'd exchange the game. (please understand, that's not an insult. If you don't like the game, you don't like the game. There are plenty of issues with this game that can cause someone to hate it or make it unplayable. Some of us can get around them and are finding an enjoyable game. Others can't and are taking it back. I'm just telling you how I get around the issue and in this case, I don't think there is a second way around it. Good luck. )

[TroyF]

dola:

Last year only 7 TE hit the 700 yard mark in the NFL. (That's about 44 yards per game)

The leading RB receiver had an average of 35 yards per game. The leading RB pass catcher caught 63 balls. (or 4 per game)

I can easily hit those numbers without resorting to throwing the ball in the flat all the time to do it.

[gstelmack]

I think I mostly like the DQ sliders, except that I suck so bad at reading defenses that I can't throw the ball even with the Patriots offense. 4 picks in my first half playing with them. I have this horrible time reading where the receiver will be when the ball gets there and some other defender keeps grabbing them. Need to work on my passing skills some more.

[EagleFan]

Enjoying my superstar career, 3 games in as a QB with the Bucs. I'm not seeing the uber-flat routes or the uber-TEs. I've hit one or two big plays to the RB, but these are mostly coming on blitzes which is what I'd expect. I did end up turning down CPU interceptions; I may turn them back up when I get better at reading the defense, but on the default 50 they pick off anything that gets near them.

Whoever said you only get 3 seconds to throw on Very Fast, I'm lucky to get that on Slow with some of these teams that pick you up as a QB in superstar as they have crappy offensive lines. No way am I increasing the game speed.

Are you using supersim? What length quarters?

Still messing around with settings to see what works best for me to at least get it close to realistic.

[EagleFan]

dola: I still think the PaT holding penalty bug is unexcusable for a company that has been putting out a football game for as long as EA has. That is a bug taken right out of Maximum Football. Thanks for your input Daivd!!!

[Big Fo]

I like those sliders posted further up the thread, the AI is now running the ball effectively. But I'm leaving the game speed on slow or else I just don't have any time to think when passing. The realistic stats mean a lot more to me than the realistic 40 times.

Also, am I blind or are the punting/kicking sliders in a separate menu than the offense/defense sliders?

[gstelmack]

Are you using supersim? What length quarters?

I'm using the DQ sliders / settings from above, playing out the game. My INT complaint was simply that every time I throw the ball up for grabs, the AI picks it off, never dropping the INT ;)

[gstelmack]

Also, am I blind or are the punting/kicking sliders in a separate menu than the offense/defense sliders?

You are blind, there is a "Special Teams" menu.

[RainMaker]

I answered the question above.

I avoid using drag routes. I keep my RB's in to block most of the time. When I do throw to a back, it's usually a circle route in the middle of the field. I'll have an occasional screen pass or quick flare to mix things up, but if I find a play the CPU can't stop, I just avoid using that play.

I have never played a football game that didn't have "money" plays. Heck, I've found few text sims that don't have some exploits.

I do agree that the Madden team made a mistake with the RB flat passes and made drag routes too easy. (that said, if you have a bad QB, the drag routes can get you in really big trouble, try throwing them with Derek Anderson (brutal). I know if they fix the flat routes, there will be another exploit I can use.

FWIW, I can still get my RB's and TE's touches without using drag routes or flares to the flats. It also makes the game much harder to move up and down the field on. I'm sure someone will find a defensive exploit as well. There is probably some defensive play out there that sacks the QB 50% of the time. If I find that play, I'll replace it in my playbook with another play.

The object of the game for me is to have fun. Finding and exploiting a money play (or money style) isn't that thrilling. If you can't contain yourself from throwing those routes, I'd exchange the game. (please understand, that's not an insult. If you don't like the game, you don't like the game. There are plenty of issues with this game that can cause someone to hate it or make it unplayable. Some of us can get around them and are finding an enjoyable game. Others can't and are taking it back. I'm just telling you how I get around the issue and in this case, I don't think there is a second way around it. Good luck. )

It's not really a money play though, it's multiple money styles. A money play isn't a big deal to me. I just skip that play in the playbook. Typically it's just something that the defense can't figure out.

Money styles though ruin it for me. I mean how can you play football when you can't throw to your TE or run your RB into the flat or any other screen play? It's like playing a basketball game and not shooting 3's because they are too easy.

It just comes down to how I'm playing the game. Am I doing my best to win? Or am I purposely doing bad to make the game competitive? If it's the latter, it's not a good game and I can't play it. Sports games will always have flaws but at least you can set it up so that you can still play your best and make it competitive (even if it is unrealistic).

[Big Fo]

You are blind, there is a "Special Teams" menu.

Alright, I pause the game, go into settings, and see player skill and cpu skill among a bunch of other options like penalties, controls, volume, etc. but no special teams.

[EagleFan]

Not to complain but trying a career mode now. In my first game I am up 14-0 over the Panthers in the 2nd quarter. They have a 4th and 3 on my 23 and they PUNT.

[EagleFan]

It sucks because I like the game play much better than the MAddens of teh past. Unfortuntately little things like the PaT bug I mentioned earlier and now this start to eat at me.


One other question but this seems to apply to all EA Sports games for me. Has anyone had an issue with sound? Twice now I have lost all sound in the middle of a game. his same thing has happened when I have played NCAA 09 as well. Only restarting the X-Box gets my sound back.

I was worried that it was an issue with my X-Box but what I don't get is why it only happens in these games and has not happened in any other game.

[Kodos]

If it bothers you that much, the PAT bug can easily be gotten around by turning off holding penalties.

[kingnebwsu]

Alright, I pause the game, go into settings, and see player skill and cpu skill among a bunch of other options like penalties, controls, volume, etc. but no special teams.

I found it on the main menu of the game, under settings. That's where I was able to make the changes. Changing the profile affects all games/modes.

I've been using Bill Harris' sliders for several games now. They've turned out pretty well. Close wins over the Ravens and then the Steelers (as the Bungles). I toned down the speed to fast because very fast wasn't my thing. The game speed is like NCAA 09, which had a comfortable game speed for my style of play. We'll see how things progress, but it's nice playing an NFL game where changing the sliders & getting crushed in a game doesn't ruin your season (like it does in an NCAA game where losing 1 game almost kills your chances at a national title).

[TroyF]

That's just it RainMaker. I showed you the real NFL stats. RB's and TE's simply don't catch that many passes period and they don't catch a ton of those passes in the flat.

This isn't a basketball game taking away three pointers. It's a basketball game taking away the 15 foot open jumper from the baseline. Yeah, they happen in an NBA game, just not that frequently.

As for making the game competitive? I think that's what we all do with sports titles and always have. I hit to many HR in The Show? I adjust the difficulty. I hit .201 over 60 games with a highly rated palyer? I adjust it back down. In Madden, there have always been play that worked 85% of the time for 3 or 4 yards. (it's been different money plays over the years, from the short TE hooks, to flat passes, crossing routes, etc.) So what have I always done if it's 4th and 2 with 1:15 left in the fourth and I'm down by three?

If I'm in FG range, I attempt the FG. Yeah, I know a vast majority of the time, I could use the exploitable play and then go in for a TD. But that's not enjoyable to me. Just like I don't go for it on 4th and inches from my own 28 when I know plays that can get me those six inches.

Again, if this is a game killer, than sell it off. I'm not trying to sell you on the game. I personally don't think flat passes are an integral part of the NFL experience. If you do, then you should trade the sucker in. I don't think sliders will fix this problem.

[EagleFan]

If it bothers you that much, the PAT bug can easily be gotten around by turning off holding penalties.

What bothers e that much is that a football game fro a company that has been selling football games for this many years should not have that kind of bug. Turning off holding penalties should not even have to enter into the picture. This bug should have not made it into the final release.


I have encountered two issues which would have led to 5 pages worth of posts if it were in Maximum Football.

Holding on PaT allowing you to keep the 6 points and have first and goal with a shot at another 6 points is pretty big. Now add a team punting on their opponents 23 yard line and you have two issues that really remove you from the experience that you should be having.


Unfortunately my biggest recent irk may be an X-Box issue, the loss of sound. The problem is that I can't figure out why it seems to happen on NCAA and Madden but not other games.

[Kodos]

Oh, your PAT bug was different from the one I ran into. Basically, I got consecutive holding calls on the field goal attempt that moved me out of FG range and forced a punt.

[EagleFan]

Oh, your PAT bug was different from the one I ran into. Basically, I got consecutive holding calls on the field goal attempt that moved me out of FG range and forced a punt.

Yeah. Team scored. 6 points awarded. Holding on PaT. Team was given 1st down at the 12. Team scored again and then kicked a PaT. A 13 point posession.

[Karlifornia]

So far, this sounds like a pass to me.

[JetsIn06]

Fwiw, I've never encountered the FG bug.

However, I have a coaster right now because my Xbox wont read the disc. It's obviously brand new...no scratches. Wal-mart won't accept opened games for exchange.

Got a buddy coming today with another 360, so I'll test it on there. I've been having issues with unreadable discs on brand new games lately (Bigs 2, NCAA10, and Madden 10). But now, the game can't even make it to the loading screen.

:mad:

[JetsIn06]

Not to complain but trying a career mode now. In my first game I am up 14-0 over the Panthers in the 2nd quarter. They have a 4th and 3 on my 23 and they PUNT.

I've only encountered this once, and it was in heavy, heavy rain. FG's are nearly impossible to kick in inclement weather so they punted. I was actually glad they did because everything was coming up way, way short.

[Big Fo]

I found it on the main menu of the game, under settings. That's where I was able to make the changes. Changing the profile affects all games/modes.


Ah cool.

I have encountered two issues which would have led to 5 pages worth of posts if it were in Maximum Football.

That has more to do with Maximum Football I guess (never played that game but I've read parts of that legendary thread) because I wouldn't say there are many Madden apologists on this board.

[Noop]

Very fast took some getting use too but with the wide view I am able to have a functionally passing attack. I can not say enough good things about this game to be honest because everything about it is fun to me.

[Qwikshot]

Am I doing something wrong?

I go into Madden 2010 on my XBOX 360.

When I start a franchise, it goes from scp to user01

Then it kicks back to scp.

Because of this, I cannot save my franchise...

What am I doing wrong?

[EagleFan]

I've only encountered this once, and it was in heavy, heavy rain. FG's are nearly impossible to kick in inclement weather so they punted. I was actually glad they did because everything was coming up way, way short.

No weather issues at all. They had just hit a 53 yarder intheir previous drive. Either way, it's from the 23. If you are not going to kick a field goal you go for it. There should be zero chance of a team punting from the 23.

[RainMaker]

I haven't seen the punt thing yet. Wonder if it was just a weird bug that won't come up again for you.

I have seen some bad late game AI though. If they need a score to tie it up late, they'll still throw underneath crap for nothing and never throw deep.

Another thing that never gets mentioned in football games and I don't think any company has ever done properly is running out of bounds. Has there ever been a game where the CPU will purposely step out of bounds instead of getting tackled in bounds when they need to conserve clock?

[EagleFan]

dola: Just had a holding call in a franchise game on a PaT and it registered the penalty correctly. Not sure if it is related to the mode, or just a weird random glitch. I am much happier about it if it is a weird random (and hopefully rare) glitch.

I am very happy about finally completing a game without losing sound. I have no clue what is causing that. I have tried looking up the issue and I can't find anything that matches what is happening to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Phil on OS just said that a roster update will be out tomorrow morning. It will include Vick and Favre among many other players. Also, he said the first patch is going to be later than expected (i.e. sounds like it won't be this week.)

[RainMaker]

The sound to me seems like a hardware issue. Maybe the laser isn't gathering all the data properly. Years ago I had an issue with freezing on 2K games. It ended up that my laser was bad on the 360. Apparently some games data are gathered differently and for whatever reason the issues with the laser on 2K games was making it freeze.

My guess is that it's probably your 360 and the way EA writes their game is causing this issue to come up.

[EagleFan]

Oh, I actually liked the CPU's end of game logic in the game that I just played. I was down 28-27 and moved the ball inside the Panther's 10 for a first and goal with under a minute left.

They used their timeouts to try to keep me from running the clock down for a last second field goal and give themselves time with the ball. I have seen the CPU use their timeouts when trailing in a game and needing to get the ball back but I don't remember seeing them use timeouts in this kind of situation. A definite plus there.

[SnowMan]

It's confirmed. I still suck at Madden.

[EagleFan]

The sound to me seems like a hardware issue. Maybe the laser isn't gathering all the data properly. Years ago I had an issue with freezing on 2K games. It ended up that my laser was bad on the 360. Apparently some games data are gathered differently and for whatever reason the issues with the laser on 2K games was making it freeze.

My guess is that it's probably your 360 and the way EA writes their game is causing this issue to come up.

I am thinking it is some combination like that. Oddly its just the EA football games as I have not had an issue with FIFA or NHL.

[fantom1979]

For me, it is never fun in any video game to limit what I can do in order to give the computer a chance. If I have to limit how I play a game, then the game loses interest for me in a hurry. If I played online, i would be the ultimate cheeser, which is why I don't play online. I have never understood the thinking of not doing everything possible to win (just as others probably don't understand how it can be fun for me to run up the score).

[TroyF]

For me, it is never fun in any video game to limit what I can do in order to give the computer a chance. If I have to limit how I play a game, then the game loses interest for me in a hurry. If I played online, i would be the ultimate cheeser, which is why I don't play online. I have never understood the thinking of not doing everything possible to win (just as others probably don't understand how it can be fun for me to run up the score).


Different strokes and all. . . I just wonder how someone in your shoes ever enjoys a football game. I think I've probably played every graphical football sim ever made. From the two on two stickmen ball on my TRS 80 color computer to Tom Landry, Mike Ditka, John Elway, John Madden, Bill Walsh, NCAA, Front Page Sports, TV Sports, Joe Montana Sports Talk, NFL2K5. . . I could go on and on. I've played em all.

And every single one had some exploit I could beat. From halfback passes to fast QB's to speedy running backs to jumping linebackers to the Madden flat passes. . . every single one had an exploit. Most of them weren't even "money" plays. They were "money styles." Some games couldn't control the blitz, others couldnt' control runs outside, some couldn't control the deep ball.

I'm not bothered by you not liking it, I just can't fathom how you ever enjoy any football game.

It's funny, I'm on the opposite side this year. Last year I couldn't stand NCAA. Hated it with such a passion I couldn't play more than 2 hours before I gave up. Others say they loved it and played it all the way through this year. To each their own. :)

[bhlloy]

I agree with Troy. What sports game (other than Baseball, which is obviously a different animal to program) doesn't have money plays? Even College Hoops 2k8 which is by far the best programmed game ever IMO had some pretty money plays if you had a big strong center or an athletic big man. Just ignore them and play realistically.

I'm quite a few games in with my Texans dynasty now and I'm ignoring the exploits and having a blast. I throw to Daniels when appropriate, run the odd screen or wheel to Slaton and throw a bunch of balls to Andre Johnson just like in real life. It's a fun game and gives very realistic stats.

If people are waiting for a perfect console game with no exploits, probably going to be waiting a very long time. Hopefully they can patch the game to where the flats are less of a problem area and some of the more obvious bugs are fixed and then this one is going to be pretty much perfect IMO.

[gstelmack]

The running game suck in madden 10 for cpu teams. If they do average over 4 YPC is because they break some over 20 yards to bring the average up.

I hate sliders if its going to boost weak running teams with weak RB or offensive line.

The problem here is that Madden has to appeal to joystick jockeys and to sim nuts. Well, it really only HAS to appeal to joystick jockeys, but they make an effort for the sim nuts. And that effort is the sliders. The sliders adjust things like how long it takes the D to read a play, how easy is it to shed a block, etc.

Sure, I'd love to see them do away with all these skill modes and sliders (which are essentially a cop-out) and instead have the following pre-sets:

I want to win no matter what (essentially Rookie)
I HAS L33T SKILZ! (essentially All-Madden)
The NFL RB averages 4.11233223441 YPC, so the Madden RB should average 4.11233223441 YPC (realistic)I fall closer to the third end of the spectrum, although I'm not a stickler for stats. I just want realistic strategies to work realistically. I think Madden 10 with the DQ sliders comes reasonably close for me. My problem is it takes me a while to get used to reading the defense to figure out how to throw the ball reasonably well, but I think I'm starting to get there now.

[TroyF]

The running game suck in madden 10 for cpu teams. If they do average over 4 YPC is because they break some over 20 yards to bring the average up.

I hate sliders if its going to boost weak running teams with weak RB or offensive line.


Actually it doesn't. The more I play with Bill's sliders the more I like them. Play a game with the Ravens vs. the Vikings. Then play a game as the Broncos vs. the Vikings. Tell me you don't see a difference in AP's yards.

[samifan24]

Can someone post "Bill's" sliders that you're all using?

[The Jackal]

Fwiw, I've never encountered the FG bug.

However, I have a coaster right now because my Xbox wont read the disc. It's obviously brand new...no scratches. Wal-mart won't accept opened games for exchange.

Got a buddy coming today with another 360, so I'll test it on there. I've been having issues with unreadable discs on brand new games lately (Bigs 2, NCAA10, and Madden 10). But now, the game can't even make it to the loading screen.

:mad:

Have you tried clearing your cache? I had the same problem with multiple copies of NHL 2009 before I was pointed in that direction.

To clear the cache on the Xbox 360 do the following:

Go to the Xbox Dashboard, select the System Blade, and select Memory.
Highlight the HD symbol and press Y.
Press X, X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X, X.

[dervack]

GAME OPTIONS
Quarter length: 12
Play clock: On
Accel clock runoff: 15 seconds (with 12-minute quarters, will produce roughly 120 plays per game)
Injuries: 50
Fatigue: 50 (I'm still working with this)
Game speed: Very Fast
Player min speed thresh: 70
Camera angle: Wide
Fight For the Fumble: Off

PENALTIES:
Offside 100
False Start 100
Holding 52 (very touchy--don't go higher than this)
Facemask at 66
Def PI 100
Off PI 100.
KR/PR Int 70
Clipping 75
Int Grounding 70
Rough Passer 75
Rough Kicker 75

PLAYER SKILL
(note: at first, it looks like there are only four sliders. Press "A" on each to access the sub-settings (thanks to Bill Abner for the tip).
Passing:
QB Accuracy 20
Pass Blocking 75
WR Catching 50
Rushing:
Broken Tackles 55
Run Blocking 100
Fumbles 25
Pass Defense:
Reaction Time 20
Interceptions 25
Pass Rushing 100
Rush Defense:
Reaction Time 5
Block Shedding 0
Tackling 45

CPU SKILL
Passing:
QB Accuracy 20
Pass Blocking 75
WR Catching 50
Rushing:
Broken Tackles 55
Run Blocking 100
Fumbles 25
Pass Defense:
Reaction Time 20
Interceptions 25
Pass Rushing 100
Rush Defense:
Reaction Time 5
Block Shedding 0
Tackling 45

SPECIAL TEAMS
FG Power 58
FG Accuracy 40
Punt Power 60
Punt Accuracy 80
Kickoff Power 50

[Jughead Spock]

Am I doing something wrong?

I go into Madden 2010 on my XBOX 360.

When I start a franchise, it goes from scp to user01

Then it kicks back to scp.

Because of this, I cannot save my franchise...

What am I doing wrong?


I had this same problem. Do you have a wired controller plugged in? In my case, I had a wired guitar controller plugged in - that always became controller one. So when I selected to do something with the usual/wireless controller - it treated me as a new profile.

[Big Fo]

hahaha, the Saints were running no-huddle at the end of the game, one of my lineman was like ten yards behind the line of scrimmage when the ball was snapped and just crushed Brees from behind. That was totally worth the five yard penalty.

[TroyF]

I just had one of the single best games I've ever played in a football video game. I was the Eagles playing the Texans. It was nip and tuck throughout, mainly because I couldn't score inside the 20. (5 trips for the game, 2 TD, 1 missed FG, 1 missed 4th and 1, 1 INT returned for a TD)

I had a 17-13 lead heading into the final quarter. The Texans drove down the field and Shaub hit Johnson for a 17 yard TD with about 5 minutes left in the game. I went 3 and out on the next possession. The Texans drove the ball down my throat. Facing a third and long from their 25, I was able to pressure Shaub with Cole. Shaub backed up and was sacked by another guy. The huge loss set up a 54 yard FG attempt and Kris Brown drilled it.

After a big return, I dorve down the field to the 15. On 3rd and 1, I decided to go 4 wide and run Westbrook up the middle. It fooled the Texans (first time i'd run out of that formation all day), the red sea parted and he went into the end zone with 1:58 left in the game. (I'm now up 24-23) The Texans promptly incompleted three straight passes. With 1:35 left, they decided to punt. (they had all of their time outs) I didn't like the call, especailly as I'd run well with Westbrook all day.

Still, they stuffed me three and out. I punted the ball back to them with 1:12 left on the clock. Shaub promptly hit two straight big passes over the middle. A 22 yarder to Johnson, a 36 yarder to the TE Daniels. They spiked the ball and then Shaub hit on yet another pass, this one to Anderson for 9 yards. After the spike, it set up a 36 yard FG.

Then something happened that's never happened to me before in a Madden game. The AI kicker hooked the FG. Brown, who'd drilled a 54 yarder earlier in the quarter, hooked this one wide and I won the game.

It was a really, really fun football game. Here are the final numbers for those interested:

McNabb - 16-28, 246 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 4 sacks against
Westbrook - 20-123, 1 TD, McCoy 9-19
Maclin - 6-105 (42 on a deep post), Westbrook, 5-52 (no flat passes, all middle of the field or in a true pass pattern)
I controlled Cole on D, he had 1 tackle, 1 sack.

Shaub 22-36, 252, 1 TD, 0 INT
Slaton - 16-75. (he tore me apart in the first quarter, I was able to shut him down the rest of the way)
Daniels 8-101 (I doubled Johnson a lot, Daniels just killed me in the middle of the field), Slaton 4-59 (played 4 quarter D on a 3rd and 18, he caught a button hook up the middle, slipped a tackle and went 36 yards)
Demarco Ryans - 7 tackles, 2 assits
Williams - 2 sacks and a ton of other pressures.

These were with Bill's sliders untouched.

[Epi_862]

Anyone got any sliders that produce realistic stats without going faster than the default? I dont want to play on Very Fast, i want to read the defense and read the holes when im running.

Also, the talk about money plays - i dont think you read on eof the earlier posts. The problem is not a couple of money plays. Its the money style. No matter what passing play you pick, theres always a TE or a RB open. I played franchise, absolutely no cheese plays, and Donald Lee finished 2nd in the NFL in catches, yards and TD's. And i never, ever had him as a #1 option on pass plays. The second best receiver on my team was RB Grant. Others were miles behind. This really shouldnt be the case, no matter how you put it, and the bad thing is.. i really dont hink it can be fixed with sliders.

And again, not a Madden hater. I've loved 08, 09 and now 10. Theres is just so much wasted potential here.. But is STILL is a great game of football.

[Qwikshot]

I had this same problem. Do you have a wired controller plugged in? In my case, I had a wired guitar controller plugged in - that always became controller one. So when I selected to do something with the usual/wireless controller - it treated me as a new profile.

THAT HAS TO BE IT, I forgot my daughter had played rock band and it's still plugged into.

Thanks, I'll try that today when I get home.

[dolfin]

If they do average over 4 YPC is because they break some over 20 yards to bring the average up.

I'd say this is probably pretty typical of most RBs in a majority of games in the NFL as well.

[fantom1979]

Different strokes and all. . . I just wonder how someone in your shoes ever enjoys a football game. I think I've probably played every graphical football sim ever made. From the two on two stickmen ball on my TRS 80 color computer to Tom Landry, Mike Ditka, John Elway, John Madden, Bill Walsh, NCAA, Front Page Sports, TV Sports, Joe Montana Sports Talk, NFL2K5. . . I could go on and on. I've played em all.

And every single one had some exploit I could beat. From halfback passes to fast QB's to speedy running backs to jumping linebackers to the Madden flat passes. . . every single one had an exploit. Most of them weren't even "money" plays. They were "money styles." Some games couldn't control the blitz, others couldnt' control runs outside, some couldn't control the deep ball.

I'm not bothered by you not liking it, I just can't fathom how you ever enjoy any football game.

It's funny, I'm on the opposite side this year. Last year I couldn't stand NCAA. Hated it with such a passion I couldn't play more than 2 hours before I gave up. Others say they loved it and played it all the way through this year. To each their own. :)

I don't disagree about all games having money plays. Just about all sports games have them. For me, I have fun playing games against people I know mainly. If everyone knows how to exploit the computer, then everyone is on the same level. If your opponent keeps throwing to his runningback, then take control of a linebacker and cover that runningback. This goes all the way back to Genesis and Nintendo. In Double Dribble, if you shot a three while jumping out of bounds, you just about always made it. So, don't let your opponent get to the corner.

When I play against the computer, it is mainly just a competition to see how badly I can beat them. I am not looking for it to be a game. I know the computer is not capable of that. I am looking to win big. I am looking to win bigger than I have ever won before. I am looking to win bigger than my friends have ever won before. More rushing yards, more passing yards, less yards for them. That is the fun I have with the game.

[TroyF]

Anyone got any sliders that produce realistic stats without going faster than the default? I dont want to play on Very Fast, i want to read the defense and read the holes when im running.

Also, the talk about money plays - i dont think you read on eof the earlier posts. The problem is not a couple of money plays. Its the money style. No matter what passing play you pick, theres always a TE or a RB open. I played franchise, absolutely no cheese plays, and Donald Lee finished 2nd in the NFL in catches, yards and TD's. And i never, ever had him as a #1 option on pass plays. The second best receiver on my team was RB Grant. Others were miles behind. This really shouldnt be the case, no matter how you put it, and the bad thing is.. i really dont hink it can be fixed with sliders.

And again, not a Madden hater. I've loved 08, 09 and now 10. Theres is just so much wasted potential here.. But is STILL is a great game of football.

I don't think you read my posts. I clearly addressed the fact that it wasn't only money plays with most of the game, but money "styles". Look, a money play is usually there because the computer can't do something well. If it can't handle the blitz, then it likely can't handle the blitz on a number of plays. Let's say the money play is a 4-3 safety blitz that sacks the QB 80% of the time. If that's the case, something is flawed with the game itself in how it handles the safety blitz. ANY safety blitz will be more successful than it should be. More than likely, and blitz at all will be more successful than what it should be.

Again, I've yet to play a game that doesn't have this issue to some degree. (for kicks, go into practice mode on Madden '09 and run any play with a hook route. Practice it for about 5 minutes. Then go into the game and start calling a play with a hook route every single time. Throw it away if the CB is in front of the WR. Call it again on the next play. Enjoy your exploit.

[RainMaker]

I guess I'm tough on Madden because we have a lot of really good sports games on the market. Every other sport seems to have a strong option. We have top of the line gameplay for baseball (The Show), soccer (FIFA), hockey (NHL series), and basketball (NBA 2K).

It might have improved this year but is still well behind just about all major sports on the consoles. I now look at is as I can temper how I play each game and allow the computer to keep it competitive, or I can just play another sports series where I can try and win.

[gstelmack]

So try Superstar mode. And if you are QB you can avoid any issues with the CPU QB running the clock down when trying to score late a la McNabb in the Super Bowl.

[EagleFan]

I'd say this is probably pretty typical of most RBs in a majority of games in the NFL as well.

+1

Look at Barry Sanders, the best RB ever. He tended to lead the league in carries of no gain or a loss but always broke open the big ones that bumped his average up.

[RedKingGold]

I've had a really enjoyable experience thus far. My biggest complaint was lack of an AI running game, but I think I've hit the money pot with these sliders. I'm basically using all of DQ's, but I upped CPU RB Break Tackle to 75 and dropped User Tackling to 25.

After playing fifteen or so games, I think the problem with default settings and even DQ's sliders is that so-so and even good players were consistently making solo tackles on extremely good RB's.

What I have seen with this slider changes is that players like Adrian Peterson and LT will likely only be stopped by gang tackling or a solo tackle by another really good run stopper (a la Patrick Willis). Yet, lower quality running backs (like Knowshon Moreno) will still be stopped by individual solo tackles by individual players.

Also, I highly recommend playing on the Very Fast setting. While it takes a slight adjustment, it does feel a lot more like real football (especially in the pocket). It's supposed to be frantic for a QB inside the pocket, and I find myself approaching each play with a plan of reads based on the coverage presented, and progress quickly.

Lastly, the very fast setting does seem to make the OL quality actually important on the field. As Alex Smith for the 49er's, I have noticeably less time to throw play-per-play than I do when I play with the Steelers. In fact, when testing the running sliders, I noticed that I was much more able to get pressure on the Vikings right side of the line on defense than on the left side (where McKinnie and Hutchinson play).

In short, for those on the fence, I definitely think this is worth a purchase. I'm sure there's a few more slider things to work out, but I am somewhat in agreement that this is the first football game I can remember where skill at each position does seem to matter.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm really enjoying Bill's sliders even though I'm playing it on the fast speed level. I just picked off Tom Brady in the Eagles' first pre-season game. Funny achievement ;)