Madden 2012 impressions thread

[Kodos]

Sounds like Dynasty mode is getting some love.

Madden NFL 12 Blog - Franchise Mode in Madden 12 - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/484682-madden-nfl-12-blog-franchise-mode-madden-12-a.html)

Josh Looman, Senior Designer for Madden NFL 12, has released a detailed blog on all the changes to Franchise Mode.

Hey Madden fans-

I'm Josh Looman, senior designer on Madden NFL 12, in charge of everything new in Franchise mode this year. First, let me explain how much I care about Franchise mode to give you some insight into how excited I am about this year’s features.

I was the sole designer on Franchise mode for Xbox and PS2 in Madden NFL 04, 05, 06 and 07. A lot of the features we added back then are some of my all-time favorites. I left Madden to be the lead designer on NFL Head Coach 09 and with my team, we created the most in-depth career mode game ever (as far as I’m concerned). I came back to Madden with the goal to provide the fans with an experience similar to Head Coach 09…tons of features and depth within the Franchise and Superstar modes.

This year, after talking to Phil Frazier (Executive Producer), we agreed that it was imperative we get our depth modes back to where you expected them to be. That’s why writing this blog is so important to me. I feel like it’s my responsibility to give you as much as I can in these modes…and that includes tons of community-requested features.

I honestly hope that what you read in this blog floors you! Ready? Here we go…and remember, this year is for you…the fans!


Franchise Mode Dynamic Player Performance

“The biggest thing to happen to Franchise mode since you started playing it”

That’s not an exaggeration. This IS the biggest change we’ve made to Franchise mode in years and it’s the feature I’m the most excited about.

I play every sports game on the market and I’ve always been frustrated by the fact that when I play a career or season mode, every game I play feels exactly the same. The players always play exactly like their ratings and there’s no such thing as having a good or bad day. It’s the one thing that has always ruined the immersion factor for me.

In the NFL, when you go to a game or turn on the TV, you never know what’s going to happen. Is Michael Vick going to have the game of his life or struggle the entire game? We don’t know…and that’s why we love sports. They’re unpredictable.

In Franchise mode this year, we’ve captured that unpredictable feeling and it makes each game feel different every time you start it.

Here’s how it works…

Each week, every player’s ratings will be different from the week before and will vary based on specific traits tied to our all-new Dynamic Player Performance feature, which we’ll discuss at E3.

Think of it in the old adage of “Any Given Sunday” – there are a multitude of factors that impact how a player performs each week, and this is now replicated in Franchise mode.

If a player is inconsistent, you could see pretty significant rating swings from week-to-week.

One week you might get the 90 overall Michael Vick and the next week you might get the 70 overall Michael Vick. Or you could just get the 80 overall Michael Vick.

If a player is very consistent, their ratings will only change slightly each week and you’ll typically always know what you’re getting (example: Peyton Manning or Tom Brady).

Building around these players (and finding them in free agency and the draft) provides an entirely new layer of strategy to the game.

A player that is coming off of a terrible game is “on a cold streak”. That streak ensures that they’ll go into their next game with ratings lower than normal.

The opposite is true for a player on a hot streak.

Players on streaks can only continue those streaks for a maximum of three games before they are re-set to original ratings.

We’ve also added tendency and trait progression to the game this year, so players actually change throughout your franchise. Some players stay the same (since that’s what defines them), while others will grow.

If a player is inconsistent as a rookie, they can become more consistent as they get older and mature (example: a QB sensing pressure better as they age).


Expanded Rosters and Cut Days

“The feature you’ve requested the most”

This is definitely the most requested Franchise mode feature in at least the last five years.

Every day on Twitter or the forums, I read at least one comment where someone asks if the game is ever going to get expanded rosters.

Well, you’ve got it. We allow 75 players per team in the preseason now.

Here’s how it works…

In year one, the shipped rosters will probably be pretty full. I’m guessing each team will have around 70 real players on the roster.

In future years, we’ll add training camp invites to the rosters to expand them up to 75.

All of those invitees and any rookies on the team will have their ratings locked at the start of the preseason. Each week that those players stay on the roster, we’ll unlock a few ratings for them. Their overall rating will evolve as we release those ratings, giving you a better idea of how good they really are. Just because a training camp invitee’s overall rating says it’s a 99 in week one doesn’t mean that his real overall is that high.

By the end of the preseason, if you keep a rookie or training camp invite on the roster for all four weeks, his ratings will be completely unlocked and you’ll know his true overall rating. At that point, you’ll know if you made a mistake by keeping him or if you found a diamond in the rough.

As we unlock those ratings, we also ask you to cut the roster down each week.

In week one, we may only ask you to cut three players but by the end of the preseason, you’ll need to cut eight or more.

The balancing act is determining whether you should cut a veteran to keep one of these camp invitees or rookies.

We also do an interesting thing with rookies you draft beyond year one in franchise mode.

Let’s say that you went through the scouting process and never scouted a QB who was projected to go in the top 10. You get to the offseason and head into the draft. That QB falls to you at pick #15 and you pull the trigger and draft him. When you sign him to a contract, his ratings will not be immediately unlocked. He’ll have to go through the rating unlock process in the preseason just like the training camp invites. If you scouted a player fully and then drafted him, his ratings will be unlocked going into the preseason.

This really makes you focus on scouting some of those late round picks instead of just blindly drafting them.

And one more thing…in the game, we swap out depth charts to match what teams typically do in real life in the preseason (let the backups play the entire fourth game or take the starters out at halftime of the third preseason game).

This allows you to get a really good look at the players you’re thinking about cutting every week.


New Rookie Scouting System

“A much needed upgrade to the scouting system”

When we were sitting down and talking about what new features we wanted in Franchise mode this year, a new scouting system was pretty high on the list.

Last year’s system was neither fun or challenging…it made the draft ridiculously easy since it gave away a player’s potential before you even started scouted them.

All you needed to do was keep an eye on that potential rating during the draft and you’d draft every late round sleeper in the game.

That’s gone and it’s been replaced by a much more simple, yet challenging system.

There are now several scouting stages, including the regular season, Pro Days, NFL Combine and individual workouts.

At the start of the regular season, every draft rookie’s ratings are locked.

During each stage, you’re allowed to select a limited number of players to scout and the stage itself determines which ratings will be unlocked.

If you scout a player during the Combine stage, you will unlock his physical ratings like speed, agility and strength. If you scout them in Pro Days, you’ll unlock some of his intangibles.

If you choose to scout him during individual workouts, you’ll unlock everything…including his potential and traits. The catch is that you can only scout a small amount of players during individual workouts…so you’ll need to unlock as much information as you can before you get there.

Trust me…this makes the entire process much more challenging and rewarding this year. I’ve gone through a draft and because I scouted poorly, I ended up with a class full of busts. I’ve also found my future Hall of Fame QB in my 49ers franchise by scouting the right players.


New Free Agent Bidding Feature

“Offseason Free Agency is now fast paced and interactive!”

Another feature that had become a little stale was offseason free agency.

We knew from the first planning stages that we needed a new take on the process and since I was a big fan of the free agent bidding feature from NFL Head Coach 09, we re-created it in Madden NFL 12 this year.

When you enter free agency, you’ll need to be ready to go. This year’s feature is very fast paced and it’s designed to be hectic. You need to make decisions quickly as you target players since the other teams are not waiting for you.

You’ll face off against the other 31 teams in an interactive bidding environment as you try to win the rights to sign the player to a contract of your choosing.

If another team outbids you, just press a button to increase the bid and become the leader.

Keep an eye on your cap room. We’ve made the cap a lot more challenging this year, so you can’t just sign every free agent. You’ll still need to save room to sign your draft rookies. The screenshot below was taken before we started tuning cap room. You’re not going to have $100 million to play with this year.


Player Roles

“One of the favorite features from the last generation is back!”

One of the most requested community features from the PS2 and Xbox days is back and since it’s also one of my favorites, I was excited to include it in Franchise mode this year.

I know a lot of people like it because it adds a bit of an RPG element to the game.

There are more than 20 different roles that players can earn in Franchise mode, including “QB of the Future”, “Mentor” and “Fumble Prone”.

We’ve even added a handful of new roles like ‘Playoff Performer’, ‘Trench Warrior’ and ‘Iron Man’.

Most of the roles will have an in-game impact. Shutdown Corner, for instance, impacts the ratings of the player that has it AND the QB on the opposing team.

The roles are earned or lost based on defined criteria every offseason so players will not keep them forever. Most of the roles come with logic that changes how teams approach the draft and free agency. If a team has a ‘QB of the Future’ on the roster, they will not draft a QB in the first round of the draft.

If you have a mentor on your roster, he makes the young players better as long as he’s on the team.

Bringing this feature back is just a great way to adding depth to the mode and making individual players stand out a little more.


Change Teams

This is another one of those features that has been a community request for years.

Right before the offseason starts, you can change the team you’re controlling to any other team.

You can even choose to control all 32 teams at that point if you want to.


Future Draft Picks

I can’t mention community requested features without talking about Future Draft Picks, which we’ve also added this year.

It’s pretty simple…when making a trade, you can trade away the current year draft picks or next year’s picks.

This allows you to mortgage the future for a player you want to trade up to get in this year’s draft.

Or pretend you are the Patriots and trade down throughout the NFL Draft for next year’s picks.


Edit Players

This is one we talked to you about on Twitter and the forums.

After some discussion, we agreed that Franchise mode is yours to control and that we needed to give you the ability to edit the ratings of any player in Franchise mode, whether they are veterans or the rookies you just imported from NCAA Football.

If you want some QB you imported to be an 85 overall because you won the Heisman with him, you’re welcome to edit him to be that high. It’s all up to you.


Practice Mode

This may seem like a small addition but, to me, it’s big. Being able to practice with your Franchise mode team at any point in the preseason, regular season or playoffs without having to export them allows you to get a look at your team at any time.


Increased Injury Chances and Injured Reserve Fixed

If expanded rosters is the most requested community feature, fixing injured reserve is a close second.

It’s great that adding expanded rosters actually allowed us to fix IR since the game can now handle having more than 55 players on a team.

This year, players are automatically placed on IR and that opens up a roster spot for the team to sign a replacement for him.

CPU controlled teams now place players on injured reserve and sign a replacement if they need to.


Franchise Mode Dynamic Gameplans

We’ve also added a pretty cool new feature that makes teams re-evaluate their game plan based on their starting QB in future years.

Take the Colts for instance. In year one, if you control them or face them as an opponent, they will naturally throw the ball more based on their real life tendencies and because they have Peyton Manning on the roster.

In Franchise mode, if Manning gets hurt or retires, the team will adjust their play calling so that they run the ball more if they have a lower rated QB at the helm until he progresses enough to be able to throw the ball 30-40 times a game.


Revamped Import Draft Class Tuning

This year, AJ Dembroski (our newest rookie designer who some of you may know as one of the biggest Madden fans in the forums) worked a lot on getting players imported from NCAA Football to be more consistent.

Last year, if you imported someone who in your mind was a sure top 5 pick, he could enter your franchise as an 85 or a 65 overall player. There was just too much randomness in the system.

Now he enters the game every time you import him between an 80-87 overall if he’s one of the best players in the import class.


30 Brand New Draft Classes featuring Realistic Player Profiles

We created 30 brand new draft classes from scratch and added a new twist this year.

We’ve created player profiles (scrambling QB, 3-4 DE, power HB, speed WR) that are mixed in with the random guys so that you’ll find players that fit your offensive/defensive scheme and provide a more realistic experience.

Teams in the draft have a preference toward those players and will lean towards drafting them if they have the chance. That means the Raiders will draft a Speed WR if given the choice between him and a possession WR.

We’ve also randomized names and numbers this year so that you won’t recognize individual players each time you start a new franchise.


Progression Tuning

Another one of AJ’s tasks was focusing on progression and making it more realistic this year.

Last year, players would go up automatically regardless of their season stats. This year’s tuning is much more predictable. Players will go up or down based on their performance and age.

One thing to remember is that players are judged against players around their same age when deciding who should progress or not. So, if a rookie running back rushes for 500 yards and that is the best among his peers, he will progress the most in his age group.

Most players who are 32+ will decline every year unless they had the best years vs. their peers. If they did, they will typically stay the same or go down slightly.

Players in the prime of their careers can go up or down, but they can’t go up as much as young players or down as much as old players. And…yes, you guessed it. They are also judged only against the players around their age.


Revamped Team Re-Sign and New Cut Dead Weight Logic

This is another one of my favorite changes/features this year.

Last year, a team like the 49ers would always re-sign a player like Alex Smith because they had no other alternative on the team at his position. They would never take his potential into account and keep him on the roster for years.

This year they’ll make decisions more intelligently, getting rid of Smith and addressing the QB position in free agency or the draft.

They’ll also try to keep a young player with lots of potential under contract as long as it makes sense.

Along with rewriting the re-sign logic, we’ve also added some new team management logic in the offseason that forces teams to make realistic decisions.

In last year’s game, the Redskins would have signed Donovan McNabb to a 7 year deal and kept him on the roster until 2017 until the deal expired.

This year, they take a look at the roster every offseason and evaluate every player individually. If they feel like McNabb is over the hill, they cut him and move on. This leads to plenty of player movement in the offseason and makes the FA Bidding feature a lot more realistic.

We’ve been careful about teams cutting stars and we discussed this in length with the group of Franchise fans that have joined our Facebook Franchise Discussion Group.

We all agreed that we should make sure someone like Peyton Manning never gets cut, but if a 88-91 overall HB gets cut or not re-signed every now and then, that’s pretty realistic ala LaDainian Tomlinson with the Chargers.


New Salary System

After hearing complaints about how the old salary system was hard to deal with last year, we added a new salary system for players, which apply to veterans and draft rookies.

Last year, rookies would sign contracts based on their positions and ratings…so if you took a 70 overall HB #1 in the draft, he would ask for a 3 year/15 million dollar deal as the 1st pick (which is extremely unrealistic).

Rookies now sign contracts based solely on their position and their draft pick. If you take a QB with the first overall pick, expect to pay him a lot.

As far as the re-sign stage goes, players now sign contracts based on their age, overall rating and potential. Older players will always sign shorter deals for less money as their careers wind down while teams may try to lock up a young player with lots of potential with an expensive deal.


Re-Tuned Simulation Stats

We’re working on fixing OLB sacks, rushing yards and all of the other small issues we had last year.

As always, trying to replicate what 32 teams and 1800+ human players accomplish over a five month period in the NFL is tricky…but we’ll get it as perfect as we can.

This work isn’t done yet…it’s always one of the last things we fix before we ship the game.


Weather Tuning

Last year we had lots of issues with weather. It would never snow in Green Bay in January, etc.

I put AJ on this task to make sure that you’ll see more weather changes in climates where inclement weather is common.


Revamped Player Retirements

Last year, very few players retired each year in our game. We’ve addressed that by making sure that older players retire at a slightly quicker rate, allowing for young players to take over and get a chance to contribute.


Revamped Player Award Logic

This is a small change but the tuning makes the players that win yearly awards more realistic. We’ve tuned Pro Bowl logic, MVP Logic and all of the logic used for the other awards.


New Player Portraits for Draft Rookies

Rookies now look just like the real NFL players with a new portrait system that removes the cartoony look in Franchise screens.

We tried to add as many portraits as we could so that the way the rookies look in the menus no longer ruins that immersion factor for you.


New Depth Chart Logic

We also changed the depth chart logic this year to be more realistic.

Last year, teams would start a FS at the nickel corner spot if his ratings were good enough.

This year, that player would stay at FS while the real nickel corner would take the correct place in the depth chart.


New Coach Impacts

This is a small feature, but it brings some strategy to signing a coach.

Coaches now impact players on the field positively AND negatively by a small amount.

This is meant to emulate the strengths and weaknesses that each coach has.

The gameplay mechanic is deciding which positive/negative impact you are willing to take on.

Do you want to make your QBs better while your Defensive Line suffers a bit or make your corners better while making your O-Line drop a bit?



So those are the major changes to Franchise mode this year. Excited yet? I am!

I know it’s a lot to digest at first, but I bet you’re much more interested in reading a really long Franchise mode blog than a short one, huh?

As you can see, we’re committed to improving our depth modes going forward and this year’s Franchise mode is just the start.

When the game is released, I’ll be glad to discuss any of the features we added or just talk about Franchise mode in general on my Twitter account at http://twitter.com/josh_looman.

Thanks for reading and I really hope you enjoy all of the new additions for Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 12.


Source- Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 12

[Bigsmooth]

Whoa. Not sure about the Vick example or the streaky, "had a bad day" angle. Pretty sure its mostly dependent on the opponent not because a players skill actually changes or he is inconsistent. If vick played a weak defense every week I doubt he would be very inconsistent. Know what I'm sayin? NFL is about matchups, 1st and foremost.

[bhlloy]

Whoa. Not sure about the Vick example or the streaky, "had a bad day" angle. Pretty sure its mostly dependent on the opponent not because a players skill actually changes or he is inconsistent. If vick played a weak defense every week I doubt he would be very inconsistent. Know what I'm sayin? NFL is about matchups, 1st and foremost.

Throw in the fact that it's EA and the Madden team developing it, this sounds like a giant stay the hell away from. I might get to the SB and half my team are having a "bad day" and are rated 20 points below where they usually are regardless of the matchups or who I'm playing? Sounds like fun, sign me up *sarcasm*

How about you fix the fact that franchise is a huge dog, and then try stupid gimmicks like this? what a concept.

[TroyF]

I liked a majority of the list. I'll buy the game on day one because I'm a lemming who loves pro football. I doubt any of the things will work as advertised, but I can hope.

The Free Agency system sounds like NFL Head Coach which would be beyond terrific if it is handled the same way.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I liked a majority of the list. I'll buy the game on day one because I'm a lemming who loves pro football. I doubt any of the things will work as advertised, but I can hope.

The Free Agency system sounds like NFL Head Coach which would be beyond terrific if it is handled the same way.

I agree.

I really loved Head Coach. Well, I loved it up until I figured out how the draft worked and then it became a bit too transparent for me. Still, I played that game for a solid 3-4 weeks and had an absolute blast. One of the early drafts in that game still ranks as the best computer game draft experience I've ever had.

I don't know if I will buy this one. I haven't bought a Madden or NCAA game since 2005.

[DaddyTorgo]

Throw in the fact that it's EA and the Madden team developing it, this sounds like a giant stay the hell away from. I might get to the SB and half my team are having a "bad day" and are rated 20 points below where they usually are regardless of the matchups or who I'm playing? Sounds like fun, sign me up *sarcasm*

How about you fix the fact that franchise is a huge dog, and then try stupid gimmicks like this? what a concept.

Yeah - I can see the potential for how that feature could actually be good and add to the game, but I have very little confidence that they'll get it right.

[Kodos]

I'm cautiously optimistic...

[TroyF]

I agree.

I really loved Head Coach. Well, I loved it up until I figured out how the draft worked and then it became a bit too transparent for me. Still, I played that game for a solid 3-4 weeks and had an absolute blast. One of the early drafts in that game still ranks as the best computer game draft experience I've ever had.

I don't know if I will buy this one. I haven't bought a Madden or NCAA game since 2005.


I played it for about 3 or 4 months solid. I loved the draft/FA so much I'd sometimes just play through that for hours on end. It is still my favorite "off season" game of all time. Free agency required some actual work. You had to look at the guy who were going to be FA's and decide who you were going to go after. I loved the "clock" aspect. Fun times.

[Kodos]

87 is extremely rare, and that's the highest I ever saw once I finished testing. I tested 10 years worth of NCAA classes, so I'm pretty confident it's not going to go over that.

Most years the highest rated player coming in is between a 79 and an 85. Now, I keep hearing that's too high, but honestly, think of your Madden rosters- if everyone's coming in 75 and below, how many rookies would start vs. how many rookies start each year in the NFL? We had to make it possible for first year players to have an impact.

And you cannot tell me Adrian Peterson was a 75 his rookie year.

Anyways, the primary way it tells the difference between the elite and non-elite is their physical makeup... a few key attributes that tell us whether this is an NFL-type player or a college-type player. 5'11" QBs aren't going to come into Madden as an 85 very often (Sorry Buckeye fans), but 235lb QBs from Stanford might just well be the best QB you've ever drafted in Madden. There are different criteria at each position to determine if this guy is an NFL prototype or not.

Now, this doesn't mean that 5'11" QBs can't come in highly rated... they just have a lower chance of doing so, and prototype NFL players are almost guaranteed to come in fairly highly rated.

I'm going to be totally frank here; I would have liked to keep it a tad more random for the top guys. When you look at the Locker saga this past year and how he went from a guaranteed #1 pick to a third rounder and then back into the first round (albiet with question marks), the idea that there is any way to predict how good a player will be, or even just be viewed, by draft day is absurd. But, regardless, you're going to have a far more balanced draft when you import now.

A little more from adembroski on the draft. (He is one of the guys working on the game this year.)

[RainMaker]

These all sound like great improvements. However, this is EA. This is Madden. None of these things will be implemented well.

[DaddyTorgo]

These all sound like great improvements. However, this is EA. This is Madden. None of these things will be implemented well.

+1

[Groundhog]

God damn I wish I didn't read that. EA is like my abusive partner, promising the world, and then delivering a pimp slap to the face.

[A-Husker-4-Life]

God damn I wish I didn't read that. EA is like my abusive partner, promising the world, and then delivering a pimp slap to the face.

That's exactly how I feel, pimp slapped... IN THE FACE

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Note to EA......fix what was broken in last year's game with no new features and you'll at least sell more. That diatribe is a recipe for disaster and yet another year of declining sales.

[Philliesfan980]

In all fairness, HC was a really fun game. Now that the same developer is working on the Franchise who was in charge of HC, I'll give him a fair shake.

[Sweed]

I left Madden to be the lead designer on NFL Head Coach 09 and with my team, we created the most in-depth career mode game ever (as far as I’m concerned).




Yeah, okay.

[fantom1979]

I'm Josh Looman, senior designer on Madden NFL 12, in charge of everything new in Franchise mode this year. First, let me explain how much I care about Franchise mode to give you some insight into how excited I am about this year’s features.

I was the sole designer on Franchise mode for Xbox and PS2 in Madden NFL 04, 05, 06 and 07.

I don't remember there being ANY great additions to the franchise mode between 04 and 07. The only think I even remember being added in those years was that stupid passing window.

[BillJasper]

IGN has a bunch of info, but this single screen shot scares the shit out of me...

IGN: Madden NFL 12 Screenshots (PS3) 3447734 (http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/103602/madden-nfl-12/images/madden-nfl-12-20110512020839822.html)

A '57' rated fullback averaging 29.1 yard per carry. :lol:

[Big Fo]

In all fairness, HC was a really fun game. Now that the same developer is working on the Franchise who was in charge of HC, I'll give him a fair shake.

Yeah. I haven't bought Madden for a few years now but I might give this one a shot because I liked Head Coach 09.

The performance based ratings changes sound too influential though. Sometimes a good player has a bad day, that shouldn't affect their attributes in the next game quite so much as it seems like it will.

[MizzouRah]

Looks promising to me. Unless Jim has FOF 2011 around the corner? :)

[Groundhog]

I don't really like the fact that a "shutdown corner" affects the ratings of the QB, either. It should be enough that the CB defensive ratings - hence the tag of shutdown corner - are at a high enough level to cover his man.

[General Mike]

Every year I say I'm not gonna buy it, and then I do, so this year I'm gonna buy it.

[TroyF]

I don't really like the fact that a "shutdown corner" affects the ratings of the QB, either. It should be enough that the CB defensive ratings - hence the tag of shutdown corner - are at a high enough level to cover his man.


I can actually see it IF it's only when the QB is throwing to a WR covered by the "shutdown" corner. In that case i think you can justify it by saying a QB is going to have an especially tough throw. But when the QB is throwing to the idiot DB on the other side of the field, his ratings shouldn't be impacted because of the shutdown corner he isn't even throwing to.

[EagleFan]

If they use the Tiger Woods model half of the stadiums will be paid DLC...

[Kodos]

I preordered through Amazon last night. There is $20 Amazon preorder credit for others who might be interested.

[fantom1979]

To me, this would be like a baseball game changing the speed ratings of outfielders because the hitter at the plate hits a lot of triples.

[dubb93]

They have worked on this for two years(they said this last year as the reason Franchise mode was identical to the year prior). Call me crazy but I have faith that these changes will be better implemented than most Madden 1 year additions. I know the track record here but I think this all sounds great and I can't wait.

[MizzouRah]

I preordered through Amazon last night. There is $20 Amazon preorder credit for others who might be interested.


Oh no you didn't! :lol:

[MizzouRah]

Decent amount of game footage...

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6324736/ma ... Btitle%3B8 (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6324736/madden-nfl-12-online-communities-reveal?tag=updates%3Beditor%3Ball%3Btitle%3B8)

[CleBrownsfan]

For as broken as NCAA is - I can't imagine how broken the new franchise mode is going to be ;)

[MizzouRah]

The Madden NFL 12 demo will feature the Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears. Other details below.

5 minute quarters
Adjustable skill level
No commentary
Available on 360 and PS3 on August 9th

[BillJasper]

Incredible. Seven years in and the players still don't look like they're actually holding the ball...

Madden NFL 12 Screenshot 342 (http://www.operationsports.com/viewshot.php?id=16904&no=341&outof=342)

[Ragone]

oh lord.. this streaky business reminds me of two things.


Bases loaded 2's biorythms!

or
Super tecmo bowl's health rating..

Both sucked

[MizzouRah]

Incredible. Seven years in and the players still don't look like they're actually holding the ball...

Madden NFL 12 Screenshot 342 (http://www.operationsports.com/viewshot.php?id=16904&no=341&outof=342)

Look at that grass! :D

[BillJasper]

Look at that grass! :D

The fucked up thing is that I'm still buying it. :lol:

[whomario]

oh lord.. this streaky business reminds me of two things.


Bases loaded 2's biorythms!

or
Super tecmo bowl's health rating..

Both sucked


FIFA´s form rating also sucked big time and were abandonded after 1 try, that´s even more alarming as it´s the same company and the features look very similar ...

[aran]

That gameplay video did not inspire much confidence in the AI. Aaron Rodgers should be a smart QB and he throws two terrible terrible passes in the first few plays he has the ball.

It's funny how they add the idiotic "players kick up the turf!" feature but the game still seems to play the same as it used to.

[MizzouRah]

The fucked up thing is that I'm still buying it. :lol:

I probably will too :)

[MizzouRah]

Demo drops tomorrow. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Demo drops tomorrow. :)

I can see it now.

"Madden '12 -- We don't suck as much as NCAA '12!"

[BillJasper]

I can see it now.

"Madden '12 -- We don't suck as much as NCAA '12!"

Well...

[DaddyTorgo]

Going to break the cycle and wait on this one at least until I hear the results of the revamping of franchise mode.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well...

:D

[MizzouRah]

I'm liking the demo so far. I just like a fun game "out of the box" so to speak and nothing thus far jumps out as not so fun. :P

[DaddyTorgo]

I see they still haven't fixed the "CPU snaps the ball so fast you don't have time to actually audible" issue I had with Madden 2011.

[ColtCrazy]

Going to break the cycle and wait on this one at least until I hear the results of the revamping of franchise mode.


I'm with you. I got NCAA the first day and now it mostly sits as I wait for a patch to fix the Legacy issues. As much as I'd like Madden day one, I'll be back in school now that the date was pushed back so I'll be busy enough not to miss it too much.

[AENeuman]

I liked the new tackling a lot. The greater use of the on field fly over camera is really good. i still think this is going to be a 90% offensive game. by the 3rd week everyone will figure out which plays will work most of the time. ie what route does the TE or slot need to run; if i sprint vick out wide who will nearly always be open...

[ColtCrazy]

Downloaded the demo today. Either I've gotten significantly worse at this game, or Aaron Rodgers just doesn't play right. Cutler couldn't miss...torching guys like Charles Woodson repeatedly. I couldn't hit open guys. Had 3 first half turnovers. One, I'll admit, I forced the pass. Another was Julius Peppers making an amazing jump while backpeddling.

Just didn't like the way this game felt. Will definitely wait for the first impressions of this game to decide if I get it or not.

[BillJasper]

I threw four picks with Rodgers in (three in the red zone) one game.

I actually am getting the hang of it, there is a real difference in the speed of the game in this demo.

A couple things I'm not liking: the number of 'toe-tapping' sideline catches and that the linebackers seem incredibly smart vs. the pass yet incredibly dumb vs. the run.

[A-Husker-4-Life]

After the problems with NCAA i'm going to do the "Wait and see" approach to madden this year.

Wait for patches and see how much they can fix .. haha..

[MizzouRah]

All Pro is a bitch.. that is all.

[BillJasper]

All Pro is a bitch.. that is all.

Pre-snap read is key on all-pro.

Though I'll make the right read and still try to fit the ball in where it isn't suppose to go. :lol:

[MizzouRah]

Pre-snap read is key on all-pro.

Though I'll make the right read and still try to fit the ball in where it isn't suppose to go. :lol:

Yeah, me too. The CPU run game, just like on all console sports games, sucks azz.

[BillJasper]

Yeah, me too. The CPU run game, just like on all console sports games, sucks azz.

That is the thing that bothers me. It's fourth and goal at the one and the Bears line up in a regular I formation. They run it right up the middle and all four of my linebackers ignore the hole and flood to the right side of the field. Most of them running right by this humongous hole in the middle.

I was livid.

[korme]

Just played the demo and I'm *very* impressed with the presentation and the on-field play. One week!

[BillJasper]

Yeah, me too. The CPU run game, just like on all console sports games, sucks azz.

The run game (All-Pro) was really starting to frustrate me to the point of cancelling my preorder, guys wouldn't block anyone. Then I started putting my offensive line in "aggressive" mode on run plays then ripped off a hundred plus yards with Matt Forte.

It never dawned on me to that point that I would have to tell my offensive line to block on running plays... but this is EA.

[MizzouRah]

The run game (All-Pro) was really starting to frustrate me to the point of cancelling my preorder, guys wouldn't block anyone. Then I started putting my offensive line in "aggressive" mode on run plays then ripped off a hundred plus yards with Matt Forte.

It never dawned on me to that point that I would have to tell my offensive line to block on running plays... but this is EA.

Good grief...

Now the problem is.. getting the CPU to have a running game.

[Balldog]

Rather than spending $25 on beer and staying up too late I chose to buy the EA Season Ticket. I'm hoping this will save me from wasting $60 in the future on a game I won't enjoy. So I was able to play Madden 12 last night, but I only got one game in. Playing with Stafford and Calvin Johnson is a lot fun, Johnson really attacked the ball when I through it up high for him. Hopefully I will get some more time in tonight.

[CraigSca]

I was just thinking about this. I caved and bought the $25 Season Ticket and played Madden late into last night. I'm now thinking I may cancel my pre-order. I came away much more impressed with NHL 12, and I'm wondering how many people may be using the Season Ticket as a free, early rental of the EA Sports Games to determine if they want them at all. That's the takeaway I felt as I went to bed last night.

[Eaglesfan27]

I was just thinking about this. I caved and bought the $25 Season Ticket and played Madden late into last night. I'm now thinking I may cancel my pre-order. I came away much more impressed with NHL 12, and I'm wondering how many people may be using the Season Ticket as a free, early rental of the EA Sports Games to determine if they want them at all. That's the takeaway I felt as I went to bed last night.

Interesting point and not at all what EA was expecting I'm sure.

[Balldog]

The play by play announcing has to be the worst I've experienced in this current generation, it is horrible. Very blah.

Oddest part I experienced was after a 5 yard completion Gus J. and Chris C. went on to talk about how great of a play it was while on the next play I went 61 yards on a run up the gut and they never even acknowledged it because they were to busy talking about that amazing 5 yard completion. They didn't catch up with reality until the kick return.

[Kodos]

Seriously thinking of cancelling my order and going back to Madden 2008 on my laptop. I hooked it up to the TV, and it looks fine. Obviously not as nice as current gen, but good enough, really. Some gameplay stuff from the current games isn't there, but it does have Madden and Michaels in the booth, a ton of customizability, and..... in-game saves.

[ColtCrazy]

Ugh...this is not a good sign. I was really hoping this would come out strong and the patch would fix issues with NCAA. Does the early preview let you mess around with franchise at all? Hmmm...what to do. I haven't preordered, so that's something I guess.

[dubb93]

Last year I chose NCAA, but this year NCAA and the superhuman linebackers was a bust for me so I sold it. Will be putting that money towards Madden. I have read the linebackers aren't as bad in madden. I hope that is true.

[MizzouRah]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpmLG5T2i4E

Fast foward to 1:08 of last night's Rams - Chiefs game.. SUPER LB!

:D

[dubb93]

If it is that rare in madden I will take it. I just can't handle the constant ball hawking LBs in NCAA. Not just great linebackers but even poor ones are able to leap like superman.

[Balldog]

I was able to play 3 games Saturday night and overall was pleased with the experience. On default All-Pro I was able to run the ball and the CPU was able to run the ball. Cutler and Manning were tough to stop in the air, while Tavaris Jackson was horrible.

The pass rush for both CPU and Human seems a little excessive on All-Pro, that would be my only gripe so far with the gameplay.

[MizzouRah]

Has anyone tried AP on the "slow" setting?

[dubb93]

Anyone who has the early access. Is GameFlow as broken in the release as it is in the demo? I just played as the Bears in the demo and in the two minute drill GameFlow gave me the same play five plays in a row. I prefer the GameFlow as I feel it keeps me honest against the CPU.

Also is it just me or is dynamic player performance not functioning in the demo for offensive players. I just played two games and both times all the dynamic player performances were defensive players. Namely Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, and Brian Urlacher. One would suspect that if this is functioning correctly Cutler should take a hit after an INT and Rodgers should get a +Clutch in crunch time. Is this working properly in the release version?

Good news for me atleast none of the nonesense that killed NCAA for me is in this demo. Bad news is it is EA so I expect either a release day patch to include superhuman linebackers or at the very least them to sneak in somewhere along the way. As bad as I feel NCAA was, I will take this game as is as long as it doesn't have crap like that in it.

[Philliesfan980]

I'm on the verge of pre-ordering on Amazon.com. Good decision or bad?

[spleen1015]

It comes out tomorrow. I would just to go to a store and get it.

[BillJasper]

Also is it just me or is dynamic player performance not functioning in the demo for offensive players. I just played two games and both times all the dynamic player performances were defensive players. Namely Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, and Brian Urlacher. One would suspect that if this is functioning correctly Cutler should take a hit after an INT and Rodgers should get a +Clutch in crunch time. Is this working properly in the release version?



I don't know. Though I do have a really hard time getting a QB back into the game once I've thrown an INT or a couple of incomplete passes (in the demo).

[Philliesfan980]

It comes out tomorrow. I would just to go to a store and get it.

Amazon's $20 credit is pretty tempting, considering I buy a lot of stuff off the site.

[Sweed]

Anyone who has the early access. Is GameFlow as broken in the release as it is in the demo? I just played as the Bears in the demo and in the two minute drill GameFlow gave me the same play five plays in a row. I prefer the GameFlow as I feel it keeps me honest against the CPU.

Also is it just me or is dynamic player performance not functioning in the demo for offensive players. I just played two games and both times all the dynamic player performances were defensive players. Namely Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, and Brian Urlacher. One would suspect that if this is functioning correctly Cutler should take a hit after an INT and Rodgers should get a +Clutch in crunch time. Is this working properly in the release version?

Good news for me atleast none of the nonesense that killed NCAA for me is in this demo. Bad news is it is EA so I expect either a release day patch to include superhuman linebackers or at the very least them to sneak in somewhere along the way. As bad as I feel NCAA was, I will take this game as is as long as it doesn't have crap like that in it.

I've had Cutler take hits in the DPP in the demo in more than one game so, yes it is in there.

I ordered the game from Origin (EA's new name for there retail site) as I had a discount code that took it down to ~$45 with free shipping. Figured I wouldn't see the game 'til Thurs or Friday but UPS shows it should be delivered tomorrow.

I've enjoyed the game play in the demo as much as I enjoyed last years NCAA game. Which is to say I've found it very fun. Used some very basic sliders posted by a guy at OS.

100 for all cpu skills
62 for all human
35 speed threshold (he suggests 100 threshold but I like separation and haven't had any issues with it at 35)

Didn't really think they would work just looking at them but IMHO it plays pretty good football. He changed them a bit as he has the full game through ticket now. His current settings..

same deal all skill categories..
90 for cpu
55 for human
100 threshold

Haven't had a chance to try them will just wait for retail game to arrive. I know I won't use the 100 threshold and really with the way the game played at 62-100-35 I don't see a reason to start with anything else.

If running the franchise isn't tedious I see Madden12 being as fun as NCAA 11. Of course time will tell.

[Philliesfan980]

They got me again. For $40, it's hard to pass up (even when it proves to be a disaster of a game - I love the NFL that much).

Screw you Jim for not giving me a graphical coach only mode in a simulation game.

[dubb93]

Whoever was in charge of choosing the music for this game needs to be fired.

Either that or forced to listen to each song on the track list on repeat for 24 hours. One at a time.

[MizzouRah]

Early one game, grain of salt impressions.

I played the Jags on AP defaults with 10 minute quarters (going to bump to 12).

No crowd noise even on 100%, the commentary is lacking, and hardly any penalties (that's been going on forever)

but... the game played a good game of football for my first out of the box game.. really fun...

[bhlloy]

The concept of starting the preseason with 75 players and getting information on the rookies one game at a time really, really interests me. In fact, that's so interesting that unless the rest of the franchise mode is completely broken I will probably end up picking this up. I've wanted this in Madden for years.

[sabotai]

I played the Jags on AP defaults with 10 minute quarters (going to bump to 12).

No crowd noise even on 100%

If you played a home game, that sounds pretty realistic to me.

[MizzouRah]

If you played a home game, that sounds pretty realistic to me.

:lol:

[MizzouRah]

The concept of starting the preseason with 75 players and getting information on the rookies one game at a time really, really interests me. In fact, that's so interesting that unless the rest of the franchise mode is completely broken I will probably end up picking this up. I've wanted this in Madden for years.

Me too.. I've read where you have to make cuts each day, which is cool.

Lots of pop up stats during the game so players stick out.

[dubb93]

I started a franchise as the Buccs as mostly a test run, but it may end up sticking. I'm sure they will find some "game killing" bug within the next few weeks but the action on the field seems pretty solid for me. I cranked up penalties, moved the game to slow, fiddled with auto subs(found a set on OS), bumped quarter length to 11 minutes to get 120ish plays, but otherwise it is default AP. Really good first pre-season game.

So far seems my first team offense is going to be solid. My backup QB is terrible and my D has gaping holes in it.

Like I said, default AP, in the first quarter Jamaal Charles ran 7 times for 59 yards. And Thomas Jones ran 7 times for 29 yards in the second quarter for the CPU. Pretty good signs as far as I'm concerned.

[dubb93]

Oh and I hate hate hate the new Franchise mode interface. It is beyond generic. It is literally one drop down menu with baby blue lettering. The background is blacked out. You press LT and RT to cycle between menus and up and down to move within the menu. Terrible.

[korme]

The two headed monster that is Bruce Gradkowski/Andy Dalton opfficially blows on All-Pro. At least that is accurate- but I'm throwing 5 picks a game. Time to turn CPU Interceptions down

[dubb93]

Just had a bug blow up my second pre-season game. Sigh. Running no huddle towards the end of the second quarter. Prior to this I held Y for no huddle and called an audible into a short pass. Here is the result.....

http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy279/dubb93/th_IMG_0143.jpg (http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy279/dubb93/?action=view&current=IMG_0143.mp4)

As you can see, my RG decided to line up slightly to the left and slightly inside of my center. Wilfork is a beast yes, but come on guys. Also my passing icons do not come up and my confused WRs decide to start blocking after it becomes clear the play is doomed.

But look at that grass!

[MizzouRah]

My int's are coming when the play has already developed and it took me too long to pass the ball. It seems faster to me than NCAA and that's a good thing since it's the NFL.

[RainMaker]

How is the franchise mode?

[MizzouRah]

How is the franchise mode?

I think I'm going to start my Rams chise tonight when I get back home.. the updated rosters look good enough to me.

Forgot to mention I lost 23-7 to the Jags, but had a 95 yard TD pass to Avery on a fade route!

[ColtCrazy]

Definitely curious to see what everyone here says about franchise as well. I'm really intrigued by the 75 limit preseason rosters. operation sports forums and reviews seem to be all over the place on this game. Franchise will decide if I buy or pass on this.

[Raiders Army]

I can't sign in to put in my code and I can't play online. Fail. I'm still gonna kick ass against those 11 year olds on Saturday in our local Walmart tournament!

[ColtCrazy]

I can't sign in to put in my code and I can't play online. Fail. I'm still gonna kick ass against those 11 year olds on Saturday in our local Walmart tournament!


Glad you mentioned this because I'll have to see if ours is having one because that would be the best way for me to pick up the game. I've won it once myself, but lost the last time I entered 2 years ago...picked the Pats and went totally against my game style.

[CleBrownsfan]

How many more years is EA's contract with the NFL? I'm really hoping it is up soon so there is some "real" competition...

[dubb93]

Game was really keeping me entertained until that bug made me rage quit. The game was really competitive against the Pats. Was 14-10 Pats and we were driving down field looking to take the lead before the half(the subs would have started the 2nd half).

We hit Brady early and make him fumble on their first two possessions, but he had come back and hit on 16 straight passes including two TDs. Will give it another shot on Tuesday.

I can't speak for long term Franchises(Bill Abner says development is the best it has ever been), but assuming you can put up with the small bugs like the one I found, and the worst PbP the series has even put out then you will have a great time with the gameplay.

[Dutch]

I don't give a shit about the gameplay, I just need it for Maddenator.

SHIT, it's been 4 years since it came out on the PC.

[TroyF]

Game was really keeping me entertained until that bug made me rage quit. The game was really competitive against the Pats. Was 14-10 Pats and we were driving down field looking to take the lead before the half(the subs would have started the 2nd half).

We hit Brady early and make him fumble on their first two possessions, but he had come back and hit on 16 straight passes including two TDs. Will give it another shot on Tuesday.

I can't speak for long term Franchises(Bill Abner says development is the best it has ever been), but assuming you can put up with the small bugs like the one I found, and the worst PbP the series has even put out then you will have a great time with the gameplay.

I popped it in and played a game. I really, really enjoyed the running game. It felt good following blocks and fighting for extra yards. I didn't really get too involved with the passing game, but it seemed ok as well.

I simply cannot believe how bad the commentary is in this game. The worst I've seen in any sports title in at least five years, maybe more. A couple of gems from my game:

- Quinn hits Decker with a perfect pass on the slant. Decker drops the ball. Quote from the game: "He has to make better decisions with the football, you just cannot put the ball where he put it"

- McGee drops back to pass for the Cowboys. He has all day because I let the CPU call my plays and on a 3rd and 13 they have me rushing three guys. McGee runs toward the sideline and gets tackled for a one yard loss and a sack. Game: "The offensive line must do a better job. He's running for his life"

- This is my personal favorite. I'm up 17-7 with 3 minutes left in the fourth. I punch it in from the one. Game: "Now the Cowboys are down by the 2 scores, it's going to be really tough for them to come back" Second Announcer after the extra point: "The kick is good and Denver is now up by two scores and in complete control of this game"

good lord. Sound will be muted for this one from here on out.

[DaddyTorgo]

Just from Abner's lil "notes" pre-reviews I think I'll be taking a pass on this.

Don't like the sound of the FA system (button mashey), doesn't sound like player progression is working well for current stars, sounds like AI sucks at resigning players it should be keeping, and then on the field sounds like super-jumping LB's are there, commentary is brutal, and (something else I can't remember that made me go "eh").

I'll just play NCAA if they get that fixed. Or I'll get rid of that.

[bhlloy]

I dunno, for Abner that's a pretty positive review. I can live with most of the "issues" there. Is there roster editing for all teams in franchise mode like there is supposed to be with NCAA post patch? If so, I can definitely live with a few star veterans not declining fast enough via the editor.

He's of course 100% right about the passing game (psychic db's who break on the ball the second it comes out of the QB's hand even when in man coverage with their back turned, super jumpy LB's, receivers who make zero play on the ball allowing simple interceptions on any 50/50 pass) but that's EA football games for the last 5 years. It's no better in NCAA 12.

[DaddyTorgo]

I don't like the sound of the "ebay style" free agency, or CPU teams apparently not resigning guys who aren't basically 90+. ebay-style just sounds way too button-mashy for me, and the other thing sounds like a serious franchise mode breaker.

[bhlloy]

I do agree to a point about the FA system, but when the other option seems to be the CPU doesn't sign anyone and you can get any player you like, it's not that bad. And if I can edit FA who are still in the FA pool onto a team, I'm not sure the other issue is a big deal either.

I can't believe I'm the one defending madden here on this board... but I am intrigued by some of the features they added. If someone can confirm if the editor is in the franchise mode, I might not be able to resist pulling the trigger.

Cue somebody finding franchise breaking bug in the next couple of days.

[DaddyTorgo]

I do agree to a point about the FA system, but when the other option seems to be the CPU doesn't sign anyone and you can get any player you like, it's not that bad. And if I can edit FA who are still in the FA pool onto a team, I'm not sure the other issue is a big deal either.

I can't believe I'm the one defending madden here on this board... but I am intrigued by some of the features they added. If someone can confirm if the editor is in the franchise mode, I might not be able to resist pulling the trigger.

Cue somebody finding franchise breaking bug in the next couple of days.

I don't want to have to edit FA who are in the FA pool onto a team every year - that's way more work than I want to have to do on an ongoing basis to enjoy a game.

It's really not that hard either. Fuck them for not fixing it - they don't deserve my money.

[MizzouRah]

I played my first preseason game and the atmostphere was much louder than when I played a "play now" game.

You can't really judge the game by a preseason game because once the first unit gets pulled, the game is totally different.

I thought 12 minute quarters would be to few because I had a nice long drive with Bradford and Jackson to open up the game and then Manning did the same, passing all over me - after those two drives, the first quarter was over. There would be a lot more 3 and outs with the backups, however and I had a total of 131 plays, which seems reasonable to me.

The difference between players is HUGE. I had a nice 81 yard run TD with backup Norwood, but that was against the Colts 3rd string.

I won 34-24 and it was an exciting game. Bradford was accurate, but the backups were throwing passes all over the place and my backup WR's were dropping balls my starters didn't.

Presentation is excellent and the commentary - although odd at times - doesn't bother me much at all... heck, I even like it at times. :)

Cut days in franchise mode is really neat.. although the first week is only 3 players, I had to think a bit before selecting whom I wanted to cut. I love that you can't see all the ratings, weight, etc.. for rookie players on your team.

I like the default game speed, I know some prefer slow.. but default seems spot on to me.

Are their issues for the hardcore gamer? Sure.. but does it play a fun game of football, so far yes.. I'm already thinking about my next game against the Titans. Like NCAA 11, the things that make me say.. "ok then" take none of the enjoyment out of the game for me thus far. In fact, they have added some really nice immersion touches to the game.

[RainMaker]

The superman LBs will never be removed. It would make passing too easy.

[AgustusM]

Keep in mind that all I care about is offline franchise play - I never play online games and Head Coach in theory was my gaming nirvana.

I also thought the last couple Maddens have been very good and thought last years was excellent, easily the best in the series and a game I played a ton of. For the most part I thought madden got a bad rap.

with that in mind and the fact that the Head Coach guy was in charge of revamping Franchise mode I was pretty excited about this release.

Keep in mind I have only played a few hours but my very initial blink test is... i HATE it!

Franchise is worse, not better in my opinion. The old FA idea where you had multiple factors was extremely interesting now it is this ridiculous race against the clock. The draft import didnt work (until I read on the OS forum about a workaround that fixed it) I found the scouting to be exactly the same and Nothing like the excellent system from Head Coach and the much celebrated 75 man rosters really just gave you a few extra clicks to get to the same roster you would have before.

all in all I am very disappointed and leaning heavily to going back to madden 11 which is something I have never done.

didnt help that I fast simmed in order to get to all the off season stuff and my team the 49ers as they are currently constructed went 12-4 - yes you read that right 12-4

[RainMaker]

I can't speak for long term Franchises(Bill Abner says development is the best it has ever been), but assuming you can put up with the small bugs like the one I found, and the worst PbP the series has even put out then you will have a great time with the gameplay.
He said that players don't decline at all which seems bad since that's a big part of football.

[TroyF]

didnt help that I fast simmed in order to get to all the off season stuff and my team the 49ers as they are currently constructed went 12-4 - yes you read that right 12-4

My first impressions have been better, but Madden 12 may or may not be the game for me.

But it is absolutely not a big deal to me that a team who went 4-12 last year goes 12-4 in Madden.

Every year two or three teams jump from 3 or 4 wins to the playoffs. KC and Tampa jumped from 3 or 4 wins to 10 last year. Obviously, we know that talent shifts in the NFL due to salary cap issues, but beyond that there are a crapload of close games. SF Of that disaster stretch last year, SF lost 4 of their first 7 games by 3 points or less. 3 of those 4 losses came against playoff teams.

They get lucky and win those 4 coin flips and they sit 5-2 after 7 games last year with momentum. This year they get 8 games against Arizona, St.Louis, Seattle, Cincy and Cleveland. They have another game against what I feel is an overrated Tampa Bay team who was the reverse of SF last year.

Do they win 12 games? I highly doubt it. Hell, I don't think they win 8. But would it shock me if they won a few close ones to start the year and then caught fire like TB or KC last year? umm, no. If you look at their first 8 games, I could easily see a scenario where they went 6-2 or 5-3. (home games against Seattle, Dallas, Tampa and Cleveland. Road games against Cincy, Philly, Detroit and Washington)

Again, I'm not trying to say it is the game for you. And I'm not trying to say it's the game for me until I play around with it more.I just think ripping on an NFL sim because a 4 win team turned into a 12 win one is a little silly. My opinion, nothing more.

[Bigsmooth]

Looking forward to some more impressions. I'm really on the fence.

[Groundhog]

He said that players don't decline at all which seems bad since that's a big part of football.

Sheesh, at all? Chris Johnson gon' break himself some records.

To be fair, this is an issue in all the pro sims I play it seems. I'm quite a few years in on NBA 2K11 at this stage, and the stars decline at a very slow rate. A 36 year old CP3 is still dominant.

[General Mike]

Presentation is great. I suck at passing. In the 2 games I played last night, 90% of my completions came to TEs and backs it seemed like. I can't handle the pass rush, but the same can be said about NCAA.

[dubb93]

He said that players don't decline at all which seems bad since that's a big part of football.

No he said the odd superstar doesnt decline in some sims.
Player progression, one of the most critical parts of any franchise mode is mostly very good. You’ll see players hit their early 30s and start to fall off a bit while young players will sometimes make significant leaps in ability. It is as good as it has ever been in this regard – except in how it treats some superstars. In the tests I ran, simulating three, four, five years into a franchise, certain star players simply refused to decline. Finally these players retired due to age, because they certainly didn’t hang ‘em up due to a drop in ability. It’s like the game is timid about letting a player like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady actually show signs of age. Manning should simply not be rated a 98 overall by the time he’s 39. It’s frustrating because this portion of the franchise mode is a lot better – but superstars should age, too.

[spleen1015]

Didn't Favre have his best season ever his first year with the Vikings?

[Philliesfan980]

Getting the game at some point today in the mail. I'll play a little and post my impressions.

As a whole, I try and stay away from OS on most games - the nitpickers there really have a way of killing the game for me.

[BillJasper]

Some of my thoughts on the game:

- The whole 75 man roster deal is pretty useless. As stated above, your just cutting people who need to be cut. And by the end of the preseason there are like five hundred players in the Free Agent pool. Other teams still rarely sign quality free-agents.

- On the field gameplay would probably be the best ever if not for the Super LB's and Physic DB's. Ray Maualuga of the Bengals had four INT's against me in one game and everyone of them were leaping, one handed catches, I thought it was Randy Moss for a second. With the Physic DB's, the comeback routes are useless. I fixed the LB's in Madden 11 by turning jumping on every LB in the league to 12. I figure DB's can be fixed probably by turning down play recognition.

- Anyone that says "presentation" is better has a serious screw loose. They traded all the quarterly, halftime and two-minute warning statistical overlays for a tunnel run that I'll watch once and a halftime graphic overlay and less replays during halftime. And the commentary is an exact copy of Madden 11.

- My daughter got it for me from Gamestop as an early birthday present and I got the two "All-Star" teams as a bonus... forgot how much I actually missed playing with those over the years. Really wish they would bring back the yearly "All-Madden" team too.

- In franchise mode, I've played four games in Miami and it has been raining in every single one. How hard is it to do random weather?

[TRO]

- In franchise mode, I've played four games in Miami and it has been raining in every single one. How hard is it to do random weather?

Well, that is random. :p

[Sweed]

Made some adjustments to the sliders I used in the demo and played a fun game as the Rams(me) vs NE. Knocked them off 27-24.

sliders are adjusted a bit from the set I used in the demo

human:
55 for all passing sliders
50 for all rushing and defense

CPU:
90 for all sliders

Speed: very slow

threshold: 50. Not sure where this will end up buy both Jackson and NE RB were able to break off long runs with this setting. I'm thinking if I lower at all it will be 40-45. Something I'll watch closely in my franchise.

Penalties, fatigue were some I picked up from various OS threads that I thought looked good.

Biggest problem I ended up picking off Brady 4 times all in the first half. DPP in effect? Don't know. One was returned for 6 and ended up being the difference.

NE ran for 170+ yds and 240+ passing. Other than the picks Brady was Brady.

I couldn't run in the 1st half but in the 2nd Jackson started to make progress. Only 18 yds in 1st but about 170 in 2nd with two runs over 20 yds, one being a 72 yd break away while trying to run clock with under 3 minutes left and NE crowding the line. Take away the two big runs and rushing felt realistic (not that they were actually unrealistic) . Using gameflow the game had my Rams trying to establish the run early, didn't work. Came out hitting a couple of passes in the second half and was then able to get a little room to run. Can't say for sure it was "cause & effect" but if it was it's a good sign.

Hoping the huge second half rushing and the 4 picks of Brady are just sample size issues. I'm going to start my franchise using these sliders and see how they perform in preseason. Even if these problems persist I don't see them being something hard to fix with some slight adjustments.

Game play was very fun, better than last years NCAA and I loved that game. Can't say I've really seen a super LB issue. I've had balls batted and picked but only by guys that were in position to make a play and they're not doing 48" verticals jumps. In my experience if you wait for your receivers to clear they will make a play.

Haven't done anything with franchise but as far as on field I see the game as a keeper.

[BillJasper]

CPU:
90 for all sliders



I have issues playing on straight All-Pro, can't imagine things like pass defense and pass rush being set to 90. :eek:

[Sweed]

I have issues playing on straight All-Pro, can't imagine things like pass defense and pass rush being set to 90. :eek:

I thought the same thing when these were first posted on OS. I was surprised at how well they played and very surprised I was able to play using them without getting destroyed:)

Not sure how much difference it makes but I do play on very slow and edited my original post to make that clear.

[BillJasper]

I thought the same thing when these were first posted on OS. I was surprised at how well they played and very surprised I was able to play using them without getting destroyed:)

Not sure how much difference it makes but I do play on very slow and edited my original post to make that clear.

I'm gonna have to continue to tinker.

Beat the AFC with the NFC 24-10 (7 minute quarters/ no accelerated clock).

Held the AFC to 64 rushing yards and -12 passing yards. Brady was 3/11 for 30 yards and sacked 6 times. Michael Turner had 12 carries for 134 yards and 2 TD and Rodgers was 12/19 for 149 yards and 1 INT for the NFC (me).

It took some adjusting to get use to the 'very slow' speed but I thought offensively it played pretty well.

[sabotai]

One of my favorite plays to call on defense seems to have become a money play. I forget what it's called, but it's the nickel (4-2) play with both linebackers blitzing. I spread the LBs and the DL, and it results in a sack every time. Tuck had 7 sacks in one game on that one play, along with a few other players getting a few sacks as well. The play is in NCAA but isn't nearly as effective. It gets sacks, but I also give up a good number of big plays with it. In Madden, sack every time. Guess I have to stop calling that one.

[korme]

Did they make the tunnel run cool for like 10 players in the NFL? Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson run out for the Bengals, and the announcer says... "Your Starting Linebacker, and Your Starting Defensive End!" .... cool

[BillJasper]

Played two more games as the Detroit Lions on the 'very slow' settings...

First, I played Jacksonville at home. Beat the Jags 52-20, with Jahvid Best running for a league-record 325 yards on 25 carries and 5 TD's. Stafford was 11/12 for 178 yards and 2 TD's.

Then I went to New England and promptly fell behind 14-0. Tom Brady then went on a tear of 4 straight INT's after absolutely scorching me. Stafford went 8/25 with two scores including a 45 yard TD with 1 second remaining to Calvin Johnson, Best had 19 carries for 105 yards. Final score 24-21.

On the 'very slow' setting is does feel like I have more control over whats going on. Not sure if that's a good thing or not.

[Eaglesfan27]

I skipped last year but decided to take the plunge today. One thing that is evident is that interception slider needs to be turned down (and probably pass coverage a bit too.)

[sabotai]

Found the thread on OS with the sliders Sweed talked about. He now says to put them at 65 for all human sliders and 100 on all CPU sliders. Also, 100 player threshold and very slow game speed. Played Giants vs Rams and destroyed them 56-20. Running the ball for both teams was too easy, and WR catching is too high. Neither team had a player drop a pass, even when hit immediately after catching the ball.

But they were much better than anything I had come up with, and other than sticky hands and easy rushing attack, everything else felt good. Going to try putting the Run Block and WR Catching sliders down 15 points for both teams and see what happens.

[CleBrownsfan]

It's been a while that I have messed with sliders... larger the number is a more difficult setting or easier?

[dubb93]

Without having actually made it through a season yet, I have a theory about the superstar player progression issue. I have heard most of progression is tied to player performance this year. I bet the peak players are performing so highly that the performance gains and the age losses are canceling each other out. Just a theory that I can't test, but assuming aging is working on lesser players I would say this is probably the cause.

I wonder if those players would decline if they were placed in a backup role where they couldn't rack up massive stats?

[MizzouRah]

I'm still on AP defaults, 12 minute quarters.. damn does it take a LONG time to play a game. Really need a save game feature!!!

Beat the Titans 23-20 as Jackson had 176 yards at halftime.. broke an 88 yard TD where a LB couldn't bring him down and he scampered down the sidelines for 6.

I'm getting better at passing.. and it was odd to see the Titans pass and hardly use Chris Johnson.. it was preseason, maybe they were seeing what Hasselbeck has left. LOL

The halftime and end of game stuff sucks.. one thing I dearly miss from 2k5. Scoring a TD is great though and seeing the FG kicker warm up when the game is close and late in the game is a nice touch.

Game feels like they added a ton of stuff, but yet didn't finish certain things.

Not sure it's going to get a ton of playing time after the NCAA patch and NHL 12 drops though.. time will tell.

[General Mike]

One of my favorite plays to call on defense seems to have become a money play. I forget what it's called, but it's the nickel (4-2) play with both linebackers blitzing. I spread the LBs and the DL, and it results in a sack every time. Tuck had 7 sacks in one game on that one play, along with a few other players getting a few sacks as well. The play is in NCAA but isn't nearly as effective. It gets sacks, but I also give up a good number of big plays with it. In Madden, sack every time. Guess I have to stop calling that one.

Overstorm Brave, i think. Overload blitz is another similar play, with the nickelback blitzing instead of the 2nd LB.

[RainMaker]

So is this worth getting if you haven't liked the game the past few years? I mean I can deal with some gameplay issues if the franchise mode isn't completely broken.

[sabotai]

So is this worth getting if you haven't liked the game the past few years? I mean I can deal with some gameplay issues if the franchise mode isn't completely broken.

Probably not (yet). So far, it feels better than last year's, but there isn't anything revolutionary about the game play. And it's still too early to tell on the franchise mode.

[Sweed]

Found the thread on OS with the sliders Sweed talked about. He now says to put them at 65 for all human sliders and 100 on all CPU sliders. Also, 100 player threshold and very slow game speed. Played Giants vs Rams and destroyed them 56-20. Running the ball for both teams was too easy, and WR catching is too high. Neither team had a player drop a pass, even when hit immediately after catching the ball.

But they were much better than anything I had come up with, and other than sticky hands and easy rushing attack, everything else felt good. Going to try putting the Run Block and WR Catching sliders down 15 points for both teams and see what happens.

Yeah, he's bounced around a bit. First it was 65\100 then 55\90 and now back to 65\90. Agreed, running is too easy which ever setting you use. Going 50\90 felt great in the first half of my game against NE, second half makes me not so sure.

Also thought about dropping my passing to 50 settings also just to see how different it plays. Right now Bradford completes in the 60% range which is good just not sure if a tweak is needed for both WR and QB. God I hate slider tag. Having said that I do think either setting is a good base to build on.

With me picking Brady 4 times I believe I'll be reducing the int setting as I noticed someone else posted at OS they also got Brady 4 times. Hadn't really checked dropped passes for either side but will pay closer attention as I move on.

Going to start my franchise tonight and by preseason's end I hope to have a final setting for my regular season.

I do miss "My Skill" in the game and wish they hadn't removed it. I didn't play games using it but it was nice to be able to check what settings it was coming up with and compare that to what you thought you needed to change either up or down. Also gave you kind of a heads up as to how you were getting better at the game the longer you had it and where you might need to either strengthen the cpu or reduce human settings.

For Rainmaker I agree with sabotai, too early to tell on franchise. I loved recruiting in NCAA last year and have hated scouting in Madden on all next gen version. I'm hoping with 12 scouting will be fun and not tedious. I can live with a somewhat poor gui(there are complaints out there but I won't have a clue as to how bad it is until I get into the game) if the underlying feature actually works.

One more thing I will comment on is the announcing. I expected much worse as I read the posts at OS. Yeah, it's not good but I can live with it. I half expected broken "robot" voices ala the old baseball game Al Michaels announced on in the x286 pc days.

[sabotai]

What really kills the commentary for me is that the one guy (not Collingsworth, the guy who they dragged off the street) sounds like he's cumming every time anything happens. He goes way over the top even when talking about the XP and Kickoff.

"And TYNES! DRILLS! the extra point!"

"TYNES! Sets up for the KICKOFF!!!!!! *squirt*"

[NevStar]

First time buying Madden in 3 years. Mostly disappointed.

Franchise:
-Interface is all-around awful. Constantly having to back out of menus to find missing information on another screen.

-Free Agent bidding is dumb. No RFAs, I see players appear & disappear from resign lists.

Ultimate Team:
-The trade/auction search tool is bugged. It seems to randomly enter positions/teams in the filter when I put "All."

-No way to see # of games left per player from the depth chart

Superstar Mode, or whatever it's called:
-Starters play the entire game in preseason.
-I created a QB & was drafted in the second round by the Ravens & was immediately put 1st in the depth chart, even though Flacco was a 80-something overall & I was a 65.
-After 3 preseason games, went from a 65 to a 74. That seems too fast.
-Get bonus points for rushing yardage gained by your RB, or (in practice, not games) hard tackles made on the RB.

Stats:
-Tackles not recorded in supersim mode. If it doesn't get patched, this is a gamebreaker for me. If I can't get comparative accuracy between simmed & played games, I've lost interest.

In-Game:
- OK, I guess. I liked the highlights at halftime & don't know why they took it away.

[sooner333]

What really kills the commentary for me is that the one guy (not Collingsworth, the guy who they dragged off the street) sounds like he's cumming every time anything happens. He goes way over the top even when talking about the XP and Kickoff.


Well...it is Gus Johnson. But yeah, they didn't have him do excited and calm voices for some things...too bad.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well...it is Gus Johnson. But yeah, they didn't have him do excited and calm voices for some things...too bad.

That's a shame. I'm a big Gus Johnson fan. He does get crazy excited, but knows when to reign it in. Sounds like the developers just assumed that more = better which isn't necessarily the case.

[korme]

Draft could use some work. The projected top 5 picks is QB, QB, DL, OL, P. Uh.

[JediKooter]

Draft could use some work. The projected top 5 picks is QB, QB, DL, OL, P. Uh.

That's the Al Davis code they put in, under the hood.

[Eaglesfan27]

Draft could use some work. The projected top 5 picks is QB, QB, DL, OL, P. Uh.

NCAA imported roster or game generated roster?

[A-Husker-4-Life]

First time buying Madden in 3 years. Mostly disappointed.

Franchise:
-Interface is all-around awful. Constantly having to back out of menus to find missing information on another screen.

-Free Agent bidding is dumb. No RFAs, I see players appear & disappear from resign lists.

Ultimate Team:
-The trade/auction search tool is bugged. It seems to randomly enter positions/teams in the filter when I put "All."

-No way to see # of games left per player from the depth chart

Superstar Mode, or whatever it's called:
-Starters play the entire game in preseason.
-I created a QB & was drafted in the second round by the Ravens & was immediately put 1st in the depth chart, even though Flacco was a 80-something overall & I was a 65.
-After 3 preseason games, went from a 65 to a 74. That seems too fast.
-Get bonus points for rushing yardage gained by your RB, or (in practice, not games) hard tackles made on the RB.

Stats:
-Tackles not recorded in supersim mode. If it doesn't get patched, this is a gamebreaker for me. If I can't get comparative accuracy between simmed & played games, I've lost interest.

In-Game:
- OK, I guess. I liked the highlights at halftime & don't know why they took it away.

I feel for ya, this is the reason why I'm waiting on Madden.

It appears hey added too much to franchise mode and forgot to test half of the new additions.

This is too bad, since Madden is the only pro game on the market. Uggggg

I really wish they would release it on PC again, not sure why they stopped..

[korme]

NCAA imported roster. Still, I don't care if this punter is a 99 overall import, he ain't goin in the 1st round.

[Eaglesfan27]

NCAA imported roster. Still, I don't care if this punter is a 99 overall import, he ain't goin in the 1st round.

I agree, but os has reported a bug with the draft logic for NCAA classes. It supposedly doesn't effect game generated classes.

[dubb93]

I just had an O-Lineman false start. Gus yelled #74 like he had just scored the winning super bowl TD and then calmly said he moved early. My question, why have him say #74 like that. I can't picture a number 74 ever doing anything to deserve the number being voice recorded in that manner. Just bizarre.

[korme]

Annnd the punter went 4th overall

[Pumpy Tudors]

I remember the old days when I was just happy that the game included a draft, and that the draft didn't break my save game and make the game unplayable. I'm going to be like that again. I'm getting too old to worry about some of this stuff too much. Anybody else wanna be old with me?

[sabotai]

-I created a QB & was drafted in the second round by the Ravens & was immediately put 1st in the depth chart, even though Flacco was a 80-something overall & I was a 65.

I created a QB and was drafted in the 1st Round by the Chargers. Disappointed that there's no actual draft presentation either. One of the reasons I would love to play out a player in NCAA is to import to Madden and sit through a draft until I was picked. The way it is now, I would have to load and reload until it randomly picked a team that made sense.

[TCY Junkie]

I remember the old days when I was just happy that the game included a draft, and that the draft didn't break my save game and make the game unplayable. I'm going to be like that again. I'm getting too old to worry about some of this stuff too much. Anybody else wanna be old with me?

Sadly I'm so messed up I think what you said has inspired me to get the game.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I remember the old days when I was just happy that the game included a draft, and that the draft didn't break my save game and make the game unplayable. I'm going to be like that again. I'm getting too old to worry about some of this stuff too much. Anybody else wanna be old with me?

Gladly. Besides, even when I do play these games, I never play them long enough or well enough anoymore to really discover their flaws.

[MizzouRah]

I remember the old days when I was just happy that the game included a draft, and that the draft didn't break my save game and make the game unplayable. I'm going to be like that again. I'm getting too old to worry about some of this stuff too much. Anybody else wanna be old with me?

I'm like this and will be 40 next Tuesday, so I am old! :)

The game is fun to play, although after the NCAA patch, I still think I'll like that game better.

Going to super sim the last two of my preseason games so I can get to the season and the Eagles.

[whomario]

aparently i can´t import draft classes from NCAA on the PAL version of the game, that sucks ... Never though to check on it, the thought didn´t occur to me (and i only played NCAA for the first time last year and didn´t get madden then)

The interface is horrendous and stupid to navigate, other than that i´ve liked my first couple games very well :)

[MacroGuru]

Can I bitch in this thread about how bad this game sucks as much as the others bitch in the NCAA thread?

[Kodos]

I think that is a question for MBBF.

[dubb93]

Annnd the punter went 4th overall

Imported or Madden generated file?

EDIT: I ask bc I read that imported drafts break the CPU draft logic and that game generated drafts work well. Was just wondering if that is BS and the game generated ones get the same results.

[whomario]

of course the game created ones work well, that´s one benefit of the classes being "scripted"/pre-determined. If i haven´t missed anything there´s still 25 (?) fixed draft classes on the disc that get choosen by the game, the players aren´t "created" as such.

[dubb93]

of course the game created ones work well, that´s one benefit of the classes being "scripted"/pre-determined. If i haven´t missed anything there´s still 25 (?) fixed draft classes on the disc that get choosen by the game, the players aren´t "created" as such.

Yea and after last years version I prefer it this way. I enjoyed last years drafts to EAs notorious random ones. Word is the drafts this year have random player names assigned to the created players so replay is actually possible this year.

[whomario]

player resigning seems pretty stupid with no feedback or interest bar that updates as you change the offer, or am i just missing it ? :confused:

[MizzouRah]

This is an excellent read about franchise mode and should answer some of the questions asked on here.

Madden NFL 12 Franchise Mode Impressions | pastapadre.com (http://www.pastapadre.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-franchise-mode-impressions)

[whomario]

thanks, that is really helping me get into it :)

The commentary is really delayed, isn´t it ?

can i make "quick substitutions" when using the gameflow playcalling ?

[bhlloy]

This is an excellent read about franchise mode and should answer some of the questions asked on here.

Madden NFL 12 Franchise Mode Impressions | pastapadre.com (http://www.pastapadre.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-franchise-mode-impressions)

I have to admit I like the look of this. I'm weakening and might break down and buy it for the long weekend.

Random gripe - when will EA ever get defensive awards correct? I'm willing to bet the LB who I've never heard of who won DPOY probably had the most fumble recoveries in the league and the game weights those abnormally high. I regularly see players of the week in NCAA 12 (was there last year as well) that get awards with 2 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. Fix should be pretty simple, no?

[rowech]

I have to admit I like the look of this. I'm weakening and might break down and buy it for the long weekend.

Random gripe - when will EA ever get defensive awards correct? I'm willing to bet the LB who I've never heard of who won DPOY probably had the most fumble recoveries in the league and the game weights those abnormally high. I regularly see players of the week in NCAA 12 (was there last year as well) that get awards with 2 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. Fix should be pretty simple, no?

While all that's great, if I can still run a TE on a post pattern every play for 25 yards each time I'm not sure it's worth it.

[bhlloy]

Honestly, I guess my answer to that would be "name a sports game ever that doesn't have a bug that a human can exploit". It's nothing new, I just choose to play the game somewhat realistically and try to get realistic stats.

[ColtCrazy]

Quick question for those that have played the game. I'm doing the Madden tourney at WalMart tomorrow. If things stand as they are, there's only one guy around town that plays well (and he always plays the Steelers). So what would be a good team to counter the Steelers, and play to my strengths (I'm a dink and dunker and like a defense that is strong in pass defense)? Thanks. Would really like to win this game for free so I don't have to fight with myself on whether to spend $60 on it!!!! :D

[MizzouRah]

Lost the home opener to Philly, 28-23.. Bradford's completion % was 70.8, but he threw 4 INT's. Vick ran every chance he got and most of the time he would slide. :)

Other than two long bombs - one was a jump ball with two of my defenders right in Macklin's face, we held Vick in check.

AP defaults, 12 min quarters - Jackson only had 54 yards and McCoy had 75.

Lots of FG's from both teams and overall, a decent and quite honestly.. a fun first season game.

One FG they attempted, I had a reverse angle on defense.. wish it was like that all of the time!

We head to New York to face the 1-0 Giants next.

[BillJasper]

Lost the home opener to Philly, 28-23.. Bradford's completion % was 70.8, but he threw 4 INT's. Vick ran every chance he got and most of the time he would slide. :)

Other than two long bombs - one was a jump ball with two of my defenders right in Macklin's face, we held Vick in check.

AP defaults, 12 min quarters - Jackson only had 54 yards and McCoy had 75.

Lots of FG's from both teams and overall, a decent and quite honestly.. a fun first season game.

One FG they attempted, I had a reverse angle on defense.. wish it was like that all of the time!

We head to New York to face the 1-0 Giants next.

I'm playing a franchise with the Redskins using the 90/50 sliders on very slow (9 min. quarters). Beware, Bradshaw and Jacobs are impossible to tackle. Lost to them 31-28 (those two racked up 200 yards on the ground between them) with Grossman throwing four TD's and two picks. Came back the next week and beat Arizona handily 44-14.

Really liking this game with the exception that every franchise home game I've played thus far has been in rain.

[Izulde]

So reading pastapadre's review made me wary of 2012, just based on things I like in a game. But it also made me nostalgic for Head Coach 09. Went to Gamestop and they had the PS3 version for a little over $4 with tax. Considering my copy at my parents' house I forgot to bring with is 360 and I like my PS3 a lot more than my 360, I'll consider this a win.

[MizzouRah]

I'm playing a franchise with the Redskins using the 90/50 sliders on very slow (9 min. quarters). Beware, Bradshaw and Jacobs are impossible to tackle. Lost to them 31-28 (those two racked up 200 yards on the ground between them) with Grossman throwing four TD's and two picks. Came back the next week and beat Arizona handily 44-14.

Really liking this game with the exception that every franchise home game I've played thus far has been in rain.

Thanks.. including my play now games and the preseason games, each game has been different so far.

I've also had all rain games, except for home games - which thankfully, I'm in a dome.

I think there is an issue with weather that I hope they fix.

End of game logic was spot on too for the Eagles game.

[whomario]

The free agency bidding takes some getting used to ... I´m sorry, but if you do sth like that then you should at least be able to browse through before it starts ... Or have a "slider" to determine the speed at which the whole thing goes down.

I actually like the rookie scouting, although it would be nice to get a general idea on players beforehand (nothing specific, but maybe what type of player a guy is i.e. blocking or receiving TE)

Could anybody tell me where to make formation-subs ? Or isn´t that in the game ? :confused: (both pre-game and in-game) Like say i wanted to bring in my Backup HB for the next snap.
I just don´t find it in game

I think i have to up the INT slider but give myself more time and/or upgrade my receivers and downgrade pass coverage, i am making really shitty throws still but defenders drop too many easy Interceptions.

Had a really fun game with the Patriots against the Chargers, winning 36-33 in OT after catching a huge break when Edelman made a awesome play in a jumpball-situation.

small things that bug me :

- the strategy pad is impossible to "read" with it being "black on black". Will take me a while to memorize the controlls

- On the trade block screen you can´t bring up information on the players offered

[dubb93]

Defenders have to drop INTs due to the unrealistic nature of WR and CB play. With the WRs not fighting for the ball and CBs being super aggressive(and at times clipping through receivers) I would be very careful about upping the INT slider.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

So reading pastapadre's review made me wary of 2012, just based on things I like in a game. But it also made me nostalgic for Head Coach 09. Went to Gamestop and they had the PS3 version for a little over $4 with tax. Considering my copy at my parents' house I forgot to bring with is 360 and I like my PS3 a lot more than my 360, I'll consider this a win.

I did that last year. It's a lot more fun for me at a very reasonable price.

[Julio Riddols]

I love how most of the new additions that are being spoken of in the pastapadre review were in the last gen version of the game back in 07. Its still the best version of the game, IMO.

[whomario]

Question : Aparenntly you can´t change the injury-frequency slider within franchise mode, if i change it in the main menu does it still change for a new franchise ? Or even for an allready running one ? Or is that set at what EA considers "normal" amount forever ?

[whomario]

There is a massive Bug in Franchise btw that´ll make it unplayable sooner rather than later :

the CPU gets fooled by the absurdly high projected OVRL ratings of undrafted rokie FAs in the 75 man roster (which doesn´t make any sense to begin with, why would you ever project an undrafted rookie to be a 95 rated player ?) and doesn´t release them in the cut-rounds or afterwards, as a result you´ll have tons of ridiculously low rated (30s and 40s) players on each roster ...

Hooray EA :banghead:

[BillJasper]

There is a massive Bug in Franchise btw that´ll make it unplayable sooner rather than later :

the CPU gets fooled by the absurdly high projected OVRL ratings of undrafted rokie FAs in the 75 man roster (which doesn´t make any sense to begin with, why would you ever project an undrafted rookie to be a 95 rated player ?) and doesn´t release them in the cut-rounds or afterwards, as a result you´ll have tons of ridiculously low rated (30s and 40s) players on each roster ...

Hooray EA :banghead:

I wonder when this starts making itself apparent? Through the first pre-season every team pretty much kept all their quality players. Trust me... I was going through the FA list every week looking for a gem to add to the Redskins. :lol:

[whomario]

i know that by game 1 of the regular season of year 2 it is very much apparent :(

[dubb93]

Fantastic. This should be patched prior to midseason. Don't panic guys ;)

[Kodos]

I haven't opened my copy yet. I meant to cancel my preorder, but Hurricane Irene came and it fell off of my radar. Chances are good I would sell it if someone made a decent offer for it. :)

[cuervo72]

the CPU gets fooled by the absurdly high projected OVRL ratings of undrafted rokie FAs in the 75 man roster (which doesn´t make any sense to begin with, why would you ever project an undrafted rookie to be a 95 rated player ?) and doesn´t release them in the cut-rounds or afterwards, as a result you´ll have tons of ridiculously low rated (30s and 40s) players on each roster ...

Eh, owners in MP FOF did this for years, no biggie. ;)

[BillJasper]

Eh, owners in MP FOF did this for years, no biggie. ;)

Just scrolled through the FA list. See that the Jets cut Muhammad Wilkerson (their 2011 first pick). I do see a number of teams with a large amount of 30's, 40's and 50's on their rosters.

But is it a bug or a combination of teams being unable to keep some of these players due to cap space?

:(

[MizzouRah]

Holy smokes this game is hella fun!

Beat the Giants 21-17 as Eli Manning was injured, although Rosenfelds did pretty good.

Jackson had 178 yards rushing and 2 TD's and Bradshaw had 176 yards rushing for the G men.

DE Chris Long was injured part of the way into the 3rd quarter and the rookie Robert Quinn came in and had a sack and 3 tackles for losses... quite an impact player!

If you go into instant replay and back out before a FG, the play will be reversed and for me, that view is pretty cool.

The game plays pretty damn close to the real NFL as far as actual gameplay goes and I'm quite happy with my purchase thus far.

Without sucking blocking, it's a thing of beauty to watch my OL break off blocks as I run Jackson behind them up field.

The Ravens come to St. Louis next...

[Bigsmooth]

Finally played the demo. It felt like everybody was on roller skates. Kinda hated it. Is that the fast setting?

[whomario]

Just scrolled through the FA list. See that the Jets cut Muhammad Wilkerson (their 2011 first pick). I do see a number of teams with a large amount of 30's, 40's and 50's on their rosters.

But is it a bug or a combination of teams being unable to keep some of these players due to cap space?

:(

definitely a bug. They cut them because some players that were drafted high somehow shot up with very low "projected" ratings while many of the undrafted FAs show up with ridiculously high guessed-ratings

I just ran a 32 team franchise where i default everything to "auto" for all 32 teams but go in before the first preseason game and release all undrafted rookies signed on (via "player management, not the cut player screen), that way the cpu only has about 60-65 guys in preseason and when it has to cut guys it allready has a better idea of it´s own rookies and doesn´t cut them.

After doing that for both the initial season and the next offseason it looked pretty good. But it´s obviously a pain in the ass, you won´t have trades and have to manually click "sim this pick" until your own 7th round pick in the draft ... Other than that you can just select all teams when you start the franchise and on the initial setup you set everything to "auto", then in the franchise menu select your team of choice and set everything for that team to "user" (don´t switch teams while in the options menu, that´ll screw things up)

There´s still players in FA that´d be an upgrade in some/many teams, but looks a ton better allready (f.e. the highest rated player left was a 78 center)

[rowech]

Talk about irony. Critics kinda pan this game finally as no big deal and FOFC seems to be really positive on it.

[sabotai]

Just had my best game so far. As the Giants I beat ARI 34-10, but it was 17-10 going into the 4th quarter. Kicked a FG to make it 20-10, scored a TD while running down the clock late in the game, and on the next drive, intercepted Anderson and ran it for the TD.

Stats

Arizona
Derek Anderson 22-35, 277 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Hightower 15 rushes, 17 yards (still messing with the sliders to make the CPU better)

L. Fitzgerald 8 rec, 124 yards
Doucet 5-67
Breston 3-40


NY Giants
Eli Manning 21-31, 253 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

A. Bradshaw 13-54
B. Jacobs 13-126 (broke off a ~60 yard run)

H. Nicks 6-109
K. Boss 6-57

Sliders (Hum-CPU)
QB: 65-100
PB: 65-100
WR: 45-45

BT: 65-100
RB: 40-90 (tried CPU run blocking at 100 and was a bit too much. Going to try 95)
Fum: 65-75

Pass React: 60-90
INT: 35-35
Pass Rush: 65-100

Run React: 60-100
Block Shed: 60-100
Tackle: 70-100

Going to lower the User Run Defense sliders by 10 each and see how that works.

12 minute quarters, 100 Player Speed threshold, Very Slow game speed

[whomario]

@ sabotai : 100 threshold ? WHat´s the idea behind that ?

[ColtCrazy]

Madden Tournament report:

Our tiny country Walmart didn't have many show up, about 11 guys in the tourney. Talked my 7 year old son into playing. I'm 36. Everyone else was 17-25 probably. Winner got Madden, runner up got $30 gift card. Drew a bye so started in the final 8.


Game 1: During the opening match I found out my son and I were the only 2 there that hadn't played this year's version at all. In fact, everyone else there already owned a copy. The first guy I played was a bit of a douche. I guess since I was there with my son he figured we didn't know anything. Early in our game, I had to ask what was hot routes. Everyone else chimed in the button. He went on a diatribe on the definition of hot routes.

Anyway, I took Green Bay because they seemed to fit my style best. He took the Falcons. He played a ton of deep zones expecting me to go deep, but I usually take 2-3 shots deep a game and stick to the short passing game. Built a 17-3 halftime lead and controlled the clock most of the way. He cut the game to 24-17 in the 2nd thanks to me going a little too conservative, but I managed to run the clock out. He was a good player but just a little overconfident. Pays to be old sometimes I guess.

Game 2: I ended up playing my son in the semifinals. Yes, proud moment, my 7 year old made it to the semifinals. Admittedly, he was in the weakest bracket, but still, to see someone leave after a 7 year old beats you...I ended up beating him, though it was a close game. I was the Lions. I think I won by 14. He was pretty happy.

Game 3: Ended up playing this tank of a guy that coaches youth football. Could read defenses presnap and the best Madden player I've played head to head. His first game ended 28-0 at halftime on a mercy plea. He won game 2 by 14 but it should have been more but you could see he kind of let the guy score. He always used the Ravens, so I went back to the Pack to see if I could spread his defense out.

We traded interceptions early. He had been killing with Ray Rice all day but I was holding him in check (he ended with 90 yards) but he hit a couple of good deep outs and was constantly changing things up and making me think. I was attacking his linebackers with seams and slants and doing an okay job moving the ball. He ended up scoring before the half on a field goal and took a 3 point lead.

He got the ball to start the second and scored to put me down 10. We traded TDs and in the 4th I started a drive to score a TD to cut the game to 31-28. With 3 minutes left, he started a time killing drive that eventually got to my 30. I was out of timeouts with 1:30 left. He had a 4th and 2, but decided to kick the field goal and let his defense win it.

I got to midfield with about 40 seconds left and then I got sacked. We both thought it was over. I went no huddle and sent Jordy Nelson on a streak from the slot hoping for single coverage since Driver and Finley were on that side. Got single coverage and step and let it fly. What happened defies logic. The Raven defender not only caught up to Nelson, but actually gets ahead of him. But he doesn't turn in time. The ball rolls off his back right before he begins to turn, bounces back to Nelson who catches it and runs into the end zone. We both stood up and yelled (different things of course) and the store just stops as gives us a WTF look. I end up winning 35-34.

So thank God I won the game because I would have had to buy it had I lost!

[sabotai]

@ sabotai : 100 threshold ? WHat´s the idea behind that ?

*shrug* It's what the sliders I found on OS said to do (and I've tinkered with them) and it seems to work pretty well.

[Izulde]

Madden Tournament report:

Our tiny country Walmart didn't have many show up, about 11 guys in the tourney. Talked my 7 year old son into playing. I'm 36. Everyone else was 17-25 probably. Winner got Madden, runner up got $30 gift card. Drew a bye so started in the final 8.


Game 1: During the opening match I found out my son and I were the only 2 there that hadn't played this year's version at all. In fact, everyone else there already owned a copy. The first guy I played was a bit of a douche. I guess since I was there with my son he figured we didn't know anything. Early in our game, I had to ask what was hot routes. Everyone else chimed in the button. He went on a diatribe on the definition of hot routes.

Anyway, I took Green Bay because they seemed to fit my style best. He took the Falcons. He played a ton of deep zones expecting me to go deep, but I usually take 2-3 shots deep a game and stick to the short passing game. Built a 17-3 halftime lead and controlled the clock most of the way. He cut the game to 24-17 in the 2nd thanks to me going a little too conservative, but I managed to run the clock out. He was a good player but just a little overconfident. Pays to be old sometimes I guess.

Game 2: I ended up playing my son in the semifinals. Yes, proud moment, my 7 year old made it to the semifinals. Admittedly, he was in the weakest bracket, but still, to see someone leave after a 7 year old beats you...I ended up beating him, though it was a close game. I was the Lions. I think I won by 14. He was pretty happy.

Game 3: Ended up playing this tank of a guy that coaches youth football. Could read defenses presnap and the best Madden player I've played head to head. His first game ended 28-0 at halftime on a mercy plea. He won game 2 by 14 but it should have been more but you could see he kind of let the guy score. He always used the Ravens, so I went back to the Pack to see if I could spread his defense out.

We traded interceptions early. He had been killing with Ray Rice all day but I was holding him in check (he ended with 90 yards) but he hit a couple of good deep outs and was constantly changing things up and making me think. I was attacking his linebackers with seams and slants and doing an okay job moving the ball. He ended up scoring before the half on a field goal and took a 3 point lead.

He got the ball to start the second and scored to put me down 10. We traded TDs and in the 4th I started a drive to score a TD to cut the game to 31-28. With 3 minutes left, he started a time killing drive that eventually got to my 30. I was out of timeouts with 1:30 left. He had a 4th and 2, but decided to kick the field goal and let his defense win it.

I got to midfield with about 40 seconds left and then I got sacked. We both thought it was over. I went no huddle and sent Jordy Nelson on a streak from the slot hoping for single coverage since Driver and Finley were on that side. Got single coverage and step and let it fly. What happened defies logic. The Raven defender not only caught up to Nelson, but actually gets ahead of him. But he doesn't turn in time. The ball rolls off his back right before he begins to turn, bounces back to Nelson who catches it and runs into the end zone. We both stood up and yelled (different things of course) and the store just stops as gives us a WTF look. I end up winning 35-34.

So thank God I won the game because I would have had to buy it had I lost!

Very cool story. Hell of a championship, too.

[korme]

My imported rookies from NCAA are all born in 1956-1959. Sweet. Running a test franchise to see if they all retire after the 2nd season. SMH

[BillJasper]

My imported rookies from NCAA are all born in 1956-1959. Sweet. Running a test franchise to see if they all retire after the 2nd season. SMH

Priceless. :lol:

[Mike Lowe]

What are the 90/50 sliders?

[Mike Lowe]

Just had my best game so far. As the Giants I beat ARI 34-10, but it was 17-10 going into the 4th quarter. Kicked a FG to make it 20-10, scored a TD while running down the clock late in the game, and on the next drive, intercepted Anderson and ran it for the TD.

Stats

Arizona
Derek Anderson 22-35, 277 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Hightower 15 rushes, 17 yards (still messing with the sliders to make the CPU better)

L. Fitzgerald 8 rec, 124 yards
Doucet 5-67
Breston 3-40


NY Giants
Eli Manning 21-31, 253 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

A. Bradshaw 13-54
B. Jacobs 13-126 (broke off a ~60 yard run)

H. Nicks 6-109
K. Boss 6-57

Sliders (Hum-CPU)
QB: 65-100
PB: 65-100
WR: 45-45

BT: 65-100
RB: 40-90 (tried CPU run blocking at 100 and was a bit too much. Going to try 95)
Fum: 65-75

Pass React: 60-90
INT: 35-35
Pass Rush: 65-100

Run React: 60-100
Block Shed: 60-100
Tackle: 70-100

Going to lower the User Run Defense sliders by 10 each and see how that works.

12 minute quarters, 100 Player Speed threshold, Very Slow game speed

What are you using for skill level and penalties?

[Mike Lowe]

Acc clock, strafe, sprint, injuries, fatigue settings too please!

[sabotai]

I'm still trying to get a good set for penalties. Haven't really gotten it good enough. I have Holding and Roughing the Passer at 53 and get them a realistic amount of times. The rest, not so much. I think I'm going to have to live with that. Some of the others are set at 100 and I never see them.

Skill level doesn't really exist anymore (skill levels are just preset values for the sliders now) Acc clock is automatically on for franchise, and I turn auto-strafe and auto-sprint off. I think I have fatigue at 65 and injuries at 35.

Auto sub out at 84, in at 85 for all position except QB and OL. I leave them on default.

[MizzouRah]

This game is mentally taxing.. :D

Was tied 10-10 at the half against the Ravens, Ray Lewis was injured with a pinced nerve and out for the rest of the game.. Bradford had 3 INT's in the first half and Avery had a fumble, but our defense was putting tons of pressure on Flacco - Quinn had 2 sacks already (James Hall might find himself out of a job once Chris Long gets back).

Second half was a whole new game as the Ravens came out and started to establish a running game. A 47 yard scamper later by Ray Rice and the Ravens took a 17-10 lead. Rice was a beast in the second half and it was great to see the Ravens adjust and go to the running game - Rice finished with 139 yards, second game in a row where I allowed over 100 yards.

Flacco had a couple of great long passes, one to Lee Evans and one to Tandon Doss, both for scores - Bradford would add a 47 yard TD pass to Amendola and we would lose 38-24.

It's a great feeling to find that WR bolt past a CB and leading him perfectly for a score. Avery also had an 88 kickoff return to the 8 yard line, which resulted in a score.

Washington (2-1) comes in next to face us (1-2) and then a much needed bye week to heal my offensive line.

It's not a perfect game by no means, but it's a believeable game of pro football and I'm having more fun with Madden than I've had in years. A lot of nice game touches like the chain gang, refs running over to make a call on a catch, the kicker warming up, etc..

[Groundhog]

OK, just picked this up. Thanks a lot you cruel sons o' bitches.

[whomario]

first off : Does anyone have any advice on how to best/quickest put together a game plan ?

Gameplay is very fun and challenging, Franchise virtually unplayable and i´m not sure the problem(s) can be fixed since they aren´t even getting acknowledged by EA at all or get spun around. Response to a Twitter question on what the hell is up with every team having 15-20 undrafted guys rated in the 30s and 40s and that´s after 1 season...


@hcut2k4 We tried to replicate the turnover that happens in the NFL every year.


:banghead:

Without the "new and exciting feature" of 75 man rosters the mode would instantly be great, you had to know that this would be the one feature that will screw up roster logig and of course it did. You don´t create a crappy Roster logic (was allways crappy in every EA game) and then give it more things to screw up ...

If it were 2,3 guys each year or a couple lower rated (say, 60ish) guys getting signed for salary cap reasons, fine. But it is clearly not that, it´s the CPU cutting 70 rated real guys because Undrafted Free Agents get assigned 90 ratings, only to be revealed as 40 rated after the final preseason game. (and on the other side of things you´ll have 1st rounders displayed as 40 rated and turn out to be 80 rated and then sit and rot on the FA list)
All teams have lots of capspace btw after season 1, hooray ...
And since it´s not likely that EA will take out one of their biggest feature and it seems rather cut and dry, my hopes for fixing it are slim at best ...

If the 75 man rosters were optional we wouldn´t have a problem. When will sports game designers get the memo to make things optional ?

The only way to play Franchise right now is to controll all 32 teams (remember to set everything to "cpu" in the franchise setup, once started you can then switch to your desired human team and change it´s settings back to "user") and :

manually cut guys for every team or rather (less time consuming) to go in week 1 of the preseason and cut all UDFAs (just sort by total salary, the UDFAs are at 310k) and sign a couple valid FAs for every team and/or take over resigning.
Took me roughly 2 hours and that´s not counting the draft where with 32 team controll you have to sim every single pick ...

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah - fuck that, and fuck you EA. Not worth my time.

[Groundhog]

My initial impressions.

Started up a dynasty last night. After weighing the pros and cons of each team, I opted with the Panthers because they have the coolest uniforms. I also like their RBs and pretty solid & young offensive linemen. But mainly the uniforms.

I faced off against the Cardinals in my first pre-season game, 2nd highest difficulty setting (All-Pro?), 12 min quarters, only sliders I adjusted was the INT to 35 for both, and I bumped the CPU running related sliders up to 65.
Defensively, Derek Anderson had a laser arm and was something crazy like 15-20 at the end of the 1st Q, although mostly short to midrange passes, and I think he finished at around 5.5 yard per completion, so I was OK with that. The problem was just about everywhere else for the Cardinals, as against the starters we sacked Anderson 6 times in the 1st Q, and their RBs averaged less than 1.5 yards each.

Offensively there was a huge difference even between the average arms of Cam Newton and those of Jimmy Clausen. For the most part Newton put it where I expected it and had no picks, although I made a few bad throws that were deflected. Clausen on the other hand, we had a sure TD with a WR in space streaking across the field with two DBs trailing him, and Clausen threw it about 5 yards behind the WR straight to one of the DBs for a pick.

I simmed the rest of the pre-season, and played the superior Packers.

Defensively it was more of the same. The Packers received the kick and we sacked Rodgers on 3 straight possessions, which seemed a little extreme given the talent of both teams, although Beason had 2 of those sacks. I pumped up the pass blocking of the CPU to 95 but for the majority of the game it almost felt unfair when I rushed 2 LBs, as Rodgers just held onto it too long. He finished an unbelievable 4-17 with 1 pick for 27 yards! After we sacked him so many times to start the game, his accuracy and decision making went out the window and his WRs were dropping it whenever we hit them. I think they got about 60-ish yards on the ground, but again, were largely ineffective.

Offensively, well, despite all the above, we lost. Due to the dystopian, bleak dimension that EA decided to include in their title this year, it rains all the time. Apparently Cam Newton has never played in the rain before either, because he fumbled the ball no less than 4 times, losing 2 of them for defensive TDs, while DeAngelo Williams lost it just 3 times, 1 for a TD. Outside of that, Newton played pretty well, completing 18 of 28 passes for 2 TDs an 0 INTs, although I can’t get anything going on the ground with him. The running game was, fumbles aside, a little too easy too, although Clay Matthews was a monster when he got into my backfield, and had 3 sacks and a bunch of TFLs.

I’m thinking I need to try these 65-100 sliders, but I’m having fun with it even if the CPU has been hopelessly inept on offense.

[Sweed]

My initial impressions.

Started up a dynasty last night. After weighing the pros and cons of each team, I opted with the Panthers because they have the coolest uniforms. I also like their RBs and pretty solid & young offensive linemen. But mainly the uniforms.

I faced off against the Cardinals in my first pre-season game, 2nd highest difficulty setting (All-Pro?), 12 min quarters, only sliders I adjusted was the INT to 35 for both, and I bumped the CPU running related sliders up to 65.
Defensively, Derek Anderson had a laser arm and was something crazy like 15-20 at the end of the 1st Q, although mostly short to midrange passes, and I think he finished at around 5.5 yard per completion, so I was OK with that. The problem was just about everywhere else for the Cardinals, as against the starters we sacked Anderson 6 times in the 1st Q, and their RBs averaged less than 1.5 yards each.

Offensively there was a huge difference even between the average arms of Cam Newton and those of Jimmy Clausen. For the most part Newton put it where I expected it and had no picks, although I made a few bad throws that were deflected. Clausen on the other hand, we had a sure TD with a WR in space streaking across the field with two DBs trailing him, and Clausen threw it about 5 yards behind the WR straight to one of the DBs for a pick.

I simmed the rest of the pre-season, and played the superior Packers.

Defensively it was more of the same. The Packers received the kick and we sacked Rodgers on 3 straight possessions, which seemed a little extreme given the talent of both teams, although Beason had 2 of those sacks. I pumped up the pass blocking of the CPU to 95 but for the majority of the game it almost felt unfair when I rushed 2 LBs, as Rodgers just held onto it too long. He finished an unbelievable 4-17 with 1 pick for 27 yards! After we sacked him so many times to start the game, his accuracy and decision making went out the window and his WRs were dropping it whenever we hit them. I think they got about 60-ish yards on the ground, but again, were largely ineffective.

Offensively, well, despite all the above, we lost. Due to the dystopian, bleak dimension that EA decided to include in their title this year, it rains all the time. Apparently Cam Newton has never played in the rain before either, because he fumbled the ball no less than 4 times, losing 2 of them for defensive TDs, while DeAngelo Williams lost it just 3 times, 1 for a TD. Outside of that, Newton played pretty well, completing 18 of 28 passes for 2 TDs an 0 INTs, although I can’t get anything going on the ground with him. The running game was, fumbles aside, a little too easy too, although Clay Matthews was a monster when he got into my backfield, and had 3 sacks and a bunch of TFLs.

I’m thinking I need to try these 65-100 sliders, but I’m having fun with it even if the CPU has been hopelessly inept on offense.

A very good place to start and then tweak to your taste. As for me I would lower cpu receivers catching to 65. My thoughts are that with the cpu getting 100 pass protection and 100 accuracy the receivers should make the catch the same as I do. I don't take control of receivers I let the cpu make my catches. I guess if you take control of receivers than maybe the 100 cpu catch is justified. Add to it I was hardly seeing any cpu drops while my guys were on occasion dropping balls.

I'm also watching cpu completion pcts. closely. Only one regular season game so far so have no clue where this will go. If they are too high I will begin to lower cpu accuracy 5 points at a time and then tweak when I feel I am close.

[MizzouRah]

Just call me Mr. Interception..

I'm now 1-3 to start the season as the Redskins kicked my arse.. most of it due to throwing 4 INT's. The window is really small on passes, unless you get a blown coverage and even then a CB can pop out of nowhere to pick one off.

In NCAA, I let the CPU reorder my depth chart most of the time - kind of makes me feel on an even keel with the AI teams, but good players really stand out in Madden, so even though my starting RE comes back next game, I'm going with the rookie due to how dominant he's been playing thus far.

My SS has also been out and the long pass jump balls are killing us.

I think I'll see if I can get a future draft pick for Clayton and then I just might sign TO.

[AENeuman]

Just call me Mr. Interception..

Me too. I think a lot of it is un-learning the old old ways. It used to be that when passing to a back they would magically turn around no matter where they were in their route. now it seems the cb,lb have the magic.

however, i think that there is an extra emphasis put on reading the defense, and if you do, a lot more "risky" passes are completed.

[Scoobz0202]

Just broke down and picked up the game. First game of my Cowboys franchise against the Jets. Both Romo and Felix go down with broken collarbones. :(

[MizzouRah]

Me too. I think a lot of it is un-learning the old old ways. It used to be that when passing to a back they would magically turn around no matter where they were in their route. now it seems the cb,lb have the magic.

however, i think that there is an extra emphasis put on reading the defense, and if you do, a lot more "risky" passes are completed.

True.. very true..

[whomario]

After spending a couple hours setting up my "franchise" (32 team controll with "cpu" for everything besides cuts, making releases and cuts for every team so that there aren´t 5-10 Uundrafted guys in the 30s and 40s on every roster) i finally got started yesterday.

Not sure if i have the energy to do all that work for coming offseasons to do a real franchise ...

I´m going to play it more as a season-mode type thing, went through preseason with injuries off (+ the cutting and releasing) and then saved it on the first week of the season so that i can get back to it and try with another team with everything set up.

First go around i´ve taken the Packers because 1) i loved watching them last year and 2) i suck and wanted to play with a good team ;)

Week 1 was a tough 28-31 loss to the Saints, very fun game though. The backbreaker was when i threw my only Interception with the game tied 21-21 at the start of the 4th quarter, after a great drive i ended up with 2nd and goal on the 5 and totally didn´t recognize a defender that ended up getting the Interceptions. I was sure i had Jennings open and didn´t see the guy standing 2 feet next to where i threw the ball ...

5 plays later Brees threw a great 40 yard TD and i never recovered ...

I really played an exceptionally mistake-free and controlled game for my standards (it helps that the run game is fun for me for like the first time ever in a football game) but then had to throw that god-awfull pass ...

[Sweed]

After spending a couple hours setting up my "franchise" (32 team controll with "cpu" for everything besides cuts, making releases and cuts for every team so that there aren´t 5-10 Uundrafted guys in the 30s and 40s on every roster) i finally got started yesterday.

Not sure if i have the energy to do all that work for coming offseasons to do a real franchise ...

I´m going to play it more as a season-mode type thing, went through preseason with injuries off (+ the cutting and releasing) and then saved it on the first week of the season so that i can get back to it and try with another team with everything set up.

First go around i´ve taken the Packers because 1) i loved watching them last year and 2) i suck and wanted to play with a good team ;)

Week 1 was a tough 28-31 loss to the Saints, very fun game though. The backbreaker was when i threw my only Interception with the game tied 21-21 at the start of the 4th quarter, after a great drive i ended up with 2nd and goal on the 5 and totally didn´t recognize a defender that ended up getting the Interceptions. I was sure i had Jennings open and didn´t see the guy standing 2 feet next to where i threw the ball ...

5 plays later Brees threw a great 40 yard TD and i never recovered ...

I really played an exceptionally mistake-free and controlled game for my standards (it helps that the run game is fun for me for like the first time ever in a football game) but then had to throw that god-awfull pass ...


I am going ahead with my single team franchise, here is why..

Set up an "all teams" franchise and don't like it. Using the change\backout instructions to make changes stick for each team and couldn't get my team to user scout and other teams to cpu scout. It was either all cpu or all human. Not playing if I can't scout for my team and certainly not scouting for every team.

In my single team franchise I go back and look at opening day rosters since I'd only played one game and hadn't advanced to week two. Some teams had only 1 udfa while others had a few but I'd say approx half of those guys were good enough to make a team.
So of course to fix the problem I had to also delete anyone that did have the ability to play. I also notice, as others have said, low rated players don't even get into the depth chart so pretty much never see the field. My hope is major injury results in cpu using IR and signing a player instead of using one of these scrubs but until that happens the cpu should be keeping these players as they do count against the cap if cut. It is like RL, team made a bad call and is now living with it until next year when the contract is up.

I do think this is an issue.

I do think it needs to be patched to work better.

I don't think this should have gotten through testing if it is indeed a bug, but wouldn't be surprised to find it is actually working as designed and is simply poorly done.

I'm still not convinced it is a game breaker. I would think the cpu, once knowing true value of a player, will in the second season cut those with low ratings and only keep UDFAs that have the attributes to make the team. There is a post talking about a couple of udfas coming back for a second season but no mention if it's because they are scrubs or actually have the attributes to justify it. My guess is they do.

Anyway my hope is that EA does patch this to make it better, it's certainly not good "as is". I will continue my single team franchise figuring if it is patched it will fix the issue in an on-going game.

[BillJasper]

Yeah... I just plan to push forward with my single player franchise. I'll put in some house rules if things get too out of hand, no signing 90+ OVR free agents is one I've used for years.

My Redskins are finally atop the NFC East with an 8-3 record after beating the winless Seahawks 24-3.

[MizzouRah]

Week 5, I traded Mark Clayton to the Bills for a 2nd string CB who could be good in a few years - I then released my worst CB and signed TO to a 1 yr/$850 deal. He had 1 catch for 27 yards on a jump ball.

We went into Lambeau field and upset the Super Bowl Champs, 31-17!
Rogers had 4 INT's and up until this game, I only had 1 INT. I have a stud DT who got 4 sacks and I was blitzing Rogers all game.

We were down 17-14 at the half after I missed a short FG right before the half and in the second half I decided to put the game on Jackson's shoulders. Bradford had 2 TD's and only 1 INT and Jackson ran for 166 yards and added a receiving TD. The CPU also missed a FG, which was good to see.

When the Packers scored, Jennings did the Lambeau leap.. kind of cool to see and the crowd kept yelling, "GO PACK GO". First time I got to see dymanic lighting - the game is really beautiful, especially the blimp shots of the whole stadium between quarters.

It was cool to see former Packer Al Harris have a spectacular game with 2 INT's, one returned for a TD and he was the player of the game.

Philly is the only undefeated team at 6-0 and the Browns and Panthers both sit at 0-6.

We play the 1-4 Dallas Cowboys next.

[MizzouRah]

EA SPORTS Madden NFL
Did you know you can celebrate your victory with a Gatorade dunk in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12? Activate code in the last 30 seconds of a winning game for a true taste of glory.

PS3: L2+R2+L3+R3

XBOX 360: LT+RT+LS+RS

[RainMaker]

I had this game in my Amazon cart before you guys pointed out that franchise bug. Going to hold on a little longer and see how things play out.

[Groundhog]

I'm hopeful it will be patched before I finish my season.

You'll have to excuse me if I'm being naive, I've avoided Madden for a few years now...

[whomario]

season 1 is actually ok because some teams in the current roster have 70+ real players on the roster and thus only get assigned a couple UDFAs. Just wait till you start a franchise with the opening day roster update with 55 players (or until you get to season 2) when every team will start the season with 10-15 guys rated in the 30s and 40s.

I am going ahead with my single team franchise, here is why..

Set up an "all teams" franchise and don't like it. Using the change\backout instructions to make changes stick for each team and couldn't get my team to user scout and other teams to cpu scout. It was either all cpu or all human. Not playing if I can't scout for my team and certainly not scouting for every team.


I'm still not convinced it is a game breaker. I would think the cpu, once knowing true value of a player, will in the second season cut those with low ratings and only keep UDFAs that have the attributes to make the team. There is a post talking about a couple of udfas coming back for a second season but no mention if it's because they are scrubs or actually have the attributes to justify it. My guess is they do.

Anyway my hope is that EA does patch this to make it better, it's certainly not good "as is". I will continue my single team franchise figuring if it is patched it will fix the issue in an on-going game.


1) You have to set everything to auto at the startup screen. Then once it´s started, you just have to scroll to your team and then go to the options menu, change things for your team only and then go back to themain screen. No problems here really :)

2) Oh, they let them go allright. Problem is that they sign the next batch of theese guys instead :( At the start of season 2 and season 3 each team has 10-15 guys rated in the 30s and 40s while legit free agents (and drafted players that were released) vanish from the database after sitting in FA for a year.

3) It isn´t a design choice, the CPU clearly goes by the projected rating (the one with the little "?" behind it for rookies) and there you´ll have some first rounders rated in the 20s and many UDFAs in the 90s.

[thesloppy]

It really is fucking infuriatingly frustrating how EA can't (won't?) get player progression right, over the course of 80 billion collective iterations of sports games.

Single man text sims have gotten it right before. It's all simple math and modeling involving only player attributes valued between 1-100, there's no graphics involved, no player input, no collision detection, or polygon mapping or any of that shit. Players and critics are able to precisely point out the simple logical flaws in their models/results, with only hours of solo-playtime, so it's really hard to believe that they don't know that player progression is/has always been screwed.

Most 'madden'ing is that most of EAs sports games keep improving in most other aspects/systems, that are seemingly much more complex than the simple back-end stuff that keeps repeatedly, and comically fouling up their best efforts. It's hard NOT to come up with conspiracy theories at this point. Froggy LBs, psychic CBs, player progression....you can almost see a big white board at EA, detailing exactly how and what individual sliver of an 'upgrade' they're going to spoon feed us over each of the next 20 years.

[RainMaker]

The weird thing about it is that it's not something you necessarily have to change every year. Once you get good progression logic in place, it's their forever. Just make the occasional tweaks year in and year out and go.

[markprior22]

I'm definitely not buying any more EA games until the progression, roster handling, trade/FA logic, etc is better. I'll stick with MLB "The Show" (It's not perfect but I get a full year's use out of RTTS itself) and NBA 2K. Sure wish there were more text sports sims to fill the void (esp football).

[RainMaker]

In fairness, NHL is a really great game.

[MizzouRah]

In fairness, NHL is a really great game.

Not BeaGm. :(

[Groundhog]

I'm definitely not buying any more EA games until the progression, roster handling, trade/FA logic, etc is better. I'll stick with MLB "The Show" (It's not perfect but I get a full year's use out of RTTS itself) and NBA 2K. Sure wish there were more text sports sims to fill the void (esp football).

FWIW I don't think the NBA 2K crew has it down pat either, yet. The potential rating is far too high on the starting roster for young players and too many of them end up stars, and while progression is pretty good for the incoming generated rookies, there are still too few PFs or Cs scorers.

[Sweed]

A guy at OS came up with an interesting way to deal with UDFA. Here are two posts I found buried in the thread dealing with the subject.

Edit: adding link to original thread at OS I May Have Found A Good Solution For a 1-Team Franchise. - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/508373-i-may-have-found-good-solution-1-team-franchise.html)

Originally Posted by Revis24
So the big problem for everybody is the UDFA. Here is what i did. I start off with the Jets (Or w.e. team your going to use) and i get rid of all my UDFA and then on the "Player Management" screen i went to every team and changed the position of there UDFA to a position that team is set at and dont have any rookies at all. So for example the Eagles are fine with Vick, Young and Kafka so for all other UDFA the Eagles have change there position to QB or im sure there fine with Rocca(sp?) so if QB gets full then change the rest to a "P". When you sim the cuts there other teams will cut all the UDFA. Do it for all the teams just change the positions of the UDFA to a position that the team is set at already and doesent have any rookies at all. Then all you have to worry about is your one team after that. Hope you guys understand it.

Originally posted by kpkpkp
Basically he is saying every pre-season right after the CPU controlled teams "sign" these fakeUDFA's to their 1-year 310K contracts go into edit mode.

While in edit mode change every FakeUDFA guy's position to either QB or P (or any position the CPU is "all set" at as he put it) so the CPU see's themselves as having way to many extra guys at that position it has no need for.

He says in year 2 of his franchise there is not a single FakeUDFA in his league.

Thoughts?

Not sure if you have to be in 32 team control to change positions for other teams or if you can do it in a single team league. Either way sounds promising.

Someone just posted on OS that this can be done with single team control.

[MizzouRah]

Madden 12 is the best Madden since the Sega Genesis days.. there, I said it and I stand by it.

Played Dallas in Week 6, they were 1-4 and we were 2-3. We win 20-12 and it's fitting that TO has a 61 yd touchdown against the Cowboys.

First game where I threw no INT's, in fact no turnovers whatsoever in the game from either team.

Each week has been a completely different game and feel to it, makes me want to play more and more which is all I can ask for from a video game.

It's not issue free, but damn is it fun to play.

[whomario]

A guy at OS came up with an interesting way to deal with UDFA. Here are two posts I found buried in the thread dealing with the subject.

Edit: adding link to original thread at OS I May Have Found A Good Solution For a 1-Team Franchise. - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/508373-i-may-have-found-good-solution-1-team-franchise.html)

.



Not sure if you have to be in 32 team control to change positions for other teams or if you can do it in a single team league. Either way sounds promising.

Someone just posted on OS that this can be done with single team control.

thanks for that, this sounds like a very viable workaround and i like it much better than the 32 team controll option :) Teams still might release their draft picks (that get shown as like in the 20s with a "?"), but you can allways sign them and trade them for the other team while exchanging 7th round picks.

@ groundhog : Yeah, NBA 2K has issues of it´s own, but they (imo) were very easy to work around and manager without a lot of extra work. (what i hated most was not being able to edit contracts in another way than changing it by 0.01 at a time, basically having to push the left way for like minutes ....)

[Sweed]

Madden 12 is the best Madden since the Sega Genesis days.. there, I said it and I stand by it.

Played Dallas in Week 6, they were 1-4 and we were 2-3. We win 20-12 and it's fitting that TO has a 61 yd touchdown against the Cowboys.

First game where I threw no INT's, in fact no turnovers whatsoever in the game from either team.

Each week has been a completely different game and feel to it, makes me want to play more and more which is all I can ask for from a video game.

It's not issue free, but damn is it fun to play.

I agree, the game is just fun on the field. I just got done playing the Dallas game and I knocked them off 12-10. Love the running game, Jackson is a beast.

[MizzouRah]

I agree, the game is just fun on the field. I just got done playing the Dallas game and I knocked them off 12-10. Love the running game, Jackson is a beast.

Yes he is :)

[CleBrownsfan]

I really am enjoying Madden this year BUT I feel the presentation is lacking. I'll never understand how a game created in 2004 has so much more in the presentation department than Madden 12.

Hell - I remember Madden on the Sega use to cut into played games and give updates on games in process...


How awesome is/was this?:


<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lHAiQj--cpI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[gstelmack]

Is that a rhetorical question? The answer is: so awesome that EA had to buy the exclusive NFL rights to kill it!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I really am enjoying Madden this year BUT I feel the presentation is lacking. I'll never understand how a game created in 2004 has so much more in the presentation department than Madden 12.

Hell - I remember Madden on the Sega use to cut into played games and give updates on games in process...


How awesome is/was this?:


<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lHAiQj--cpI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Watching that video just makes me sick to my stomach. I really hope the Madden monopoly gets broken up relatively soon. So many years wasted.

[ColtCrazy]

Does 2k5 work on the 360? If it does, I'm going to go dig it out of the garage. Would be fun to play again.

[LastWhiteSoxFanStanding]

I still play 2k5 with updated rosters found on nfl2k5rosters.com

Franchise mode is busted, but playing out the season is a blast.

[Groundhog]

I played game 5 of my season last night vs the Saints, this time pumping the CPU up to 100 in just about everything. Saints were surprisingly 0-4 but I expected to get torched by Brees with the new sliders. Yet still, any time I rushed more than two players – quick CBs in particular – I was sacking Brees or at least causing him to bobble the ball forward. He was just taking way too long to get rid of the ball. I went into the half up 17-3, although the running game was thankfully proving much harder for me, although the CPU still sucked. I’m more than a little concerned now because I’m simply not that good at Madden, I shouldn’t be able to continuously shut down opposing QBs with the Panthers, and this would be 5 games in a row where the opposing QB completed less than 50% of his passes.

Thankfully something changed in the 2nd half. Suddenly Newton wasn’t connecting with his WRs and my running game – outside of an excellent 57 yard TD run – stalled, while Brees was starting to find his way. I tried changing the game speed to “Slow” to see if it gave the CPU some more time to throw and it definitely seemed to work, as he was starting to beat my rushes. We still won the game, but it was a more satisfying 27-20 victory, with us picking off Brees on a 4th and goal with 1:30 left.

I’m still concerned with the CPU QB decision making, and there were more than a couple of times even on Slow speed that Brees threw the ball in to triple coverage and had it batted down… I imagine if my INT slider was on 50 still I’d have had about 6 picks this game.

[ColtCrazy]

I still play 2k5 with updated rosters found on nfl2k5rosters.com

Franchise mode is busted, but playing out the season is a blast.

Thanks. That's seriously cool. Would love to play with those 80s rosters. What was the name of the device you needed to load files from a computer onto a storage card? I need to try to find one.

[Kodos]

Finally cracked this game open last night. Has anyone had problems with it being a little stuttery?

[gstelmack]

From the Dubious Quality blog this morning:

Kim Wong sent me a list (originally seen in the NeoGaf forum) of Madden "innovations" that are now at the bottom of the sea:
--Vision Cone
--"Weapons" Feature
--Obi-Wan John Madden
--Madden IQ Test To Judge Difficulty
--Fight For The Fumble
--Playmaker control system
--Rewinds
--EA Sports Radio in Franchise Mode
--Owner Mode
--Pro-Tak
--Create-A-Fan
--Ring of a Champion
--Live Opponent

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've always thought that the two most appropriately-titled blogs on the internet are "Dubious Quality" and "Fuck You, Penguin."

[TroyF]

My first impressions have been better, but Madden 12 may or may not be the game for me.

But it is absolutely not a big deal to me that a team who went 4-12 last year goes 12-4 in Madden.

Every year two or three teams jump from 3 or 4 wins to the playoffs. KC and Tampa jumped from 3 or 4 wins to 10 last year. Obviously, we know that talent shifts in the NFL due to salary cap issues, but beyond that there are a crapload of close games. SF Of that disaster stretch last year, SF lost 4 of their first 7 games by 3 points or less. 3 of those 4 losses came against playoff teams.

They get lucky and win those 4 coin flips and they sit 5-2 after 7 games last year with momentum. This year they get 8 games against Arizona, St.Louis, Seattle, Cincy and Cleveland. They have another game against what I feel is an overrated Tampa Bay team who was the reverse of SF last year.

Do they win 12 games? I highly doubt it. Hell, I don't think they win 8. But would it shock me if they won a few close ones to start the year and then caught fire like TB or KC last year? umm, no. If you look at their first 8 games, I could easily see a scenario where they went 6-2 or 5-3. (home games against Seattle, Dallas, Tampa and Cleveland. Road games against Cincy, Philly, Detroit and Washington)

Again, I'm not trying to say it is the game for you. And I'm not trying to say it's the game for me until I play around with it more.I just think ripping on an NFL sim because a 4 win team turned into a 12 win one is a little silly. My opinion, nothing more.


Good lord, I did not really believe when I wrote this that the 49ers would be this good. They are now 5-1 with 5 games left against their garbage division. Throw in a home tilt and I can see how this team goes 11-5 with relative ease. Madden had it nailed? Go figure. :)

[AENeuman]

I keep getting beat head to head with a defense where they drop everyone into coverage, including (especially) the linemen. Anyone know what this defense is? Would like to practice against it.

[BillJasper]

I keep getting beat head to head with a defense where they drop everyone into coverage, including (especially) the linemen. Anyone know what this defense is? Would like to practice against it.

I forget what it's called but use the QB to run the ball and use draw plays. That'll suck the defense right back up. :cool:

[mh2365]

sorry but I don't have time to read the whole thread ... before I buy Madden this year did they fix NCAA 2012 draft classes to where the QB's don't always suck?