Madden 2013 preview thread

[Kodos]

Presentation – Features – Madden NFL – Football Video Game – EA SPORTS | EA SPORTS (http://www.easports.com/madden-nfl/feature/presentation#)

Some interesting stuff. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms in the studio. Videos and whatnot at the link above.

Madden 13 Presentation - Operation Sports (http://www.operationsports.com/features/1483/madden-13-presentation/)

More info from Operation Sports.

Madden 13 Presentation

Submitted on: 04/25/2012 by Steve Noah

The Madden NFL 13 presentation team had some lofty goals this year.

World Class presentation was No. 1 on their list. Everything that has been done in the past has been taken to the next level, as the new broadcast team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms comes to life, making it look and sound as realistic as possible. The new Connected Careers mode (details coming June 4) wouldn’t be complete without them, keeping the presentation realistic.

With the new broadcast package, a fresh new user interface has been incorporated. The new main menu UI features tiles of live dynamic content, pertinent to your experiences. As each tile is highlighted they will change color and animate. The system has a very modern look, similar to a few things you may have seen on Xbox Live and iOS devices. The Play Now tile will suggest a division rival, after selecting your favorite team. Team select screens will now show team logos, instead of players from their respective teams.

In-game presentation has been beefed up with a new HUD, showing off the starting lineup, updated player stat banners and more.

Motion blur is seen in gameplay, as well as in replay mode. For example, when a player is being flipped, motion blur will show the core of that player as stationary, while the arms, feet and other extremities are spun, giving the user a spinning blur effect. In game graphics have been upgraded to show off the depth of field, unbelievable HDR lighting, shadows, reflections and more. Lighting from players that go from the shadows to the sun, will be dynamic. On-field art has been updated with sharper images.

We were shown the same side of the field from a 4:15 game time start in Jacksonville. Comparing both Madden NFL 12 and Madden NFL 13 was like apples and oranges. In Madden 12, the screen looked dark and washed out, whileMadden 13 showed great lighting and vibrant colors, making it much easier to see.

Multiple light sources will hit everything, with the new multi-vector lighting. It uses multiple angles of light to cast on the players and environment, taking full advantage of night games.

The game features a progressive sky, occurring play-by-play. The sun descends, throughout the course of a game, clouds will move, (we cannot see cloud shadows on field), lights will turn on and gradually get brighter as dusk falls into night. All of this, during gameplay, not in between quarters.

As seen in some of the early released screenshots, Nike uniforms feature the new padding added to jerseys. Including the new collar and mesh down each players legs. New stitch lines in the shoulder, mesh belly and many more details are included. All team jerseys and all team alternates will be available on the disc. A few might be locked until they are revealed by the NFL.

Madden is gorgeous. The NCAA Football series has a screenshot tool, to show off how good it looks. Unfortunately, as great as Madden NFL 13 looks, it will again be without this feature. The team stated that the mantra was to touch every pixel, if you go that far, why not show it off? Give us the ability to capture screenshots, like NCAA Football does. Color me disappointed.

The replay system received a massive overall. It now uses a new wire camera, shot from multiple angles and speeds. The replay system will show the impact of a given play, from different players and angles, depending on the situation and outcome of a play.

There are over 200 new cut scenes, including pre-game warm-ups, locker rooms, tunnels and more. To keep visuals fresh, EA added 650 more new NFL films virtual cameras, for more authentic cut scenes. Many new montages have been added as well.

As mentioned earlier, a new and improved broadcast crew will be featured in Madden NFL 13. No more Gus “Run from the cop speed” Johnson and Chris “Where is the mute button” Collinsworthless.

Nantz will provide the play-by-play and teams up with his CBS sidekick, Simms, providing the analysis. Together, they have effectively cut dead air from the game.

In checking out a preview, Nantz and Simms were flawless. Nantz opens with “Candlestick Park, a stadium that has housed numerous championship teams, plays host to a matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers.” He then leads into his standard “Hello friends” intro, as he talks about how the intensity is ratcheted up in a divisional game, then brings Phil Simms into the conversation. Simms chimes in with his analysis, talking about how different it is and how both teams are fired up. They both talk about the respect the coaches have for each other. Then Nantz wraps it up, as they head to the field for kickoff. There were no dead spots, no oddly timed pauses, or changed pitches in audio. NOTHING. Everything sounded fluid, like a true broadcast.

Jim and Phil are aware of everything going on in the season. This means they are aware of the placement of your team in the playoff race. They will take note of the type of game you are currently playing, whether it’s a must win game, primetime Monday nighter, a Conference round playoff matchup or the Super Bowl. They will talk throughout the game, banter back and forth and have a memory, to touch back on things that were already discussed.

As most of you know, whenever Nantz and Simms are on camera, they have a reserved broadcast booth, with a window behind them. Every NFL stadium has its own unique visual. To get the right visual from each reserved broadcast window, the team analyzed the booth from every NFL stadium, to get it as authentic as possible and make it look like you were watching a real life television broadcast.

On a good note, Nantz and Simms will comment about the half time and end of game stats. Unfortunately, there isn’t any sort of halftime show. Due to the embargo, I cannot talk about how the two sounded during gameplay, until the Audio playbook is revealed on May 14.

[Groundhog]

No PC = no buy for me this year I'd say. I just can't be bothered switching cables around to set my console up when I have so many other things on my PC worth playing.

[Ragone]

Damnit... Why Calvin Johnson....

[DaddyTorgo]

*Yawn* Presentation is a DISTANT second - how is gameplay?

[MizzouRah]

Marketing.. "A"

Gameplay.. "D"

:)

[DaddyTorgo]

Probably. That's why I skipped last year - and barely played 2011.

[Kodos]

Replay footage from Pasta Padre with some other stuff thrown in.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L6VeCArEvdM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[kcchief19]

Considering that it sounds like the only improvements this year are superficial cosmetic graphics, CGI Jim Nantz and CGI Phil Simms look drunk. Nantz looks like he's put on 40 pounds and possibly has a hair piece.

[Kodos]

Gameplay preview from Steve at OS.

Madden 13 Gameplay - Operation Sports (http://www.operationsports.com/features/1482/madden-13-gameplay/)

Madden 13 Gameplay

Submitted on: 04/25/2012 by Steve Noah

OS' man-in-charge Steve Noah was able to get some hands-on time with Madden 13. Here are his initial impressions on the gameplay inforamtion released today:

Madden NFL 13 will feature a total control passing mechanic, where you lead receivers with the “L” stick. So, for example, you have a receiver split out wide, running a go-route against a cover 2. Just after the chuck, there is a small window of opportunity for you to throw a pass to the outside shoulder on the sidelines. You do this by timing it right, holding the “L” stick and pointing it towards the sidelines.

No longer will we see rainbow screen passes or bullet passes to someone 3 feet in front of you. This year there are 20 new passing trajectories. Throw it high or low, loft medium-range passes, in the middle of the field over defenders (with no super human linebackers), and get the type of throws you want. The popular back shoulder fades that Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees can throw, will finally be in your arsenal. These types of passes are determined by how long you press the button.

There are 20-plus new QB drop backs, with varying 1-3-5-7 step drop backs. There are also shotgun drops, where the QB will take one step from the shotgun position and fire out a quick pass (think Brady). QB’s will actually turn into their throws, as well. For screen passes, instead of feeling like you need to sprint backwards, to get away from the pressure to throw the screen pass, there are screen drop backs, now the QB will auto drop and take five quick steps and a few drift steps and drop in a nice screen.

There are auto pump fake drops, where the QB will pump fake one way, then throw to the other side, as seen in the popular backdoor Sluggo seam routes. It is recommended to let the AI handle the drop backs, instead of the user holding down on the control pad, to move the QB after the snap. This allows the QB to drop back on their own, into the correct dropback for timing purposes with receivers. It will also allow users to scan the field and anticipate where they will go with the football.

New pass animations have been added. You will see the arm cock back deeper and shoulders dip down for deep passes, but it will be much quicker. You won’t see the long drawn out Hail Mary animation, unless you are heaving one at the end of the game. It will allow for more realism, without fear of getting sacked.

If you are on the run, there is a new throw on the run animation. You no longer have to set your feet and setup a throw, when on the run. There are risks for throwing back across your body, since you don’t have the power to throw it that way. Shovel passes have been added for quick throws to get out of trouble. Instead of bullet passes to a receiver that is 3 yards in front of you, a shovel pass animation kicks in, that looks more realistic. They actually captured a Brett Favre animation, where he was running in the snow and flips it before falling down, as seen here.

Madden NFL 13 throws out all the old slow pump fakes and replaced them with new quicker ones. Instead of the long pump fakes that you have to wait for the animation to finish on, the quick jab pump fakes allow you to be ready to throw right away. On the run pump fakes can happen whether you are inside or outside of the pocket. Pump faking to specific receivers is still in and there is a pump fake “window of opportunity” where if you pump fake in that window, there is a better chance of defender biting on it.

There are eight brand new QB avoidance moves, which helps when trying to avoid pass rushers. It triggers with the right stick, when hitting it at the right time. QB’s will setup quickly after avoidance, so you are ready to throw right away. In Madden NFL 12 the QB was at 78 percent of his max speed when he was in the pocket without holding the sprint button. This year, they slowed down that movement considerably.

Let’s talk about the play-sack-action … oops, play-action. Improvements have been made! Play-action animations have been sped up. QB’s will also get out from behind the center a lot quicker. They have added more block and release routes for the halfbacks and tight ends, as players will look to see if there is a blitz. If the blitz is coming, he will help block, if not, he will release into a pattern. You will see a lot of defenders go after the fake, chasing and sometimes tackling the ball carrier without the ball. The biggest change in play-action is the ability to abort it all together. To break out of play-action, you hit the right trigger and the QB will abort and the RB will immediately look to block an on-coming pass rusher.

There are over 430 new catch animations for throws that are high, low, to the left or right, behind a receiver or placed on the back shoulder. Even if you throw into space, receivers will make adjustments. Not to be outdone, the new catching system also includes new sidelines catches, standing catches, pitch catches and many more. There are also new realistic swat animations, if they are backpedaling, you can see players swatting while off balance and falling on their back. The goal is to have 100% catch coverage and have the ability to make catches in every scenario.

The ability to user catch will be a little more user friendly. They have slowed down the control of the receiver. Receivers will now continue on the right path and not turn so abruptly, when taking over. This will make it easier for users that aren’t as familiar with user catching and understand how it all works. User catching helps the average guy, but doesn’t hurt the experts. It’s simply an assist for the less experienced user catchers out there, that want to learn.

Timing now matters. Icons at the snap are dimmed out, until the receiver is expecting a pass or when he would look for a pass, in a realistic time frame. There are some routes where the receiver is looking for the ball much quicker, than with the longer drawn out routes. On deeper routes, the icons won’t light up until the right time, which is just before a receiver makes their cut. This will help users with their timing. There are also hot reads, so if a corner over the outside WR blitzes, icons light up for that particular receiver right away. As players pass through zones, the icon will light up. When the icons light up, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are open, so you still have to make the right read, before throwing the ball. If the receiver icon isn’t lit up and you throw to him, you have to manually user catch; otherwise the receiver will not be looking for the ball.

Defense

In the new read-and-react defensive system, “Psychic DB” is gone. If you can’t see the ball, you can’t make a play on the ball. Defenders will not mirror WR cuts, defenders actually have to see the receiver make a cut in front of them, before making their decision. We will no longer see the LB jump to swat down a ball he never saw.

Madden NFL 13 introduces a new defensive alignment system. This year it’s best on best. Let’s say for example, Larry Fitzgerald is in the slot, a corner will cover him, not a LB. If a FB splits out wide, a LB will cover him, not a corner. This will help out on the defensive side of the ball, tremendously.

Player positioning is very important, players will play an off-man technique in various coverages, instead of 4 or 5 yards back, defenders are now 7 or 8 yards back, so the defense can read and react to player routes accordingly. They have also added trail techniques, so in bump-and-run two-man under plays, they stay on the inside hip of receivers, because they know they have safety help over the top. The defense is smart!

For guys that like to go up for the ball, like Calvin Johnson and Fitzgerald, some new catch tackle animations have been added for jump ball situations. This will give defenders a chance to try knocking down, swatting and stripping balls away from the receivers.

Disguising coverages is a must for Madden. This year defenses will zone adjust, so if you put a man in motion, the defender over you will follow, but once the ball is snapped, the defenders involved will swap zone coverages.

Special teams have finally been shown some love. We will finally see improvement in punt coverage and punt return formations. This year, gunners are actually being covered, while one drops back to help in wedge blocking. In punt coverage, players are more properly aligned and will play a little deeper and more inside. New punt coverage lanes and logic has been implemented, so we’ll no longer see everyone clump together. Players now have assigned lanes and you will see lanes open up, in the return game.

Play calling has been improved, including play calling in the red zone and 2-minute drill. For example, the Saints are more likely to throw on 1st and goal at the 1, they might even bring out 4 wide in shotgun formation. You won’t see a play action fake from a goalline formation called when it’s 3rd and goal from the 5-yard line. In the 2-minute drill, you will no longer see 4 vert called on every play. Instead, you will see more sideline corner strikes, passing to the flats and hitting receivers near the sidelines.

The AI also has a new conserve time strategy. If you are down 17 points, you will see the defense go into prevent, bend but don’t break, giving up the underneath stuff. Defenses will play soft zones, and won’t blitz nearly as often, to avoid the risk of giving up a quick score. Offensively, the AI will no longer go deep every play. Instead, they will call underneath plays and the offense will take what the defense gives them with high percentage completion plays.

While they worked on the user catching for the offense, they are also working on the defensive side of the ball, so hopefully there will be some real battles when two humans go at it and they are good at user catching.

Control alignment will match NCAA Football 13. All controls will be the same, for both games. Pump fakes, throw aways, pitching … every button combo will be an exact match, no more confusion when swapping games.

While I’d love to talk more about the gameplay, I can’t release anything else until June 4, when more information revealed.

[BillJasper]

Those things around the neck of the uniforms makes everyone look like they're wearing neck pads.

[DaddyTorgo]

Total Control Passing? Overhauled defense?

Sounds like too much to hope they've gotten it correct and haven't broken anything with these huge overhauls.

Methinks this will be another year to sit out while the masses beta-test these fundamental overhauls.

[JediKooter]

I see the players are still on ice skates when they do a spin move. That's been my favorite feature since Madden 98.

[BillJasper]

Anyone else not give a damn about in-game presentation? I watch/listen one time the I hit the button that allows me to speed past it.

They need to add some life to franchise mode so I don't sit for hours looking at damned spread sheets.

[CleBrownsfan]

Anyone else not give a damn about in-game presentation? I watch/listen one time the I hit the button that allows me to speed past it.

They need to add some life to franchise mode so I don't sit for hours looking at damned spread sheets.

Couldn't agree more. If they wanted to work on presentation then how about working in a halftime show, weekly wrap up show, ect. I have brought this up before but remember when old school madden actually use to break in to your game for a highlight of another game?

[JediKooter]

I'd be impressed if I could make my own stadiums and make custom uniforms. I could care less about most in-game presentation stuff.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Couldn't agree more. If they wanted to work on presentation then how about working in a halftime show, weekly wrap up show, ect. I have brought this up before but remember when old school madden actually use to break in to your game for a highlight of another game?

Or even this. I think the Suzy Kolber animation may be as good as the current Madden animation.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F4WfkwEuelY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wtwx_Rv21Iw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Ragone]

about 18 seconds in.. ben roethlisberger drops back to pass and immediately throws the ball. that tells me there is 0 realism in this game.. he would clearly stand in the pocket for 12 seconds before throwing any pass

[BillJasper]

about 18 seconds in.. ben roethlisberger drops back to pass and immediately throws the ball. that tells me there is 0 realism in this game.. he would clearly stand in the pocket for 12 seconds before throwing any pass

:lol:

[sabotai]

The Passing system and the defensive back AI are two of the biggest problems I have had with previous Madden games. If they fixed those, then that would be awesome.

Of course, I've heard all of this before. Every other year they "fix" the passing system so screen passes actually work and super LBs and DBs are gone. Every other year they create a new "read and react" defensive AI that takes away the "psychic" DBs.....

It hasn't happened yet. I'm not going to go as far as to say "It won't happen." (I get pretty annoyed at absolute nay-sayers), but I won't believe it until I see it. And I mean, actually see it. I'm not even going to trust reviews this time because they've burned me (from professional reviews to just comments from people) just as often as EA has.

[DaddyTorgo]

The Passing system and the defensive back AI are two of the biggest problems I have had with previous Madden games. If they fixed those, then that would be awesome.

Of course, I've heard all of this before. Every other year they "fix" the passing system so screen passes actually work and super LBs and DBs are gone. Every other year they create a new "read and react" defensive AI that takes away the "psychic" DBs.....

It hasn't happened yet. I'm not going to go as far as to say "It won't happen." (I get pretty annoyed at absolute nay-sayers), but I won't believe it until I see it. And I mean, actually see it. I'm not even going to trust reviews this time because they've burned me (from professional reviews to just comments from people) just as often as EA has.

This

[Senator]

I just want this guy to do all my play by play.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/usT9cKjvnaE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[EagleFan]

I just want this guy to do all my play by play.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/usT9cKjvnaE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That wasn't an 80 yard touchdown...

[AENeuman]

Ug, looks like it's going back to being an offense-improv game. What made last year, IMO, the best ever at head to head was the improved defense and the requirement of reading formations and coverage. Madden12 was the first time there was not a couple of passing plays that work most of the time, regardless of the coverage.

It now sounds like they are making it easy for the offense to do lots of "broken play" plays. Ability to do broken plays regularly changes head to head games into only doing broken plays. I could imagine there being a Vick roll out-option shuttle pass thing that will work too much.

[ColtCrazy]

I will say the only thing that will sucker me into buying this game is if they fix the defensive AI. I am loving my NCAA dynasty in 2012 right now, but the defenses ability to switch off their receiver to come defend my passes is driving me nuts. I just had one of the best passing days I've ever had in this game, 24/31 350+ yes and 3TDs...but had 2 INTs because a CB left his guy IMMEDIATELY after i passed WITHOUT LOOKING, and came over to pick it off. Wide open guys and I'm picked off. It's the one thing that keeps me from saying 2012 is a great game. If they fix that, and nothing else changes...I'd be in. Otherwise, I might as well save my money and deal with this frustration for another year.

[Kodos]

Lots of excitement over at OS over the new Infinity Engine for Madden (a.k.a. real time physics).

Infinity Engine and Connected Careers Mode revealed! - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/554378-infinity-engine-connected-careers-mode-revealed.html)

[whomario]

Madden 12 had one of the single most glaring and obvious game-breaking bugs ever in any sports game, imo. The "unknown" rating in preseason leading to great players getting cut (and i think retired) and every team ending up with tons and tons of super-low rated scrubs.

Not even controlling all the teams was an option since you can´t have the cpu make the draft picks for the 31 teams you don´t really controll.

There´s absolutely no way i´ll buy this before it´s been out for a month or 2 and see if sth like this comes up again.

[Eaglesfan27]

Lots of excitement over at OS over the new Infinity Engine for Madden (a.k.a. real time physics).

Infinity Engine and Connected Careers Mode revealed! - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/554378-infinity-engine-connected-careers-mode-revealed.html)

Connected careers sounds very interesting as well, but I am bummed that the physics engine isn't in NCAA too.

[Kodos]

It's hard not to be skeptical about their ability to pull off all these major changes successfully in Madden. I'm hoping NCAA 13 is like a really polished version of NCAA 12, since it isn't getting RTP.

[GrantDawg]

I would guess I already know the answer to this question, but...

How good are these games on the 360 to just coach (ie. call the plays and let the computer play them out)?

[sabotai]

Never tried it with Madden, but the most fun I had with the last NCAA game I had was playing in coach mode. (read: wasn't really all that fun, it was just "more fun" than playing the games.)

[GrantDawg]

Never tried it with Madden, but the most fun I had with the last NCAA game I had was playing in coach mode. (read: wasn't really all that fun, it was just "more fun" than playing the games.)


I think I found my answer. Everyone says it is fine and fun on NCAA. But it sucks on Madden (still has the bug that your QB won't dodge the rush and gets sacked constantly that has been in the game for years).

[Kodos]

Heh. In classic EA fashion, they fritter away all of the recent the positive buzz of real time physics by removing the ability to edit rosters.

can you edit roster from main menu? - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/555699-can-you-edit-roster-main-menu.html)

[Kodos]

CC Feature - Most Disappointment - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/555115-cc-feature-most-disappointment.html)

I'm just going to stick with NCAA again this year.

[Logan]

"So if that's the case, if they don't get player equipment right prior to release, as far as equipment goes, we're screwed? I was banking on the ability to edit players before I went into CCM. Major oversight on their part..."

THE HORROR!

(obviously I understand being annoyed about not being able to edit player ratings)

[Kodos]

Yeah, I always laugh at the people who are really concerned about socks, dreads, facemasks, etc.

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah, I always laugh at the people who are really concerned about socks, dreads, facemasks, etc.

We should point out to them that they really missed the boat if they didn't purchase Maximum Football. ;)

Yeah...I really don't get those people...AT ALL.

Gameplay > equipement/hair/uniform # nonsense

[CraigSca]

And yet - these people consider themselves the "hardcore" players and that EA just doesn't get it. I never understood the concept of playing Barbie Dress-up in a football game.

Every adventure game I play, where you can customize the look of your character, I click 'random' and away I go. My wife and/or daughter sits there for an hour getting things 'just right'.

Really, I thought that was one of the major differences in genders - I really don't understand why a guy would sit there and edit players making their socks and facemasks 'just so'.

[DaddyTorgo]

And yet - these people consider themselves the "hardcore" players and that EA just doesn't get it. I never understood the concept of playing Barbie Dress-up in a football game.

Every adventure game I play, where you can customize the look of your character, I click 'random' and away I go. My wife and/or daughter sits there for an hour getting things 'just right'.

Really, I thought that was one of the major differences in genders - I really don't understand why a guy would sit there and edit players making their socks and facemasks 'just so'.

This.

The frigging outcry for YEARS about the lack of realistic dreadlocks in NCAA was fucking hilarious.

[BillJasper]

Yeah, I always laugh at the people who are really concerned about socks, dreads, facemasks, etc.

You know, for the most part stuff like that has never bothered me. Except for QB facemasks. The full cage facemasks on NCAA 12 drove me fucking nuts.

[sabotai]

And yet - these people consider themselves the "hardcore" players and that EA just doesn't get it. I never understood the concept of playing Barbie Dress-up in a football game.

Every adventure game I play, where you can customize the look of your character, I click 'random' and away I go. My wife and/or daughter sits there for an hour getting things 'just right'.

Really, I thought that was one of the major differences in genders - I really don't understand why a guy would sit there and edit players making their socks and facemasks 'just so'.

I'm a fantasy geek, so when I play RPGs, I have a specific look in my mind about how I want my viking warrior or dark elf wizard to look. So yeah, sometimes I spend....well, maybe 10 minutes trying to get it "just so"*.

But I'm not about to go to the developer's message board and yell "OMG! I want my guy to have a jagged scar across his forehead and they didn't include it! Major oversight!!"

* - If they give me the option to customize. If not, whatever. I play games like Final Fantasy where there's zero customization as well.

[INDalltheway]

I'm so excited for the Connected Career feature, but I feel version 1.0 will be just that, a good framework put into place. This is of course right before the new generation of consoles will emerge which will set back the Madden franchise just like this gens consoles did. That is the pessimist in me at least.

I do have a problem with not being able to bring edited rosters into the CC mode. Josh Looman is the brains behind this mode and he was the guy behind NFL Head Coach. I think they are taking the right pieces from that game and expanding it. I will definitely be purchasing this year, but at the same time I'm trying to tame my expectations.

[INDalltheway]

Here's video with some good stuff in it. The camera work is sub par, but it still has some good info.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fYvxbjekSIg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kodos]

I think they'll need at least a year to hash things out and get them to an acceptable state. I do like the overall direction, but think it is still a good idea to stay on the sidelines for now.

[gstelmack]

Connected careers are great and all, but will I be able to actually SEE the football when I throw it this year? What a horrible default camera angle. I think I got through a handful of games at best before just giving up this year.

I wouldn't have bought it at all, but my wife keeps getting it for me at my birthday every year. I asked her not to this year.

[dave731]

Connected careers are great and all, but will I be able to actually SEE the football when I throw it this year? What a horrible default camera angle. I think I got through a handful of games at best before just giving up this year.

I wouldn't have bought it at all, but my wife keeps getting it for me at my birthday every year. I asked her not to this year.
My wife did that during our first two years of marriage for my birthday which is Aug. 29th. I told her she had to stop and needed to just let me put the $60 in something else.

[cadmus2166]

The most disappointing thing about the "Connected Careers" to me is the fact that there is no longer any offline multiplayer. My son and I have a blast spending time together and playing Madden, but that will no longer be an option this year. The only way to play multiplayer is to have 2 consoles and 2 copies of the game, playing in online multiplayer.

I'll be going with NCAA '13 this year, instead.

[BillJasper]

Unless reviews just blow me away, I may stick with Madden '12.

[whomario]

so they closed the loophole to fix franchise mode for yourself by controlling all teams ?

[Kodos]

Yep. Can't even play two-person offline dynasties, I believe.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yep. Can't even play two-person offline dynasties, I believe.

Offline dynasties are HUGE amongst the college-age gamers. Really a huge oversight if true.

[BillJasper]

Offline dynasties are HUGE amongst the college-age gamers. Really a huge oversight if true.

EA doesn't care. If it's not about online play, it doesn't seem to matter anymore. :(

[BillJasper]

Waiting for the NCAA 13 demo to download. If its decent I'll go with it this year.

[MizzouRah]

Some are picking apart the game but, I really like the demo. Playing as the Giants, Bradshaw is a beast and the OL did a great job of protecting Eli, which allowed me some nice passes - one went 65 yards for a TD.

The infinity engine is really noticeable and one play that really sold me was watching Bradshaw working his way through the line towards daylight and all of a sudden one of my OL gets knocked down and Bradshaw trips right over his body on to the turf. It looked so real.

The replays are weird, hopefully that's just demo stuff showing it over and over in slow mo like that and not showing the full play.

I thought the graphics looked fine on x360, but when the shadows were cast on one side of the field, it was a bit too dark.

It's a demo, it's a first take.. but I'm leaning towards a purchase. (again) http://forums.digitalsportspage.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

[BillJasper]

Some are picking apart the game but, I really like the demo. Playing as the Giants, Bradshaw is a beast and the OL did a great job of protecting Eli, which allowed me some nice passes - one went 65 yards for a TD.

The infinity engine is really noticeable and one play that really sold me was watching Bradshaw working his way through the line towards daylight and all of a sudden one of my OL gets knocked down and Bradshaw trips right over his body on to the turf. It looked so real.

The replays are weird, hopefully that's just demo stuff showing it over and over in slow mo like that and not showing the full play.

I thought the graphics looked fine on x360, but when the shadows were cast on one side of the field, it was a bit too dark.

It's a demo, it's a first take.. but I'm leaning towards a purchase. (again) http://forums.digitalsportspage.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

I'm on the fence after the PS3 demo.

Sometimes the graphics would go blurry pre-snap at the line of scrimmage.

In two games, Washington called the coin toss even though they were the home team. First kickoff return by Leon Washington was fumbled in both games. There were times it seemed like the my DB's would stutter right before the ball got to the receiver even though they were in position to make a play. As the 49ers, my receivers dropped eight passes on twenty attempts.

The biggest disappointment is we're back to no punt return blocking. I had to call for a fair catch on every single punt that was kicked to me. Then once, my returner had clearly called for a fair catch and still got hit by a defender coming down the field.

[MizzouRah]

That's odd.. I haven't seen a dropped pass yet. Playing with the G men.

[sabotai]

I haven't seen any flat out drops, but on All-Pro I did have several passes broken up.

For punt returns, I haven't had to call for a fair catch yet.

Pro seemed too easy. I beat SF as the Giants pretty easily. On All-Pro, both games were very low scoring. In one game, I lost 14-10, with one of their TDs coming from a long Gore run due to me having taken a bad angle. The second, I lost 7-3. For NYG-SF, that seems about right for 5 minute quarters (that seems about right for 15 minutes, and with how the game was going, it probably would have ended up that way with 15 minute quarters.)

Also, on All-Pro, Willis is a fucking beast.

[whomario]

Hope the franchise bug of last year is gone (the one where 40 rated undrafted rookies made rosters over 70 rated first rounders) , i´d really like to give this game a shot.

[Kodos]

Even if it is good, I won't have time for it with NCAA 2013. Plus, I figure it's a good idea to give them a year to work out the kinks.

[CleBrownsfan]

I think you'll be waiting more than a year to work out the kinks...

[MizzouRah]

There is definitely a lighting glitch - playing as Washington vs the Seahawks sometimes it's really dark and at other times it's how it should be. I'm assuming they will have that fixed upon release.

I can't say enough how impressed I am with the new infinity engine, it's like a completely new game - it's like FIFA 12 in terms of physics. Goofy at times, but brilliant at times as well.

I've seen enough and I just ordered it.. thank goodness for demos. It's a nice change of pace from NCAA and feels like the NFL. RGIII hit WR Leonard Hankerson for a 74 yard TD and lead him perfectly. It was a thing of beauty. Seattle completed a pass where Rice out jumped my smaller CB, little things like that I love.

I played on default AP and only time will tell if running will be realistic on 15 min quarters, but Lynch had a few good runs against me. RGIII is so dangerous, really fun having him as your QB.

The popup stats during the game are nice, commentary is ok - nothing spectacular, but better than previous versions.

I'm impressed.. control is so much better than 12 was.

[Sun Tzu]

I'll echo the statements of most others here. The Infinity engine is fantastic. It does need some small tweaks here and there, but the boys (and girls) at EA did a good job of bringing over what worked at Backbreaker.

Also...

Like sabotai said, Willis is an absolute beast in the Demo.

[Rizon]

Football? Football? What's a football? With unconscious will my voice squeaked out 'football'.

[JetsIn06]

So, playing Seahawks-Redskins in the demo. Was actually really enjoying myself, until the Redskins were driving on me at the end of the 4th. I was up 7-3. The redskins are on the 15-yard line, with all three timeouts left.

They called one to stop the clock at 31 seconds after a sack, after letting it run for almost ten seconds. Then, I sacked them again...no timeout called. They hurried up, got off a short pass for 5 yards. No timeout called. They get a first down with 6 seconds left. No timeout called. The clock runs out with them on the 12 yard line with 2 timeouts left.

I want to like this game, I love the new physics, but that really really sucked.

[SegRat]

I have not bought madden in about 3 years. I really like NCAA. I like getting freshman and Devolping them I like the difference you can feel between teams. But the little bit I played, I really liked madden.

[MizzouRah]

So, playing Seahawks-Redskins in the demo. Was actually really enjoying myself, until the Redskins were driving on me at the end of the 4th. I was up 7-3. The redskins are on the 15-yard line, with all three timeouts left.

They called one to stop the clock at 31 seconds after a sack, after letting it run for almost ten seconds. Then, I sacked them again...no timeout called. They hurried up, got off a short pass for 5 yards. No timeout called. They get a first down with 6 seconds left. No timeout called. The clock runs out with them on the 12 yard line with 2 timeouts left.

I want to like this game, I love the new physics, but that really really sucked.

The odd thing is.. when I played G Men vs 49ers, the CPU called all their timeouts, hurred up, etc.. maybe there is glitch here and there in this demo?

[SegRat]

I played one game of Madden on the ps vita. 2 minute quarters suck, but I am really impressed. Lots of cut scenes. I threw a long TD pass to Welker. Cut scene to the refs discussing if both feet were down. I am surprised they didn't hype this up more. I will be buying.

[whomario]

dunno if you saw this allready, but the manual for connected career is available as pdf online : http://vassets.ea.com/Assets/Resources/File/M13ConnectedCareersManual.pdf


- Experience Points (XP) to spent on player development : In the screen in the manual i see a 32 year old punter with a ton of points, i wonder if we´ll also have 32 year old running backs with a ton of points (meaning that basically no one ever really declines as long as he performs)

- New ratings Physichal and Size : Wait, how is that new ? :confused: Can´t everybody just look at the height and weight ? Or his speed, strength ?

- Interesting : The scouting looks decent. Unrealistic of course (scouting specific attributes and having to pay for it in points [rather than time slots of some kind] ) but interesting and could be fun.

- Definitely Interesting : Draft storylines (like players switching position or pulling out of the draft late) that might actually have an effect on gameplay.

- The contracts and free agency screens look pretty good, you see a good amount of info there.

- Unfortunately no word on the training camp process and wether or not it´s still as bugged as last year (which then was the deal breaker for me)

[Eaglesfan27]

Physical and size ratings will supposedly make height and weight matter in the game engine for the first time.

[BillJasper]

Physical and size ratings will supposedly make height and weight matter in the game engine for the first time.

But if a guy is 6' 4", 230 pounds, shouldn't all guys with the same height and weight have the same rating?

[INDalltheway]

But if a guy is 6' 4", 230 pounds, shouldn't all guys with the same height and weight have the same rating?
I see what you are saying, but it is by position.

[BillJasper]

They took out the offensive line blocking assignments when you pull back with coaches cam? I've also noticed on the PS3 that the right stick isn't very responsive in the kicking game, rarely am I getting full power.

Seems like it's always one step forward and two steps back with this game. I think EA needs to change their motto to "fix something, break something..."

[Sweed]

Just played my first game, me-Giants, and really enjoyed it. Too many picks for both sides but mostly due to bad decisions.

Pileups, guys falling after the play, heads being spun around, etc. etc. all very cool. At the end of one play, I believe it was Gore, had his leg folded back with his foot under his butt at the bottom of the pile. There are a few things that look a little strange as they happen but overall the infinity engine seems to deliver.

I thought the running and reactions of the D to the run game were very good. I was able to use the defender's momentum against them a few times with natural\expected movement of the joy stick.

Game looked great on my ps3 and I'm sure will be even better in full version.

I'm sure I'll get it either through Goozex when someone goes to the "I hate EA, game totally sucks, I cant' pass\run\defend" route:) or I may cave and just buy it. I look forward to playing many games figuring a guy will see more and more new things as their franchise goes on.

I'm guessing the sound file is a small version of what will ship in the game. Most of the time the comment would be "nice throw from the quarterback" instead of saying Manning or Smith. Would be annoying if this was the release file. I highly doubt it though and look for names in the full version.
Having said that the announcing was very smooth compared to any previous Madden game and close to being on par with other current sports titles. Time will tell how many of these new phrases will be repeated to death.

I'll now go to my pet peeve for both NCAA and Madden on current gen consoles.

STATS ARE IMPORTANT IN A SPORTS TITLE. FOR GOD'S SAKE PUT MORE THAN 4 COLUMNS OF STATS\RATINGS UP ACROSS OUR WIDESCREEN TVS.

I hate going to any stat screen and see 35% of the screen taken up by the player's name box followed by something like

Att Cmp Yds Int
24- 26- 275- 1

and then have to scroll to see the rest. Please give a small name, pos etc and then have 8-10 columns and eliminate scrolling on widescreen tvs. At least go back to the way it was ~2008 or 2009 where highlighting a player showed all of his stats in the header box.

Same goes for post game team stats. Why is it scrunched into a small box and we have to scroll up and down? Put it all on the tv in one big box. Common sense, no?

If they get the franchise\draft right this could be a great game. At least until it gets a ton of play and some game breaking bug is found. Here's hoping it is solid.

[Sweed]

They took out the offensive line blocking assignments when you pull back with coaches cam? I've also noticed on the PS3 that the right stick isn't very responsive in the kicking game, rarely am I getting full power.

Seems like it's always one step forward and two steps back with this game. I think EA needs to change their motto to "fix something, break something..."

Line assignments are in the game. IIRC you hit the left arrow and it brings up a box with the buttons to press to make changes.

I played on all-pro and by the end of the game I was getting pretty good timing results with the "kick stick". I'm guessing they've tried making it a touch harder to use to try to appease the "it's too easy to kick" crowd. I know the timing of it is different than the stick in NCAA. Trouble is of course after a number of games it will again become pretty easy.

[CleBrownsfan]

Anyone plan on starting an online CC for the 360? If so, I want to join! ;)

[Sun Tzu]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jK33OQJqEO8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[BillJasper]

Line assignments are in the game. IIRC you hit the left arrow and it brings up a box with the buttons to press to make changes.



No. When you hit the left trigger on last years game, it would actually show you who is blocking which defender. This year it just shows the offensive linemen going straight forward.

It's disappointing.

Can beat everyone except the Niners. Three times I've had 14 plus point leads in the fourth quarter and lost all three times...

[Sweed]

No. When you hit the left trigger on last years game, it would actually show you who is blocking which defender. This year it just shows the offensive linemen going straight forward.

It's disappointing.

Can beat everyone except the Niners. Three times I've had 14 plus point leads in the fourth quarter and lost all three times...

Sorry, thought you were talking about the line adjustments.

[INDalltheway]

Anyone plan on starting an online CC for the 360? If so, I want to join! ;)
I am in. Let's try to find some more!