Alright Boyz, here we go! Madden 13 first impressions thread

[Mike Lowe]

First, I'm honored to have started this thread. The game was released via early-bird about 20 minutes ago and I was going to take the plunge until I read that there is an issue with tackles/assisted tackles?

Anyone privy to what this is? I've learned long ago that the opinions of this forum are far more valuable that the mess that is the Madden OS board...I'd love to hear how things look as I'm actually thinking this might be the game all of us who loved HC '09 have been waiting for.

[whomario]

Yes, a quick google search says that assisted tackles don´t get counted.

But how would that be a dealbreaker of all things ? (sorry if that comes across as ignorant).

I´m more worried about the new progression system not doing a good job with older players, what i´ve read so far suggests that a) the Ratings out of the box are way too high (compared to draft classes) and b) Veterans don´t regress much at all to the point that a ton of 34 year old Running Backs are still in the high 80s/90s and starting.

Which was exactly my fear when i read about progression determined by production ...

Won´t release over here till next Friday (although a couple stores might have it on Wednesday)

[Mike Lowe]

I think people were saying that the asst tackles affects progression???

[Big Fo]

I haven't bought Madden for a few years now but if it turns out to be legit this year maybe I will. I'll be waiting to see what ya'll have to say about this year's game.

[Balldog]

I downloaded the Early Release this evening. Let me know if you guys have anything specific you want me to check.

[IlliniCub]

Honestly...I just wanna know if it feels like a significant upgrade over 12

[whomario]

I think people were saying that the asst tackles affects progression???

As far as i can tell people were afraid it would do that, but now EA has taken the stat out of the game completely (propably to avoid just that).

A user named CWSapp757 (who does a great job with long term analysis for NBA 2K as well) has done some longterm simming and so far it looks pretty good as far as progression goes, albeit with a few problems regarding regression/out of the box ratings. But even in that case that´s a problem for 5 or 6 teams for most positions (basically the cream of the crop of todays players stays a little bit too good in terms of overall as the production rating offsets the physichal decline), which for the whole league i don´t see as significant enough to be a real problem.

That being said : If we could edit ratings, those 5-6 guys would be soooo easy to fix. I don´t at all get why they took that away :mad:

One interesting wrinkle is that the Overall gets displayed differently with each offensive/defensive scheme you choose as different attributes get weighed more or less (if you adjust your scheme you see players from different teams differently. Propably would make more sense to see their rating relative to their scheme, but oh well ...)

I´m propably going to get it, haven´t played a Madden for years (bought last years, then immediately sold it after the problems i discovered) and i figure that it´s going to be the sports game i have most chance to get a real career going with the short season.
Not sure if i´ll buy NBA2K this year, maybe FIFA for online purposes ...

[Mike Lowe]

So how do the online connected careers work?

Can we actually set up a
32 team league online that goes year to year?

If so, that'd sell me I think. FOFC league!

I don't mind the $25 for early release, but I wish I was sent (eventually) a copy of the physical game as I want to be able to sell it later on.

Can we sell a digital version somehow?

[whomario]

From what i can tell you can do it just the same as in years past, only that it now has the exact same features as offline mode.

I´d love to play in a quick hitting online league that actually gets a couple seasons in somehow (even though i realize how tough it´d be logistically) but can´t imagine finding one that also works with my euro time zone.

No way can you sell a digital version. The whole point of digital versions is people not getting to resell the games (well, for publishers like EA at least ... ;))

[Raiders Army]

Got the early release and the game is pretty fun. I like the Infinity Engine and the commentary is "better". I say "better" since after you hear the same old crap for the 100th time, it's no longer better. I liked Gus Johnson a lot.

Anyhow, after playing about 10 games, it's pretty good out of the box.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I downloaded the Early Release this evening. Let me know if you guys have anything specific you want me to check.

Do the alternate uniforms on the Chargers have that bolt thing on the helmet?

[INDalltheway]

This is year 1 of Connected Careers and it has laid a great ground work for the future. There are little things that you would think would be obvious to have that just aren't in there now. This game will be great if you can find a league of good owners. That is where the game will prosper.

Things that should be in there that aren't: a transactions screen, editing players, ability to look at player cards on ALL screens.

I will write down some thoughts as I play tonight.

[DaddyTorgo]

How are offline careers?

[Raiders Army]

Editing players is a huge issue, especially with trades. The good news is that it's a lot harder to gank the computer. The bad news is that if you trade for a player with the same jersey # as a player on your team, you'll have two players with that jersey #. It's the same problem as last year, but it's worse because you can't fix it by editing the players.

[whomario]

One thing that a programmer has posted over at the easports forums has me questioning wether it´d be a good idea to play my offline career game online (which i´d normally avoid because of possible disconnects f.e.) :


We have since toned it down a bit in an update that is live on the server if you play an online career. This update is confirmed for the next patch for offline careers. It also fixes an issue where you could offer a low draft pick for some of the rookies that were drafted early in 2012 but aren't good enough to start yet.

i understand that as meaning that they can quick-fix the management-AI in online careers, which could make the waiting time between Patches more bearable.


edit :

@ Raiders Army : The programmer/developer on the EA forum suggested a quick fix for the player numbers :

Definitely looks like a bug with trades. We reassign numbers correctly when you sign a player, but it looks like it is incorrect for trades.

Give this a try if you want (save your game first, obviously): If you release Jacoby Jones and sign him back right away, he should get assigned a new number. The CPU will not try to sign him until you advance the week, so you should be safe. Since you traded for him, you won't have to worry about a cap penalty, either. Not ideal, but it might fix the issue.

I'll look into fixing this.

[MizzouRah]

I liked the demo.. but after reading a few reviews and Pasta Padre's thoughts on cc and game play... I'm going to wait on this one.

Most sites say the CPU AI is horrible and teams feel the same, playing vs Philly isn't much different than playing against say, Arizona.

I'll be interested to read impressions...

[BillJasper]

Editing players is a huge issue, especially with trades. The good news is that it's a lot harder to gank the computer. The bad news is that if you trade for a player with the same jersey # as a player on your team, you'll have two players with that jersey #. It's the same problem as last year, but it's worse because you can't fix it by editing the players.

I really wish EA could implement a new feature without breaking something else. We haven't had issues with player numbers since the fucking Sega Genesis days.

[dubb93]

I do like that EA's Season Ticket program lets the bug reports come out before the game actually does.

Seems there is a huge man coverage bug according to the OS boards. Controlling someone on the d-line causes your corners to run commit and get ran past by the WR. This seems to have resulted in multiple huge TDs a game and possibly a few controllers getting broken.

Someone from EA seemed to acknowledge that they know about the issue and told them to switch to a LB or someone in the secondary. This seems to fix the issue.

I haven't played the game but I see this causing the more casual players some frustration as they get burnt repeatedly and can't figure out what is happening.

[whomario]

ok, scouting seems nice and deep and everything, but it feels very forced that you get absolutely no information beforehand. I´d really like to be able to at least have basic information available beforehand, the way it is i´m basically picking guys at random to scout...

gameplay wise it seems as if there isn´t enough passing by the CPU.

Also, the interface is incredibly clumsy, takes forever to navigate and some stuff just is hidden very well (and other things like player profiles aren´t accessible from most screens you´d expect it to be)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Critics: Hard-hitting new Madden is the best in years | Games Blog - Yahoo! Games (http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/critics-hard-hitting-madden-best-years-213337848.html)

[whomario]

While i agree it´s a really good game that will likely be great after a patch and think that online it could be amazing with good people, i really have been disapointed how little reviews actually, you know, review the game. Instead of blabbering on and on about philosophy and how EA reinvented the game it´d be nice of them to at least show some of the flaws as well.

The OS review is a discgrace quite frankly, the fact that they didn´t acknowledeg a single bug discussed on their own boards is just incomprehensible for me.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Are there any reviews out there by people who don't take every little detail seriously and just mention if the game is fun to play? If it's fun, I'm buying it.

[dubb93]

It is fun.

[whomario]

It is indeed fun :)

I rasced through a season in franchise/CCM just to see what you have to do over the course of the season. I took the Rams because they have 2 first rounders and managed to get their overall rating from an abysmal 72 down to a really abysmal 68 and when the new season rolled around. So i guess that didn´t go so well ;)

[samifan24]

I love the music in this game. Reminds me of the Arkham City soundtrack and, best of all, no annoying pop songs that grow old after ten minutes!

[samifan24]

Are there any reviews out there by people who don't take every little detail seriously and just mention if the game is fun to play? If it's fun, I'm buying it.

It's fun.

[MizzouRah]

It is indeed fun :)

I rasced through a season in franchise/CCM just to see what you have to do over the course of the season. I took the Rams because they have 2 first rounders and managed to get their overall rating from an abysmal 72 down to a really abysmal 68 and when the new season rolled around. So i guess that didn´t go so well ;)

Don't make me buy it! :)

Taking the Rams would be quite fun...

[Pumpy Tudors]

I bought it tonight. Haven't played it yet. Thanks, guys!

[MizzouRah]

I bought it tonight. Haven't played it yet. Thanks, guys!

Return it at once frumpy pudors!

[whomario]

I love the music in this game. Reminds me of the Arkham City soundtrack and, best of all, no annoying pop songs that grow old after ten minutes!

To be honest, i get brain freeze from it (as in i can´t think coherently and just aimlessly click around) and then have to mute it ;)

[dubb93]

Is anyone else finding the CPU incapable of running an offense? They can't run the ball at all(2 ypc is about what I'm finding). The QB holds the ball too long and ends up missing the window where guys are open. The QB takes way too many coverage sacks as a result(5+ a game so far for me). This results in them routinely getting in 3rd and 15 or so.

Also the CPU seems to tip off their game plan. They almost always throw the ball out of 3 WR sets and run out of 1 or 2 WR sets. I mean almost always. Has resulted in me beating both the Packers and Lions by 30 points to open up my first connected careers mode with the 49ers.

I'm playing default All-Madden at the moment. I'm not sure sliders can/will be able to correct these kinds of issues.

[Sweed]

Is anyone else finding the CPU incapable of running an offense? They can't run the ball at all(2 ypc is about what I'm finding). The QB holds the ball too long and ends up missing the window where guys are open. The QB takes way too many coverage sacks as a result(5+ a game so far for me). This results in them routinely getting in 3rd and 15 or so.

Also the CPU seems to tip off their game plan. They almost always throw the ball out of 3 WR sets and run out of 1 or 2 WR sets. I mean almost always. Has resulted in me beating both the Packers and Lions by 30 points to open up my first connected careers mode with the 49ers.

I'm playing default All-Madden at the moment. I'm not sure sliders can/will be able to correct these kinds of issues.

What level and online or offline connected career?

Haven't read a lot at OS but the general thought is that All-Pro, at this time, is giving the best game. Also it has been mentioned that a CC career online game has the cpu being able to run while offline CC cpu has trouble running. Someone posted Looman(?) said tuning is up to date for online but won't be for offline until patch drops.

I set up an online CC. All-pro level, default sliders, private league, and single player only so nobody can join my league and screw it up.

I've only played one preseason game, me Rams vs Colts, and Moore ran for over a 100 yds. They also threw the ball well. For default sliders I thought it played a good game. Getting ready for my second game now and will go with default again. I plan on looking at OS to add some penalty and fatigue settings and see how things go.

Take the above with a grain of salt, it is based on only a couple of things I read at OS.

[dubb93]

What level and online or offline connected career?

Haven't read a lot at OS but the general thought is that All-Pro, at this time, is giving the best game. Also it has been mentioned that a CC career online game has the cpu being able to run while offline CC cpu has trouble running. Someone posted Looman(?) said tuning is up to date for online but won't be for offline until patch drops.

I set up an online CC. All-pro level, default sliders, private league, and single player only so nobody can join my league and screw it up.

I've only played one preseason game, me Rams vs Colts, and Moore ran for over a 100 yds. They also threw the ball well. For default sliders I thought it played a good game. Getting ready for my second game now and will go with default again. I plan on looking at OS to add some penalty and fatigue settings and see how things go.

Take the above with a grain of salt, it is based on only a couple of things I read at OS.

Well I was offline CC. I will give it a try tomorrow with online and All-Pro, but I'm a little skeptical at the moment I guess.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've read a few other places that online has multiple tuning/patch features available that offline doesn't until the patch drops. When I get time with the game, I'm also planning on doing a solo online CC for that reason.

[Eaglesfan27]

I do like that EA's Season Ticket program lets the bug reports come out before the game actually does.

Seems there is a huge man coverage bug according to the OS boards. Controlling someone on the d-line causes your corners to run commit and get ran past by the WR. This seems to have resulted in multiple huge TDs a game and possibly a few controllers getting broken.

Someone from EA seemed to acknowledge that they know about the issue and told them to switch to a LB or someone in the secondary. This seems to fix the issue.

I haven't played the game but I see this causing the more casual players some frustration as they get burnt repeatedly and can't figure out what is happening.

There is an update to this from the developers. Controlling any player and pressing down on the Right Stick immediately after the snap triggers this issue. You can control anyone you want, just be careful not to press the right stick immediately after the snap.

[Groundhog]

Thanks a lot guys, off to pick this up now. I spent a total of 2 hours on last year's version, so I'm really hoping this one sucks me in.

[MizzouRah]

Take what you read over at Operation Sports with a grain of salt. Some of those guys pick about every single game apart that comes out.

[Super Ugly]

Hmm, I might wait for a patch before picking this up.

I've read mixed things about CC. I thought '12 provided a fun game, but there was zero immersion. It felt so airless and repetitive. I mostly play offline, so feeling connected to the game world is really important to me. Has CC improved things at all in this regard?

[BillJasper]

Guess I'm going to pick this up today for thr PS3.

[dubb93]

Hmm, I might wait for a patch before picking this up.

I've read mixed things about CC. I thought '12 provided a fun game, but there was zero immersion. It felt so airless and repetitive. I mostly play offline, so feeling connected to the game world is really important to me. Has CC improved things at all in this regard?

I haven't played very far yet, but experts are constantly tweeting about what is going on in the league. I have enjoyed this through about two regular season weeks(and the full pre-season too ofcourse) of CC. The tweets are relevant and usually solid. That said it has been two weeks, so we will still have to wait and see how long they last.

I REALLY enjoy the tweets about prospects. I've seen tweets along the lines of a WR(the top player in that draft) being compared to Megatron, only faster, "If that is possible." I've also seen tweets of college results, such as a DT racking up 4 sacks and helping to carry Nebraska to a win.

The college tweets aren't just about top prospects either. I've seen a QB(#6 in that draft) get a tweet that he needs to step it up this year and prove he is a top QB. Another about a CB who feels he is underrated as all he does is make big plays. Also tweets about guys who are starting to creep up the draft boards are great too. They even give the prospects nicknames from time to time. It feels really good. In this regard CC has never been better.

That said college scouting is terrible. I feel I get little to no feedback. It kind of sours the whole thing a little bit.

Also in years past I loved to simulate all the computer games one at a time. I can't find a way to do this in this years game and as a result all I get are the game related tweets and standings to look at. The tweets do cover the big games and such, but I would really like to be able to simulate games one at a time.

[Mota]

No CPU vs. CPU mode.
No coach mode.

This is strictly arcade play now.

I basically just wasted $50 for this piece of crap that's actually WORSE than last year's version!

[INDalltheway]

No CPU vs. CPU mode.
No coach mode.

This is strictly arcade play now.

I basically just wasted $50 for this piece of crap that's actually WORSE than last year's version!

I saw a setting for coach mode. Something along the lines of if you don't take control of the QB it will do the rest. Am I crazy?

[Balldog]

No Coach Mode in CCM

[whomario]

I saw a setting for coach mode. Something along the lines of if you don't take control of the QB it will do the rest. Am I crazy?

It isn´t in CCM , only available for play now.


Immersion imo is great, i also think that scouting needs work though.

Online play is outstanding. Of course i don´t have many comparisons, but compared with NBA 2K i think this game is made for online play. Didn´t hurt that i actually managed to win a game yesterday ;)

If anybody wants to play on the 360, i´ll be online quite a bit today and this weekend (staying home taking care of packing up stuff for a move in october, will need break in between ;) ), gamertag is Whomario.

[RedKingGold]

What is "CC"?

[SlyBelle1]

What is "CC"?

Connected careers.

[BillJasper]

Probably the best "on the field" version in years, but presentation is still incredibly dry. Especially in practice where you could crickets in the background if they had them.

[BillJasper]

Some things I've noticed...

* Preseason depth charts are broke. You play your starters for the first quarter then the second string plays the rest of the game.
* Kickers make poor punters. You may get a ten yard punt out of them.
* Been seeing some weird glitches. Had a corner bite on play action when there was none. Tried to lead a receiver by pushing the stick to the left and pressing "O" and the QB did a spin move to the left even though he was in the pocket.
* Still seeing where DB's/LB's are trying to cover guys on the opposite side of the field. Guess they'll never actually fix this.

[korme]

I have got to find a cheapish way to get a new/repair my old PS3. I need a football VG in my life

[MizzouRah]

Picked it up yesterday and finally had time to sit down and play a game on AP defaults, 15 minute quarters, clock run off to 12 seconds left each play.

I am thoroughly enjoying what I'm seeing so far. Played Rams vs Dolphins, beat them 23-9, but I was losing 9-6 at halftime. Taking that game overall, I just think that was one of the best games I've football I've played in a very long time. I only played the demo, so having a full game to play really allowed the infinity engine to show its stuff. It needs tweaking obviously, but it resembles football better than any game has to date, really impressed.

Rushing is tough, but you can tell a power back from a speed back. Passing is great too, leading receivers and I had one pass where I floated the ball in between the CB and the FS that looked so freaking real, I replayed it about 8 times. http://forums.digitalsportspage.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

The game is very beautiful too and for now, the commentary is quite refreshing. I think there are way too many replays, but you can hit A to skip over them.

I'm already anxious to start an online CCM with the Rams, but I'll wait on the first patch.

[BillJasper]

The game is very beautiful too and for now, the commentary is quite refreshing.

Just finished the first pre-season, the commentary gets old real fast.

[Mota]

No Coach Mode in CCM

That's what it is. I don't understand it one bit. If it's there for Play Now, why wouldn't it be there for CCM?

And any coach mode or CPUvCPU guys, wouldn't you think they're most interested in playing in franchise mode? Somehow I don't picture these guys playing one-off games very often.

All along they've been saying "It's all still there, but in CCM!!!" and meanwhile they have removed chunks of the game that a small but loyal crowd enjoy. I'm going to try and return it to my local retailer, it probably won't work but I'll try my best. This whole move from 12 to 13 has been very misleading on the part of the Madden devs.

[samifan24]

If anybody wants to play on the 360, i´ll be online quite a bit today and this weekend (staying home taking care of packing up stuff for a move in october, will need break in between ;) ), gamertag is Whomario.

I sent you a friend request.

[BillJasper]

Anyone know how to turn off Gameflow? I don't see an option to turn it off except by doing it at the beginning of each game... very annoying.

[SirFozzie]

I'm going to be having the game tommorrow night, anyone want a game or a CC dynasty?

[MizzouRah]

Just finished the first pre-season, the commentary gets old real fast.

Ugh... :(

[samifan24]

Anyone know how to turn off Gameflow? I don't see an option to turn it off except by doing it at the beginning of each game... very annoying.

I've been doing the same thing. I haven't found an option to always shut it off. Maybe in the "My Madden" section?

[SlyBelle1]

I've been doing the same thing. I haven't found an option to always shut it off. Maybe in the "My Madden" section?

In CC, believe a bug where you always have to set it prior to a game...at least I hope they believe it is a bug (and not working like they planned) so they fix at some point.

[INDalltheway]

I'm going to be having the game tommorrow night, anyone want a game or a CC dynasty?
What system Fozzie? I'd love to get around 6 or so guys on 360 for a league.

[whomario]

I sent you a friend request.

got that, but was just wrapping up at that point (was bed time in good old europe ;) ). Maybe today then :)

[BillJasper]

In CC, believe a bug where you always have to set it prior to a game...at least I hope they believe it is a bug (and not working like they planned) so they fix at some point.

There's no option to turn it off prior to games inside the Connected Career mode.

[Sweed]

Picked it up yesterday and finally had time to sit down and play a game on AP defaults, 15 minute quarters, clock run off to 12 seconds left each play.

I am thoroughly enjoying what I'm seeing so far. Played Rams vs Dolphins, beat them 23-9, but I was losing 9-6 at halftime. Taking that game overall, I just think that was one of the best games I've football I've played in a very long time. I only played the demo, so having a full game to play really allowed the infinity engine to show its stuff. It needs tweaking obviously, but it resembles football better than any game has to date, really impressed.

Rushing is tough, but you can tell a power back from a speed back. Passing is great too, leading receivers and I had one pass where I floated the ball in between the CB and the FS that looked so freaking real, I replayed it about 8 times. http://forums.digitalsportspage.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

The game is very beautiful too and for now, the commentary is quite refreshing. I think there are way too many replays, but you can hit A to skip over them.

I'm already anxious to start an online CCM with the Rams, but I'll wait on the first patch.

Why wait? If you are playing online CC then a lot of the problems are already patched\tuned. At least that is my understanding. Only problem I have seen that is annoying is the punter\kicker switching positions because of preseason and the kicker being a joke at punting. I am 2-1 losing to Colts and beating Chiefs and Cowboys though both games were affected by the 10 yard punt bug which won't be a problem in regular season.

Haven't read a lot at OS, try to stay away from their lunatic fringe critics:) Maybe I'm missing a reason to not play yet? If so don't tell me;)

I am currently playing with OUR Rams and will finish preseason today. Been very happy with default All-Pro. Not saying I won't make some adjustments as I get into regular season but can't remember any time I've played Madden on default. Hell, even had a pass interference call in my last game on default 50 slider:)

Pead is fun to use, Jenkins adds a lot to the secondary, and even Richardson, the RB they drafted in the 7th round, is pretty good even though rated only a 49 overall.

I think the seller for me on playing online single player CC is being able to use the website to do many of the functions for controlling the team. I absolutely hate the way EA wastes screen space showing only about 4-5 columns of ratings and stats forcing widescreen HD users to scroll to see info that should be easily available. While not perfect online it is better. The website though is a bit slow and could use more indepth options but it is a start.

The other reason I've started is many have posted the game does play differently between CC or play now though I can't confirm that as I've only played CC games. I figure even if I have to start over (or choose to with season opening roster update) I will at least have had some "training".

[Sweed]

Just finished the first pre-season, the commentary gets old real fast.

3 games in and it hasn't got old for me yet. I think the main reason is if nothing else it is so much smoother than previous versions. Without the herky jerky delivery of years past, again for me, it just doesn't stick out as "noise pollution" irritating the hell out of me.

Unrelated but as far as audio what pisses me off is EA taking out the old NFL Spence music. Hell, the NFL has to own the rights don't they? Wouldn't think with the license it would make a cost difference, but then maybe it does?

[MizzouRah]

Why wait? If you are playing online CC then a lot of the problems are already patched\tuned. At least that is my understanding. Only problem I have seen that is annoying is the punter\kicker switching positions because of preseason and the kicker being a joke at punting. I am 2-1 losing to Colts and beating Chiefs and Cowboys though both games were affected by the 10 yard punt bug which won't be a problem in regular season.

Haven't read a lot at OS, try to stay away from their lunatic fringe critics:) Maybe I'm missing a reason to not play yet? If so don't tell me;)

I am currently playing with OUR Rams and will finish preseason today. Been very happy with default All-Pro. Not saying I won't make some adjustments as I get into regular season but can't remember any time I've played Madden on default. Hell, even had a pass interference call in my last game on default 50 slider:)

Pead is fun to use, Jenkins adds a lot to the secondary, and even Richardson, the RB they drafted in the 7th round, is pretty good even though rated only a 49 overall.

I think the seller for me on playing online single player CC is being able to use the website to do many of the functions for controlling the team. I absolutely hate the way EA wastes screen space showing only about 4-5 columns of ratings and stats forcing widescreen HD users to scroll to see info that should be easily available. While not perfect online it is better. The website though is a bit slow and could use more indepth options but it is a start.

The other reason I've started is many have posted the game does play differently between CC or play now though I can't confirm that as I've only played CC games. I figure even if I have to start over (or choose to with season opening roster update) I will at least have had some "training".

Yeah, I just read that online CC has had some fixes so I guess I'll dive in!

One thing, how do I ever get carries from my backup RB's? Is that fixed in online CC as well?

[whomario]

A very important thing : Don´t start with pre-existing injuries off, if you do then any slider changes (or league settings) will result in all league injuries being "healed" and players returning to the lineups.

RB2 carries isn´t fixed ... There´s no slider for it either (or a strategy setting) and in the sim engine it works just as crappy.

My main issue so far is the cpu playcalling which is very run heavy even for passing teams, especially there´s rarely any throws on 1st down.

Super Sim is also still broken (with 12 minute quarter simming on defense will result in the cpu having 100+ plays) and the simmed stats are also jacked.
One thing that irritates me is that if you run it offline and advance a week you´ll see the games being simulated 1 by 1 while online it takes 2 seconds and boom you are at the next week (as if it´s somehow a less accurate sim if that makes any sense)

[Sweed]

Yeah, I just read that online CC has had some fixes so I guess I'll dive in!

One thing, how do I ever get carries from my backup RB's? Is that fixed in online CC as well?

A very important thing : Don´t start with pre-existing injuries off, if you do then any slider changes (or league settings) will result in all league injuries being "healed" and players returning to the lineups.

RB2 carries isn´t fixed ... There´s no slider for it either (or a strategy setting) and in the sim engine it works just as crappy.

My main issue so far is the cpu playcalling which is very run heavy even for passing teams, especially there´s rarely any throws on 1st down.

Super Sim is also still broken (with 12 minute quarter simming on defense will result in the cpu having 100+ plays) and the simmed stats are also jacked.
One thing that irritates me is that if you run it offline and advance a week you´ll see the games being simulated 1 by 1 while online it takes 2 seconds and boom you are at the next week (as if it´s somehow a less accurate sim if that makes any sense)

I'll have to check my setting but I have a DB injured that stayed injured (still in preseason) and I thought I had previous injuries off to start with and had injuries on. I'll watch this closely and if it is a problem, and it's not retroactively fixed in first patch, I'll start over. Not a huge deal as its not always a bad thing to get one's feet wet first before starting a "keeper" dynasty.

With RB2 carries are you guys saying they get none or just not enough\many?
Again, only played preseason but in 4th qtr I put my RB3(Richardson) in #1 depth chart slot, RB2(Pead) in #2 slot, and RB1(Jackson) in #3 slot. I know Pead had a couple of carries in the 4th qtr coming in for Richardson. And yes, Richardson was also in the #1 slot for 3rd down back. I will also watch this more closely as I wasn't aware of the issue.

[MizzouRah]

I'll see how it goes.. I'm sure they get carries in the pre season, but when I played some play now games, the starters never come out.

Anyway, started my CC with Jeff Fisher and I'm liking it so far.

[BillJasper]

Played my first regular season game with the Dolphins...

Tannehill was intercepted 4 times, sacked 5 and the receivers dropped 10 passes. Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas combined for 28 yards on the ground.

Houston won 30-20.

[whomario]

Just lost a killer Online, my opponent kicked a 58 yard FG with 2 seconds to go and then i actually got a guy wide open and he tripped catching the ball as time expired ... Then in OT i have a brainfart and call fair cacth on the 1 yard line, then he gets me for a safety = game over.

Overall i am moving the ball well but have trouble scoring and can´t play defense.


re RB carries : one thing that helps a bit here is to up fatigue, just don´t set it too high or otherwise the backup linemen will play too much. I have it at 60 and it helps a little bit.

@ Sweed : But did you make any changes to the league sliders/settings in your career ? (also, is this online ?)


I´m not saying i don´t like it btw, i´ve allready reached my 2nd season with the Texans. Went 10-6 and won the Wildcard game against the Colts (after allready playing them in the last RS game and also 2 games before that).
Then i totally blew the draft, the only good thing i did was trade up to the 18th spot and take a WR with 78 rating and star development trade.

All other picks have bust written all over them, i´ve allready cut 3 of them actually ...

One thing that totally annoyed me : I scout all theese attributes and then in the draft on the draftboard there are only half a players attribute to be seen and i can´t access his player card ???

[whomario]

I need some help : When i play against the cpu i can just press A and get adjustments for the player i´m controlling (on defense), like being able to send him into zone coverage for example.

Online the button only switches between players and the only adjustments i found is that i can choose which guy to cover or adjust the whole defense.

Anbody any ideas ?


Played my first regular season game with the Dolphins...

Tannehill was intercepted 4 times, sacked 5 and the receivers dropped 10 passes. Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas combined for 28 yards on the ground.

Houston won 30-20.

i have been getting interepted like crazy the first half of the season but then things got better (started with 12 Ints in 4 games, finished the season with 24). For myself i found that i am way to overeager in play action and throw the stupidest passes right to areas where i´m actually drawing the defenders in the first place.

[BillJasper]

i have been getting interepted like crazy the first half of the season but then things got better (started with 12 Ints in 4 games, finished the season with 24). For myself i found that i am way to overeager in play action and throw the stupidest passes right to areas where i´m actually drawing the defenders in the first place.

I'm like Brett Favre. If I say you're open, you're open and I throw it, I don't care if there are four defenders around you! :lol:

[Sweed]

@ Sweed : But did you make any changes to the league sliders/settings in your career ? (also, is this online ?)


Mine is an online CC. I went through all of the options inside my online CC at the start. I'm pretty sure I went "current injuries: off" and "injuries: on". After 2 preseason games I turned injuries off deciding to wait 'til regular season to turn them back on. I did this due to the depth chart issues when subbing players by the cpu during preseason. Didn't want me or any other teams to lose key players in preseason games when the cpu was playing them after they should be out of the game.

It is possible that I am simply misremembering what I did at setup;)

[Jack1974]

No Coach Mode in CCM

Typical EA Sports piece of shit. I will be so happy when 2Ksports gets another shot to make a football game.

[BillJasper]

Typical EA Sports piece of shit. I will be so happy when 2Ksports gets another shot to make a football game.

I doubt 2K Sports is financially capable of making a football game at this point.

[Jack1974]

I doubt 2K Sports is financially capable of making a football game at this point.

That is a shame as I enjoy playing their basketball immensely.

[gstelmack]

For myself i found that i am way to overeager in play action and throw the stupidest passes right to areas where i´m actually drawing the defenders in the first place.

Wait, you actually get the ball off in play action? For the last several years of Madden and NCAA, I gave up trying play action, because my QB would drop back, fake the hand-off, then take so long getting back to an animation that would let me throw the football that it was pretty much a guaranteed sack. Occasionally I could get one off on a bootleg play, but I gave up on these quite some time ago.

[BillJasper]

That is a shame as I enjoy playing their basketball immensely.

I was never in love with their football games, like most folks.

Wait, you actually get the ball off in play action? For the last several years of Madden and NCAA, I gave up trying play action, because my QB would drop back, fake the hand-off, then take so long getting back to an animation that would let me throw the football that it was pretty much a guaranteed sack. Occasionally I could get one off on a bootleg play, but I gave up on these quite some time ago.

You can cancel play-action after the snap by pressing R2 this year.

[Sweed]

I'll have to check my setting but I have a DB injured that stayed injured (still in preseason) and I thought I had previous injuries off to start with and had injuries on. I'll watch this closely and if it is a problem, and it's not retroactively fixed in first patch, I'll start over. Not a huge deal as its not always a bad thing to get one's feet wet first before starting a "keeper" dynasty.



I guess I'm going to take this back. I'd swear my DB missed one game and should have been out for the rest or preseason but was back healthy when I loaded my game again.

Only 3 games into preseason so started a new CC with previous injuries on. Thanks whomario for bringing the issue to my attention.

[Sweed]

Wait, you actually get the ball off in play action? For the last several years of Madden and NCAA, I gave up trying play action, because my QB would drop back, fake the hand-off, then take so long getting back to an animation that would let me throw the football that it was pretty much a guaranteed sack. Occasionally I could get one off on a bootleg play, but I gave up on these quite some time ago.

I'm having some success with play action. Was pretty gun shy about trying it as I also haven't had much luck in past versions of either Madden or NCAA. However with new game, preseason, and gameflow I have went with the play most of the time when it comes up. Much better than previous versions and I'm not nervous about using it anymore or, like whomario, overeager to the point where I hurry my throws. Sure you can still get creamed by an unexpected blitz but that is as it should be. When setup by a good running game though success is certainly possible.

[Ragone]

For some odd reason, i have trouble playing/connecting to unranked games or community games with certain friends.. others i have 0 problem with.. i'm assuming this is a ea server issue.. but i can't find any concrete evidence of this..

[whomario]

Just wanted to mention that the career website (maddencareer.com) is mucho helpfull, even if it´s still in Beta.
I love that i can compare my players to Free Agents in an easy-to-evaluate way, can even look around the league who is on the trade block and make comparisons there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wait, you actually get the ball off in play action? For the last several years of Madden and NCAA, I gave up trying play action, because my QB would drop back, fake the hand-off, then take so long getting back to an animation that would let me throw the football that it was pretty much a guaranteed sack. Occasionally I could get one off on a bootleg play, but I gave up on these quite some time ago.

Yes, PA is now viable in NCAA too.

[Sweed]

Just wanted to mention that the career website (maddencareer.com) is mucho helpfull, even if it´s still in Beta.
I love that i can compare my players to Free Agents in an easy-to-evaluate way, can even look around the league who is on the trade block and make comparisons there.

Yeah, it is nice and I've been doing my cuts online. Having said that I hope they realize there are a ton of things they can do to make it better.

1. You can list FA showing attributes and scheme they fit in. Can't list your own players the same way, have to turn their card around and dig for info.

2. Doing player comparison is nice but how about including player contract info making roster decisions easier again without having to dig for info

3. Player card needs a contract tab

4. In general for the whole thing EA simply doesn't take advantage (just like HD widescreen tvs on the console) of screen space. They have all of your stats\ratings online and still insist on showing them in small boxes with a max of 4 or 5 columns of data, I don't get that at all????

5. As an example look at a players card and then attribute tab. Gives all of the attributes with nice blue bars(where have I seen those before?) nice, except you have to scroll to see everything since the box takes up about 15-20% of the whole screen. Why? Same goes for game recaps. Small box, about 4 columns wide, showing very limited stats. Its a computer screen guys use it! Give us the info in an easy fashion don't make us look for it.

Giving us a website is a great idea but it is just so lacking. I can't believe someone, with any knowledge of football at all, designed it and said to themselves "yeah, that's just how I imagined it, nice and compact. Love my scroll bars and limited information."

My pet peeve for console sports titles is having to dig\scroll to get information that should be front and center. EA is as bad as it gets with this issue. The Show and NBA2k used to have this problem gut have come a long way in making it better. I wish EA would get with the program. :end rant: :)

[PurdueBrad]

Alright guys, I need some advice from those of you that have played both NCAA and Madden this year. Which should I buy (I'm an X-Box 360 player, especially since the vid card on my PS3 fried)?

This is the first year I didn't buy NCAA day 1 and I didn't buy Madden last year. Here's what I'm looking for in a game:

1- A solid solo dynasty mode
2- Realistic, solid football engine (not arcade-y)
3- Reasonable stat-tracking
4- A game that is challenging but not super-linebacker cheating kind of challenging

So, if you could buy only one, which would it be?

[dubb93]

Make sure you guys are actually practicing. I find this completely rediculous, but an EA employee resonded to a thread at OS. The thread was about the lack of progression for young guys/bench players. The EA guy comes off as a bit of a jackass and pisses me off with his tone, but here is the guy's quote.

Your issue of progression of lower-rated players was because those who don't see the field on gameday gain XP in Practice, which you stated you simulated. This isn't an issue of the game, it's just you not wanting to practice.

You could say that you feel that the bench players aren't given enough XP, which we could then turn into a constructive conversation to provide feedback on, but as it is it's just gamer stubbornness.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Make sure you guys are actually practicing. I find this completely rediculous, but an EA employee resonded to a thread at OS. The thread was about the lack of progression for young guys/bench players. The EA guy comes off as a bit of a jackass and pisses me off with his tone, but here is the guy's quote.

Exhibit #1254 that EA developers are totally out of touch with their consumers.

[whomario]

It never ceases to amaze me that EA doesn´t grasp that for most people actually complaining about theese things, for them a "quick fix" for their players isn´t the issue but for a feature not working for the cpu ...

[dubb93]

Well quite frankly it wouldn't be working right for me either. I played exactly one practice and decided I will never do it again. If I'm being forced to do so then I guess this would be considered a show stopper to me.

[Mota]

I did a practice and it was agonizing. I could not do it 18 times a season. I have so little free time as it is, if I'm going to be playing Madden I want to play a game and not a throwaway time waster to get XP for my players.

I know that in real life practice is very important, but this is a video game and they have to make it fun (which they haven't).

I find this year they game-ified the recruiting in NCAA Football enough this year so that it was really fun. If they're going to force you to practice they really need to change it up and make it more enjoyable and rewarding somehow to make you WANT to play it.

[Eaglesfan27]

I did a practice and it was agonizing. I could not do it 18 times a season. I have so little free time as it is, if I'm going to be playing Madden I want to play a game and not a throwaway time waster to get XP for my players.

I know that in real life practice is very important, but this is a video game and they have to make it fun (which they haven't).

I find this year they game-ified the recruiting in NCAA Football enough this year so that it was really fun. If they're going to force you to practice they really need to change it up and make it more enjoyable and rewarding somehow to make you WANT to play it.

Big plus 1. I finally got time to play today. By the time, I made my initial cuts and finished Week 1 Pre-season practice, I didn't have time to play my game.

[whomario]

It´s amazing how much better the cpu plays in play now as opposed to CCM. At first i though "nah, that can´t be" but after playing a handfull of play now games to try out some things, i have no doubt that EA has done sth horrible here ...
I can get it challenging in CCM by seriously adjusting sliders, but the cpu still runs into people, doesn´t recognize holes and throws stupid lob passes without reason ...

[DaddyTorgo]

So you're forced to practice in career mode?

Show stopper for me...fuck that.

[dubb93]

So you're forced to practice in career mode?

Show stopper for me...fuck that.

Well an employee said that the reason peoples rookies and backups aren't progressing is because the players are too lazy to practice.

He seems to think that it is working as intended and we need to play practices. Nevermind the fact that the practices could take just as long as a real game does to get full XP. The top XP gainer is an entire game walkthrough. In my case that would be a full 4 quarter game with 12 minute quarters, played weekly in an empty stadium, and played against my backups.

[dubb93]

It´s amazing how much better the cpu plays in play now as opposed to CCM. At first i though "nah, that can´t be" but after playing a handfull of play now games to try out some things, i have no doubt that EA has done sth horrible here ...
I can get it challenging in CCM by seriously adjusting sliders, but the cpu still runs into people, doesn´t recognize holes and throws stupid lob passes without reason ...

I've never played a play now game but a quick look at the slider section of the operation sports boards makes it seem that people are labeling their sliders "play now", "online CCM", and "offline CCM." They seem to think they ALL play different and all require different sliders.

[DaddyTorgo]

Well an employee said that the reason peoples rookies and backups aren't progressing is because the players are too lazy to practice.

He seems to think that it is working as intended and we need to play practices. Nevermind the fact that the practices could take just as long as a real game does to get full XP. The top XP gainer is an entire game walkthrough. In my case that would be a full 4 quarter game with 12 minute quarters, played weekly in an empty stadium, and played against my backups.

Right - that's what I meant. I have no interest in doing that with my free time. If a game is going to "force" me to do that in order to get progression for my players, then fuck that, I have no interest in playing the game.

[sabotai]

Just checked, and practice is set at 5 minute quarters with the accelerated clock on. (I have my settings to play 15 minute quarters)

[whomario]

the "tied at halftime" scenario gives you 1500 XP and 1000 for your backup players (propably less if you loose), takes about 10 minutes to breeze through.

Ideally that´s 16k XP points for your backups from practice alone.

Not saying i support that design choice (especially since it does jack for the cpu) but it´s not that undoable really ...

[EagleFan]

Alright guys, I need some advice from those of you that have played both NCAA and Madden this year. Which should I buy (I'm an X-Box 360 player, especially since the vid card on my PS3 fried)?

This is the first year I didn't buy NCAA day 1 and I didn't buy Madden last year. Here's what I'm looking for in a game:

1- A solid solo dynasty mode
2- Realistic, solid football engine (not arcade-y)
3- Reasonable stat-tracking
4- A game that is challenging but not super-linebacker cheating kind of challenging

So, if you could buy only one, which would it be?

I don't have Madden but NCAA has been one of the most enjoyable console football games that I have played in a while.

[dave731]

Exhibit #1254 that EA developers are totally out of touch with their consumers.
I like the response they gave about leaving out coach mode and auto pass from the connected career. It went something along the lines of "we feel the AI just isn't up to where it should be in order for this mode to be viable so we took it out of this year's game." I'd like to ask the developer who said this face to face...if the AI for cpu vs. cpu isn't up to par to even be included in the game, how do you justify a HUMAN playing against the cpu AI at all in any game mode? Those guys at EA are full of it...

[RainMaker]

Question for you guys. I really only have time for one football game to get involved in this year. Would you go with Madden or NCAA? I'm a dynasty/franchise guy so long term things like how the AI handles depth charts and other bugs would be of concern. Plus gameplay of course.

Thoughts?

[MizzouRah]

I have both NCAA and Madden and for now, Madden has been getting all of my time.

[EagleFan]

My money would be on NCAA. I haven't played the new Madden yet but the next version of Madden that actually gets it right will be the first version of Madden that gets it right. It has always been the most overrated game on the market.

[RainMaker]

I sort of like the NFL game more because I know all the players. Do like the shorter seasons of NCAA and the recruiting. I'm torn, was hoping one game would be much better than the other.

[dubb93]

I have them both and find Madden is the game that is more fun to play. Unfortunately I'm not a big fan of Connected Careers so I'm not sure how much I will ever play it. Dynasty on NCAA is solid, it's just the inferior on the field game this year IMO.

[Groundhog]

Thing I don't get about the lack of cpu-cpu play is that if you just leave it at the menu and don't press a button, it launces a cpu-cpu game...

[Sweed]

Question for you guys. I really only have time for one football game to get involved in this year. Would you go with Madden or NCAA? I'm a dynasty/franchise guy so long term things like how the AI handles depth charts and other bugs would be of concern. Plus gameplay of course.

Thoughts?

Have both but haven't played Madden enough to know how the long term game will turn out. The onfield game is great. Just finished my first game with Rams at Detroit and lost 33-30 on all-pro default. Yeah, default with realistic play! Only need to see if anyone has some penalty settings and I'm set.

The sure thing to me would be NCAA but that doesn't mean in the end Madden won't be better. Like MR right now Madden is getting my time but if I'm you and only have time for one I think I'd go with NCAA the "sure thing". Game play is still solid. Pretty much last year with much better passing, physic LB and CB gone, and better recruiting that is actually fun.

Having said all of that the on field in Madden is so good that I will continue to play it until it proves that it isn't worth it over the long hall. If it holds up I'll send my copy of NCAA to my son. If it doesn't then I know I have a good backup:)

[Groundhog]

Madden plays better than any Madden I've played before as far as passing is concerned. I'm throwing a TON of interceptions with my QB, but they are bad throws most of the time, with the others coming about from my QBs mediocre pass ratings.

Running... well, not controlling the HB doesn't help, but man, 2 out of 3 runnings plays has Adrian Peterson running directly into the back of one of my own linemen, or breaking out into a hole only to strangely spin back towards the defender, which is rather frustrating on 3rd-and-1s that end up 4th-and-3s.

[MizzouRah]

I do like both games, but the gameplay in Madden feels fresh, so maybe that's why it's getting all my game time right now.

I like CC and I'm having a blast with it.

[Mota]

I'd say buy NEXT year's version of Madden and this year's NCAA. Madden made a lot of changes this year and quite frankly I feel like it's a bit of a disaster. Maybe after they've had a year to fix everything, it might be worth buying. Maybe the on-field part is better in Madden but unless you're a "Play Now" kinda player, you enter the alpha testing zone which is CCM.

[MizzouRah]

Played my first game of the season in my online CC, AP defaults, 15 min quarters, 15 second time clock.

Lost to the Lions 16-13, both teams had 4 INT's and 6 sacks a piece. Bradford is out for 6 weeks with a broken collarbone. Jackson had 101 yards and overall, we shot ourselves in the foot many times over. Megatron had 1 catch as both team's offense were stagnant.

Up next is the Redskins.

[Ajaxab]

NCAA is $30 via Origin if price sways anyone. I don't know how long that will last. It might just be a Labor Day special.

[Sweed]

Played my first game of the season in my online CC, AP defaults, 15 min quarters, 15 second time clock.

Lost to the Lions 16-13, both teams had 4 INT's and 6 sacks a piece. Bradford is out for 6 weeks with a broken collarbone. Jackson had 101 yards and overall, we shot ourselves in the foot many times over. Megatron had 1 catch as both team's offense were stagnant.

Up next is the Redskins.

I lost to them 33-30. They were tough and Stafford and Megatron were killing me early. Their Dline rattled Bradford early and I thought it would be a rout. Down 20-3 at halftime. Hit a few easy completions and Bradford became more confident while Stafford was getting hit in the pocket and it seemed Detroit was happy to try to run clock. Came back but fell short.

Stafford 387yds. 3 tds. 3 picks
Megatron 6-99- 1 td
Burleson 6-134 1 td
Best 12 carries 59 yds

Bradford 261yds. 2 td.3 picks sacked 3 times and knocked down a lot
Jackson 20car 47 yds: I told you their line was tough
Kendrick 6-99 2 tds.

Long 2 sacks, Law 1

Game 2 just knocked of Wash. 29-6 at St Louis. RGIII seemed a bit like a rookie. Good but unsure and made a couple of mistakes. Ran well though with ~60 yds. 142yds passing 6 sacks, though a couple were of the 2 yd variety as he was trying to take off.

Bradford just a 114 yds passing and 2 picks but Jackson 33 carries, 120 yds, 1 td, 38 long. And Pead 11 for 50 yds, 1 td. Cpu actually auto subbed for Jackson after the 38 yd long run for a few plays, Pead got 7 of his carries as Jackson sat out. The rest of Pead's carries came late with game over.

Offensive struggle for both teams but a good game overall.

Loving the onfield more and more at default AP. Also with surround sound and the stadium volume turned to 100 it creates a nice atmosphere in my playing room:) Not NHL quality but so much better than before.

[MizzouRah]

Nicely done, I plan on taking on RGIII and company tonight.. it's going to be tough using my backup QB. :(

[dave731]

NCAA is $30 via Origin if price sways anyone. I don't know how long that will last. It might just be a Labor Day special.
Thanks, just pulled the trigger on NCAA!

[whomario]

Currently in my 3rd season. I had injury troubles in season 2 and then ended up simming the rest of the games and also went into tank mode playing backups (yeah, i know ...). Finished 5-11 and had the 4th pick in the draft which i then used to trade down and get an extra first rounder the next season.

Use the 22nd pick on a Right Tackle (81 OVRL) while drafting a 78 rated RE in the 2nd round (in my scheme he´s that, neutrally a 71) and getting an 81 rated receiving TE in the 5th round :)

Now i´ve started the season 5-2 and am just about to play the 5-1 Colts on the road.

Had a killer game against the Packers where Rodgers obliterated me late in the game. Was up 24-14 start of the 4th, then he threw 2 looooong TD passes and had another great drive and that´s that.

Currently contemplating on wether or not to stick with Schaub. His contract is almost up and trading him becomes viable with not too much bonus in play and he is just stuck in that "good but not great" area and getting up in age. And while most problems are likely user related i´m not really clicking with him ...

There´s a good QB in the draft who is projected 15th (and the extra draft pick should end up there or a bit higher) and fits my playing style pretty much perfectly.

[whomario]

also, i´m almost positive that the Pass/Rush reaction sliders at a higher level mean slower reaction .

Or it might be just gas ...



Also, the Colts just ran a kickoff back (first time that happened against me) and get called back on a holding penalty :D

Andrew Luck is throwing to Victor Cruz and Aaron Hernandez btw with McFadde at HB, so that 5-1 record makes sense.

[MizzouRah]

Both NCAA and Madden need slider tweaking and ultimately it ends up seeing the game get less and less of my playing time.

With NHL due out in just over a week, I'm not so sure Madden CC is going to have staying power for me.

Console football just makes me miss a new version of FOF all that more. :(

[gstelmack]

Both NCAA and Madden need slider tweaking and ultimately it ends up seeing the game get less and less of my playing time.

I would agree, I haven't touched a slider yet on either NBA 2k or NHL12, but every year with the football games it seems like you have to tweak something for interceptions or some other bit.

[korme]

I'm doing a ConnectedCareer as Randy Moss... haha

[MizzouRah]

I would agree, I haven't touched a slider yet on either NBA 2k or NHL12, but every year with the football games it seems like you have to tweak something for interceptions or some other bit.

I've played many seasons in NCAA, but the CPU is horrible at rushing, even with sliders turned up, the same is the case with Madden, albeit a bit less.

You are right about NHL though, I just use 10 minute periods on AS difficulty and go. Finished 8th last year playing all 82 games. (I did tweak a few things, forgot, but it wasn't much at all, penalties all the way up and what not)

After a long weekend with Madden, it's the best version in a long time, but I'm not so sure I won't get bored soon and go back to FOF for my yearly NFL fix. :D

[Groundhog]

I wish my WRs were as good with their hands as the DBs/LBs that keep picking me off. I'm 10 games in with my QB in My Player mode and I've thrown 23 interceptions, got a while to go before I hit an NFL record but I'm not so far off! I'm sure the fans in Minny are campaigning to have Ponder step back into the starting role...

No real complaints about the high tally because I suck (haven't played a football title in a few years), but I think I need to turn catching up because my guys drop a stupid amount of passes, especially compared with the simulated WRs of my opponents. Last night I had three sure-fire TDs lost due to dropped catches, two wide open and one fairly easy one, and had nearly gone through an entire game without throwing a pick before I was forced to start chucking it down field in the 4th (3 picks in 3 drives...). Having fun though.

[korme]

So I just simmed to the offseason.... Kurt Warner announced he was making a comeback. That's neat.

[Sweed]

Both NCAA and Madden need slider tweaking and ultimately it ends up seeing the game get less and less of my playing time.

With NHL due out in just over a week, I'm not so sure Madden CC is going to have staying power for me.

Console football just makes me miss a new version of FOF all that more. :(

I'd agree the slider tag in football is the worst. Having said that this years Madden seems like it will end up not needing it nearly as bad as previous versions.

Played one more game tonight and am finding cpu rushing to be a bit lacking. Others discussing default AP at OS are finding success by only upping cpu blocking to 55. It is what I will try next game and hope they are correct. Don't get me wrong default is still playing a very good game for me but I think the lack of running is putting the cpu in holes that makes my Ram team better than it really is. Too may second and third and longs is choking off the cpu offense.

I did beat the Bears in Chicago 16-14 and while that's cool I am hoping by going to 55 run block that score has the possibility of changing dramatically with Chi. able to keep drives alive. I will say one thing the Peppers and Suhs of the world show up in the game as great players. In the Chicago game I flipped a screen out to Jackson and he had a wall of linemen in front of him and I thought it would be a long gain. Urlacher (sp?) was pursuing and cut in from the side taking Jackson out before he could get in behind his blockers. It was a nice thing to see.

No doubt The Show, NBA 2k, and NHL put out a better product but the long seasons usually leave me well short of completing anything. Nature of the beast:) So I hope this years Madden is the first step in closing that gap. Time will tell.

[Groundhog]

I will say one thing the Peppers and Suhs of the world show up in the game as great players. In the Chicago game I flipped a screen out to Jackson and he had a wall of linemen in front of him and I thought it would be a long gain. Urlacher (sp?) was pursuing and cut in from the side taking Jackson out before he could get in behind his blockers. It was a nice thing to see.


This is definitely something I've noticed as well. I think in previous versions it was really the skill of the offensive players that determined the games, where as I played the Bears last night and man, I don't know if the Bears are considered an elite D but Urlacher and the Bear's DEs just dominated my running game and their CBs, largely playing M2M which I've had a good amount of success against using Harvin on quick routes over the middle, stuck to my WRs like glue. I had no good looks down the field and was forced to throw the check pass to my RB or TE time and time again or take a sack, something that hasn't happened yet against other teams. It was like watching one of those games on a Sunday where the offense just can NOT pick up a first down.

[whomario]

So I just simmed to the offseason.... Kurt Warner announced he was making a comeback. That's neat.

for me he did that as well, then retired again the very next offseason. Guess he found out that retirement wasn´t all bad :D


Another slider related thing : Turning down Ints also influences the way the defense plays the pass, turning it down a bit makes them play a bit more conservative and also less efficient. After lowering it to 40 i still throw Ints but also have players breaking free or actually beating their man down field.

Yesterday i just owned the Lions secondary with Mike Wallace when they pressed him or played 1:1, i think i had 3 beautifull long passes down the sideline, one being a diving catch by him and another going for the long TD.

I´m playing All Pro in CCM and think i have the following key adjustments :

Rush Defense Reaction Time : 50 for both i think
Pass defense reaction time : 70 for both (as said, there might be sth there as far as higher = worse/slower)
Ints : 40
Run Blocking : 65
Block Shedding : 25
Break tackle : 60
WR catching : 45

most other stuff is on 50.

[Ragone]

Man, i'm just awful online at this game.. 6 picks in the first half.. i dunno if its because i don't use the same 3-5 teams everyone else uses.. or if i just plain ass suck.. i'm assuming its that i suck.

1-5.. and pretty soon my skill level points will be 0!

[samifan24]

Man, i'm just awful online at this game.. 6 picks in the first half.. i dunno if its because i don't use the same 3-5 teams everyone else uses.. or if i just plain ass suck.. i'm assuming its that i suck.

1-5.. and pretty soon my skill level points will be 0!

I played online just once and was down 35-0 at the half and thankfully the other guy mercy ruled me. We could play each other (Xbox?) and see who's worse.

[BillJasper]

I'd like to try the game out online, wlj1701a, but I'm not very good at it. I'm on the PS3.

[whomario]

@ samifan 24 : I´m not doing so well either AND i have to test drive the Vikings as i´ll controll them in a europe-based CC coming shortly, so there´s your chance ;)

If you´d like a game, i´ll be on for another 3 hours or so as i only start work at noon tomorrow.

[dubb93]

I have no clue how you guys are playing default AP. Makes me super jealous. I play default AP and win 30+ to 0-7 every time. Makes me a sad panda. Trying an AP slider set from OS now.

Honestly if I didn't shut out the CPU on All Madden every game it would be awesome. My offense on default AM is about where it needs to be, but the damn CPU gets 60 total yards every game.

[BillJasper]

I have no clue how you guys are playing default AP. Makes me super jealous. I play default AP and win 30+ to 0-7 every time. Makes me a sad panda. Trying an AP slider set from OS now.

Honestly if I didn't shut out the CPU on All Madden every game it would be awesome. My offense on default AM is about where it needs to be, but the damn CPU gets 60 total yards every game.

We just aren't very good. :lol:

[Groundhog]

We just aren't very good. :lol:

What he said. :D

I feel like I'm getting better with my QB. My Vikings had the #2 pick in the draft and grabbed a stud receiving TE who has been absolute money for me through the first 4 games of the season, pulling down 6 TDs and is 3rd in the league in receiving yards so far. I'm 9/9 with TDs/INTs where as I think at this point in my first season I was 3/14. :D

[dave731]

Any chance of somebody starting a Player and/or Coach CCM with all you guys?

[SirFozzie]

I was just going to ask that.

Here's what I was thinking:

12 minutes, Accelerated Clock 20
Coach mode
penalties bumped up, but set to pro with some slider tweaks.

Would anyone be interested? (edit: Oh, I'm on 360)

[Groundhog]

I'd be interested in a PS3 CCM.

[korme]

Player's numbers don't change??

I just traded for a guy and now I have two #14's on my team.

[Ragone]

id do a ps3 ccm.. but i think i'd rather just control a qb full time rather then coach to be honest...

[whomario]

re player numbers : Known bug, "we are looking into it" status ...

re : accelerated clock : Not working ins user vs user games in CC, so yeah ... Hate EA :)

re : Slider Tweaks in CC. I´d be carefull here because the difficulty level in that mode is not entirely tied to the sliders (all sliders are at 50 no matter if rookie or all madden, yet the game plays differently on each difficulty)

Waiting for at least the first patch seems nescessary before a multiplayer CC. Not that i expect them to fix everything, but there´s allways hope they caught at least 2 or 3 of the big ones themselves and just couldn´t fix it in time for the release ...


I reached the conference finals last night in season 3, then drafted a QB at 12 (had the pick from the previous years trading down) that is an 83 rated Power thrower. Needs to work on accuracy, but other than that ...
Keeping Schaub around (last year of contract) as trade offers were crap, still starting the new guy. Had a stunning opener, 3 TD passes and 1 TD run, 290 yards on 18-30.

[dave731]

re player numbers : Known bug, "we are looking into it" status ...

re : accelerated clock : Not working ins user vs user games in CC, so yeah ... Hate EA :)

re : Slider Tweaks in CC. I´d be carefull here because the difficulty level in that mode is not entirely tied to the sliders (all sliders are at 50 no matter if rookie or all madden, yet the game plays differently on each difficulty)

Waiting for at least the first patch seems nescessary before a multiplayer CC. Not that i expect them to fix everything, but there´s allways hope they caught at least 2 or 3 of the big ones themselves and just couldn´t fix it in time for the release ...


I reached the conference finals last night in season 3, then drafted a QB at 12 (had the pick from the previous years trading down) that is an 83 rated Power thrower. Needs to work on accuracy, but other than that ...
Keeping Schaub around (last year of contract) as trade offers were crap, still starting the new guy. Had a stunning opener, 3 TD passes and 1 TD run, 290 yards on 18-30.

I played my first full game outside of the demo using one of the sliders at the mothership. It was a preseason game Vikings @ 49ers (me). I ended up pulling out the victory 13-10 playing 15 minute quarters with acc clock down to 15. Gameplay was outstanding but their play calling left a lot to be desired. I played it conservative too though...

[MizzouCowboy]

I'm 3-0 in my Cowboys dynasty using default All-Pro setting, beating the Giants 24-16, Seahawks 26 -20, and the Bucs 14 - 13. I have an amazing ability to throw pick 6's inside the 5 yard line, having thrown at least one in each game. I believe in 3 games I have 11 interceptions, which all but one have been really bad decisions, the other was wanting to hit Y and hitting X....oops!

Giants should have killed me, but they ran the ball constantly, even in 3rd and long. The Seahawks started Tavaris Jackson and he was brutal, LOL bad. I turned the ball over 5 times inside the 5 yard line or this would have been a complete route.

If I can ever limit the mistakes I should destroy the computer teams, which seem to love to run the ball ALL. THE. TIME.

I've never been a Madden fan, but the game play of 13 is surprisingly fun for me.
I've already played 13 more than 12, which got about 6 hours of time at best.

[CleBrownsfan]

Anyone know if you can turn per-season off in an online CCM?

[Sweed]

Anyone know if you can turn per-season off in an online CCM?

Pretty sure you cannot. I think the best you can do is turn off injuries, simulate, and decide what you want the cpu to take care of and what you want to do yourself. Which I think would only amount to who to cut and who to keep. Maybe a half hour at most?

[CleBrownsfan]

k- thanks

[Sweed]

I'd agree the slider tag in football is the worst. Having said that this years Madden seems like it will end up not needing it nearly as bad as previous versions.

Played one more game tonight and am finding cpu rushing to be a bit lacking. Others discussing default AP at OS are finding success by only upping cpu blocking to 55. It is what I will try next game and hope they are correct. Don't get me wrong default is still playing a very good game for me but I think the lack of running is putting the cpu in holes that makes my Ram team better than it really is. Too may second and third and longs is choking off the cpu offense.



Played a couple of game with rushing at 55 and have been happy with the cpu running game. Also dropped INTs to 40 and thought things were going great until I threw 3 4th qtr picks in the last 6 minutes of the game.

I'm probably just not that skilled and I don't mind the ones where I totally screw up but 2 of them just weren't that bad a throws. I'm going to try 35 next with my goal to just have a few more balls deflected rather than picked.

FWIW I'm also lowering the human int slider to the same as the cpu. Looking at league stats I have thrown the most picks, 12 through 4 games YIKES! The next 3 worst teams have all thrown 11. Yeah, you guessed it they all played me and fwiw I don't switch and control any DBs, all picks for my team are being done by the cpu. So in fairness the cpu seems to be having the same problem I am.

At least it isn't a league wide problem. League wide, so far, ints seem to be at a realistic level. Only problem appears to be in the games I play.

[EagleFan]

Caved in and picked this up based on what I have been hearing about the gameplay.

Big issues in my first game as a connected career runningback. I created a speed guy and placed him on the Eagles, kind of miss the draft.


Negatives:
- Practice is extremely boring but seems to be a must if you want to progress.

- Played the first preseason game with 15 minute quarters and accelerated clock. Had 156 yards rushing at the half on 25 carries. We had the ball for 25 minutes. The other team had the ball for only about 20-30 seconds each time they had the ball with three and outs each time (usually a run, a completed pass for a couple yards and an incomplete pass). I returned punts but every time the other team punted they barely kicked the ball beyond the line of scrimage. At the half we had already run 60 plays and had almost 500 yards of offense. The other team ran about 30 plays with about 80 yards of offense. Their punter was averaging less than 15 yards per punt. I finished with almost 300 yards rushing and almost 100 yards receiving. We won 84-0.

- Played preseason game two. Exactly the same issues. I quit the game at the half. This is not playable.

- Why do I have to control the snap when I am on the field (or when my team is kicking and I am on the field I have to control the kicker)?

- This mode is not playable. I know this was only preseason but it has already killed the immersion factor.


Positives:
- Played a game in exhibition and the gameplay for that seemed rather fun.

- Like the feel of the running game in this mode.

[sabotai]

Playing as a player was a big disappointment for me too. The simming for the other side is way, way off (I play with 8 minute quarters in this mode) . It's like 3-4 massive steps back from the separate "My Player" mode in previous games.

As with previous versions, they put 98% of the effort into online play and coaching (as in, controlling the whole team) and not playing as a player. Offline "Be a player" type modes seem to be dead as far as EA goes.

On the other hand, playing as a coach has been pretty good so far.

[DaddyTorgo]

So wait - I hear today there's no fantasy draft option at all?

Fuck that - it's a definite no-buy for me at any price then.

[AENeuman]

After a several years of playing just online head to head I tried the career mode... Still sucks.

After 2 extremely boring years of just practice I was able to break every qb season and game record in my first year as a starter. My rating was in the low 70's and was on all pro.

Like previous years it comes down to figuring out where the ai is dumb. This time it is using the hurry up offense. The ai will almost always switch their d. If they switch to a tight man I could hit the wide receivers on a bomb all day long.

There is no real urgency to win games and play for real. I never ran the ball, not once. No punishment for throwing ints. Retired after this year, nothing to prove, no challenge.

[Mota]

I'm trading mine in and putting the money towards X-Com. Sad to see how the franchise has fallen.

[MizzouRah]

Play now plays a better game and I have no reason why?

[RainMaker]

One minor gripe. The game comes with rosters that have a ton of players that were on teams training camps. The updated rosters seem to get rid of most of them. Now I know they were cut from rosters, but why not throw them all in the free agent pool? I get removing some to save room if new players came along, but there are less players in the updated roster set altogether.

[DaddyTorgo]

One minor gripe. The game comes with rosters that have a ton of players that were on teams training camps. The updated rosters seem to get rid of most of them. Now I know they were cut from rosters, but why not throw them all in the free agent pool? I get removing some to save room if new players came along, but there are less players in the updated roster set altogether.

But at least you can customize sock color and dreadlock length right? RIGHT?

[dave731]

But at least you can customize sock color and dreadlock length right? RIGHT?
They actually took that out of this year's franchise mode so, no, you can't...not anymore. :)

[BillJasper]

I thought a patch was suppose to be released yesterday?

[Sun Tzu]

A patch was released yesterday that fixed...nothing.

Well, not literally nothing, but just about nothing. Word is they're going to fix all the real issues with the third patch, which I imagine won't be released until just before the Super Bowl.

[Groundhog]

Word is they're going to fix all the real issues with the third patch, which I imagine won't be released until just before the Super Bowl.

I wonder how many Madden threads you can find nearly this exact quote in over the past decade or so. :D

[BillJasper]

I don't understand how people play on All-Madden.

I was playing as the Ravens vs the Pats and Rice would fall down if he was touched and yet the Pats RB ran to one side of the field breaking four tackles then ran the to opposite side of the field for a 50 yard TD.

I can throw for nine hundred yards on All-Pro yet every other pass gets picked on All-Madden, guys twenty yards from the ball somehow get to it and take it the other way all the time.

Frustrated to say the least.

[Ramzavail]

I haven't bought this game in a while - but I was shocked to hear that you couldn't play franchise mode with multiple users. I feel like I was able to do that in the game over a decade ago.

[RainMaker]

I keep seeing talk about the CCM AI being completely broken. Game plays totally different in it than it does in Play Now. ABout a 30 page thread on OS documenting it. If that's the case, what's the point?

[dubb93]

Week 5 in CCM. Every player in the league that was injuried is now healthy! It's a miracle! WTF!?

[Sweed]

Week 5 in CCM. Every player in the league that was injuried is now healthy! It's a miracle! WTF!?

Did you start your CC with current injuries disabled? If so there is a bug that makes all injuries healed before the next week. There is no bug if you start with current injuries enabled. Sweet, huh? I found out and had to restart too. Luckily I had only played 3 preseason games when I heard about it.

[dubb93]

Did you start your CC with current injuries disabled? If so there is a bug that makes all injuries healed before the next week. There is no bug if you start with current injuries enabled. Sweet, huh? I found out and had to restart too. Luckily I had only played 3 preseason games when I heard about it.

I love this company.

[whomario]

this game is so much fun online if you play good people with some reasonable restrictions (like not dropping back 30 yards before passing )

Am struggling on offense still, but one of theese days i´m gonna get it i hope ;) (in a uk/euro based community i´m currently 0-10 and my league starts next week ... )

One thing i´m slowly getting better at is leading receivers and especially putting touch on the ball on streaks/fades. It´s just beautiful when you have your guy open and softly put the ball where only he can reach it :)

Main problem is still Interceptions but i´m slowly getting better there as i know the playbook better and know when to throw the ball out of reach of the defender rather than trying to hit my receiver (only 4 Ints the last 2 games and 3 of them late in games when in desperation mode)

[AgustusM]

I think the major issue with EA and madden specifically is it is designed with the online play now folks in mind and the simulation franchise thing as nothing more than a necessary evil.

The game has made tremendous strides in stuff like the specific equipment, online matchups, ultimate team, etc. Or in other words, all of the things I could absolutely care less about. I am only interested in a FOF style NFL simulation with modern graphics.

The game itself is visually stunning and looks fantastic.

The announcers are pointless, I always turn the sound down. I don't blame EA for that at all. If you play a game for any amount of time the commentary will always get repetitive. Hell, I find most live NFL games commentary to be repetitive (did anyone hear...Harbaugh and Schwartz... blah.blah.blah.handshake.)

But the NFL sim part is no better then Madden 08 (In fact in many ways I think it is worse)

The new CCM "feature" breaks more franchise style things then it fixes.

Did I buy it, yes. Will I buy next years, yes - at this point I have bought every Madden (well really every NFL sim of any kind) ever released for PC or console. So I will buy it in the hopes it will be good- usually about once out of every five years I actually do enjoy it.

Bottom line, as predicted the exclusive license was the worst thing that ever happened to the NFL sim fans- the promising 2k game was killed, EA has no competition and the game sells more than ever - so why would they ever care about anything we say - just shuffle the deck add some new bells and whistles, take some other stuff out, spend a bundle on marketing and watch the money roll in.

As a business person I am nothing but impressed, as a lifetime NFL game player it is depressing. :banghead:

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

don't own a console. haven't played madden since first xbox. always said i'd be back when they got real time physics and fm style player management. doesn't sound promising. always seems to be one step forward two steps back with madden.

[Kodos]

I figured all along that they'd need at least another year before the game as a whole was good.

[AgustusM]

don't own a console. haven't played madden since first xbox. always said i'd be back when they got real time physics and fm style player management. doesn't sound promising. always seems to be one step forward two steps back with madden.

wouldn't that be great - too bad Maddens player management is a thousand light years from being "fm style"

you till can't even view basic statistics without using the controller to scroll to a next page

[AgustusM]

sigh

half way through my season - the Bills are second in the league with 18 sacks.

First, my SF 49ers with 62!!!

My defensive joystick wizardry? No, I am so bad on defense I don't even touch the controller on defense because all I do is miss tackles and give up long TD's - so this is all just the default AI

and yes I have bumped up the sliders for PC Pass Block.

[korme]

Twice in a row I've been able to successfully squib the ball slightly left and run all the way downfield to recover it. Feels like a cheat

[Groundhog]

I've found it's pretty much a cheat to audible on any obvious long-passing downs, because the D always audibles too, far too frequently bringing safetys down to blitz, making the long bomb far too easy.

[BillJasper]

Another thing I've noticed is that the CPU never calls a Prevent or 3 Man Deep defense when ahead late unless you select a Hail Mary play.

12 seconds left and they called a defense that had a LB lined up in man coverage with my fourth wideout.

I truly wonder how they miss some of these things.

[whomario]

Twice in a row I've been able to successfully squib the ball slightly left and run all the way downfield to recover it. Feels like a cheat

explains why in my very first online game my oponent squib kicked every single time ...

Have given up on playing the cpu alltogether for now. And yes, i´m aware that squarely puts me where EA wants it´s customers to be ... But truth be told, i´m having a blast playing with good people online. The game does have some exploits, but they are all easily avoided with a few simple ground rules (without it taking away the fun)

Maybe EA fixes some of the more glaring issues in playcalling in the patch, but i´m not holding my breath.

Did very well in my first 2 preseason games with the Texans, winning 32-24 (Panthers) and 42-28 behind shockingly competent play by my young WRs and could see me spreading it around in the real games, including Foster as well as FB Casey should allow me to sent Johnson on deeper routes for big plays.

If anybody is interested in a franchise (different formats, 1 or 2 games a week) or just some quick games with some ground rules and can live with odd kickoff times (UK based, thus 95% of the users from there and elsewhere in Europe), just pm me for the details.

[korme]

I'm up for a game on PS3 for the next couple of hours if anyone is interested... tag is kormstar

[EagleFan]

Would take you up on that but we're getting slammed here and the power has already dipped a couple times.

[Eaglesfan27]

Would take you up on that but we're getting slammed here and the power has already dipped a couple times.

Yeah,it is bad here in Galloway too.

[Sweed]

Just finished my first season and draft using the Rams with an 8-8 record. Started with all-pro default and for the most part it played well. Wanted to give it a lot of games but after 14 offense just wasn't where it should be. Also had a few issues with cpu running and human receivers dropping passes. FWIW I never control the receivers until after the catch. I also don't switch on defense.

Fixes for me were
cpu run block at 60
human catch at 70, cpu at 55

and the most important after game 14 turned speed threshold down to 40. This immediately got offenses going and finally getting game with over 300yds of offense without having unrealistic big plays. The "extra" offense came within the flow of the game.

The on-field game is still a lot of fun. But where the game shines, to me, is its ability to finally have me looking forward to a new season the way NCAA does. Scouting and drafting is finally fun in Madden instead of being a cluster fuck.

The draft itself was fun though like most of the game too much digging is needed to get the info you need. The incoming players, at least high draft picks, like real life can come in and play. My first choice was with the #3 overall (Wash. pick via the RGIII trade) was the heismann winning two way player from Illinois (cb, wr) that wants to play offense in the NFL. The rest of the incoming players are about what they should be for the rounds they were drafted.

The most interesting pick was my 6th rounder (no 7th rounder had traded it away). Had filled my needs and the players left on my board hadn't been deeply scouted. Thought I'd take a look at what was left that I didn't scout.
Wayne State's HB and the all time NCAA rushing leader was undrafted being from a small school. It had been mentioned in the news he had been snubbed by the Senior Bowl. I thought what the hell I'll take a chance. Made the pick and the announcers talked about his career, if he could play in the NFL, and whether he might end up being the steal of the draft. Comes in 75 overall with some nice attributes. 92 carry, 80 truck, and 85 speed stick out. Depending on how he develops could become a star and if not will certainly contribute. Only drawback is injury rating ~75.

The draft recap is also well done. You can look at any team and sort by round and quickly find guys you had on your board that were taken before you could get them. The whole draft was a lot of fun. Scouting, like ncaa recruiting is also well done. No more of the crap system of the past where QB's run\pass block rating was revealed before his arm\accuracy. It's now up to you, scout who you want and what attributes you want (great idea I'm glad EA could finally revolutionize scouting in a sports game :sarcasm intended: :)

The biggest difference for me between ncaa and Madden was the way ncaa would have me looking forward to each new season and seeing the new players coming in. Madden13 is finally giving me that same feeling. Can't wait for my first preseason game.

[MizzouRah]

Thanks Sweed.. being a Rams fan, keep me updated on how you do. ;)

[Groundhog]

Even though I've only played Superstar mode, I enjoy reading the stories about the college guys. I found it interesting when that Japanese guy that I'm sure everyone has seen by now scored 3 TDs on 3 touches (I think it was on a run, a catch, and a kick return?), was projected as a top-10 pick, and then fell to #24 in my career to the Bears, who used him solely as a kick-returner... He was rated around 75 ovr. I'm sure I will be less excited when I see all the same news stories again when I start a regular career.

[Sun Tzu]

Have they fixed this game yet? I set it down a few weeks ago after blowing out the CPU on the hardest level, no matter who I was playing against. I hear sliders are actually broken in CCM, along with the ability to play as a D-lineman without accidentally forcing your corners to play a run blitz on every fifth play.

How this kind of shit gets by the EA testing team is beyond me.

[MizzouCowboy]

I haven't played this for a couple weeks and was wondering the same thing. It got to where as long as I didn't throw 5 INTs a game it was a blow out, and no slider tweaking would help at all, or at least very minimal improvement.

I think I thought I read on OS that the sliders do not work in CCM because the developer(s) made it ratings based, therefore making the sliders basically useless.

Dark Souls has been taking all of my free time anyway, so F Madden. Again.

[korme]

I'm trading this in today as part of a pre-order for 2k13. That game never fails and the re-playability is much longer.

[EagleFan]

CCM is still useless. Play now is fun but that doesn't make it worth the money. Really wish I had waited a little longer on this one. At the time I made the jump I kept hearing how great this year's version was. I guess I don't know the meaning of the word great... ;)

[RainMaker]

I'm trading this in today as part of a pre-order for 2k13. That game never fails and the re-playability is much longer.

Yeah, I held on for another couple weeks to see if CCM got fixed (there is a massive thread on OS about it). But no word from EA so I'll trade it in toward either Fifa or NBA 2K13. Can't believe I got suckered in this year.

[Kodos]

I was right! ;)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm still enjoying Madden in the Offline Career mode, so either I'm broken or I don't know (or care) how the game is broken.

[BillJasper]

I'm still enjoying Madden in the Offline Career mode, so either I'm broken or I don't know (or care) how the game is broken.

Same here.

[Sweed]

I'm still enjoying Madden in the Offline Career mode, so either I'm broken or I don't know (or care) how the game is broken.

Same here.

Me too and having a blast. Maybe it's because I'm getting old and don't have the reaction time anymore to dominate. Don't really care why just figure I'm lucky its working for me.

FWIW I'm playing a single player online CC. I set this up because early it was reported tuners were "up to date" and sliders actually worked where offline you would have to wait for updates(again something I read but have no proof of). Can't comment on offline games but I do know moving sliders in my online CC has been effective in my game.

[Sun Tzu]

I fired up an online single player CCM, and after playing a really, really fun game against the Packers in week 1, was disconnected from the EA servers with just 50 seconds left in the game.

"The stats and results from your game will not count...go fuck yourself.

P.S. - Thanks for the $50

~ signed

EA"

[Sweed]

I fired up an online single player CCM, and after playing a really, really fun game against the Packers in week 1, was disconnected from the EA servers with just 50 seconds left in the game.

"The stats and results from your game will not count...go fuck yourself.

P.S. - Thanks for the $50

~ signed

EA"

Yeah, read that one a few times and I too would be pissed. I however have had no issues with connectivity and Madden or EA. I'm more afraid we will have a local outage that will lose my game rather than EA's server.

The way the game is playing for me it is worth the risk, YMMV.

[RainMaker]

Can't they work out a system where it just needs to re-connect at some point? I could swear other games do this.

[dubb93]

Sliders have worked for me in CC too. I'm currently not playing the game because of other, legitimate bugs.

[Raiders Army]

FWIW, the game is still fun for me. But then again, the last 5 versions of Madden have been fun for me, so I must have a low standard.

[EagleFan]

Sounds like everyone is playing the coach/GM CC. Try the Player CC, you'll get results that make it unplayable. How that can make it past any testing baffles me.

The other team's punter would kick the ball barely past the line of scrimmage every time I was back to receive a punt. The other team would have the ball all of about 10-15 seconds TOTAL every time they had the ball. The previous led to us having over 55 minutes time of possession. I ran for over 10 yards every time I touched the ball. We won the game by 70 points (and the coach was still going deep in the 4th quarter with a 50 point lead).

These are all things that don't happen in coach CC or in play now. The game should still work the same freaking way, just that you are controlling only one player on the field. I can't suspend reality anywhere near close enough to continue that mode.

[Sweed]

Sounds like everyone is playing the coach/GM CC. Try the Player CC, you'll get results that make it unplayable. How that can make it past any testing baffles me.

The other team's punter would kick the ball barely past the line of scrimmage every time I was back to receive a punt. The other team would have the ball all of about 10-15 seconds TOTAL every time they had the ball. The previous led to us having over 55 minutes time of possession. I ran for over 10 yards every time I touched the ball. We won the game by 70 points (and the coach was still going deep in the 4th quarter with a 50 point lead).

These are all things that don't happen in coach CC or in play now. The game should still work the same freaking way, just that you are controlling only one player on the field. I can't suspend reality anywhere near close enough to continue that mode.

Well maybe I suck:) but I play out all of my games and am not blowing anyone out. Its ok with me as I it lets me enjoy the game. FWIW I started at default all-pro(slow speed), online single player, and have only made a few tweaks.
cpu run block at 60

human catch at 70, cpu at 55 (may drop human to 65 and raise cpu to 60, waiting to see how it works over several regular season games)

Int's for both sides 25

Threshold 40 (really opened up both my and the cpu offenses. using default 50 I easily had the #1 defense with the Rams. on 40 through the preseason I am currently ranked 16th)

and of course penalties.


The punt issue is a preseason issue that occurs when the K gets moved to P and goes away in regular season when the P actually punts. I know its fucked up that these guys change places in preseason games. At least in older versions the K could actually get off a decent punt. My guess is it was changed to stop an exploit of using a great K with a great leg as your P? Still stupid that it occurs and the easy fix would be to not move the K to P, or the P to K unless required due to injury.

[BillJasper]

I'm still in my first season with the Browns and am 9-2 so far. Played two games last night, got blown out by the Cowboys (38-24) and the game wasn't as close as the score and beat the Steelers (31-20) in a game that was much closer than the score.

I'm playing on All-Pro, human sliders at 50 across the board and CPU sliders set at 75 across the board, except interceptions which are set at 40. Weeden has 29 interceptions (14 of those coming in two games) through eleven games and Richardson has close to 700 yards rushing and is averaging 3.9 YPC.

The only thing I'd consider an exploit at this point is when the CPU plays bump-and-run out of Cover 2. If you have strong receivers, they can get off of the ball and are wide open in the gap between the corners and safeties. But if theCPU has speedy safeties it becomes a challenge to complete those passes.

[Sweed]

And the Madden update #3 is announced. Don't think I've ever seen such a large patch from EA that includes so many things the community has been asking for. My concern is that it is so large, adding so many fixes and new things that it almost has to break something that will ruin the game.

Anyway EA did a great job with NHL13 listening and fixing the lack of penalties issue and now this patch for Madden that looks to be a great patch. EA trying a new tactic? If so good for them.

And the list....


Check out the Madden NFL 13 title update #3 details.

Feature Additions:

Custom Rosters Offline: Added the ability to start an offline career with a custom roster.

Connected Careers Edit Player: Added the ability to edit gear and information for players in a league.

Coach Mode in Connected Careers: Added the ability to use coach mode in Connected Careers.

Changing Schemes in Connected Careers: Added the ability to change offensive and defensive schemes as a coach.

Offline Play Along in Connected Careers: Added the ability for multiple people to join a CCM game. This applies to coaches only.

Draft Clock: Added a draft clock during the draft that is displayed on screen if you leave the draft interface to view rosters, depth charts, etc.

Draft Filter: Added a filter to the draft screen to display players that have been drafted.

Connected Careers Practice XP: Added the ability for user controlled players to earn extra XP in practice mode through the stats they accumulate.
Gameplay Tuning:

Fixed an issue where WRs were dropping too many passes when playing on All Madden difficulty setting.
Fixed an issue where it was too easy to time the kick meter on FGs and PATs in user vs. user games.
Fixed an issue where punt returners were moving away from the landing spot if you called a fair catch while letting the CPU control the player.
Fixed an issue where someone who attempted to bull rush with the R stick once the ball was snapped activated run commit.

Commentary:

Added over a dozen logic fixes to make our commentary more intelligent.

Presentation:

Fixed an issue where specific offensive player celebrations were not triggering.
Fixed an issue where the referee was backwards when calling a penalty.
Fixed an issue with the Giants away uniforms (missing a sleeve stripe).

Connected Careers:

Fixed an issue where Offline Gameplay AI/Logic did not match the logic in Play Now.
Fixed an issue where playing the game on All-Madden is too easy.
Fixed an issue where changing the camera setting in CCM game works for single player.
Fixed an issue where League Sliders had limited impact on difficulty.
Fixed an issue where the Accelerated Clock did not function in an online CCM game when the option was set to On.
Fixed an issue where you could not turn on/off GameFlow in CCM.
Fixed an issue where you were unable to sign Free Agents during the season.
Fixed an issue where 'Starting a League' would reset Player Schemes.
Fixed an issue where after declining a trade offer, you are no longer able to accept or decline another offer.
Fixed an issue where you could exploit supersim to run the game clock indefinitely.
Fixed some spelling and polish issues in the News and Twitter.
Fixed an issue where a coach could make a contract offer to a user controlled player.
Fixed an issue where you are forced to select a throwing style for a created player that is not a QB.
Fixed an issue where turning Auto-Start to off does not save week to week.
Fixed an issue where you can see rookie overall ratings by accessing the player card of the prospect through Team Needs.
Fixed an issue where changing Auto-Sub Frequency does not change the correct data.
Fixed an issue where the profanity filter was preventing offline players from typing in their names.
Fixed an issue where you can draft a player and then trade down while the draft is paused. The issue resulted in the user keeping both the traded picks and drafted player.

Stability:

Fixed numerous crashes.
Fixed an issue with the in-game pause menu disappearing.

Madden Ultimate Team:

Changed the Packs button to Store Button.
Condensed Leaderboards and Help menus.
Implemented the ability to view videos from the hub.
Implemented Store Panel Changes.
Moved Auctions/Trades to a separate menu option.
Fixed several Solo Challenge exploits

Playbooks:

Fixed an issue where theHail Mary formation in a custom playbook had a blank play that resulted in a broken formation and invisible players if selected.

[EagleFan]

The game ticked me off with my first offline ultimate team game yesterday. With about 2 minutes left in the game I get a message that I lost connection with the EA server (still connected to the PS network so I didn't lose connection on my network side) and that nothing will count for this game towards my team. WTF?!?!

[CleBrownsfan]

Does the patch fix me throwing 8-12 int's a game!? :)

[MizzouCowboy]

Well it's about damned time they fixed the Giants shirt sleeve! Game was unplayable with that game killing bug.

Seriously though, hope things are a lot better so I can get a little of my moneys worth.

[Mike Lowe]

When does this patch drop?

[BillJasper]

Mid-October.

[INDalltheway]

Wow - what a patch. I hope to god EA stays behind Josh Looman and this team. They are taking CCM in the right direction, and listening to the fans.

[Groundhog]

Will this prevent Adrian Peterson from running into the backs of my linemen every running play?!

[dubb93]

Will this prevent Adrian Peterson from running into the backs of my linemen every running play?!

:D

Sounds like human error. Look for cutbacks Groundhog!

[INDalltheway]

Excited for the patch due out on Tuesday.

Feature Additions
•Custom Rosters Offline: Added the ability to start an offline career with a custom roster.

•Connected Careers Edit Player: Added the ability to edit gear and information for players in a league.

•Coach Mode in Connected Careers: Added the ability to use coach mode in Connected Careers.

•Changing Schemes in Connected Careers: Added the ability to change offensive and defensive schemes as a coach.

•Offline Play Along in Connected Careers: Added the ability for multiple people to join a CCM game. This applies to coaches only.

•Draft Clock: Added a draft clock during the draft that is displayed on screen if you leave the draft interface to view rosters, depth charts, etc.

•Draft Filter: Added a filter to the draft screen to display players that have been drafted.

•Connected Careers Practice XP: Added the ability for user controlled players to earn extra XP in practice mode through the stats they accumulate.

Gameplay Tuning
•Fixed an issue where WRs were dropping too many passes when playing on All Madden difficulty setting.

•Fixed an issue where it was too easy to time the kick meter on FGs and PATs in user vs. user games.

•Fixed an issue where punt returners were moving away from the landing spot if you called a fair catch while letting the CPU control the player.

•Fixed an issue where someone who attempted to bull rush with the R stick once the ball was snapped activated run commit.

Commentary
•Added over a dozen logic fixes to make our commentary more intelligent.

Presentation
•Fixed an issue where specific offensive player celebrations were not triggering.

•Fixed an issue where the referee was backwards when calling a penalty.

•Fixed an issue with the Giants away uniforms (missing a sleeve stripe).

Connected Careers
•Fixed an issue where Offline Gameplay AI/Logic did not match the logic in Play Now.

•Fixed an issue where playing the game on All-Madden is too easy.

•Fixed an issue where changing the camera setting in CCM game works for single player.

•Fixed an issue where League Sliders had limited impact on difficulty.

•Fixed an issue where the Accelerated Clock did not function in an online CCM game when the option was set to On.

•Fixed an issue where you could not turn on/off GameFlow in CCM.

•Fixed an issue where you were unable to sign Free Agents during the season.

•Fixed an issue where ‘Starting a League’ would reset Player Schemes.

•Fixed an issue where after declining a trade offer, you are no longer able to accept or decline another offer.

•Fixed an issue where you could exploit supersim to run the game clock indefinitely.

•Fixed some spelling and polish issues in the News and Twitter.

•Fixed an issue where a coach could make a contract offer to a user controlled player.

•Fixed an issue where you are forced to select a throwing style for a created player that is not a QB.

•Fixed an issue where turning Auto-Start to off does not save week to week.

•Fixed an issue where you can see rookie overall ratings by accessing the player card of the prospect through Team Needs.

•Fixed an issue where changing Auto-Sub Frequency does not change the correct data.

•Fixed an issue where the profanity filter was preventing offline players from typing in their names.

•Fixed an issue where you can draft a player and then trade down while the draft is paused. The issue resulted in the user keeping both the traded picks and drafted player.

Stability
•Fixed numerous crashes.

•Fixed an issue with the in-game pause menu disappearing.

Madden Ultimate Team
•Changed the Packs button to Store Button.

•Condensed Leaderboards and Help menus.

•Implemented the ability to view videos from the hub.

•Implemented Store Panel Changes.

•Moved Auctions/Trades to a separate menu option.

•Fixed several Solo Challenge exploits

Playbooks
•Fixed an issue where the Hail Mary formation in a custom playbook had a blank play that resulted in a broken formation and invisible players if selected.

[EagleFan]

If they fixed the player connected carrers I will be happy so I can try that again.

Now if they could fix the part where I suck and throw too many picks... :)

[BillJasper]

Did they release the patch today? My game is updating now...

[INDalltheway]

Did they release the patch today? My game is updating now...

Yep, they released it a day early.

[RainMaker]

I still don't get why it's so hard to program late game AI and clock management for the CPU. This is shit that games were doing well 15-20 years ago. How can they be getting so much worse?

[Eaglesfan27]

Only got to play a half before I had to go do family stuff, but the gameplay/play calling felt much better to me.

[EagleFan]

Am I missing something? I tried to play a defensive player career and I can't get the camera to be anything but behind the offense. I remember a while back (the last time I got into this game) that if you played as a defensive player the camera would be behind you which really helped the immersion factor.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Am I missing something? I tried to play a defensive player career and I can't get the camera to be anything but behind the offense. I remember a while back (the last time I got into this game) that if you played as a defensive player the camera would be behind you which really helped the immersion factor.

They took that out. It'll be a new feature in Madden '14.

[Sun Tzu]

Gonna have to try this sometime today. NCAA is great with default sliders on Heisman difficulty...might try the same with the new patch on Madden.

[EagleFan]

Tried my runningback connected career first time after the patch.

Pros
- At least the other team wasn't going 3 and out and taking up only about 20 seconds per possession.

Cons
- The other team still punts the ball barely to the line of scrimmage when I am back to receive a punt. Only one time did they punt it past the line and that was when they were punting out of their endzone and punted it about 30 yards.
- Still way too many plays and that is with my setting of running the clock to 15 after huddle break.


Game Summary
We won 65-41.
Rushing yards: Us 134 Them 59
Passing yards: Us 518 Then 482
1st downs: Us 33 Them 17
Turnovers: Us 3 Them 3
Red Zone: Us 10-11 Them 1-1 (they scored on a 53 yard pass, 30 yard pass, 32 yard pass, 97 yard kickoff return and 47 yard pass)
Time of Possession: Us 42:27 Them 17:33

Passing: Us: 52 of 84 for 531 yards with 5 TD and 3 Int Them 32 of 54 for 482 yards with 5 TD and 2 Int
Rushing: Us 29 carries for 134 yards and 3 TD Them 17 carries for 59 yards

Add in 11 sacks and we have 195 offensive plays not counting special teams.

Their punter averaged 12.8 yards per punt on 8 punts. (How does that make it through any testing; they never tested as a player who was the punt returner?) Take that 30 yarder out and he was averaging 10 yards per punt and it was all on bounces after it landed before being downed.

At this point there is no sense in trying a connected career as a player as there is WAY too much that ruins any sense of being a pro player.

[EagleFan]

With the Eagles done for the season I have turned to Madden for something to keep me occupied. 5 games into the season I decided to look at some of the league leaders (expecting something a little out of whack because it is Madden after all).

What I see is that through 5 games Jonathan Vilma is having the best season in the history of football for a linebacker. He has 8 sacks, 5 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles and.............166 tackles.... holy sh**... he's averaging 33.2 tackles per game.... talk about being all over the field (no wonder the Saints started off 0-4 this season). He's about 120 tackles ahead of the person in second place.

[BillJasper]

With the Eagles done for the season I have turned to Madden for something to keep me occupied. 5 games into the season I decided to look at some of the league leaders (expecting something a little out of whack because it is Madden after all).

What I see is that through 5 games Jonathan Vilma is having the best season in the history of football for a linebacker. He has 8 sacks, 5 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles and.............166 tackles.... holy sh**... he's averaging 33.2 tackles per game.... talk about being all over the field (no wonder the Saints started off 0-4 this season). He's about 120 tackles ahead of the person in second place.

Just best not to look at the stats. :lol:

[Groundhog]

Former Madden Developer Speaks Out Regarding Frustrations and Disappointments | pastapadre.com (http://www.pastapadre.com/2012/12/03/former-madden-developer-speaks-out-regarding-frustrations-and-disappointments)

Pretty interesting.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Anybody found/heard of a fix for the depth chart freezing bug? After having it only occasionally for 2-3 seasons, suddenly it locks me up every time I go to the depth chart in-game for any reason. Game killer for me at this point :(

[RainMaker]

Maybe if Madden focused on hiring good developers instead of whoever sucks them off the most on forums, they'd have a better game. It's shocking to me that every year they bring in someone with no dev experience off of OS. Well I guess not shocking, it's a cheap way of getting positive reviews for shitty games that you don't put enough money into.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Maybe if Madden focused on hiring good developers instead of whoever sucks them off the most on forums, they'd have a better game. It's shocking to me that every year they bring in someone with no dev experience off of OS. Well I guess not shocking, it's a cheap way of getting positive reviews for shitty games that you don't put enough money into.

It doesn't have anything to do with not putting enough money into it. They're putting plenty of money in. They're just spending it in all the wrong places and not letting the right people make the right decisions.

[Mota]

At least the player shoes will be the right color though.

[RainMaker]

It doesn't have anything to do with not putting enough money into it. They're putting plenty of money in. They're just spending it in all the wrong places and not letting the right people make the right decisions.

Either way, they just seem to be doing everything wrong. Every year I read about some OS guy getting hired by EA for some role. This of course is a guy who praised the game the year before and usually shut down any negative threads about the game. It's this shitty quid pro quo that I don't think does anything to improve the game. Especially when they are hiring someone who already thinks the game is amazing. Hire the guys who offer legitimate criticism and not a bunch of fanboys.

It's not just Madden either. They hired some huge fanboy years ago and made him a creative designer for NBA Live. I don't post there, but this guy used to ban anyone who talked negatively about any EA game. Clearly had something going on before he admitted to working at EA. Obviously we saw what happened to that franchise.

It's pretty simple, there is a lot of talent out there. Hire them, leave the fanboys to the forums.

[RedKingGold]

EA Sports is basically ESPN.