APF Players' Response to Madden 10 News

[TombSong]

1) Do you think APF will remain relevant after Madden drops; i.e. will it still get serious gaming time from you.

It will get some time but not like it used to. Not because of Madden per se, but because of all the other games I want to play and the ones I have that I want to finish.



2) What have you seen from Madden 10 that makes you say "they moved the sport forward" just like you saw APF and said "they moved 2k5 forward"?

Right now looking at the current vids, madden has done nothing to move the sport forward. Pro Tak is an advancement of an existing feature that we have in Ap2K8 and Gang tackling still looks better
in Ap2k8. For Madden its a nice improvement but for football games overall, its not an advancement. Outside of that everything Madden is bringing to the table this year, we have already been doing the last 2 years with Ap2k8.


3) What still seems to stand out about APF from the evidence we have so far about Madden?

Animations, Oline/Dline interaction, Passing, player ratings, commentary, running game.


4) Are you planning on spending serious time with Madden 10?

If it plays decently and can find a good group of people to play with it will get a good share of time.


5) This one is purely for self-interest: how many would be interested in an online franchise with APF players--in other words, playing online in Madden with guys who play APF whom we know are real football-heads?

I would play.

[Sven Draconian]

Really surprised how many people like APF's momentum. Obviously this is a bit skewed since most of us are 2k die-hards, but I always found 2k8 way to "heavy". I definately want more momentum than the twitch games EA has put out before, but these are top level athletes afterall (and, we play defense in reverse).

[RogueHominid]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sven Draconian

Really surprised how many people like APF's momentum. Obviously this is a bit skewed since most of us are 2k die-hards, but I always found 2k8 way to "heavy". I definately want more momentum than the twitch games EA has put out before, but these are top level athletes afterall (and, we play defense in reverse).

Yeah, I feel like APF can be "heavy" at times, but I think it's overall closer to reality than Madden. In APF, I think the momentum could be sped up 10-15% and probably be absolutely perfect. With Madden, you'd have to slow it down like 200% or more to get to the right spot, so it's a matter of relative proximity to the ideal.

[CreatineKasey]

I love the momentum. It makes us follow football rules. We can't sprint blindly in circles with our FS and cover every deep ball. We have to square up, keep our weight centered... it's awesome. I appreciate it when someone makes an exceptional user play on me. It is possible, but along with skill physically - it takes that mental anticipation. That combination is very respected by me.

Big hits are super hard to do and only apply in certain situations... just like real football! It is SO gratifying to lay someone out because it is HARD to do. In madden you can make the screen shake every play and it just doesn't feel that intense when you tip a ball then hitstick a guy... nope not cool.

I love when passing that I need to time things perfectly and I can throw routes before they are open. It is very gratifying to use a QB like Marino and snap throw into holes before they open. I like juking people out with a ballcarrier. It is awesome because it is hard to do and realistic. I love how you can branch tackles because you made a cut or move that created an offbalanced defender... weight, momentum, and position actually matter!

[elgreazy1]

Seems Madden is going to be the same ol' stuff again, which is a major shame. The only reason I'm considering buying M10 is due in part that a lot of fellow APF players are going to be in Madden leagues. That alone can undo the crappiness that is Madden gameplay.

I've had a 2-or so week exile from APF and I can tell you, I'm itching to throw around the virtual pigskin.

[Sven Draconian]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Autumn Wind

Yeah, I feel like APF can be "heavy" at times, but I think it's overall closer to reality than Madden. In APF, I think the momentum could be sped up 10-15% and probably be absolutely perfect. With Madden, you'd have to slow it down like 200% or more to get to the right spot, so it's a matter of relative proximity to the ideal.

Agreed, though, I think Madden took a step in the right direction this year by adding some. It certainly isn't enough to be realistic yet.

Quote: Originally Posted by CreatineKasey

I love the momentum. It makes us follow football rules. We can't sprint blindly in circles with our FS and cover every deep ball. We have to square up, keep our weight centered... it's awesome. I appreciate it when someone makes an exceptional user play on me. It is possible, but along with skill physically - it takes that mental anticipation. That combination is very respected by me. Big hits are super hard to do and only apply in certain situations... just like real football! It is SO gratifying to lay someone out because it is HARD to do. In madden you can make the screen shake every play and it just doesn't feel that intense when you tip a ball then hitstick a guy... nope not cool. I love when passing that I need to time things perfectly and I can throw routes before they are open. It is very gratifying to use a QB like Marino and snap throw into holes before they open. I like juking people out with a ballcarrier. It is awesome because it is hard to do and realistic. I love how you can branch tackles because you made a cut or move that created an offbalanced defender... weight, momentum, and position actually matter!

I would agree, if the AI didn't screw me up constantly. One of the main issues with momentum is what the AI takes over your player at the snap, making you undue what they've done. The most obvious example is playing LB. The AI drops you're guy into coverage on the snap, so when you see run you get those weird stutter/delay/tripping animations and end up standing in place. I hate having to overcome the AI.

The other issue is that the Xbox controller isn't really built for these subtltities (I have no idea if the PS3 is or not). Couple that with some missing animatinos (Defensive Backs need the speed turn/baseball turn, open hips animations and a few others) and I feel like the game is too sensitive.

Madden has no penalty for changing directions at full speed, APF has too harsh a penalty for changing directions at 1/4 speed.

(I LOVE APF's full speed physics and momentum, I just hate the early play overblown momentum).

[texbuk84]

truly to be honest, 2k has always been relevant since they started making football gms. AllPro is still one of the best football gms ever( gameplay wise) besides( to me) 2k5 and madden 02( best madden ever to me). i don't think that this yr madden will knock it out the box for one reason and one reason only. THERE WILL DEFINITELY BE PROBLEMS WITH THE GM AND CONSTANTLY THIS GM WILL HAVE TO MEASURE UP TO 2K5 AND ITS NOT!!!!!!!

[thejackal25]

1) Do you think APF will remain relevant after Madden drops; i.e. will it still get serious gaming time from you.

Depends on if Madden is better than APF or not. I play the better game, not the newer game. I've been happy with APF for the past couple years, so I don't see why I can't be content with it this year if Madden isn't up to par.

2) What have you seen from Madden 10 that makes you say "they moved the sport forward" just like you saw APF and said "they moved 2k5 forward"?

While no single feature makes me say that Madden 10 is definitely moving forward, I feel the Madden team's approach this year has me feeling like they're moving forward. Ian and company have made great strides in getting feedback from the hardcore gaming community. Their presence in forums makes it seem like we finally have a voice, which in itself is much appreciated. Whether or not they execute their plan in implementing the changes and adding the features the fans wanted is a different story and will ultimately determine whether or not they have actually move forward from a product stand point.

3) What still seems to stand out about APF from the evidence we have so far about Madden?

Animation and player interaction, simply still look better in APF. The upgraded presentation in M10 also demonstrates how amazing NFL 2k5's presentation is and how no football game has been able to match it.

4) Are you planning on spending serious time with Madden 10?

As is my approach with every game that comes out, I won't purchase it until I read the reviews, read gamer opinions, and do the appropriate research. Madden 10 has the potential to never be played by me as much as it has the potential to be my new favorite football game. I am hoping for the latter, but you never know. I feel no obligation to play or not play the game.

5) This one is purely for self-interest: how many would be interested in an online franchise with APF players--in other words, playing online in Madden with guys who play APF whom we know are real football-heads?

This is truly one of the best communities of sports gamers, and it's been such a pleasure matching wits on the virtual gridiron with all of you. If M10 lives up to its billing and potential, then yes, I would love to play against all of you sim players. Armchair QB's was the best online experience I have ever had, and getting something like that going with NFL franchises would be amazing. Of course if M10 isn't what it should be, you'll see me playing APF for at least the next year, and I'll be looking for some more great games of 2k8 with all of you.