best part of this game??

[sportyguyfl31]

Everything about the passing mechanics is pure beauty.

Its the best ever, in that regard.

The QB drop, the difference between how the pocket forms and holds on 5 vs 3 step drops.

Having to be able to square your shoulders, and plant your feet if you want to throw accurately on the run, charge throws giving you that 'feel' of uncorking a frozen rope, or a dart in between defenders.

Throwing the ball just feels really, really good.

[sportyguyfl31]

Quote: Originally Posted by BigUnit

I've never really played, other than a little bit of the demo. How does this game handle the 3-4 defense compared to Madden? Any other good strategical differences?

Better, but not perfect.

Fro example, the game treats the Rush OLB spot like a defensive end.

He doesnt shift with the other LBs.

You can see the nose tackle force double teams, and a high tier DT can really cause some A gap havoc.

[CreatineKasey]

Since there is superb pass blocking logic involving double teams, there's a deeper layer of strategy involving slide protections and overall accounting for star DL with double teams.

This game also has a real live sport feel to it. I attribute some of that to the absence of numerical ratings. You judge athletes as athletes, not as formulas and numbers. The "intangibles" attributes really add life to the game. When you're down 7 with 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter and Dan Marino is your QB, you actually feel confidence in having this stud QB with 4th quarter comeback leading the way.

There's more variance in animations and results, including route running. That's a huge one, especially for lesser players. Non-route god receivers are prone to making mistakes and running the less than ideal route. If you want to see this in action, run a bunch of post-corner routes and watch how it isn't run the exact same every time. Things like this make the game feel more free and alive.

[AttackAttack]

Quote: Originally Posted by sportyguyfl31

Everything about the passing mechanics is pure beauty. Its the best ever, in that regard. The QB drop, the difference between how the pocket forms and holds on 5 vs 3 step drops. Having to be able to square your shoulders, and plant your feet if you want to throw accurately on the run, charge throws giving you that 'feel' of uncorking a frozen rope, or a dart in between defenders. Throwing the ball just feels really, really good.

Great post. This is my favorite part of the game. Best iver ever seen. The QB even throws different the further he has to throw. Its great.

[elgreazy1]

Quote: Originally Posted by CreatineKasey

The player interactions and animations. Watch your OL/DL interactions, your block shedding. It's gorgeous.

Agreed. Furthermore, I absolutely love the slightly over-the-top, dynamic animations that occur when your Legends pull off one of their signature Abilities. There is nothing more nasty than seeing an Emmitt Smith stiff arm or Otis Anderson lowered shoulder to a defender's face and on the flip side, seeing a Lott or Browner come crashing in an absolutely destroying a pass catcher or even someone like Night Train float effortlessly in the air and picking off a pass.

[CreatineKasey]

Quote: Originally Posted by elgreazy1

Agreed. Furthermore, I absolutely love the slightly over-the-top, dynamic animations that occur when your Legends pull off one of their signature Abilities. There is nothing more nasty than seeing an Emmitt Smith stiff arm or Otis Anderson lowered shoulder to a defender's face and on the flip side, seeing a Lott or Browner come crashing in an absolutely destroying a pass catcher or even someone like Night Train float effortlessly in the air and picking off a pass.

Or Dan Marino snap off a 30 yard frozen rope in a quarter second. I agree, man.

[CW McGraw]

I still get chills whenever I throw a perfectly timed 15 yard out before my WR even makes his cut. Pure ecstasy. Nothing tops this game's passing mechanics. Route based passing should be standard in every football game.

[mgoblue678]

For me as others have said it would be the passing game , animations in general , as well as the interaction between the o-line and d-line. They are all fantastic.