Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

[wadcakes]

The demo has some strong points, but what happens when you start a game in CCM on the retail version?

Madden 13 CCM had wildly different game play than those in "play now". Play now games were good and CCM games were horrid. Additionally, important franchise elements such as fatigue/auto subs broken, scheduling abnormalities, ridiculous sim stats, and poor CPU AI completely washed out any positives that would otherwise keep you immersed in CCM. This is the very real concern going forward.

Better to keep your expectations in check and don't be the least bit surprised if M25 suffers the same fate at the hands of EA.

amen brother

[BearsNVA]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

Yes there will be.. It just won't have the NCAA name attached to it

Damned if you, damned if you don't.

I get being annoyed with bugs and flaws. The alternative that EA and other game companies have, is to push the release date on the retail version.

Then they'd have people throwing bags of flaming puppy pooh at EA headquarters while shouting obscenities.

I'm not a game developer, didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, and I've never played a game developer on TV, so my knowledge of how this stuff works is little too none.

With that being said, a demo can only be so big size wise for Sony and Microsoft to put them out. Also, they have to submit the demo (weeks) or months before it comes out.

I'm not making excuses for EA. But in many ways I can see how a demo would be buggy.

As far as retail versions go and them being buggy, these games, the physics, graphics, etc. have gotten so complicated I can see how things don't line up perfectly in the beginning.

Imagine if patches weren't possible. That's where I'm thankful. Companies can fix invisible players.

Not a fanboy of EA, just a guy who (in some ways) understands games will have issues in the demo and retail version. In a perfect world Xboxes wouldn't get the "ring of death," games would work flawlessly, and I'd have a front door key to the PlayBoy Mansion.

Just my 2 cents (which isn't worth much

[ghettogeeksta]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I threw in the towel last year with Madden 13 but I learned at the end that to make the USER vs CPU challenging it takes more than just sliders. You really have to limit yourself with house rules. I refuse to use the touch passing (where you lead the receivers inside/outside/low) that becomes too easy even on All-Madden with sliders. Jarrod has the hardest sliders but it doesnt feel like playing football it feels too much like a videogame just button mashing not using strategy as it should be.

To bring the strategy aspect back to the game I only use 1 player the entire play on defense (no switch), and on offense I limit my playcalling to not repeat a single play more than once ever 3 drives. I also limit my audibles and never hot route. It's really sad you have to put all the limits on yourself to make the game any fun. But i'm not sure why people are saying the AI is better this year, I just played with roadman's sliders on All-Pro and picking my own defensive plays and using no switch the CPU Ravens had 10 yards at half time..

This is sad, that's when you know a game is horrible when the human has to limit themselves just to get a challenging game.

This is exactly why their needs to be more than one NFL game, we need a more sim title. I really hope the NFL does not re-up with EA exclusively, I would love for 2K to get back into making NFL games.

[TallyBoi7]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I'm not terribly impressed with this demo...with the NCAA 14 demo, the game felt pretty good off the bat(considering I skipped NCAA 13)...I also skipped (Madden 13 after getting Madden 12) and Madden 25 just doesn't feel right.

And I just had an offensive lineman chase a DB down after an interception...I mean the DB had hit top speed...and here comes my Lineman...it's stuff like that that just frustrates me

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

amen brother

I pray that is not the case. I am staying positive until I have concrete reason not to be.

All of that from M13 was absolutely true and why it was IMO one of the very worst Maddens I have ever purchased.

I have to believe most if not all of those bugs were ironed out for M25.

[DJ]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

After playing the Madden demo, I couldn't enjoy NCAA as much for some reason. IDK what it is.

No problems there. Played a game today and got my *** handed to me by the Gators in the Swamp (I was FSU). Playing with a freshman QB on the road was no easy feat, and I appreciated that.

Played some more of the M25 Demo and overall, I really like how this game plays on the field. I know people complain about pass percentages, rushing yards (I do agree run blocking is a little over-powered) and points being scored, but to me, that's what the NFL of today is.

QB's, at least the good ones, routinely complete 65% of their passes. Teams score over 28 points and rack up a lot of yards. You don't see nearly as many defensive battles as you did 20-30 years ago.

The clincher for me will be Connected Franchise. The CPU AI has to be better in that mode. If I see runs on 1st and 2nd down all the time, I will flp and send the game back to GS for something else. I like the idea behind CF and last year's CCM, but when the CPU puts up no challenge (even with slider tweaks) than there's no point in playing for an offline-only guy like me.

I wish M25 copied NCAA 14 with separate difficulties for offense and defense. I'm hoping that I won't have to change the sliders too drastically. I've had no success on default All-Madden, so I'll see how All-Pro goes.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

This is sad, that's when you know a game is horrible when the human has to limit themselves just to get a challenging game.

This is exactly why their needs to be more than one NFL game, we need a more sim title. I really hope the NFL does not re-up with EA exclusively, I would love for 2K to get back into making NFL games.

I have had to do this will all Madden games. Every single one since 1991.

It's nothing new. It's Madden.....love it or hate it.

I choose to make the best of it and have fun.....and having some house rules and playing sim ball makes the game very playable and a way to have a virtual franchise. It's not that bad.

Do I want it on the same level as my beloved The Show or NBA 2K11?

Heck yes.

But until then if I want to play NFL console football......this is it.


So I played 4 games today. With my house rules and slider adjustments....this game has been a pure blast......I can't wait for 8-27.

I will say this.....playing defense is very stale. If you want a pass rush.......don't try to control a de. Let the CPU and the player ratings take care of it. It is a legacy issue this gen. I just play as a LB pretty much most of the time I choose a de/dt when I think a running play is coming. By employing the no switch rule on defense you will get simulation like results...and Great play results from the CPU.

If I wanted to I could crush the CPU....we all can. I choose to find ways to enjoy the game. It's a choice you make. I choose enjoyment, fun, and creating my own virtual NFL Universe.

It is what it is....so I make the best of it and enjoy the game. I have been doing workarounds for all kinds of sports games for decades....this is nothing new. Only a few sports games have truly been special....I am talking the cream of the crop. I can count them on 6-7 fingers. I am talking simulation like controls, player movement, AI, deep interface and modes.

It's not easy to achieve greatness. Very few sports games can truly claim that title.

Madden has done it once. My hope is M25 replaces Madden 2005 as the pinnacle....I think it has a shot if all the bugs were ironed out in Connected Franchise mentioned above. And for Madden fans I think most of us are digging this demo....I am talking pre PS2 Madden fans. Maybe I am getting old....but I appreciate how advanced sports games have become since my 2600 days....and keeping notebooks upon notebooks of stats for Bases Loaded 2 on NES.

[friscob]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I'm not terribly impressed with this demo...with the NCAA 14 demo, the game felt pretty good off the bat(considering I skipped NCAA 13)...I also skipped (Madden 13 after getting Madden 12) and Madden 25 just doesn't feel right.

And I just had an offensive lineman chase a DB down after an interception...I mean the DB had hit top speed...and here comes my Lineman...it's stuff like that that just frustrates me

Yea in NCAA 14 and Madden 25 there really isn't any top-end breakaway speed.

[TeeDogg]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I have had to do this will all Madden games. Every single one since 1991.

It's nothing new. It's Madden.....love it or hate it.

I choose to make the best of it and have fun.....and having some house rules and playing sim ball makes the game very playable and a way to have a virtual franchise. It's not that bad.

Do I want it on the same level as my beloved The Show or NBA 2K11?

Heck yes.

But until then if I want to play NFL console football......this is it.


So I played 4 games today. With my house rules and slider adjustments....this game has been a pure blast......I can't wait for 8-27.

I will say this.....playing defense is very stale. If you want a pass rush.......don't try to control a de. Let the CPU and the player ratings take care of it. It is a legacy issue this gen. I just play as a LB pretty much most of the time I choose a de/dt when I think a running play is coming. By employing the no switch rule on defense you will get simulation like results...and Great play results from the CPU.

If I wanted to I could crush the CPU....we all can. I choose to find ways to enjoy the game. It's a choice you make. I choose enjoyment, fun, and creating my own virtual NFL Universe.

It is what it is....so I make the best of it and enjoy the game. I have been doing workarounds for all kinds of sports games for decades....this is nothing new. Only a few sports games have truly been special....I am talking the cream of the crop. I can count them on 6-7 fingers. I am talking simulation like controls, player movement, AI, deep interface and modes.

It's not easy to achieve greatness. Very few sports games can truly claim that title.

Madden has done it once. My hope is M25 replaces Madden 2005 as the pinnacle....I think it has a shot if all the bugs were ironed out in Connected Franchise mentioned above. And for Madden fans I think most of us are digging this demo....I am talking pre PS2 Madden fans. Maybe I am getting old....but I appreciate how advanced sports games have become since my 2600 days....and keeping notebooks upon notebooks of stats for Bases Loaded 2 on NES.

Nice post, I agree whole heartedly....well.....with the exception of M'05.... ; )

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

Yea in NCAA 14 and Madden 25 there really isn't any top-end breakaway speed.

Try turning down the speed threshold slider down to at least 25 or lower. It will give guys with more speed an advantage.

[ghettogeeksta]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I have had to do this will all Madden games. Every single one since 1991.

It's nothing new. It's Madden.....love it or hate it.

I choose to make the best of it and have fun.....and having some house rules and playing sim ball makes the game very playable and a way to have a virtual franchise. It's not that bad.

Do I want it on the same level as my beloved The Show or NBA 2K11?

Heck yes.

But until then if I want to play NFL console football......this is it.


So I played 4 games today. With my house rules and slider adjustments....this game has been a pure blast......I can't wait for 8-27.

I will say this.....playing defense is very stale. If you want a pass rush.......don't try to control a de. Let the CPU and the player ratings take care of it. It is a legacy issue this gen. I just play as a LB pretty much most of the time I choose a de/dt when I think a running play is coming. By employing the no switch rule on defense you will get simulation like results...and Great play results from the CPU.

If I wanted to I could crush the CPU....we all can. I choose to find ways to enjoy the game. It's a choice you make. I choose enjoyment, fun, and creating my own virtual NFL Universe.

It is what it is....so I make the best of it and enjoy the game. I have been doing workarounds for all kinds of sports games for decades....this is nothing new. Only a few sports games have truly been special....I am talking the cream of the crop. I can count them on 6-7 fingers. I am talking simulation like controls, player movement, AI, deep interface and modes.

It's not easy to achieve greatness. Very few sports games can truly claim that title.

Madden has done it once. My hope is M25 replaces Madden 2005 as the pinnacle....I think it has a shot if all the bugs were ironed out in Connected Franchise mentioned above. And for Madden fans I think most of us are digging this demo....I am talking pre PS2 Madden fans. Maybe I am getting old....but I appreciate how advanced sports games have become since my 2600 days....and keeping notebooks upon notebooks of stats for Bases Loaded 2 on NES.

I refuse to sale my sole and lower my standards, I rather not buy the game. And this is coming for a guy in which Madden was my favorite game last gen, I bought every single one of them on PS2 and this gen Ive (unfortunately) only bought 3 of them.
Madden 25 seems like it can be a half-way decent/toleratable game with some slider adjustments. So Ill get the season pass, rent it on day one and see how I like it before i decide if I will buy it.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I refuse to sale my sole and lower my standards, I rather not buy the game. And this is coming for a guy in which Madden was my favorite game last gen, I bought every single one of them on PS2 and this gen Ive (unfortunately) only bought 3 of them.
Madden 25 seems like it can be a half-way decent/toleratable game with some slider adjustments. So Ill get the season pass, rent it on day one and see how I like it before i decide if I will buy it.

I can totally respect that. And Madden was also by far my favorite game last gen as well.

[celtics6]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I choose not to enjoy it lol. House rules don't make the game any different when you know you can get 4 yards every play just by running the ball. Playing against other people is fun with madden but if i'm going to play the cpu i'll play the show. Sliders don't fix these issues either. They just unbalance the game in some way. There are more fun things to do then wasting time trying to get this game to work right.

This game is good for playing quick games online and hoping you don't run into too much cheese. That's about it. There are too many AI problems to fix simply with house rules.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I choose not to enjoy it lol. House rules don't make the game any different when you know you can get 4 yards every play just by running the ball. Playing against other people is fun with madden but if i'm going to play the cpu i'll play the show. Sliders don't fix these issues either. They just unbalance the game in some way. There are more fun things to do then wasting time trying to get this game to work right.

This game is good for playing quick games online and hoping you don't run into too much cheese. That's about it. There are too many AI problems to fix simply with house rules.

Playing against humans is where Madden shines the brightest and why it sells millions of copies. I love playing good solid sim like games against guys who don't cheese. Really fun indeed.

In 13 yeah...tons of garbage and AI problems....not 12 though. It was and is a solid game.

This demo has given me a ton of hope.

August 27th we find out if we have a keeper.

[Seth79]

Re: Madden NFL 25 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (360, PS3)

I hate adding my $0.02 on issues (huge lie), but I have a huge problem with sliders. When I say I have an issue with them, I don't mean those that use them or those that make recommendations for using them. You are doing what you have to do to enjoy the game, and you are trying to enable your fellow OSers to get the most out of the game as well. I have 0 issue with that, and they should be applauded for it. The issue I have is with the devs.

I know that sim is subjective, and that people can play the exact same game for totally different reasons, so I have sympathy for the challenges that the devs face with trying to come up with a please all. I'm sorry though, but what is being suggested goes far beyond challenging mass market appeal decisions.

I've seen in this thread among others, people suggesting that specific settings be lowered to 5 for one, 20 for others, still 0 for others. Again, I don't take issue with the suggestions or the offered help at all. It's not about that, but OMG, when these sliders are on a scale of 0-100, and many default to 50, the idea that you need to set some to 5, or worse yet 0, speaks to a serious problem. At least to me.

If you had to adjust some things from, say a default of 60, down to a 52 to get the game to play in the ball park of most people's view of a sim game, I'd say that's reasonable. To go from 50 to 5 or 0 says to me one of 2 things:

1- The people making this game don't even have a whiff of understanding of what sim is, or

2- The game is designed with the intended purpose of not playing like a sim.

I don't know about anyone else, but to me, regardless of whether the answer is 1 or 2, that doesn't instill much confidence for this title, in the near, or even distant future.

I agree completely! The number of people on this forum saying that the sliders were broken last year, should have caused the developers to really focus on this issue. I can't for the life of me get a challenging game if I use hot routes and precision passing. Now with the "running improvements" the game is horribly easy. Wouldn't it be awesome to run 5 yards and feel good about it.