A Question for Madden Converts

[Hooe]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

I used to be a Madden-exclusive guy, but that all changed the day I rented NFL 2k2 for PS2, just out of curiousity.

I didn't end up purchasing NFL 2k2, but it was good enough for me to keep my eye on the series and draw some comparisons with Madden. Madden 2003 was my favorite football game until NFL 2k3 came out. I rented it multiple times, trying to convince my friends to like it as now I was fed up with the way defense played in Madden. I bought the game anyway, but I always played solo (all my friends are Madden [censored you naughty boy], you see.)

Then, Madden 2004 comes out. Naturally, I buy it because a) it was the first pro football game out and b) all my friends and I played Madden 2003, so what was wrong with 2004? In hindsight, that was probably the biggest waste of $50 I ever made. I haven't touched Madden since a week before ESPN came out. Major disappointment in my opinion, but others do not think so and I respect their opinions.

Finally, after an eternity of waiting, ESPN comes out. I rent it, as I did not have $50 on my hands yet. I can now safely say that this is the best football game I have ever played, and I probably won't go back to Madden unless drastic changes are made.

[sbgiantsfan]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

I've played Madden for about a decade, but this year I decided to go with ESPN Football after it got good reviews everywhere and I could go online with it on my Xbox. But I'm not blown away by the gameplay like a lot of other people. I still has its issues (too easy to run back kickoffs, too many broken tackles) but overall I'd say its very comparable to Madden. If I could have gotten online with Madden, thats the game I would've gotten.

[sbgiantsfan]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

I've played Madden for about a decade, but this year I decided to go with ESPN Football after it got good reviews everywhere and I could go online with it on my Xbox. But I'm not blown away by the gameplay like a lot of other people. I still has its issues (too easy to run back kickoffs, too many broken tackles) but overall I'd say its very comparable to Madden. If I could have gotten online with Madden, thats the game I would've gotten.

[sbgiantsfan]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

I've played Madden for about a decade, but this year I decided to go with ESPN Football after it got good reviews everywhere and I could go online with it on my Xbox. But I'm not blown away by the gameplay like a lot of other people. I still has its issues (too easy to run back kickoffs, too many broken tackles) but overall I'd say its very comparable to Madden. If I could have gotten online with Madden, thats the game I would've gotten.

[Daudr]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

RichP is on the money. ESPN is a more fun game to play, but there are far, far more bugs and a lot of annoying little things. Madden actually plays a better game of football, but because of the awesome atmosphere and online and FP play in ESPN I find myself playing it more often. In fact, I'm playing it almost exclusively right now.

Both games have their strengths, so it depends on what you want. If you want absolutely the best simulation of Football, then get Madden. If you want a better feeling game, then get ESPN.

[Daudr]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

RichP is on the money. ESPN is a more fun game to play, but there are far, far more bugs and a lot of annoying little things. Madden actually plays a better game of football, but because of the awesome atmosphere and online and FP play in ESPN I find myself playing it more often. In fact, I'm playing it almost exclusively right now.

Both games have their strengths, so it depends on what you want. If you want absolutely the best simulation of Football, then get Madden. If you want a better feeling game, then get ESPN.

[Daudr]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

RichP is on the money. ESPN is a more fun game to play, but there are far, far more bugs and a lot of annoying little things. Madden actually plays a better game of football, but because of the awesome atmosphere and online and FP play in ESPN I find myself playing it more often. In fact, I'm playing it almost exclusively right now.

Both games have their strengths, so it depends on what you want. If you want absolutely the best simulation of Football, then get Madden. If you want a better feeling game, then get ESPN.

[MrScary]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Daudr said:
RichP is on the money. ESPN is a more fun game to play, but there are far, far more bugs and a lot of annoying little things. Madden actually plays a better game of football, but because of the awesome atmosphere and online and FP play in ESPN I find myself playing it more often. In fact, I'm playing it almost exclusively right now.

Both games have their strengths, so it depends on what you want. If you want absolutely the best simulation of Football, then get Madden. If you want a better feeling game, then get ESPN.


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> I agree with the fact that both games have there strengths. But i don't feel Madden is the best Simulation of football. Maybe the best Sim of the Run and Shoot offense. But not the game of football.

[MrScary]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Daudr said:
RichP is on the money. ESPN is a more fun game to play, but there are far, far more bugs and a lot of annoying little things. Madden actually plays a better game of football, but because of the awesome atmosphere and online and FP play in ESPN I find myself playing it more often. In fact, I'm playing it almost exclusively right now.

Both games have their strengths, so it depends on what you want. If you want absolutely the best simulation of Football, then get Madden. If you want a better feeling game, then get ESPN.


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> I agree with the fact that both games have there strengths. But i don't feel Madden is the best Simulation of football. Maybe the best Sim of the Run and Shoot offense. But not the game of football.

[MrScary]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Daudr said:
RichP is on the money. ESPN is a more fun game to play, but there are far, far more bugs and a lot of annoying little things. Madden actually plays a better game of football, but because of the awesome atmosphere and online and FP play in ESPN I find myself playing it more often. In fact, I'm playing it almost exclusively right now.

Both games have their strengths, so it depends on what you want. If you want absolutely the best simulation of Football, then get Madden. If you want a better feeling game, then get ESPN.


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> I agree with the fact that both games have there strengths. But i don't feel Madden is the best Simulation of football. Maybe the best Sim of the Run and Shoot offense. But not the game of football.

[TimmeH]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

I own every Madden since 1997, and until this year, I never looked outside of Madden, because Madden has always been good enough of a game for ME, and that's what matters.

BUT, this year was different. Even tho I bought Madden 2004 and enjoyed it alot, a friend of mine kept telling me to give ESPN a try, just once. So I rented it, and after a few games, I was just blown away by what I was missing.

The game plays alot more realistically. The tackling doesn't seem scripted as in Madden. You can't drop back 10 yards and complete passes. If you wanna tackle a guy, you better hit him with as many guys as you can. It just plays alot better.

Also, the commentary and sounds in general are alot better. The atmosphere in the stadiums blows Madden away, and the commentary is actually lively...even tho it's quite repetitive.

And the ESPN presentation does wonders. It just gives the game a whole different feel to it.

But, even tho it's better in those areas, Madden still owns in the Franchise Mode area. In ESPN, you won't find the Signing Bonuses or the ability to move your team or any of that stuff. And although I was really looking forward to all that and think it's a great idea, I can really do without it.

Honestly, right now I'm considering whether or not to trade in Madden 2004. I like the game, but with the game atmosphere ESPN brings to the table, I don't know if it's worth keeping.

My advice, if you're worried more about Franchise/Simming, Madden is your game. If you rather have great gameplay and just a good franchise, then go with ESPN.

[TimmeH]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

I own every Madden since 1997, and until this year, I never looked outside of Madden, because Madden has always been good enough of a game for ME, and that's what matters.

BUT, this year was different. Even tho I bought Madden 2004 and enjoyed it alot, a friend of mine kept telling me to give ESPN a try, just once. So I rented it, and after a few games, I was just blown away by what I was missing.

The game plays alot more realistically. The tackling doesn't seem scripted as in Madden. You can't drop back 10 yards and complete passes. If you wanna tackle a guy, you better hit him with as many guys as you can. It just plays alot better.

Also, the commentary and sounds in general are alot better. The atmosphere in the stadiums blows Madden away, and the commentary is actually lively...even tho it's quite repetitive.

And the ESPN presentation does wonders. It just gives the game a whole different feel to it.

But, even tho it's better in those areas, Madden still owns in the Franchise Mode area. In ESPN, you won't find the Signing Bonuses or the ability to move your team or any of that stuff. And although I was really looking forward to all that and think it's a great idea, I can really do without it.

Honestly, right now I'm considering whether or not to trade in Madden 2004. I like the game, but with the game atmosphere ESPN brings to the table, I don't know if it's worth keeping.

My advice, if you're worried more about Franchise/Simming, Madden is your game. If you rather have great gameplay and just a good franchise, then go with ESPN.

[TimmeH]

Re: A Question for Madden Converts

I own every Madden since 1997, and until this year, I never looked outside of Madden, because Madden has always been good enough of a game for ME, and that's what matters.

BUT, this year was different. Even tho I bought Madden 2004 and enjoyed it alot, a friend of mine kept telling me to give ESPN a try, just once. So I rented it, and after a few games, I was just blown away by what I was missing.

The game plays alot more realistically. The tackling doesn't seem scripted as in Madden. You can't drop back 10 yards and complete passes. If you wanna tackle a guy, you better hit him with as many guys as you can. It just plays alot better.

Also, the commentary and sounds in general are alot better. The atmosphere in the stadiums blows Madden away, and the commentary is actually lively...even tho it's quite repetitive.

And the ESPN presentation does wonders. It just gives the game a whole different feel to it.

But, even tho it's better in those areas, Madden still owns in the Franchise Mode area. In ESPN, you won't find the Signing Bonuses or the ability to move your team or any of that stuff. And although I was really looking forward to all that and think it's a great idea, I can really do without it.

Honestly, right now I'm considering whether or not to trade in Madden 2004. I like the game, but with the game atmosphere ESPN brings to the table, I don't know if it's worth keeping.

My advice, if you're worried more about Franchise/Simming, Madden is your game. If you rather have great gameplay and just a good franchise, then go with ESPN.