Overdue Gameplay Helpers

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

I've been playing Madden for a LONG time and over the years I've come to see it not exactly be the most user-friendly or strategic football game out there. These are just some gameplay helpers that I've noticed could possibly help improve the overall experience of the game for User vs. CPU gameplay.

1) Minimum time to Snap: pre-snap adjustments really weren't all that needed in Madden for a while. Before 20, the last EA game where I actually NEEDED to use pre-snap adjustments was NCAA 14. However, Madden 20's CPU along with the terrible pass coverage mechanics has actually made pre-snap adjustments a big necessity. However, the CPU snaps the ball usually in about 3-5 seconds giving you no real time to set pre-snap adjustments and actually take a deep dive into Pre-snap strategy. Of course this should be completely optional, but I think it would be a welcome addition to add some added realism and strategy into the game.

2) Halftime Adjustments: The halftime show is pointless and gross. We all know it. I hate it. Instead make halftime a point where you can make some much needed adjustments to come out into the second half with. Julio Jones killing you? Use the halftime adjustment to always spotlight him. Getting gashed up the middle? Use halftime adjustments to always pinch the DL. Halftime adjustments are a key part of football and EA needs to find a way to incorporate it into the game.

3) Pre-game Adjustments: Watching film and scouting the opposing team is a crucial aspect of competitive advantage in the NFL. Weekly Training somewhat captures that in showing what the team runs the majority of the time, but honestly it has no real meaning. EA should implement a feature that allows us to already have the adjustments we make in the game be set for when the game starts. SF has Nick Bosa, you probably want to slide protection against him on passing plays. The Saints did it pretty much every play but in Madden we have to do it manually every play. Sure, it's no big deal, but it'd be nice to have that setting already put in place before the game even starts to save me a few seconds on the play clock.

4) Customizable Drive Goals : Maybe it's just me, but I hate hate HATE when a game tells me how to play. Especially a sports game. No I'm not force feeding Phillip Lindsey at the goal line. No I'm not throwing to Kenny Golladay 5 times inside the 15 to try and get him a TD. No no no no no no. NO. Let me use my whole playbook. Customizable Drive Goals are MUCH needed. Especially if we are playing as the Coach. I'm the Coach why are Drive Goals given to me?? It's my team let me run it how I want to.

[edgevoice]

I enjoy reading posts such as yours that point out the game's shortcomings while offering viable solutions towards improving it.

While I don't make a slew of pre-snap defensive adjustments, there are certain situations when I'd like to and simply don't have the time for the reason you stated. Therefore, I would like to see the walk to the line of scrimmage reinstated, but also include the ability to leave it as it is via "quick presentation" game style setting. That way, no ruffled feathers.

I would love to see weekly game prep overhauled. Allow the user to see the top 15 plays the CPU runs pertaining to it's core offense, while also revealing plays frequently run situationally. To keep it fair, give the CPU the same information. That would bring an element of coaching strategy to the game that just isn't there at the present moment. Many years ago, Madden actually had this to a small degree in the game.

As for drive goals, I turned those off as I fully agree with your points. Thanks again for the insightful write up.

[reyes the roof]

In regards to point one, in practice mode you can make all the adjustments you want and they won’t snap as long as you’re making adjustments. Bring this in to games vs the cpu. Just have the play clock pause if you’re making adjustments for longer than five seconds so you don’t run out the opponents clock or get them a delay of game

[IlluminatusUIUC]

Quote: Originally Posted by reyes the roof

In regards to point one, in practice mode you can make all the adjustments you want and they won’t snap as long as you’re making adjustments. Bring this in to games vs the cpu. Just have the play clock pause if you’re making adjustments for longer than five seconds so you don’t run out the opponents clock or get them a delay of game

Alternatively, allow the option to "Save" adjustments so you don't have to enter them every time. Conditional macros would be ideal e.g. "If 3rd and >=10 then Pass Commit"

[oneamongthefence]

Quote: Originally Posted by IlluminatusUIUC

Alternatively, allow the option to "Save" adjustments so you don't have to enter them every time. Conditional macros would be ideal e.g. "If 3rd and >=10 then Pass Commit"

I never thought of this before, but now that you mention it, this would be a genius thing to implement. Having to make the same adjustments every play or every situation gets tedious. Just tie it into the gameplan feature itself. When you build a gameplan to certain situations there should be an option to bake several adjustments into these specific situations as well.

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[ChaseB]

Posted a long response on this today, think these are great ideas: https://www.operationsports.com/it-c...for-madden-21/

[Vanilla_Gorilla]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChaseB

Posted a long response on this today, think these are great ideas: https://www.operationsports.com/it-c...for-madden-21/

This brought a tear to my eye, Chase.

I really appreciate it. I’ll update this in a day or 2 with some more nagging things that are getting on my nerves, ha.

[Manuch623]

I like these ideas! A few things I thought about:
Scripted Plays- user can script 15 plays to start the game
Injury Report- Not just players that are out for several weeks but a look around the league mid-week, some guys are probable, questionable, doubtful. Then game day you make the decision on your guys whether to play him or sit him for say one week
Inactive List-user will have to sit guys each week, some injure, some not; CPU teams will do the same. It can create story lines (why is McCoy a healthy scratch again this week?) and maybe open up some trading
A "Boom or Bust" type of kick return option where if you choose it you may actually have a chance to break a long return; the bust could result in a penalty or getting blown up inside the 15 yard line.
Home field advantage- where applicable player ratings go up/down at home or on the road; total team ratings do too

And bring back "pump up the crowd at home