Current generation valuable improvements

[coachmac75]

Ok so we are getting close to the end of the PS4 era. I wanted to look back at all the improvements made by Madden game.

Worth to mention that I only look at gameplay and franchise mode features, because I exclusively play online franchise (all other modes are useless garbage in my eyes).

I am not looking to be exhasutive I just wnat to list what I easily remmember in 5mn as game changing/significant improvements.

Improvements which matter while on the field

• Zone defense massive overhaul. Match concepts/quarter concept/ NFL like cover 2 concepts - That one for me is massive imagine that before we only had the drop zone... Massive change to bring Madden closer to a football simulation.
• QB release depending on distance
• OL Double team
• Coaching adjustement: Match CB (game changing change), Ball carrier protection, Run option def...
• RPO play (massive improvement as well in playbooks)
• Auto flip defense
• Useful fake pass
• R3 to trigger QB rush when spying (massive change for me)

Franchise mode improvements

• Formation subs in franchise - Even if glitchy allows packages absolutely fundamental to any sim gamer.
• OL injuries - for ages we never could see OL injuries in user game. M21 is the very first which make OL depth matter. AMAZING, game changer for any sim gamer.
• Practice squad
• Practice mode in online franchise (how did we do without it ? cannot imagine why some games still dont have it, critical feature).
• Practice mode/didacticial on game concepts (for beginers they did a fair job to explain concepts and how they interact between each other. I think it is good stuff).
• Coach XP and traits
• Really improved FA/resign (probably cna still improve byut player demand is not as ridiculous as it used to be, bring back holdout now ).
• Scouting system based on points and news
• Custom draft class (goiven how bad madden generated classes are that is a must, still some league are do not use it proof that scouting system has its fans)
• Custom playbooks for online leagues effectively working (no glitches)
• Progression based on player profile, scheme and coach traits (kind of make sense does not it ?)
• Player progression by group of attributes: like run stop progression instead of blasting BSH only. Massive improvement for online league to keep decent diversity after few seasons of online leagues.
• Player interaction and influence on morale.
• COD attribute (it is a good change in my eyes)
• Gallery of in game picture (nice to have but still nice)

Despite all the critics (and i made my fare share of critics) I think we can fairly say that Madden got massively improved in current generation.

[oneamongthefence]

Re: Current generation valuable improvements

I wouldn't call the scouting system an improvement over previous systems that were in place. The draft stories should be so much better by now and have actually regressed since there used to be Adam Schefter talking about storyline players.

Gameplay is better than it's ever been. But Franchise has been a disappointment ever since CCM became a thing.

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[ripcandlestickpark]

Re: Current generation valuable improvements

I'd also add the throw-out-of-sack animations that were introduced for this year into the Gameplay Improvements category. Those had been needed for a long time. For years, we were suctioned into so many awkward looking sacks after the QB had started his throw animation.

One extra addition for the Franchise Improvements section would be the out-of-town ticker they added for M17. It can get wonky when you control more than one team, but it's an invaluable addition for those who control only one. Another would be the option to put off all preseason cuts until after the end of the 4th game (as opposed to having a set number of cuts per week).

I'd also like to give a shout out to Equipment_Guru/Kane for doing a great job this generation. Equipment in Madden was stale for the longest time, but starting around M17 or so, he did a great job of adding things on a consistent basis (modern helmet designs, shooter sleeves, mouthpieces, etc.).