4 years in, is next gen football where you thought it would be.

[NYGmen56]

You know what the real Sad thing is about all this Next Gen Football gaming?? That EA has the rights to the NFL and we probably won't get a chance to see if another game Developer can make a game worthy of Next Gen..

[Ian_Cummings]

Quote: Originally Posted by countryboy

its not where I thought it would be and judging from some of the comments Ian made when he first joined the boards, its nowhere near where they wanted it to be.

Agreed...probably not.

I personally don't think it has anything to do with the gameplay 'engine' at this point as I've seen...as I believe we (now) have the most advanced animation system in any game - and this will cause great dividends in the upcoming years. 06, 07, and 08 had a lot of issues, but we've finally turned the corner here to start loading up on variety and all kinds of better gameplay stuff. For those talking about a bad 'engine'...what does 'engine' mean to you? The whole game?

I think the mis-steps that have been made in our modes, features, and presentation are the things that also stand out as limiters. Again looking back at that target render, it blew everyone away not only because of it's graphics (which we've matched for the most part), but also due to it's movie/cinema style and drama. Madden now can feel like kind of a vanilla non-emotional experience, with the only emotion coming out of your own head. Couple that with a bunch of missing features, limited Franchise/Superstar modes, and some better than great gameplay experiences...and I know I see the frustration you all have (as I share it myself).

I look at the PS2 life-cycle though, and we really hit our stride with Madden 2004 and 2005 (4th and 5th cycle respectively), so I think that trend has continued a little bit...it's just disappointing because expectations were so high.

[nightcreeper]

i would have to say im still upset if i had to i would go back to madden 06 on playstation 2 with updated rosters i would

[PVarck31]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheFuture15

Agreed...probably not. I personally don't think it has anything to do with the gameplay 'engine' at this point as I've seen...as I believe we (now) have the most advanced animation system in any game - and this will cause great dividends in the upcoming years. 06, 07, and 08 had a lot of issues, but we've finally turned the corner here to start loading up on variety and all kinds of better gameplay stuff. For those talking about a bad 'engine'...what does 'engine' mean to you? The whole game? I think the mis-steps that have been made in our modes, features, and presentation are the things that also stand out as limiters. Again looking back at that target render, it blew everyone away not only because of it's graphics (which we've matched for the most part), but also due to it's movie/cinema style and drama. Madden now can feel like kind of a vanilla non-emotional experience, with the only emotion coming out of your own head. Couple that with a bunch of missing features, limited Franchise/Superstar modes, and some better than great gameplay experiences...and I know I see the frustration you all have (as I share it myself). I look at the PS2 life-cycle though, and we really hit our stride with Madden 2004 and 2005 (4th and 5th cycle respectively), so I think that trend has continued a little bit...it's just disappointing because expectations were so high.

I believe it takes time during a console life cycle for sports games. And so far from what I have seen of NCAA and Madden you guys are definently hitting your stride now.

I know this is probably not how a lot of others feel but IMO This gens systems came out to soon. I think when we look back after another couple of generations, we will look at this gen to be the most underwhelming. At least for sports games. The jump from PS2/Xbox to PS3/360 is no where near the jump of say, super nintendo to N64 or even PS1 to PS2. I just hope the next gen doesn't come to soon. Let the consoles live a while longer.

[The GIGGAS]

Quote: Originally Posted by pjv31

I believe it takes time during a console life cycle for sports games. And so far from what I have seen of NCAA and Madden you guys are definently hitting your stride now. I know this is probably not how a lot of others feel but IMO This gens systems came out to soon. I think when we look back after another couple of generations, we will look at this gen to be the most underwhelming. At least for sports games. The jump from PS2/Xbox to PS3/360 is no where near the jump of say, super nintendo to N64 or even PS1 to PS2. I just hope the next gen doesn't come to soon. Let the consoles live a while longer.

Diminishing returns, not consoles too quick.

Diminishing returns is going to play a HUGE factor, especially now.

[PVarck31]

Quote: Originally Posted by The GIGGAS

Diminishing returns, not consoles too quick. Diminishing returns is going to play a HUGE factor, especially now.

May be true in some cases but the first couple years of the 360 and first year of the PS3, the PS2 was still the best selling console. (I think, if not im sure someone will be here in like 12 seconds posting sales numbers lol)

[The GIGGAS]

Quote: Originally Posted by pjv31

May be true in some cases but the first couple years of the 360 and first year of the PS3, the PS2 was still the best selling console. (I think, if not im sure someone will be here in like 12 seconds posting sales numbers lol)

That may be true, but the main reason SNES to N64 seems like a bigger jump than PS2 to PS3 or whatever is... because it is, due to the law of diminishing returns. I wasn't picking on the other point you made, I was talking about the jump.

[Pared]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheFuture15

Agreed...probably not. I personally don't think it has anything to do with the gameplay 'engine' at this point as I've seen...as I believe we (now) have the most advanced animation system in any game - and this will cause great dividends in the upcoming years. 06, 07, and 08 had a lot of issues, but we've finally turned the corner here to start loading up on variety and all kinds of better gameplay stuff. For those talking about a bad 'engine'...what does 'engine' mean to you? The whole game? I think the mis-steps that have been made in our modes, features, and presentation are the things that also stand out as limiters. Again looking back at that target render, it blew everyone away not only because of it's graphics (which we've matched for the most part), but also due to it's movie/cinema style and drama. Madden now can feel like kind of a vanilla non-emotional experience, with the only emotion coming out of your own head. Couple that with a bunch of missing features, limited Franchise/Superstar modes, and some better than great gameplay experiences...and I know I see the frustration you all have (as I share it myself). I look at the PS2 life-cycle though, and we really hit our stride with Madden 2004 and 2005 (4th and 5th cycle respectively), so I think that trend has continued a little bit...it's just disappointing because expectations were so high.

I'm glad you see it though.

Admitting it is well worth it's weight in gold here. OSer's can see through the bull****. Being up front and honest will get you everywhere.