|
Quote: |
|
|
|
|
Originally Posted by Nza |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The problem is Madden simply doesn't excel in small, minute detail. Whether you think the game needs to first rework the fundamentals or not, the fact is most gamers like us here are impressed when the small things are done right - things an average Madden fan may not even really notice. Basically, the fewer things that remind you this is a videogame, the better. I think this is the reason Madden has lacked heart, soul, spirit etc - because it seems EA are not interested in the really small stuff that collectively make a big difference.
A lot can be said for a sports game that offers new sights, sounds and experiences many games into usage. Outside of tackle animations, chances are once you've played one game of Madden, you've basically seen it all regarding what the game has to offer. Stuff like the rivalry code is a step in the right direction, but 09 will probably be much the same as before in this regard. They need to make the game feel more alive and this can be done by lots of small details that keep the experience fresh and new for longer, even if only from time to time. Reason #2132412 why 2K5 was cherished was because hundreds of games in, you may have just noticed the blimp going over the field, or you may have just seen your first illegal chop block by a RB on a DE. Remember when helmets used to fly off in Madden after huge hits? Madden was never known for small details like this, but it has somehow gone even further back in this regard with the move to the new consoles.
Give players real emotion after events, not phony feeling canned celebrations. Then make some players, like Marvin Harrison, very humble and quiet. Get the chain gang back out and add a degree of human error to ball markings, setting the home team crowd roaring when it comes up 2 inches short on measurement. Now that arms are dynamically tracked in catching, make defenders sometimes actually reach for the facemask and pull it. Work on making heads track the ball and other players, even if it doesn't directly influence gameplay. You can go on and on all day, and all this stuff adds to the experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
While I agree with your point of view that Madden is stale due to the fact that it's missing "the little things". We have to understand (and I think most do) that we have a bigger problem on our hands... As of 08 next gen, we have had an unplayable product released. Forget "the little things", give me a game I can play for more than two weeks without a game killing bug turning up. As I have stated before, I am just looking for a solid release this year that I will be able to play at length without reverting back to last gen due to multiple game play issues. Let them get that right, then they can start adding "the little things". Ian said it best in a post I read a while back when referring to adding player specific running styles:
"Why add player specific running styles when the default ones don't work correctly..."
Basically he was saying, why work on the fluff when the basic running doesn't feel right. I agree. Let them get the gameplay nailed down first and then add "the little things" later. Ian and co. think they have the gameplay in place with 09, and if this is true, that will be enough for me for this year at least. If it is true, then I expect something special in 2010 when they start adding the bells and whistles, but I am still really happy that Madden 09 will at least be solid because it's all we have.