Madden NFL 09 Preview

[Steve_OS]

We have just posted our Madden NFL 09 preview. Although I didn't get any hands on time with the game, there is some good information here.

"Ah yes, Madden, the game I was most eager to get my eyes on at EA Sports Vancouver. So no time for intros or idle chit-chat, because this is Madden you guys know the history, so I won’t bore you with those details.

Upon arriving for the Madden festivities Phil Frazier (Senior Producer) and Dale Jackson (Executive Producer) greeted everyone as they walked into the room. The first thing they talked about was the new "Virtual Trainer" mode, where you can play up to 12 different modes in a holographic environment. These modes included the likes of running, passing, rush defense and pass defense drills, and there are three drills within each category to sharpen your Madden skills. Behind the scenes, as you are playing these modes -- and games in general -- there is a system that studies your abilities as a Madden gamer; which leads us to the new Madden IQ."

[eaglesfan27]

Re: Madden NFL 09 Preview

Great article. Disappointed to see that Gamespot is wrong and that In-Game Saves aren't confirmed yet. Thanks for the info.

[Sausage]

The emulator to play older versions with updated rosters sounds cool. I would love to play 05' with updated rosters. Info sounds good as usual, but we need the real thing. EA is great at getting us excited.

[RGiles36]

This is a good read Steve.

Glad to hear they are paying attention to animations. They could use quite a bit of work to make them look smoother during transisitions. I find it odd that we didn't see too many new animations in that Gametrailer vid though.

It is disappointing to know that their won't be an accelerated clock this year. Hopefully, if the presentation is anything similar to 2K5's, the instant replays and stat overlays prior to the snap can kill some of the excess play clock.

[cch99]

Re: Madden NFL 09 Preview

Steve,

Do you happen to know if they've added multiple playable camera angles this year ?

Thanks.

[drlw322]

Re: Madden NFL 09 Preview

hmmm, half time show. how was that like and is there a post game show?

thanks for the article steve.

[poster]

Re: Madden NFL 09 Preview

Thanks Steve!

[ausar72]

No custom music, hmmm... That sucks!

And I wonder what the deal is going to be with in-game saves. Did they say that they were working to get that put in by the next build?

[ewto16]

Well, your preview is basically the best so far. Sort of sucks that no one apparently got hands-on time with the game. I assume EA reps just showed off whatever it was they wanted you to talk about at the time. At least you were objective and actually went into some detail on what you thought about each bullet point, rather than just reposting EA's marketing.

Presentation sounds like it might be better. I'll beleive all that crap about imporved stats, sim-engine, animations, and other actual gameplay related stuff when I actually see it. EA is notorious for just putting a new coat of paint on stuff, shining it up real nice, and having it still be crap. Every year they claim that stuff is "all-new", and every year, it is basically the same.

I do find it interesting that all the previews from the different sites have contradicted each other at some point or another, including this one. You say in-game saves aren't totally in yet, which Gamespot confirmed. Not saying you are wrong, I just find it funny that everyone has slightly different info, while you were all apparently sitting in the same room.

Nice preview though and thanks a lot!!

[adfletch71]

I really would like to know more about the pre-game, half-time and post game wrap-ups. I seen how the sidelines look and i'm not impressed at all. Presentation is important, because it make the game more enjoyable to play. I hope EA does a good job, but i doubt it will have the flavor that 2K5 had. Also will the computer-vs-computer be a broadcast view or the same as gameplay? If its gameplay, then whats the use of watching it. So i hope EA addresses these issues. If not, they still doing the same thing, just adding just enough to say they upgraded abit.

[yamabushi]

So, by their on admission on-field gameplay is at best their #3 concern, at worst #??
Ive seen and heard nothing to lead me to believe that madden has 'turned the corner' and improved the core aspect of the game.

[Shadymamba]

hey all this sounds fine and dandy, but I will not be suckered in like last year lol!!!!...hopefully the make sure that all the annoying glitches are fixed like those constant fumbles..and those damn hum INT's if this game plays great out of the box (wishful thinking) then great going EA until then we all should wait for it before we think its going to be great

[Hurricain]

Re: Madden NFL 09 Preview

So, by their on admission on-field gameplay is at best their #3 concern, at worst #??
Ive seen and heard nothing to lead me to believe that madden has 'turned the corner' and improved the core aspect of the game.

I gotta agree. It appears that they are really focusing on the casual fan. The backtrack mulligan thing is the most absurd thing I have ever heard for a football game.

No accelerated clock is a huge let down for me.

Thanks for the preview Steve!

[mvb34]

Re: Madden NFL 09 Preview

I gotta agree. It appears that they are really focusing on the casual fan. The backtrack mulligan thing is the most absurd thing I have ever heard for a football game.

No accelerated clock is a huge let down for me.

Thanks for the preview Steve!

You do know that backtrack feature can be turn off!!

[Hurricain]

Re: Madden NFL 09 Preview

You do know that backtrack feature can be turn off!!

Ya I realize that but I am still amazed that they wasted time and money to put this in game. Not sure if you can turn it off online unranked games. Either way, what a pointless feature.