Everytime I Get On The "Ian" Bandwagon, I Remember Something.

[SmashMan]

I hope this includes stealing 2K's Replay Challenge system.

I know, this isn't the thread for specific requests, sorry.

But really, I hope everything you guys have planned comes together as intended.

[CW McGraw]

This has probably been brought up a hundred times around here, but why not steal the Euphoria engine?

[Ian_Cummings]

Quote: Originally Posted by CW McGraw

This has probably been brought up a hundred times around here, but why not steal the Euphoria engine?

Still a lot of questions and uncertainty around that engine. Any semblance of lifeless bodies will stand out terribly in an NFL experience...works great for people flying through the air or being hit by cars obviously, but 10/12 people colliding tends to throw a wrinkle in those plans. Actually, the biggest complaint that seems to show up with our gang tackles is the one animation that looks like the players just go flying...well that was actually generated with the same tech behind Euphoria (Endorphin). Their game Backbreaker seems to still totally be up in the air in terms of when it will be released (if at all), so the jury is still out IMO as their trailers definitely hide a lot of key areas. We've definitely talked with them and researched the tech a lot though. It's just still very new and we aren't going to jump in feet first and spend a ton of time on new & flashy tech when there are a lot of other areas that can be improved (without a total physics rewrite).

People may say that's the wrong approach - that we should be the ones at the forefront and leading the industry - we will be making many other strides in other ways. Ragdoll physics is one of those things that is EXTREMELY risky and EXTREMELY costly with VERY SUB-PAR visual results. We learned the hard way while developing 06...believe me...you don't want to be a guinea pig when it comes to tech like this.

[Stroehms]

Thanks for all of the info. Can't wait till January.

[Ram209]

Ian kind of an off base question

With 2k seeming to down hill financially why not hire some of the 2k guys to join the Madden staff. Not trying to put anyone down but like the NFL being a copycat league I think you guys should do the same get involved with those guys and throw stuff around.

Dont know if thats a insult to you guys as Im sure if you a programmer, engineer etc... then your pretty knowledgeable but its always good to see "another" perspective on things. I work for a plant and we make the Toyota Corrola and every year they buy a VW, Civic Neon etc... and tear it down and see if there is anything Toyota can take and implant.

Also do you know any of "those" guys personally?

[Stroehms]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ram209

Ian kind of an off base question With 2k seeming to down hill financially why not hire some of the 2k guys to join the Madden staff. Not trying to put anyone down but like the NFL being a copycat league I think you guys should do the same get involved with those guys and throw stuff around. Dont know if thats a insult to you guys as Im sure if you a programmer, engineer etc... then your pretty knowledgeable but its always good to see "another" perspective on things. I work for a plant and we make the Toyota Corrola and every year they buy a VW, Civic Neon etc... and tear it down and see if there is anything Toyota can take and implant. Also do you know any of "those" guys personally?

That's a good question. I second that.

[cubs85]

Ian,
I give you credit for walking into the firing line. I think I'd be wanting to fight someone if I was constantly compared to and reminded of 2k5 . One thing struck me - It hurts EA not to have competition because we can't put this into perspective through current comparison.
Perhaps if we could compare head to head, we might find more bugs in a current gen 2K or even a lack of innovation. Because we cannot, we expect perfection and without a benchmark - become disappointed easier. 2k5 was great, but there's no guarantees (ala NHL2k9, that innovation is a given).
I just finished playing a game of Madden 09 and at times, I enjoy it, but I just can't shake that pre-canned, played-this-before feeling. The game is more organic and prettier that previous installations, but still not fluid (ie.. swing passes to the running back..).
I'm the type that continues to get Madden because of roster updates, but not quite day one anymore. Hopefully by coming in here and gathering feedback, everyone can be happy with 2010 and Ian won't have to hear about 2k5 ever again. I don't think Ian would put his name on the line and embarrass himself next year - but there's only so much he can control. We shall see!

[kmart2180]

Ian I have a simply question but Im sure it will make 99.9% of us here happy to get the answer on. Are you's doing anything, or have plans to do anything to differentiate the teams style of play and physicality/finess?

I think this (along with presentation) is one of the biggest problems that make's the game boring fast. Its like no matter what team you face there's no difference between them at all. Therefore there's nothing unique about playing different teams.
You never have to change your scheme/playstyle.

My example would be the difference between playing the Bengals Defense compared to the Steelers Defense. If you watch football you would definitely see/notice the physical difference between the 2. But when you see them both in Madden they are identicle other than ratings.

Same as offenses EX: If I'm playing against the Titans I should get ready to load up the line of scrimmage and try and stop the pounding that they do with the run, compared to playing the Saints with D Brees throwing all over the place. In Madden I could not tell the difference between them.

I'd really appreciate a answer if you are allowed to thanks. Or a explanation of a possible way to differentiate the teams. I dont think just playbook calling is the answer here. Team tendencies and agressive ratings could be the key.