this is a list of things that I think really hinder the simulation player.
(to preface. I play on All-Pro Difficulty, 15 min quarters, game speed very slow, 0 threshold)
#1. ZIG-ZAG Running. - it is nearly impossible to play this game without zig zag running showing its ugly head. When I play the game I try to make it a point to juke with the right stick and run in realistic angles, but i often find that the only way to shed tackles at the line of scrimmage is to 'zig-zag' and play 'cheesy'. Runners don't plant, or shift weight. It is sheer ice skating. If u look on youtube at nearly every madden player. it is filled with 20 step drop backs and zig zag galore. This hinders the game unbelievably.
#2 The entire receiving engine (WR's and DB's) - this is a topic that is not as often talked about. But I believe that the entire catching engine in the game is flawed. The ball warps in to the players hands and will change spin, position and trajectory just to acheive this. Does it not bother anyone else that once a DB makes a pick (when the screen turns) it can never be knocked out or dropped? Catches seem too predictable. It doesn't feel organic. (don't even get me started on the onside kick catching) it just seems like that ball always warps into players' hands.
#3 O-Line/D-Line Interaction - this seems to be too often talked about. So I don't have to say much. It just isn't real at all. and seems to lack any sort of depth. Maybe the worst thing in the game.
#4 rag doll physics - I very much disagree with EA's pushing of this 'physics based gameplay'. To me it feels much more like animations happening with their limbs and head's adjusting to the player hitting them. I've seen perhaps 100's of animations from past maddens, just with a leg bending differently, (and clumsily).
#5 'The Big Play' - For some reason every madden I have ever played always had this. And in 13, it seems to be in full effect. Every game I play, even when trying to be the most sim possible.. Never fails, their is ALWAYS a big play. An 80 yard run, 5 broken tackles, deep diving catch..etc. In other words, plays that happen 1-2 a year in real life, seem to happen every game. Remember the tyree catch from older madden's? I literally saw that catch every game I played. Madden's approach of making this game 'fun' alienates the sim gamer. This game will never truly become simulation if they continue this approach.
#6 NFL Experience and Immersion - Every year I feel that EA drops the ball on this. This year they touted their presentation as the best yet. But all it takes is playing 2 games to see all it has to offer. There is no variance, no changes in scenery or what players do game to game. I urge URGE madden, to take a real-time approach to presentation. Im not asking for halftime shows or weekly wrap ups. I just want to see different things every game. (such as nba 2k or the show). I hate seeing the same pre game rituals from the players. Their is NO depth in this game.
thank you for reading this 'rant'. in closing I am in no way an EA *****. I adore NHL 13, and really think its the greatest sports game ever made. But it really angers me to see Madden completely monopolize the market, and not listen to the SIM gamers. NBA 2k went for total sim, and they are on top. Arcade is NEVER the way to go with flagship franchises. Leave it to Blitz.

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