Madden NFL 11 Review

[RaychelSnr]

The Madden name carries tremendous weight. It is a decorated franchise that has been equated with football simulation greatness at various points in its life cycle. At other times, some gamers have also been quick to point out its various flaws and have been very critical of the franchise as a whole.

The point is that gamers expect Madden to feature the tightest gameplay controls and an endless amount of on-field strategy. These are the types of expectations that Madden has to attempt to live up to on a yearly basis.

And so with the release of Madden 11 becoming a reality, the developers at EA Sports Tiburon are now going to be fed to the lions once again -- the Operation Sports fans surely being the harshest of critics in the forums of an impassioned sports gaming nation. The game has also been given to a gaggle of media members so they can review and examine every decision and every new feature.

But this year it would seem that the Madden 11 team has answered their critics with a resounding question of their own: Are you not entertained?

Madden returns this summer refined on every level (with some obviously being more refined than others). The gameplay is smoother, the graphics are more vibrant and the game has come to life with added vitality. This is the most entertaining Madden I have played since the Playstation 2 days.

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[Dog]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

woohoo!


im pumped for tomorrow!


this review did seem a little too positive, but i think that madden will live up to it

[Afrikan]

"One season later, the Pro-Tak animation system is quickly establishing itself as one of the more unique physics engines. This year’s Madden 11 features a more seasoned version of Pro-Tak that takes into account more timing-based factors for each tackle. There are now many more potential ways a play can unfold after initial ball-carrier contact."

really? I didn't know Pro-Tak was based off physics.....you learn something new everyday.

[rudyjuly2]

Maybe Madden is that great but this read like an overly positive preview of the game rather than the usual OS reviews with a pro vs. con style debate. It lacked the bite, insight and personality of other OS reviews as nearly everything had a positive spin on it. Am I turning into old and jaded gamer guy? I hope not although I do tend to be more critical.

[tjizzle]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

"One season later, the Pro-Tak animation system is quickly establishing itself as one of the more unique physics engines. This year’s Madden 11 features a more seasoned version of Pro-Tak that takes into account more timing-based factors for each tackle. There are now many more potential ways a play can unfold after initial ball-carrier contact."

really? I didn't know Pro-Tak was based off physics.....you learn something new everyday.

Yeah, That line had me thinking the exact same thing as well.

[ps3veron]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

Nicceee! Probably the only game I need all year.

[ryan36]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

...did I miss it, or is there nothing in there about how the game plays when your on D?

The offensive improvements, still imo warrant a purchase, and I hope they patch the PA blocking that was talked about.

...So I looked again , and no mention of what it's like to play defense, no mention of special teams, or if the new kick meter plays true to life...

I'm not saying I could write a review for the most important game any better...but did OS really just only review 1/3 of a game, and give it a 9? This doesn't strike me as a review of Madden, but a review of Madden's offense.

[Dirk504]

So the OS is letting Ian Cummings write his own reviews now??? Amazing, I played Madden 11, and while there are slight game play improvements, they're not enough to warrant a $60 purchase if you bought Madden 10.

[mestevo]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

"One season later, the Pro-Tak animation system is quickly establishing itself as one of the more unique physics engines. This year’s Madden 11 features a more seasoned version of Pro-Tak that takes into account more timing-based factors for each tackle. There are now many more potential ways a play can unfold after initial ball-carrier contact."

really? I didn't know Pro-Tak was based off physics.....you learn something new everyday.

Well the definition of physics is the study of the interaction of energy and matter... so by definition a system in a video game that governs the interaction between players is indeed physics, it doesn't need to involve a ragdoll.

Not really that worried about how the technology is classified, just want a good football game.

[Kushmir]

collision detection is phenomenal? COME NOW. while the game seems solid, i think we can all agree that pro-tak needs a BIG improvement next year...2nd and 3rd tacklers are still not incorporated well enough...

[Klocker]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

Are you not entertained?

Madden returns this summer refined on every level (with some obviously being more refined than others). The gameplay is smoother, the graphics are more vibrant and the game has come to life with added vitality. This is the most entertaining Madden I have played since the Playstation 2 days...

It may all sound a bit technical and complex, but in the moment of the game, the action on the field flows just beautifully and naturally. The gameplay is crafted with an inherent sense of how the game of football naturally progresses.

The weight distribution, the ball carrier's and defender’s size and speed, and the overall skill levels of all involved are measured during each tackle. Basically, that is a nerdy way to say that everything on the screen looks rather awesome because of these factors.

sweet! and what I suspected from the demo so if retail is better? can not wait... good review thanks! Feels/looks like the most realistic representation of the
NFL ever.

[jfsolo]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

I think this is one of the signs of the apocalypse, IGN being much harder then OS on a Madden game.

[ryan36]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

I think this is one of the signs of the apocalypse, IGN being much harder then OS on a Madden game.

Lol, might be. I'm surprised to say the least. Where's the "doom" smiley?

[NEWYORICAN]

So the OS is letting Ian Cummings write his own reviews now??? Amazing, I played Madden 11, and while there are slight game play improvements, they're not enough to warrant a $60 purchase if you bought Madden 10.

Really, second year of a suspect OS Madden review with glowing reviews. No wonder this game never improves.

[ryan36]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Review

Really, second year of a suspect OS Madden review with glowing reviews. No wonder this game never improves.

How do you know it's suspect if you haven't played it?