About two weeks ago, I had a craving for some video game football. I found Madden 10 for the PS3 to be underwhelming so I decided to dust off my PS2 and pop in some older editions (05-09) of Madden, and in particular, Madden NFL 07.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these editions offer far more franchise depth, a smoother engine, better gameplay and tighter controls than any of the current generation versions. For instance, in 07, all players in franchise mode are assigned specific roles such as "Offensive Playmaker", "Future" Star" and "Possession Receiver", these effect the value of players in trades and their attributes in certain situations. You won't find this in the 360 or PS3 versions of the game though; for some inexplicable reason this wasn't included in the current generation releases.
It doesn't just stop there though. I've noticed for the games that were produced for both next generation and last generation platforms (06-09), the editions on the PS2 feature far more depth across the board. Coaches have actual attributes in these games. You can create your own playbook complete with designing formations and plays. In some of the newer editions, starting with 08 I believe, receivers actually drag their feet to stay in bounds on passes to the sideline. Defensive backs can't jump for a swat on a pass and come down with the tackle all in the same motion like they can in Madden 10 for the PS3. Perhaps best of all, John Madden and Al Michaels are calling the action on the field. Maybe it's just me but I expect a game called MADDEN football to feature the man in the commentary booth.
In summation, I've gotten more enjoyment out of the last two weeks than I did in six months with Madden 10. Am I alone in my adoration for these last generation games? More importantly, why did EA gut the features for the current generation?
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these editions offer far more franchise depth, a smoother engine, better gameplay and tighter controls than any of the current generation versions. For instance, in 07, all players in franchise mode are assigned specific roles such as "Offensive Playmaker", "Future" Star" and "Possession Receiver", these effect the value of players in trades and their attributes in certain situations. You won't find this in the 360 or PS3 versions of the game though; for some inexplicable reason this wasn't included in the current generation releases.
It doesn't just stop there though. I've noticed for the games that were produced for both next generation and last generation platforms (06-09), the editions on the PS2 feature far more depth across the board. Coaches have actual attributes in these games. You can create your own playbook complete with designing formations and plays. In some of the newer editions, starting with 08 I believe, receivers actually drag their feet to stay in bounds on passes to the sideline. Defensive backs can't jump for a swat on a pass and come down with the tackle all in the same motion like they can in Madden 10 for the PS3. Perhaps best of all, John Madden and Al Michaels are calling the action on the field. Maybe it's just me but I expect a game called MADDEN football to feature the man in the commentary booth.
In summation, I've gotten more enjoyment out of the last two weeks than I did in six months with Madden 10. Am I alone in my adoration for these last generation games? More importantly, why did EA gut the features for the current generation?
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