[TNT713]

Quote: Originally Posted by Big FN Deal

The point is, all this time on next-gen and Madden has yet to demonstrate to any of us how to do these things consistently. What's missing in many parts of Madden, including passing trajectory variation, is EA showing EVERYONE how it's done first. Things that are possible in Madden shouldn't be a secret or a mystery, it should be clearly explained to everyone by EA. The difference in skill sets should come from those like yourself, that are willing to take the time to master those explained things versus those that aren't, not from those that are willing to spend hours or years "labbing" to figure out how it works versus people that aren't or can't. It's silly for gamers to keep having a discussion about what can and can't be done in Madden, while the people that create the game stay silent, while not at least including a tutorial/training mode, along with a worded breakdown, like in other games. Some people like the challenge of trying to figure out how a video game works on their own and that's fine. However, people like myself, that prefer to know how it was designed to be done in the game, before attempting to do it and hopefully master it, should have that included. While I am on this tangent, this is also points to why "freestyle" play seems to be so successful in Madden. I am starting to wonder if the reason why developers don't explain how stuff like pass trajectory, route timing, jump balls, fade routes, outside runs, returning, blitzing, etc are created to be done in Madden, is because there is no realistic methodology. For example, there used to be a passing tutorial in Madden, may even still be there, that had the QB stand in a designated area, simulating the pocket, while varying amount of projectiles were fired at them. The object was to avoid the projectiles, while staying in the designated "pocket" area, until the receiver became available/open. However, there seemed to have been no point to the tutorial given the fact that when actually playing the game, there is little to no inherent risk or penalty for not remaining in the pocket. Practicing/labbing in a NFL football video game that doesn't explain the way NFL actions are designed to be performed or that doesn't have a realistic methodology for those things, is fine for those that enjoy playing Madden ball but shouldn't be expected of gamers looking to simulate NFL football.

WARNING: If you're easily offended - STOP READING NOW. This thread will offer some UNCENSORED opinions that will NOT sit well with many who don't have the intestinal fortitude to get up after being knocked down - and shouldn't be playing football of ANY KIND anyway because they are afraid to feel the pain that is inherent to the sport...

Spoiler

BigFN, I understand EXACTLY what you mean... And I agree, to a point. But there's a measure of personal responsibility that must be considered whenever playing anything, video games included, that require SKILLS.

For the most part, EA hasn't given us the tutorials many of us would like to see. But EA simply makes a PRODUCT with rudimentary instructions to get us started playing. They shouldn't have to coach you too. Does the company that installs the sod on the field, manufactures the ball, or protective equipment have a responsibility to COACH the game to players? NO. But EA does? Come on, Man...

Let's be PERFECTLY HONEST... EA creates a game that is an undeniable teaching tool for the game of football. Because of our interaction with this game (and potentially some others) football fans in America now are light years ahead of fans 20 years ago in terms of their understanding of the strategies of the game. We shouldn't be the virtual equivalent of JAMARCUS RUSSELL, chocked full of the talent and endowed with the tools to succeed, but with none of the gumption or work ethic to do so. SAD.

There are dozens of places to get information about HOW TO in Madden. EA licenses Prima to write an in-depth guide while others, myself for example, have been passing what I've learned about Madden to others thru message boards and my own website (ahem - plug for MaddenUniversity.com) for absolutely NO CHARGE for almost 10 years!!!

But no one listens to me about mechanics. It's almost like my 20 years of learning and effort mean nothing to them because I don't work for EA (although tons have asked me if I do).

Typically I don't share my uncensored opinion. Most Madden players are lazy and good for nothing but being whining pansies that have neither the ability to see past their own errors nor the desire to do or learn anything more than they already know. They will steadily press button A when button B is the one they need, then become angered when someone attempts to correct them because they didn't get a pat on the head first...

In essence, PRIDE IS KILLING THEIR ENJOYMENT OF THE GAME. I must filter myself in practically every post just so I don't draw blood on these figurative thin skinned hemophiliacs for fear their desire to play Madden might just bleed to death at the slightest pin prick.

All that said... EA could put valuable exercises and drills in the game to help us improve our techniques (bring back DB SWAT!!!). HELP does not mean SPOON FEED. Even if EA provided the perfect spread of tutorials and drills, the onus would still be on the USER to employ these items to develop their own skill set. Instead, they sit around flaming the devs and company in message boards while they sit there with their thumbs up their fanny while failing to utilize the massive amounts of resources at their disposal.

Case in point: I make it a point to read the manual. Early in the year, while experimenting with the surprise onside I was accused of 'glitching' by fools that don't read the manual.

Beyond the manual, I read books about football and find ways to translate what I learn into valuable skills that help me execute on the field. Knowledge without application is useless... Henry Ford once commented about a man that who felt knowledge of trivia was what made a man smart by saying he was worth no more than a set of encyclopedias.

I get that people are strapped for time and have responsibilities that prevent them from being able to focus on being better Madden players. I also understand that most people simply don't care enough. They just want to have fun. Some are even honest about their lack of interest in improving - I'm cool with this type of honesty. What gets to me are the guys that show no effort because they want EA to make the game AND play it for them.

But the kids that show up in high school just to be on the team rarely, if ever, get on the field. Furthermore, no one in the history of football has ever failed to attend a single practice, improve a single skill, and still get to play in the game (not even Plax's ankle exempted him from developing some skills). That's purely a video game phenomenon more common among Madden players than anywhere else on the planet.

What's worse players that do practice, who take the competitive aspects of the game seriously, and concentrate on perfecting their virtual football craft receive less than favorable reception in places where lightweights gather en masse. It's like putting an eagle in a chicken coupe. There's a reason Ray Lewis in on the field while Poindexter is in the stands and it's not always physical. Football is just as much about TOUGHNESS as it is physical. But when anyone with fingers is equally qualified to be on the field, the quality of the game is diminished.

There is NO SIMULATION WITHOUT RESPONSIBILITY. Now that I got that out of the way... EA makes a game, but they don't press the buttons. We do. We must take not only take responsibility for the buttons we press, but also how and when we press them. Pass trajectory not being 'consistent', in particular, isn't a problem. What is a problem is a myriad of players who never dedicate effort to producing the the effects they want consistently.

In that regard, Madden is identical to the NFL in that the QB that doesn't work to perfect his mechanics is likely to be inconsistent in a game. Guys that have trouble with consistency OBVIOUSLY aren't seeing their mechanics as being important enough of a factor to care to improve them. Unfortunately, the parallel between Madden and real life ends there. These players will never be CUT, fear losing their starting job, nor will any coach yell at them for failing miserably.

So for all the people that feel Madden isn't this or that because what they know about football doesn't seem relevant - maybe you should learn something else and MAKE IT RELEVANT. Quit waiting for EA to hold your hand and help you cross the street - MAN UP - and play football with the attitude of someone that can take a hit while dishing a few of his own.

Maybe MMChris will replace "PASS TRAJECTORY" with what Madden needs most of all to be a real football simulation - USERS that aren't as soft as hot marshmallows.

By the way, this isn't directed at anyone personally but if you have read this and are offended by it - I'm probably talking about you. Do us all a favor and remain silent so we don't know who you are.

Ok... I'm done. I'll return to censoring my posts once again. Thanks for letting me let off steam.


Later