[Armor and Sword]

I am still playing Madden 12. That says a lot for me. The last time I played Madden more than 2 seasons in franchise was back on the PS2 and Madden 2007 (I think I must have played 6-7 franchise years on that one and did not get a new madden till Madden 10 for PS3).

The Good:

1) Franchise mode - was greatly improved from Madden 10/11. I enjoy being a GM again. I love the expanded rosters, I love the UDFA feature despite some issues with it. If anything it is a great start that should be fined tuned for Madden 13. I am in the minority on this but I loved the new FA bidding system. It is fast, and to the point. You can prep for it by going through each roster and notating in your sprial notebook who will be available and make a priority/target list. Then it is on.

2) DPP/hot & cold streaks - This is an awesome feature and truly changed franchise mode for me. I loved tracking this during games and adjusting personnel as needed to help offset guys in a funk. And also knowing my CPU counterparts hot players and exploiting their cold ones.

3) Defensive AI - IMO improved greatly from Madden 10/11

4) Overall AI - with the right slider set was much improved.

5) Madden Draft Classes and scouting system - I like it. Please build on it.

6) new cuts and camera angles - I loved them. they added a lot. Don't "x" through all the cut aways and you will see more immersion in your playing experience.

The bad:

Penalties - a legacy issue. I have seen PI but I can count on my one hand how many times in 3 plus seasons. Variety please! I would like to see for offline vs the cpu a system where we see illegal hands to the face, unsportsmanlike conduct for a late hit out of bounds, illegal contact, defensive holding. And you can incorporate your coaching staffs ratings and create a player discipline rating that can guide how much or how less your team get's hit with the laundry.

DE - sucked into blocks every single time. You can't control them on defense if you want any shot at your DE getting sacks. What you end up having to do is let the cpu control the DE and switch to them if you see them break free....or just let the cpu control them throughout. They are useless in Madden.

Tackling - although improved....it is still not where it needs to be. No wrap up tackles. It just does not feel organic. I felt like when I hit a guy they went flying every single time. Not enough true to life feel in tackling.

Defense overall - It's not really that much fun to play defense on Madden. I can't put my finger on it but it just feels boring. What i end up doing is the no switch rule and letting the player ratings play itself out. I stick with a MLB or DT and if I get blocked out of the play...it is up to my AI teammates to make the play. It does get boring.


Lack of halftime/weekly franchise show - Huge for offline players like myself. I still love the presentation I get from the 2 other games in my signature. Even after playing multiple seasons I love the immersion. Madden needs this polish in a bad way for it's improving franchise mode. USE THE ESPN/NFL NETWORK LICENSE TO THE MAX GUYS!!!!


The Ugly

Sound/play by play - yep stated it a million times. beating a dead horse...get a new team in there and it must....I mean must be dynamic play by play and color. I want to feel like my franchise is a living breathing mode...with comments on streaks, key games, big match-ups, playoff races, NFL season or lifetime records being broken. This takes effort and more importantly resources to get it done.

Lack of NFL Films music - this was a major bummer. I love that soundtrack and it would have been nice in franchise mode this year since I spend a lot of time doing roster managment, trades, resigning etc. What the heck happened to that!


So overall this was the best Madden since 2007 (PS2/XBOX) for me. It is a fun game overall. I enjoy playing it and will continue to play it till Madden 13 (if 13 is a nice upgrade).

Area's of opportunity:

Presentation - overall play by play/color. Add true halftime show and franchise mode weekly show with rumors, key injuries, key resignings, hold outs, and weekly highlights of games around the league. Also during games flashing scores on a scroll like they do IRL with scores, stats from around the league.

On the field - continue to improve tackling, player movements, passing trajectory, defensive AI and CPU play calling. Focus on WR/DB interaction as well as OL/DL interaction.


Madden made decent strides. I hope to see Madden 13 take a bold step because it will need to in order to get my dollars. Otherwise Madden 12 will do for another year.