Let me start off by saying that in no way am I an apologist, loyalist or fanboy, but I liked the following post so much that I'd like to break it down and analyze it as honestly as I can (I also mean no personal offense to its original poster, victorkingchamp):
This actually has improved from last year, though it's still not on the level as Madden 12. I agree, though, the authentic angles from M12 are still fewer and further between. Thankfully much of the slow-mo mess from M13 is actually less noticeable.
Had they improved on The Extra Point/Extra Point Halftime Show and not scrapped it within two years, this wouldn't be an issue. I agree once again. It was a feature with tons of potential that ended up being anything but decent.
The commentary is getting better and it's actually one of the bright spots of the game's hit-and-miss presentation. I think it's the best it's ever been, even moreso than last-gen's Madden and Michaels. Is it to the level of 2K? Absolutely not, but in terms of the advancements made to FIFA and NHL's commentary tech, it's finally getting somewhere, which couldn't be said about Madden 06-Madden 12. Developers say it's even more detailed in next-gen M25 but I'm not holding my breath.
Jury's still out, but developers say this also will be added in next-gen. We'll see if they react anything like APF's (I have my doubts).
I agree, at least to spotlight a key defensive player like Patrick Willis. QB's get the most attention, though, especially on CBS which includes a very similar "run-out" to Madden. But yes, camera angles and animations should vary and presentation should happen in real-time --- I'm as tired of the canned cutscenes as you are, in other words.
There's actually a lot more of them this year...at least some of them are new. More attention seems to be given to certain sound effects this year than last...the sound of fireworks exploding after every Bills touchdown, for instance, never happened before this year. Is it perfect? No. Are they getting there? Seems like it. Will they make it there? We'll see. All I know is
custom stadium sounds are long overdue.
I like these ideas...more reasons for Madden to include real-time presentation. NBA 2K, The Show, FIFA (somewhat) and NHL already do it. Cutscenes are dated, it's time to move forward with the new hardware.
In the team entrance sequences during and nowhere else. Seriously, I'm confused about this as well. Hate to say "next-gen" again but with all the talk about interactive sidelines and "living worlds", this MUST be something they aim for.
I'm pretty sure Madden wants to be an over-the-top version of the NFL since that's exactly the way the NFL wants itself to be presented. Highlights and miraculous plays sell. I'm not sure whether this is the NFL in EA's ear or EA picking this emphasis themselves, but I, once again, agree. I'd love to see a "pure", no-nonsense football sim one of these days.
I've been saying for years that so many other games on the market are held to a higher standard. Why can't we expect the same out of Madden? Great post, and I honestly hope the developers see your list and take them into consideration. Pardon the cheesiness, but the quality of the rest of this series depends on it.