Apologies in advanced. Hate to be a debbie downer when everyone seems so optimistic. Just some things that caught my eye that I would like to mention. Hopefully Rex and Cam is reading. Just would like to see some things cleaned up to take Madden to the next level, more organic.
(A) Pocket Formation. OL receptive (back pedaling) vs. aggressively engaging (stepping forward). Real NFL films shows the OL more receptive (back pedaling when the ball is hiked). Madden gameplay often shows the OL aggressively engaging (stepping forward).
(B) Scripted blocking (with respect to animation). Madden still seems to have a 'scripted' blocking animation interaction. Often, the blocker would warp into a certain position so a certain blocking animation would play out. Closely look at the OL/DL interaction.
During double team blocking is most apparent. Don't get me wrong, the idea/concept looks good, but the execution/implementation still needs to be more organic. The DL 'mission' needs to organically pursue
with a purpose in mind to get to the quarterback
and with the OL's 'mission' to organically with a purpose in mind to physically block the DL pursuit angles. Sometimes Madden looks more aesthetic than with a purpose.
C) True Step. This needs to be one of the top priorities, one of the absolute focal points in Madden 16.
*I have included (at the very bottom) in blue where a very nicely done organic looking block happens and an organic defender pursuing the ball carrier is executed. This is what I am expecting theoretically if True Step completely works as intended. No warping, no suction blocking, no sliding into position. The blocker was beat because he was completely out of position.
Pocket Formation - @0:10 mark, @1:12 mark, @1:42 mark - Real NFL footage with 49ers vs Panthers. Notice the Offensive Lineman is usually back pedaling, and "reactive" and "receptive" to the purusing defensive lineman. This allows an organic "pocket" to form. In most of the Madden footage, we see the (Guard, Center) OL move forward to engage the DL. This aesthetically looks like a pocket formation, but it doesn't look as organic as what I see in NFL footage. Key: Offensive Lineman: "Receptive, Reactive" vs "Forward Engagement"
"Protect the sticks" - can someone please further elaborate on the concept of protecting the sticks? I'm a little confused based on how the animation sequence is playing out.
@29:30 mark - The Carolina Panther defender seemingly knows where the Saints offensive player is going to be. Offensive player looks to be behind the defender, however the defender "knew" that the offensive player was going to cut back to the outside. Strange looking, psychic play.
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@6:30 mark - saints defensive lineman awkward. Instead of continuing to pursuit the quarterback, he decides to turn upfield and engage with the offensive lineman. Would have like to see the saint's defensive lineman continue to pursue the quarterback. Concern is that these offensive/defensive personnel still engages in a 'script' manner, as oppose to having true awareness.
@19:42 mark - Disappoint to see 'sliding' or 'suctioned' into place for a double block. If you watch the videos just for all double block sequences, the same animation usually plays out where the OL speeds up to engage the block.
@21:04 mark - Denver Broncos (#74) sort of makes an initial block (basically down his stomach), but then mysteriously levitates back up to make a second block. Would have liked to have seen the Broncos #74 stay down after the initial block (simply based on #74 position immediately throwing the first initial block .. physics.)
@22:16 mark - outside run. San Diego Chargers OL #76 speeds up to "slide" step to the left to pick up the block. A warp type animation that true step should have/could have prevent. The block would have still been made, but just disappointed to see a "slide" happen.
@22:42 mark - San Diego #61 Center. Immediately after the ball is hiked, #61 doesn't attempt to block, instead simply stands there. Even if he wasn't 'meant' to do a double block, I would like to see him at least use his arms to quickly engage and disengage from the DL man.
@23:19 mark - Same sequence as above. San Diego Chargers #78 get completely dominated and is about to fall over, and if physics were accounted for, should have fallen over. But unfortunately, heartbreakingly, #78 stays upright and continues to battle. San Diego Chargers #61 described above, does not engage.
@33:12 mark - another ultra quick 'slide' step to the left to pick up the block. The logic to throw the block in this case is perfectly fine, but the way it's executed is the concern. Based on position, the blocker should have remained on the right side when throwing the block. Instead, he speeds up the left to throw the block.
@33:12 mark - Circled in Blue. This is a gorgeous, much more organic, non scripted interaction. This is the type of blocking-pursuing interaction that I would like to see. This is what I hope true step would bring to the table. This is why it needs to be priority. The blocker was out of position. He did not mysteriously slide or suction to throw a block. The defender continue to pursue the ball carrier. The defender did not get sucked into a 'scripted' getting blocked animation. This is beautiful. This is why true step needs to be fully implemented for all 22 players on the field.
