Four Years Ago...

[ZoneBlitz]

2008 was the last time I bought Madden. I was disgusted with the game, it's lack of realism, and EA's refusing to commit to a simulation rather than arcade experience. In 2009, the first year i did not purchase Madden, 20 years of buying Madden, and 6 years of standing in line came to an end. I watched the game evolve each year and decided to pass. Plus, with NBA 2K and PES Soccer, I was more than satisfied. Even though football is my favorite sport, I just found those games to be great examples of realism and simulation play.

So, after seeing the previews, looking at gameplay, and reading what is going into the game: I am impressed. For the first time in almost half a decade, I am actually excited about Madden. What I am really excited about is the real-time physics, and the new connected careers features. Plus, they seem to have made great strides in coming closer to real football.

Of course, it is clear that all is not perfect. Anytime a football game has to accelerate the play clock, you know that major simulation attributes are absent. However, the total package seems to be closer to simulation football than in the past.

So, besides the actual game itself, the only remaining hurdle is the demo. If it is as advertised, then I'm back in the game.

Time will tell.

Anybody else coming back after a long interregnum or long break...I just learned that word and had to use it ;-)

[StreetCarp]

About the accelerated clock: Would you rather the playbooks be harder to use?

[Multi]

I haven't purchased a Madden since 06. No plans on buying another until things change.

[oneamongthefence]

Quote: Originally Posted by Multi

I haven't purchased a Madden since 06. No plans on buying another until things change.

What things are you looking for?

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[DCEBB2001]

Seems like forever for me. I used to organize both NCAA and Madden release parties the night the game came out. My football buds and I would go get the game at midnight, order a ton of T-Bell, and go to my place to hook up all our systems and play solid until the next evening. It was an event. I did this from Madden 02-Madden 07. Then things changed. When the NextGen came out and my friends and I could afford the 360 or PS3, we started to notice that the gameplay was worse. I think we all felt a bit cheated for the higher price and worse product - two factors that do not mix well with me and my friends. I bought 08 on the PC and still get some good play out of it with all the MODs. I miss being able to edit rosters all of August, follow the NFL transactions and player editing...just in time for the regular season to start when my edits were complete. Then I would start up my chise and import my NCAA players I had been working on since July.

Those days are gone now, and it is heartbreaking. I can't edit players or import NCAA draft classes. I have not bought Madden or NCAA since 2007. I am fortunate enough to get free copies each year because of my site, but I would trade all of that for having a game worth playing again. I thought this was the year, but the two features I loved the most are gone. Sadly, the now 4 year trend of not buying and getting excited for the game will be at 5 years, and with little signs of a turnaround.

If they still made the game on the PS2 with NCAA as well, I would still probably purchase that game. But for now, I am happy doing the site and playing my Modded up Madden 08 where I can create my draft classes and have more control. One day I hope to get that excited feeling back, but for now the trend suggests otherwise.

[Multi]

Quote: Originally Posted by oneamongthefence

What things are you looking for?

I'd like it to be more of a simulator. Madden seems content to straddle a sort of mid-ground between arcade and sim. That's understandable, since it doesn't alienate casual gamers, but it's just not my cup of tea.

[ZoneBlitz]

Quote: Originally Posted by StreetCarp

About the accelerated clock: Would you rather the playbooks be harder to use?

I would rather have a simulation experience that would make the accelerated clock as useful in the game as it is in real life. To do that, the game would have to have more robust plays, and additional realism in other places.

A good way to answer your question is this: think about what an accelerated clock would not be good in the NFL?

[MissionMaximus]

Quote: Originally Posted by Multi

I'd like it to be more of a simulator. Madden seems content to straddle a sort of mid-ground between arcade and sim. That's understandable, since it doesn't alienate casual gamers, but it's just not my cup of tea.

Agreed, I want SIM not how good you are with the sticks. I want players to play to their abilities not based on how good someone is with a controller in their hands.