Madden 09 debut video

by pastapadre
Posted May 2nd, 2008 at 6:39 am

Gametrailers has posted the first truly representative footage from Madden 09. Unlike the usual first trailers for games this one focuses on displaying gameplay and some of the new elements that surround it. Just recently it was IGN that put out a short clip showing off Madden 09 which came from an especially early build of the game (didn’t include commentators and or even show off the play call screen or any presentation enhancements). About the only thing to get out of it was the snow visuals and new score/info bar. Obviously that was not the first look that EA had expected everyone would get to see of the game. So they’ve answered with a new video that, per producer Phil Frazier, spotlights:

- New Game Intro with Stadium Fly-In
- Major Graphical upgrades- from grass to players to lighting
- New Play Call with On-Demand Options including Stats and Instant Replay
- New Banners including Starting Line-Ups
- Smoother looking tackles and animations
- New QB movements
- Break-away camera
- User Controlled Celebrations

Overall the video looks fantastic with the atmosphere and presentation having received huge lifts. Everything noted above appear as though they’ll be very positive additions.

I would like to see the camera flashes toned down or removed during regular gameplay. I have never noticed flashes during the course of a game let alone constantly throughout (although I can understand having them at kickoff or on the final snap of a victory at home). They’re more distracting than anything during standard play. The user controlled celebration squares of light in the end zone detract from the realistic feel as well and they’d be better off without them. I’m not a big fan of the kickoff cinematic either considering in 08 it meant you could avoid kicking to a dangerous returner such as Devin Hester. If it would just cut off immediately after the kick, or if they had the option to have one returner handle it instead of two back deep, that wouldn’t be the case.

Continue on to view the video.

Tags: Videos

Dan

Why do the sidelines still look so terrible. It’s one thing that has bugged me about Madden over the past few years. I just can’t believe that EA are happy with the guys on the sideline all doing the SAME movement at the SAME time. Bar the guy with his kicking motion. I doubt this will be improved before release.
Dan

Why do the sidelines still look so terrible. It’s one thing that has bugged me about Madden over the past few years. I just can’t believe that EA are happy with the guys on the sideline all doing the SAME movement at the SAME time. Bar the guy with his kicking motion. I doubt this will be improved before release.
Callmetaternuts

Looks good, still early, but i like the progress, would like to see the QB stop dropping back 15-17 steps
Mark

I am really impresses with that video… love the presentation, and can really notice the enhanced lighting…. everything seems to be improved greatly… pumped for this game now!
Callmetaternuts

Looks good, still early, but i like the progress, would like to see the QB stop dropping back 15-17 steps
Mark

I am really impresses with that video… love the presentation, and can really notice the enhanced lighting…. everything seems to be improved greatly… pumped for this game now!
Bumble14

I’m really consfused as to why EA finds it so difficult to show players on the field warming up before the coin toss? Is it that hard to spotlight a player and talk about them? This looks good, but I am really getting sick of their sterile pre game presentation in their football games…let me guess, all stadiums will have the same fireworks intro?
Bumble14

I’m really consfused as to why EA finds it so difficult to show players on the field warming up before the coin toss? Is it that hard to spotlight a player and talk about them? This looks good, but I am really getting sick of their sterile pre game presentation in their football games…let me guess, all stadiums will have the same fireworks intro?
deltroy

Holy hand gernade batman this video looks fantastic I really like the camera flashes, hey Pasta do you think they will release a video soon where we can hear the new announcing bro?
deltroy

Holy hand gernade batman this video looks fantastic I really like the camera flashes, hey Pasta do you think they will release a video soon where we can hear the new announcing bro?
hen_roc

Callmetaternuts, I agree whole heartedly!

They have to figure out a way to make the QB footwork better. If you notice on the IGN clip the QB drops back forever as well.

It seems like they still have to work on O line pass protection, especially on the edges.

If the QB can still run all over the backfield the entire game and continue to throw darts, it will kill any realism EA was going for.
hen_roc

Callmetaternuts, I agree whole heartedly!

They have to figure out a way to make the QB footwork better. If you notice on the IGN clip the QB drops back forever as well.

It seems like they still have to work on O line pass protection, especially on the edges.

If the QB can still run all over the backfield the entire game and continue to throw darts, it will kill any realism EA was going for.
buffalo doritos

anyone who has played nfl 2k5…knows what they see “familiar in this vid right here” not gonna say it those who played know.
buffalo doritos

anyone who has played nfl 2k5…knows what they see “familiar in this vid right here” not gonna say it those who played know.
buffalo doritos

those camera flashes needs to be saved for deep rival games, playoffs or superbowl..
buffalo doritos

those camera flashes needs to be saved for deep rival games, playoffs or superbowl..
jazzyjeff

I am still waiting for the videos to come out that show the Chris Berman half time show & draft coverage by Mel Kiper (actually been waiting for this for a few years now). NFL2K5 had this and its inexcusable that Madden hasnt incorporated this yet. Fixes to lighting and prettier stat overlays wont convince me to buy this game anymore, they better start stepping up.
jazzyjeff

I am still waiting for the videos to come out that show the Chris Berman half time show & draft coverage by Mel Kiper (actually been waiting for this for a few years now). NFL2K5 had this and its inexcusable that Madden hasnt incorporated this yet. Fixes to lighting and prettier stat overlays wont convince me to buy this game anymore, they better start stepping up.
blackngoldfan

[quote comment="19862"]anyone who has played nfl 2k5…knows what they see “familiar in this vid right here” not gonna say it those who played know.[/quote]
I would say…..the cutscene of Adelius Thomas after the tackle for a loss on Jacobs.
blackngoldfan

[quote comment="19862"]anyone who has played nfl 2k5…knows what they see “familiar in this vid right here” not gonna say it those who played know.[/quote]
I would say…..the cutscene of Adelius Thomas after the tackle for a loss on Jacobs.
CrimsonVoodoo

EA makes very purty videos, with all the stirring music and hoo hah. Good for them

I do like the lighting engine, that looks great, and the stats on the fly is cool. Instant replay option is nice, I hope it lets you manipulate camera

For the LOVE OF GOD tho’ – what’s with the QB dropping back 15 yards, then side-peddling at Full Speed (God forbid there’s a pocket) Always hated this about Madden – it immediately takes me out of any sense that I’m playing football

The bad-angle tackling at the end, where all defenders then line up to chase is distressing as well

The games gonna look better – online leagues might be good (need more details and online to work), but I’m not sure Gameplay is gonna convert anybody who’s not already a Madden fan
CrimsonVoodoo

EA makes very purty videos, with all the stirring music and hoo hah. Good for them

I do like the lighting engine, that looks great, and the stats on the fly is cool. Instant replay option is nice, I hope it lets you manipulate camera

For the LOVE OF GOD tho’ – what’s with the QB dropping back 15 yards, then side-peddling at Full Speed (God forbid there’s a pocket) Always hated this about Madden – it immediately takes me out of any sense that I’m playing football

The bad-angle tackling at the end, where all defenders then line up to chase is distressing as well

The games gonna look better – online leagues might be good (need more details and online to work), but I’m not sure Gameplay is gonna convert anybody who’s not already a Madden fan
zhawk18

What’s with the weapon icons? They are all gray like the smart weapon, but when it showed Moss or Brady it was blue. I guess instead of filling up to be yellow, this year it is blue. Pasta, any verification on this, or is my theory wrong?
zhawk18

What’s with the weapon icons? They are all gray like the smart weapon, but when it showed Moss or Brady it was blue. I guess instead of filling up to be yellow, this year it is blue. Pasta, any verification on this, or is my theory wrong?
daskcrew1

some people are just never happy, compare to madden 08 this is like night and day…all i really want for this game is tv like presentation like nfl 2k5 and i will be super happy.
JI13orrero

Pasta could you pliz make this comments taken into consideration next time yoy contact EA staff? I believe they are in the best interest of the game:
1. Camera flashes happen way to often.
2. Pre-game presentation sucked…again.
3. The starting lineups were kinda cut off because of the snap.
4. Sidelines still suck.
5. Unexistent pocket.
6. Why oh why do players look all “square” and guys like Vince Wilfork don’t resemble 300 something plus pounds they weight.
7. How is it that after struggle at the line, tackles, hits, holdings, etc. all uniforms stay perfect…no untucked shrits, downed sox, etc.
8. Will all presentations look the same eventhough they are a pre-season game, rivalry, post-season or superbowl?
daskcrew1

some people are just never happy, compare to madden 08 this is like night and day…all i really want for this game is tv like presentation like nfl 2k5 and i will be super happy.
JI13orrero

Pasta could you pliz make this comments taken into consideration next time yoy contact EA staff? I believe they are in the best interest of the game:
1. Camera flashes happen way to often.
2. Pre-game presentation sucked…again.
3. The starting lineups were kinda cut off because of the snap.
4. Sidelines still suck.
5. Unexistent pocket.
6. Why oh why do players look all “square” and guys like Vince Wilfork don’t resemble 300 something plus pounds they weight.
7. How is it that after struggle at the line, tackles, hits, holdings, etc. all uniforms stay perfect…no untucked shrits, downed sox, etc.
8. Will all presentations look the same eventhough they are a pre-season game, rivalry, post-season or superbowl?
r00tabaga

THE TACKLING ANGLES DO SUCK AND THERE IS NO RISK/ALL REWARD FOR THE QB TO DROP BACK. Other than that…WOW! Looks fantasamazable!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to hearing the play-by-play…..
r00tabaga

THE TACKLING ANGLES DO SUCK AND THERE IS NO RISK/ALL REWARD FOR THE QB TO DROP BACK. Other than that…WOW! Looks fantasamazable!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to hearing the play-by-play…..
JI13orrero

Also, starting lineups presentations should go like this:
Offense:
1. Offensive line (Tackles, Guards and Center).
2. Backs and receivers (Receivers, Tight End, Runnigback, Fullback).
3, Quarterback.

Defense:
1. Defensive line (Defensive Ends, Defensive Tackles or Nose Tackle).
2. Linebackers (Outside Linebackers, Middle Linebacker or Inside Linebackers).
3. Defensive backs (Corners and Safetys).

Saludos (thats greetings, in spanish).
JI13orrero

Also, starting lineups presentations should go like this:
Offense:
1. Offensive line (Tackles, Guards and Center).
2. Backs and receivers (Receivers, Tight End, Runnigback, Fullback).
3, Quarterback.

Defense:
1. Defensive line (Defensive Ends, Defensive Tackles or Nose Tackle).
2. Linebackers (Outside Linebackers, Middle Linebacker or Inside Linebackers).
3. Defensive backs (Corners and Safetys).

Saludos (thats greetings, in spanish).
lynn

This footage looks good in some areas, but I’m still not seeing anything that will make want to buy this game first day. I’ve just been burned too many times by Madden the past few years. I like how the camera swoops in from the side after breaking the huddle, and the cut scenes also look much better. Beyond that not overly impressive.

But presentation isn’t the biggest thing keeping me from buying this game. It’s the horrible AI and game physics that ruin the experience for me. I see no evidence of any of that being fixed in this video clip.

(Also hope this year’s version isn’t plagued by another fumble glitch. Already see on in this short clip…)
lynn

This footage looks good in some areas, but I’m still not seeing anything that will make want to buy this game first day. I’ve just been burned too many times by Madden the past few years. I like how the camera swoops in from the side after breaking the huddle, and the cut scenes also look much better. Beyond that not overly impressive.

But presentation isn’t the biggest thing keeping me from buying this game. It’s the horrible AI and game physics that ruin the experience for me. I see no evidence of any of that being fixed in this video clip.

(Also hope this year’s version isn’t plagued by another fumble glitch. Already see on in this short clip…)
Zack

THIS GAME LOOKS SICK!
Zack

THIS GAME LOOKS SICK!
r00tabaga

Pasta, if I can make one suggestion that would clearly help the pre-game resentation a BUNCH…can you mention to Phil @ EA to put the National Anthem in before each contest in the same way NHL08 does?!?!? It would be awesome and get me pumped in the same way I do when I’m at the Ralph in Buffalo before a game!
r00tabaga

Pasta, if I can make one suggestion that would clearly help the pre-game resentation a BUNCH…can you mention to Phil @ EA to put the National Anthem in before each contest in the same way NHL08 does?!?!? It would be awesome and get me pumped in the same way I do when I’m at the Ralph in Buffalo before a game!
jazzyjeff

How about fixing whereas if u use full strength in the kicking meter for kickoffs EVERY KICK doesnt end up in the back of the end zone for a touchback. All kickers use full strength hoping for a touchback in the NFL but it just doesnt happen, apparently in Madden every kicker has a bionic leg.
jazzyjeff

How about fixing whereas if u use full strength in the kicking meter for kickoffs EVERY KICK doesnt end up in the back of the end zone for a touchback. All kickers use full strength hoping for a touchback in the NFL but it just doesnt happen, apparently in Madden every kicker has a bionic leg.
Mike

Any way you can ask if they will include accelerated clock and in-game saves this year? Thanks
r00tabaga

After a second look at the video I can now see what people are talking about with the player models. Willfork looks like a LB and not the fat #uck he really is. Pasta, why does it tell the receivers how to sprint underneath them and QB’s how to snap? That is the most basic of controls and shouldn’t be there in the final build right?
Mike

Any way you can ask if they will include accelerated clock and in-game saves this year? Thanks
r00tabaga

After a second look at the video I can now see what people are talking about with the player models. Willfork looks like a LB and not the fat #uck he really is. Pasta, why does it tell the receivers how to sprint underneath them and QB’s how to snap? That is the most basic of controls and shouldn’t be there in the final build right?
BigKahuna

BEST FOOTBALL GAME I HAVE EVER SEEN! One thing though, as a ex Offensive Lineman, Looks like they have not fixed the PULLING GUARD PROBLEM that makes me SOOOOOOOO mad, watch the first play from scrimage from the video. RG pulls and never makes it to the OLB, unless the Center and Guard are chipping on the 3 technique?????? But pull that G out of there and smash the OLB/DE, come on NOW!
BigKahuna

BEST FOOTBALL GAME I HAVE EVER SEEN! One thing though, as a ex Offensive Lineman, Looks like they have not fixed the PULLING GUARD PROBLEM that makes me SOOOOOOOO mad, watch the first play from scrimage from the video. RG pulls and never makes it to the OLB, unless the Center and Guard are chipping on the 3 technique?????? But pull that G out of there and smash the OLB/DE, come on NOW!
Details

I love the fact that they changed the color of the weapon icons. Love it. The yellow was too bright. This is much, much better.

We didn’t make it through the drive without a turnover, though. That’s the only thing that’s worrisome. You would think that they wouldn’t include a turnover in the promotional video after the problems of last year.

Overall, I think the game looks better than NCAA 09. Maybe I just love seeing NFL teams. I’m excited.
Details

I love the fact that they changed the color of the weapon icons. Love it. The yellow was too bright. This is much, much better.

We didn’t make it through the drive without a turnover, though. That’s the only thing that’s worrisome. You would think that they wouldn’t include a turnover in the promotional video after the problems of last year.

Overall, I think the game looks better than NCAA 09. Maybe I just love seeing NFL teams. I’m excited.
Jesse

Would everyone shut up about camera flashes and sidelines and crowds and refs… yada yada yada. As long as the game is playable and has good features, do you really care that the guys on the sidelines do the same motion. Get a life! Find something worth while to complain about. You all sound rediculous, “oh no there is no ref on the field during play” “too many or not enough camera flashes”. Listen to yourselves, you sound like idiots!
Jesse

Would everyone shut up about camera flashes and sidelines and crowds and refs… yada yada yada. As long as the game is playable and has good features, do you really care that the guys on the sidelines do the same motion. Get a life! Find something worth while to complain about. You all sound rediculous, “oh no there is no ref on the field during play” “too many or not enough camera flashes”. Listen to yourselves, you sound like idiots!