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

http://worldserious08.blogspot.com/ Joe D.

One thing I noticed was you can see the players running onto the field during the overhead view, then they disappear when the camera is field level.
http://worldserious08.blogspot.com Joe D.

One thing I noticed was you can see the players running onto the field during the overhead view, then they disappear when the camera is field level.
Sean

The graphics are much improved (though clearly built on the old engine)- better player models, better field conditions and much better lighting effects. There are also replays now, which is nice to see. That said, most of the Madden problems are still on display here. The pockets are atrocious, the OL/DL interaction doesn’t look like it’s working, the blocking AI is as bad as ever (just look at the fist run where the tight end simply ignores the defender standing right in front of him to go help out the left tackle, letting the defender come in untouched to drop the back for a loss), and the animations continue to be sorely lacking.

I do appreciate the fact that the player sizes have been scaled down, making for a more realistic sense of space on the field. It also looks like there have been marginal improvements to the quarterback drop animations. But everything about the passing game still pales in comparison to APF or even NFL 2K5, and that failure to accurately create a pocket is just a killer.
Sean

The graphics are much improved (though clearly built on the old engine)- better player models, better field conditions and much better lighting effects. There are also replays now, which is nice to see. That said, most of the Madden problems are still on display here. The pockets are atrocious, the OL/DL interaction doesn’t look like it’s working, the blocking AI is as bad as ever (just look at the fist run where the tight end simply ignores the defender standing right in front of him to go help out the left tackle, letting the defender come in untouched to drop the back for a loss), and the animations continue to be sorely lacking.

I do appreciate the fact that the player sizes have been scaled down, making for a more realistic sense of space on the field. It also looks like there have been marginal improvements to the quarterback drop animations. But everything about the passing game still pales in comparison to APF or even NFL 2K5, and that failure to accurately create a pocket is just a killer.
Aaron

All fine and dandy until you cant play a full franchise like last year..all these new bells and whistles is great but pointless if franchise has the bugs again.
Aaron

All fine and dandy until you cant play a full franchise like last year..all these new bells and whistles is great but pointless if franchise has the bugs again.
Eski

[quote comment="19922"][quote comment="19919"]The lighting and field textures look nice. I did notice that when the camera rotated after the huddles broke, the shadows popped in….

Madden is looking good…

Also, I spoke with a rep from GameStop yesterday and he said that the Collector’s Edition will have a playable version of Madden ’93….SWEET!!![/quote]

Playable version of Madden 93 sucks if it doesn’t have classic rosters.[/quote]

I hear ya but I remember Madden ’93 consuming many study hours when I was in college….That is when Madden was at its best.

I asked the clerk at GameStop if he knew if Madden would include classic teams, which it should in my mind. Could you imagine using the ’85 Bears??? The best defense ever.
sean

I hate the camera flashes. Maybe they would work in the superbowl but i think it is way overdone.
Eski

[quote comment="19922"][quote comment="19919"]The lighting and field textures look nice. I did notice that when the camera rotated after the huddles broke, the shadows popped in….

Madden is looking good…

Also, I spoke with a rep from GameStop yesterday and he said that the Collector’s Edition will have a playable version of Madden ’93….SWEET!!![/quote]

Playable version of Madden 93 sucks if it doesn’t have classic rosters.[/quote]

I hear ya but I remember Madden ’93 consuming many study hours when I was in college….That is when Madden was at its best.

I asked the clerk at GameStop if he knew if Madden would include classic teams, which it should in my mind. Could you imagine using the ’85 Bears??? The best defense ever.
sean

I hate the camera flashes. Maybe they would work in the superbowl but i think it is way overdone.
MattMVPStroehms

wow that looks BA!
MattMVPStroehms

wow that looks BA!
Eric

Here are my thoughts that I pulled out of watching the video about a dozen times.

Pre-game is still pretty bland. Looks cool the first time, but it will be the same thing time and time again I bet.

No players warming up on the field.

Again, it looks like no special pre-game commentary.

Players stil look weird when they run.

Play calling screen is different but it still just highlights one play.

Transition from playcall screen to current play is poor.

Ugh….bad blocking….correction, terrible blocking on one play.

Stats are nice, but appear to be limited to the playcall screen. Doesn’t look like they pop-up in game.

Nice graphic showing some of the offenseive players as they move out of the huddle.

Players still trot to the line exactly like they have for the last 10 years.

CPU defense still reacts the instant someone catches the ball, even if they are on the other side of the field. It would be better if they didn’t know where the ball was instantly. Defense still “swarms” to the ball.

Nice shot of defense lineup. This and the offense one appear limited to 4 players and to those that are weapons.

No refs…sidelines look like poo

Graphics probably look a little better, though honestly I can’t really tell.

Sigh, fumble after a catch….. Looked like it might have been challengable.

Ugh, just like last year, first guy comes in to scoop it up and misses. Second guy dives on it, so there is no return and no one piles on him or seems to really care he got a fumble recovery.

Bad clipping on the tackle that caused the fumble.

No stats or overlays have actually come up during the game yet, besdies the ones showing the offense and defense players.

QBs don’t hold the ball up by their head the whole time anymore. Still run around behind the line holding the ball and running in a throwing position. That awkward looking running shuffle.

Ugh….Pats run a play in which Moss takes a WR screen 60+ yards for a TD. Moss just stood at the line and no one guarded him. No idea why a DB wasn’t on him.

Terrible tackle angle by the LB on Moss TD

Yeah!!! Same goofy running animations from 10 years ago. Your guy runs down the field for a TD followed by 3 or 4 CPU players who all are running in step and look the same. Moss pulls away easily from the defense on his TD.

End zone glows where you can do special celebrations.

Whoa!! A pop-up stat!!! Moss with a milestone. 4TDs in a game. 5 catches, 5 times thrown to, 269 yards and 4TDs. Not good numbers.

TD celebrations still look robotic.
Dre

Have they fixed the problem with the blocking audible when you try and get your RB or whoever for that matter to block to the left but it doesn’t let you do it. I hope the presentation is better than what I’ve seen so far.
Eric

Here are my thoughts that I pulled out of watching the video about a dozen times.

Pre-game is still pretty bland. Looks cool the first time, but it will be the same thing time and time again I bet.

No players warming up on the field.

Again, it looks like no special pre-game commentary.

Players stil look weird when they run.

Play calling screen is different but it still just highlights one play.

Transition from playcall screen to current play is poor.

Ugh….bad blocking….correction, terrible blocking on one play.

Stats are nice, but appear to be limited to the playcall screen. Doesn’t look like they pop-up in game.

Nice graphic showing some of the offenseive players as they move out of the huddle.

Players still trot to the line exactly like they have for the last 10 years.

CPU defense still reacts the instant someone catches the ball, even if they are on the other side of the field. It would be better if they didn’t know where the ball was instantly. Defense still “swarms” to the ball.

Nice shot of defense lineup. This and the offense one appear limited to 4 players and to those that are weapons.

No refs…sidelines look like poo

Graphics probably look a little better, though honestly I can’t really tell.

Sigh, fumble after a catch….. Looked like it might have been challengable.

Ugh, just like last year, first guy comes in to scoop it up and misses. Second guy dives on it, so there is no return and no one piles on him or seems to really care he got a fumble recovery.

Bad clipping on the tackle that caused the fumble.

No stats or overlays have actually come up during the game yet, besdies the ones showing the offense and defense players.

QBs don’t hold the ball up by their head the whole time anymore. Still run around behind the line holding the ball and running in a throwing position. That awkward looking running shuffle.

Ugh….Pats run a play in which Moss takes a WR screen 60+ yards for a TD. Moss just stood at the line and no one guarded him. No idea why a DB wasn’t on him.

Terrible tackle angle by the LB on Moss TD

Yeah!!! Same goofy running animations from 10 years ago. Your guy runs down the field for a TD followed by 3 or 4 CPU players who all are running in step and look the same. Moss pulls away easily from the defense on his TD.

End zone glows where you can do special celebrations.

Whoa!! A pop-up stat!!! Moss with a milestone. 4TDs in a game. 5 catches, 5 times thrown to, 269 yards and 4TDs. Not good numbers.

TD celebrations still look robotic.
Dre

Have they fixed the problem with the blocking audible when you try and get your RB or whoever for that matter to block to the left but it doesn’t let you do it. I hope the presentation is better than what I’ve seen so far.
Eric

[quote comment="19950"][quote comment="19922"][quote comment="19919"]The lighting and field textures look nice. I did notice that when the camera rotated after the huddles broke, the shadows popped in….

Madden is looking good…

Also, I spoke with a rep from GameStop yesterday and he said that the Collector’s Edition will have a playable version of Madden ’93….SWEET!!![/quote]

Playable version of Madden 93 sucks if it doesn’t have classic rosters.[/quote]

I hear ya but I remember Madden ’93 consuming many study hours when I was in college….That is when Madden was at its best.

I asked the clerk at GameStop if he knew if Madden would include classic teams, which it should in my mind. Could you imagine using the ’85 Bears??? The best defense ever.[/quote]

It won’t. It would require that EA get license for each player to be included in the game individually. Retired players are not covered under the NFLPA agreement and apparently not all of them are included under the HOFLA that they have as well.

Madden 2005 had 3 playable older versions, but they had current rosters. APF2K8 had to get the license from each individual player for the game as well.
Eric

[quote comment="19950"][quote comment="19922"][quote comment="19919"]The lighting and field textures look nice. I did notice that when the camera rotated after the huddles broke, the shadows popped in….

Madden is looking good…

Also, I spoke with a rep from GameStop yesterday and he said that the Collector’s Edition will have a playable version of Madden ’93….SWEET!!![/quote]

Playable version of Madden 93 sucks if it doesn’t have classic rosters.[/quote]

I hear ya but I remember Madden ’93 consuming many study hours when I was in college….That is when Madden was at its best.

I asked the clerk at GameStop if he knew if Madden would include classic teams, which it should in my mind. Could you imagine using the ’85 Bears??? The best defense ever.[/quote]

It won’t. It would require that EA get license for each player to be included in the game individually. Retired players are not covered under the NFLPA agreement and apparently not all of them are included under the HOFLA that they have as well.

Madden 2005 had 3 playable older versions, but they had current rosters. APF2K8 had to get the license from each individual player for the game as well.
Eski

They could have the classic teams without the players or allow the user to create the player. I could care less if the teams have the actual names of the players, I just want to see classic teams and ALL the classic uniforms available…
Eski

They could have the classic teams without the players or allow the user to create the player. I could care less if the teams have the actual names of the players, I just want to see classic teams and ALL the classic uniforms available…
michael

When are you going to have the info on who is 99 and top rated players at each position and top 25 teams?
michael

When are you going to have the info on who is 99 and top rated players at each position and top 25 teams?
Details

I really hope EA uses the remaining time to fix as many issues as possible.
Details

I really hope EA uses the remaining time to fix as many issues as possible.
Eric

[quote comment="19961"]They could have the classic teams without the players or allow the user to create the player. I could care less if the teams have the actual names of the players, I just want to see classic teams and ALL the classic uniforms available…[/quote]

Well, if it is like the 2005 version was, you will just get the same graphics as the 93 version of Madden with current players and rosters. And it will just be whatever teams were available in 93.

Really, you could just buy a Genesis and an old copy of Madden 93 and enjoy it more. Probably cost you $10.
Eric

[quote comment="19961"]They could have the classic teams without the players or allow the user to create the player. I could care less if the teams have the actual names of the players, I just want to see classic teams and ALL the classic uniforms available…[/quote]

Well, if it is like the 2005 version was, you will just get the same graphics as the 93 version of Madden with current players and rosters. And it will just be whatever teams were available in 93.

Really, you could just buy a Genesis and an old copy of Madden 93 and enjoy it more. Probably cost you $10.
BosnianFan

Looking at that video and comparing it to Madden 08, it looks like EA have make some SLIGHT progress. However, there still seems to be major issues with the overall gameplay though. Other things which seemed just as bad as in Madden 08 are the sidelines for example. They have just polished them a bit but they still do look just as pathetic as they did in previous versions. The intro looked fine and all, but will each and every NFL stadium have its own intro? Do not think so, seems very unlikely knowing EA.
speedster

The presentation looks very modern.
I like how they show the starting lineups in the beginning.

There better be a good super bowl presentation at the end of a season.
BosnianFan

Looking at that video and comparing it to Madden 08, it looks like EA have make some SLIGHT progress. However, there still seems to be major issues with the overall gameplay though. Other things which seemed just as bad as in Madden 08 are the sidelines for example. They have just polished them a bit but they still do look just as pathetic as they did in previous versions. The intro looked fine and all, but will each and every NFL stadium have its own intro? Do not think so, seems very unlikely knowing EA.
speedster

The presentation looks very modern.
I like how they show the starting lineups in the beginning.

There better be a good super bowl presentation at the end of a season.
BosnianFan

Another thing I would like to add, the crowd looks just as shit as it has always done. I mean how hard is it for giants EA to get rid of that 2D crowd who jump around like morons during the game with a modern 3D crowd similar to the one they added in NHL08?
BosnianFan

Another thing I would like to add, the crowd looks just as shit as it has always done. I mean how hard is it for giants EA to get rid of that 2D crowd who jump around like morons during the game with a modern 3D crowd similar to the one they added in NHL08?
Aaron

Collinsworth/Hammond named the commentators for anyone that cares. I wonder if EA decided to implement facemask penalties since they took a vacation from 08.
Aaron

Collinsworth/Hammond named the commentators for anyone that cares. I wonder if EA decided to implement facemask penalties since they took a vacation from 08.
Bobby

I was more impressed with the video pasta put up for ncaa football 09.
Bobby

I was more impressed with the video pasta put up for ncaa football 09.
Eric

[quote comment="19968"]The presentation looks very modern.
I like how they show the starting lineups in the beginning.

There better be a good super bowl presentation at the end of a season.[/quote]

Not the starting lineup. Just 4 players from the team that are weapons. I’d prefer to see the whole starting lineup.

Leads me to beleive that they don’t have player intros like last season.
Eric

[quote comment="19968"]The presentation looks very modern.
I like how they show the starting lineups in the beginning.

There better be a good super bowl presentation at the end of a season.[/quote]

Not the starting lineup. Just 4 players from the team that are weapons. I’d prefer to see the whole starting lineup.

Leads me to beleive that they don’t have player intros like last season.
deltroy

Hey pasta do you know if superstar mode will be back havent heard anything as of yet thanks?
deltroy

Hey pasta do you know if superstar mode will be back havent heard anything as of yet thanks?
http://www.pastapadre.com pastapadre

[quote comment="19974"]Hey pasta do you know if superstar mode will be back havent heard anything as of yet thanks?[/quote]

Yeah it will. They didn’t talk about Campus Legend for NCAA either. It’s just that they didn’t make any revolutionary changes to really discuss so early.
http://www.pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

[quote comment="19974"]Hey pasta do you know if superstar mode will be back havent heard anything as of yet thanks?[/quote]

Yeah it will. They didn’t talk about Campus Legend for NCAA either. It’s just that they didn’t make any revolutionary changes to really discuss so early.
deltroy

Ok great thanks man!
deltroy

Ok great thanks man!
Mike

Why is Wilfork like 200 lb looking. Give him a dang gut.
Mike

Why is Wilfork like 200 lb looking. Give him a dang gut.
Di5P4tCh

hey just to remind you guys, this game isnt coming out soon. They still have about 3-4 months to improve…stop being so damn anal
Di5P4tCh

hey just to remind you guys, this game isnt coming out soon. They still have about 3-4 months to improve…stop being so damn anal
blackngoldfan

HD version up at Gametrailers

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33492.html
blackngoldfan

HD version up at Gametrailers

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33492.html