Live Blog: Madden 09

by pastapadre
Posted May 30th, 2008 at 8:30 am

136: I’ve managed to pull myself away from Madden. I don’t want to sound too enthusiastic about it at this point, given I’ve only been playing a little over two hours. But coming out of the community day last year I was probably the most discouraged of everyone there. It is a totally different feeling right now and that is the general sentiment in the room. I haven’t dug into many of the question you guys had, but I have noted some things which I’ll be adding throughout the hour. I also have a lot of videos, most of which will go up late tonight or this weekend, but two short clips coming in a few minutes.

139: This is such a significant leap over what we played last year. And there is still a couple months to go with it. I thought that NCAA felt polished for a game that far out when I played it last month. I’d say Madden right now feels like it could almost be released in this state.

142: The first thing you do when you start up is determine your Madden IQ. I really hadn’t thought much about this feature going in, other than it tailoring to each person’s skills and being a benefit to the more casual gamers. But it was actually quite fun to run through. I came out with All-Pro grading on run offense, pass offense, and run defense, and rookie on pass defense.

143: Not only did they add FG nets, but the nets raise before the kick and you see them lowered after.

146: I’ve seen comments after the previous videos were released that the scoreboard might be bothersome in its placement. I didn’t find it got in the way of the action at all. The new camera angle takes a slight adjustment to get used to but feels pretty natural and works really well.

147: The weather effects look really nice, both snow and rain. On Qwest Field’s fieldturf you could see water splashing up when running on it.

149: No squib kicks, deep ball explosion sound is gone, no kick return plays with just one returner back. Kickoffs aren’t as overpowered as last year, but consistently can go 4-6 yards into the end zone with full power.

150: There are alternate jerseys as well as classic jerseys.

151: The pass defense does a great job defending the deep ball. Those spectacular catches from last year are usually negated by the defensive back swatting the ball, picking it off, or jarring the ball loose with a hit. The DB’s get high into the air to make plays and keep good position.

153: Something I really like is that you can get big plays out of the short passing game. It isn’t as though only the deep ball will net you an explosive play. I had a slant that ended up going the distance (video of that sometime over the next few days).

156: When you start up a game there are two different settings to choose from. The first is the “Skill Level” which is the normal All-Madden, All-Pro, Pro, and Rookie. There is also a custom for setting it yourself, or “My Skill” which is based on your Madden IQ. Then there is the “Gameplay Style” which is Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Hardcore. This is where the replays factor in. Beginner gets 5, Intermediate 3, Advanced 1, and Hardcore 0. Those can be changed if you want.

158: Compared to NCAA, the player control feels slightly more responsive. The offensive stick moves don’t seem to be quite as sharp, but you have the ability to break out of tackles better.

200: Haven’t had a chance to discuss anything online related yet.

201: Funny bug seeing right now, security guys standing on the field during play. Actually saw something similar in NCAA last month. That’ll easily be fixed.

203: The camera shakes on hit sticks which really adds to the effect.

206: Halftime/Postgame will show some highlights. I’ll try and get video of what it looks like. I don’t believe there is any type of “show” though.

212: Here are the two short video clips. One is of a blocked punt, which was shocking just to have happen. The other is of me injuring Tony Romo! I’m going to have a bunch more but they are too long to go through the process of uploading right now. Blocked Punt – Romo Hit

216: I’d still like to see the camera flashes toned down. They look great on the opening kickoff, but it should be more limited. They shouldn’t be going off throughout the game on every play. Limit it to the opening kickoff and big moments such as kneel downs at the end of a victory at home. That would also make them have more effect on the playoff games/Super Bowl.

220: Player faces from what I’ve seen so far are improved. They look much more like their real-life counterparts.

225: Ok, so there won’t be alternate uniforms for online play. They are really looking at making pretty much everything optional next year though. I’ll have time to chat about more online specific stuff later but wanted to note that now.

228: They added the “David Tyree Catch”. Only seen it once, so as long as its rare…

230: Alright guys I’m going to spend more time with the game now. I might be able to check in again before heading back to the hotel but I can’t say for sure. Once at the hotel I’ll do a more detailed write-up, hopefully being able to answer more questions within it, and post up a bunch more videos. It should be late though (probably not leaving the studio till close to midnight eastern) and I have an early morning flight.

354: Had an online related conversation that went well over an hour. A ton to report back on. Just one thing I’ll mention right now is that online weather will be in both ranked and unranked games (currently random weather)

Tags:

Jonathon

[quote comment="23009"][quote comment="23006"][quote comment="22997"]You are right. Why would they put real things into a football game, one kick returner (like in real life football), Pro-Bowl Team players that wear their own teams helmet (like in the NFL) etc.

If it’s in the game, its a good chance it won’t be in the game![/quote]

are you being serious? do you understand the schematics it would take to actually allow every player to have different helmets in a pro-bowl game? they would have to completely rebuild the way uniforms are loaded into a game and it would probably drag down the speed of the game…all of this for a pro-bowl game that MOST franchise players simply skip and so they can just head into the offseason anyway…[/quote]

yeah put in ps2 and original xbox they have their actual team helmets in the probowl[/quote]
that the problem…this is not the ps2 or original xbox…there is more memory involved…there are not multiple helmets for the same reason there are not any zebras on the field…its too much thinking at once…which means a sacrifice in framerate or visuals…it takes more time and is much more difficult to add little things to next gen consoles than it did in previous consoles…that’s a fact…and that is why developers have to prioritize…and obviously since i might play one pro bowl the entire year i have madden, and developers know this…various helmets are clearly not a priority…as they shouldn’t be…
Jonathon

[quote comment="23009"][quote comment="23006"][quote comment="22997"]You are right. Why would they put real things into a football game, one kick returner (like in real life football), Pro-Bowl Team players that wear their own teams helmet (like in the NFL) etc.

If it’s in the game, its a good chance it won’t be in the game![/quote]

are you being serious? do you understand the schematics it would take to actually allow every player to have different helmets in a pro-bowl game? they would have to completely rebuild the way uniforms are loaded into a game and it would probably drag down the speed of the game…all of this for a pro-bowl game that MOST franchise players simply skip and so they can just head into the offseason anyway…[/quote]

yeah put in ps2 and original xbox they have their actual team helmets in the probowl[/quote]
that the problem…this is not the ps2 or original xbox…there is more memory involved…there are not multiple helmets for the same reason there are not any zebras on the field…its too much thinking at once…which means a sacrifice in framerate or visuals…it takes more time and is much more difficult to add little things to next gen consoles than it did in previous consoles…that’s a fact…and that is why developers have to prioritize…and obviously since i might play one pro bowl the entire year i have madden, and developers know this…various helmets are clearly not a priority…as they shouldn’t be…
Seneca

Thanks pasta for the info man keep up the good work
Seneca

Thanks pasta for the info man keep up the good work
Seneca

Thanks pasta for the info man keep up the good work
Josh

They really need to tone down those camera flashes! I know this subject has been beat to death but it amazes me how if we can notice something so obviously overdone, how is it possible for this to get pass paid professional developers & for them not to have adjusted it yet? I know the game is pretty much done so I hope we won’t have to wait for them to send a patch for to fix this.
Josh

They really need to tone down those camera flashes! I know this subject has been beat to death but it amazes me how if we can notice something so obviously overdone, how is it possible for this to get pass paid professional developers & for them not to have adjusted it yet? I know the game is pretty much done so I hope we won’t have to wait for them to send a patch for to fix this.
Josh

They really need to tone down those camera flashes! I know this subject has been beat to death but it amazes me how if we can notice something so obviously overdone, how is it possible for this to get pass paid professional developers & for them not to have adjusted it yet? I know the game is pretty much done so I hope we won’t have to wait for them to send a patch for to fix this.
Josh

They really need to tone down those camera flashes! I know this subject has been beat to death but it amazes me how if we can notice something so obviously overdone, how is it possible for this to get pass paid professional developers & for them not to have adjusted it yet? I know the game is pretty much done so I hope we won’t have to wait for them to send a patch for to fix this.
Josh

Also I think they really need to tone down the defensive low hits. It seems like everytime you hit someone low the runner will flip over in the air like an acrobat. It’s cool when you take someone out like that but how often do you see that in a real NFL game? Maybe once a game.

Maybe next year, when they finally add refs & chaingangs, hopefully they will make the sidelines interactive like 2K does. If someone is knocked out of bounds or walking to the bench area, they shouldn’t be able to just walk through people. The collision detection is good in the field of play but as soon as you cross the out of bounds line it’s non existent. Remember the good ‘ol days when we could run the chaingang over & run into the refs? Why it’s almost 2009 & they still haven’t implemented this is beyond me.
Josh

Also I think they really need to tone down the defensive low hits. It seems like everytime you hit someone low the runner will flip over in the air like an acrobat. It’s cool when you take someone out like that but how often do you see that in a real NFL game? Maybe once a game.

Maybe next year, when they finally add refs & chaingangs, hopefully they will make the sidelines interactive like 2K does. If someone is knocked out of bounds or walking to the bench area, they shouldn’t be able to just walk through people. The collision detection is good in the field of play but as soon as you cross the out of bounds line it’s non existent. Remember the good ‘ol days when we could run the chaingang over & run into the refs? Why it’s almost 2009 & they still haven’t implemented this is beyond me.
hubcapp

thank you !!!
hubcapp

thank you !!!
hubcapp

thank you !!!
hubcapp

thank you !!!
Phantom

[quote comment="23019"]WTF??? Are they seriously saying that Joe Flacco and Andre Woodson are FASTER than Dennis Dixon???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! No F’ing WAY!!

http://www.sportsgamer.com/content/1603/madden-09-quarterback-ratings//quote

and chad henne is the same speed… the statue is the same speed as possibly the most athletic qb in college football last year…

are they serious?
Phantom

[quote comment="23019"]WTF??? Are they seriously saying that Joe Flacco and Andre Woodson are FASTER than Dennis Dixon???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! No F’ing WAY!!

http://www.sportsgamer.com/content/1603/madden-09-quarterback-ratings//quote

and chad henne is the same speed… the statue is the same speed as possibly the most athletic qb in college football last year…

are they serious?
Phantom

[quote comment="23019"]WTF??? Are they seriously saying that Joe Flacco and Andre Woodson are FASTER than Dennis Dixon???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! No F’ing WAY!!

http://www.sportsgamer.com/content/1603/madden-09-quarterback-ratings//quote

and chad henne is the same speed… the statue is the same speed as possibly the most athletic qb in college football last year…

are they serious?
Phantom

[quote comment="23019"]WTF??? Are they seriously saying that Joe Flacco and Andre Woodson are FASTER than Dennis Dixon???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! No F’ing WAY!!

http://www.sportsgamer.com/content/1603/madden-09-quarterback-ratings//quote

and chad henne is the same speed… the statue is the same speed as possibly the most athletic qb in college football last year…

are they serious?
pat

[quote comment="23032"][quote comment="23009"][quote comment="23006"][quote comment="22997"]You are right. Why would they put real things into a football game, one kick returner (like in real life football), Pro-Bowl Team players that wear their own teams helmet (like in the NFL) etc.

If it’s in the game, its a good chance it won’t be in the game![/quote]

are you being serious? do you understand the schematics it would take to actually allow every player to have different helmets in a pro-bowl game? they would have to completely rebuild the way uniforms are loaded into a game and it would probably drag down the speed of the game…all of this for a pro-bowl game that MOST franchise players simply skip and so they can just head into the offseason anyway…[/quote]

yeah put in ps2 and original xbox they have their actual team helmets in the probowl[/quote]

Thank you Pat. You mean to tell me that things you did between the years of 2001 and 2006, you cannot do in the year 2008. Better systems (xbox360/ps3) but “inferior” programmers. Pasta, IS EA SPORTS Hiring?[/quote]

exactly i think things that are in last gen must be included in next gen and maybe for some people its not a big deal i cant belive that if their were no actual team helmets in the pro bowl in last gen it would not look so bad in next gen i think ea needs to upgrade here, little things matter and its why i have 360 and ps2
pat

[quote comment="23032"][quote comment="23009"][quote comment="23006"][quote comment="22997"]You are right. Why would they put real things into a football game, one kick returner (like in real life football), Pro-Bowl Team players that wear their own teams helmet (like in the NFL) etc.

If it’s in the game, its a good chance it won’t be in the game![/quote]

are you being serious? do you understand the schematics it would take to actually allow every player to have different helmets in a pro-bowl game? they would have to completely rebuild the way uniforms are loaded into a game and it would probably drag down the speed of the game…all of this for a pro-bowl game that MOST franchise players simply skip and so they can just head into the offseason anyway…[/quote]

yeah put in ps2 and original xbox they have their actual team helmets in the probowl[/quote]

Thank you Pat. You mean to tell me that things you did between the years of 2001 and 2006, you cannot do in the year 2008. Better systems (xbox360/ps3) but “inferior” programmers. Pasta, IS EA SPORTS Hiring?[/quote]

exactly i think things that are in last gen must be included in next gen and maybe for some people its not a big deal i cant belive that if their were no actual team helmets in the pro bowl in last gen it would not look so bad in next gen i think ea needs to upgrade here, little things matter and its why i have 360 and ps2
pat

[quote comment="23032"][quote comment="23009"][quote comment="23006"][quote comment="22997"]You are right. Why would they put real things into a football game, one kick returner (like in real life football), Pro-Bowl Team players that wear their own teams helmet (like in the NFL) etc.

If it’s in the game, its a good chance it won’t be in the game![/quote]

are you being serious? do you understand the schematics it would take to actually allow every player to have different helmets in a pro-bowl game? they would have to completely rebuild the way uniforms are loaded into a game and it would probably drag down the speed of the game…all of this for a pro-bowl game that MOST franchise players simply skip and so they can just head into the offseason anyway…[/quote]

yeah put in ps2 and original xbox they have their actual team helmets in the probowl[/quote]

Thank you Pat. You mean to tell me that things you did between the years of 2001 and 2006, you cannot do in the year 2008. Better systems (xbox360/ps3) but “inferior” programmers. Pasta, IS EA SPORTS Hiring?[/quote]

exactly i think things that are in last gen must be included in next gen and maybe for some people its not a big deal i cant belive that if their were no actual team helmets in the pro bowl in last gen it would not look so bad in next gen i think ea needs to upgrade here, little things matter and its why i have 360 and ps2
MaddenMark

[quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?
MaddenMark

[quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?
MaddenMark

[quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?
pat

[quote comment="23032"][quote comment="23009"][quote comment="23006"][quote comment="22997"]You are right. Why would they put real things into a football game, one kick returner (like in real life football), Pro-Bowl Team players that wear their own teams helmet (like in the NFL) etc.

If it’s in the game, its a good chance it won’t be in the game![/quote]

are you being serious? do you understand the schematics it would take to actually allow every player to have different helmets in a pro-bowl game? they would have to completely rebuild the way uniforms are loaded into a game and it would probably drag down the speed of the game…all of this for a pro-bowl game that MOST franchise players simply skip and so they can just head into the offseason anyway…[/quote]

yeah put in ps2 and original xbox they have their actual team helmets in the probowl[/quote]

Thank you Pat. You mean to tell me that things you did between the years of 2001 and 2006, you cannot do in the year 2008. Better systems (xbox360/ps3) but “inferior” programmers. Pasta, IS EA SPORTS Hiring?[/quote]

exactly i think things that are in last gen must be included in next gen and maybe for some people its not a big deal i cant belive that if their were no actual team helmets in the pro bowl in last gen it would not look so bad in next gen i think ea needs to upgrade here, little things matter and its why i have 360 and ps2
MaddenMark

[quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?
AJayJay

[quote comment="23042"][quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?[/quote]

Your a 100% right man, I don’t know why but thats what EA has said when asked about some sort of presentation from ESPN or NFL Network to be in the game. It’s somewhere on the site here. Pasta posted it himself.
AJayJay

[quote comment="23042"][quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?[/quote]

Your a 100% right man, I don’t know why but thats what EA has said when asked about some sort of presentation from ESPN or NFL Network to be in the game. It’s somewhere on the site here. Pasta posted it himself.
AJayJay

[quote comment="23042"][quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?[/quote]

Your a 100% right man, I don’t know why but thats what EA has said when asked about some sort of presentation from ESPN or NFL Network to be in the game. It’s somewhere on the site here. Pasta posted it himself.
AJayJay

[quote comment="23042"][quote comment="22836"]

Why have they not implemented the ESPN License?
Because if they implement the ESPN one then NFL Network will be upset and vice versa.
[/quote]

Then why in the HLL did they even buy the ESPN license?[/quote]

Your a 100% right man, I don’t know why but thats what EA has said when asked about some sort of presentation from ESPN or NFL Network to be in the game. It’s somewhere on the site here. Pasta posted it himself.
Xcommish

Looking very good, I’ve watched the video’s, one critique and three questions please:

Critique – I’m in agreement with you Pasta – way too many camera flashes. Also, unrealistic – watched your video of Cleveland AT Dallas. Stallworth takes the short pass to the house, yet IN DALLAS, flash bulbs everywhere. No way the Big D fan base would be taking all those photos after their home team was burned.

Question 1 – how is the kicking? Is it still way too easy?

Question 2 – I read that squib kicks are not it; can they get in before release?

Question 3 – Is there any sort of weather report before kickoff; during the intro? Like the old versions of Madden when it would say something like, Cloudy and 45 today?

Thanks.
Xcommish

Looking very good, I’ve watched the video’s, one critique and three questions please:

Critique – I’m in agreement with you Pasta – way too many camera flashes. Also, unrealistic – watched your video of Cleveland AT Dallas. Stallworth takes the short pass to the house, yet IN DALLAS, flash bulbs everywhere. No way the Big D fan base would be taking all those photos after their home team was burned.

Question 1 – how is the kicking? Is it still way too easy?

Question 2 – I read that squib kicks are not it; can they get in before release?

Question 3 – Is there any sort of weather report before kickoff; during the intro? Like the old versions of Madden when it would say something like, Cloudy and 45 today?

Thanks.
Xcommish

Looking very good, I’ve watched the video’s, one critique and three questions please:

Critique – I’m in agreement with you Pasta – way too many camera flashes. Also, unrealistic – watched your video of Cleveland AT Dallas. Stallworth takes the short pass to the house, yet IN DALLAS, flash bulbs everywhere. No way the Big D fan base would be taking all those photos after their home team was burned.

Question 1 – how is the kicking? Is it still way too easy?

Question 2 – I read that squib kicks are not it; can they get in before release?

Question 3 – Is there any sort of weather report before kickoff; during the intro? Like the old versions of Madden when it would say something like, Cloudy and 45 today?

Thanks.
Xcommish

Looking very good, I’ve watched the video’s, one critique and three questions please:

Critique – I’m in agreement with you Pasta – way too many camera flashes. Also, unrealistic – watched your video of Cleveland AT Dallas. Stallworth takes the short pass to the house, yet IN DALLAS, flash bulbs everywhere. No way the Big D fan base would be taking all those photos after their home team was burned.

Question 1 – how is the kicking? Is it still way too easy?

Question 2 – I read that squib kicks are not it; can they get in before release?

Question 3 – Is there any sort of weather report before kickoff; during the intro? Like the old versions of Madden when it would say something like, Cloudy and 45 today?

Thanks.
AJ

u think you could get a video up of the david tyree catch? respect either way you do your thing on this video game shit
AJ

u think you could get a video up of the david tyree catch? respect either way you do your thing on this video game shit
AJ

u think you could get a video up of the david tyree catch? respect either way you do your thing on this video game shit
AJ

u think you could get a video up of the david tyree catch? respect either way you do your thing on this video game shit
smithc6

Nice work man!
smithc6

Nice work man!
Dan

Whats Darren McFadden’s rating?

Thanks
Dan

Whats Darren McFadden’s rating?

Thanks
Dan

Whats Darren McFadden’s rating?

Thanks
Dan

Whats Darren McFadden’s rating?

Thanks
thekid

Could you find out if there are Hardcore ranked games/all madden ranked games online this year?

Also could you see how long the quarters are online?
thekid

Could you find out if there are Hardcore ranked games/all madden ranked games online this year?

Also could you see how long the quarters are online?
thekid

Could you find out if there are Hardcore ranked games/all madden ranked games online this year?

Also could you see how long the quarters are online?
http://themaddenlab thekid

Could you find out if there are Hardcore ranked games/all madden ranked games online this year?

Also could you see how long the quarters are online?
cowboysfan440

When is Russel going to post some info on franchise?