Live Blog: Madden 09
by 
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)
May 30, 2008 at 3:39 pm
PASTA~
did anyone mention to the developers that the center lines up offsides every play…his hand is set well past the ball on every play…
May 30, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Also I noticed that the default camera from center looks to be a lot closer than last year (Similar to ‘06) which is a plus for me. I loved the close view from center in ‘06. It seems to give you the feeling that you’re closer to & more involved in the action. Is that the case or was it just the tv you were playing on? It’s hard to tell from the video.
May 30, 2008 at 3:50 pm
check it out
http://www.sportsgamer.com/content/1603/madden-09-quarterback-ratings/
May 30, 2008 at 3:51 pm
brady has strongest arm, i don’t think so
May 30, 2008 at 4:10 pm
WTF is with Colt brennan having only an 86 in throwing accuracy. He is by far one of the most accurate passers in NCAA history with an avg completion rate of over 70% and in the NFL combine he was a perfect 100%.
Once again, no thought goes into one of the most important gages of gameplay…..”PLAYER RATINGS”.
No way Tom Brady has a stronger throwing arm than Brett Favre. Brett has actually broken receivers fingers from the velocity of his passes. Some have clocked at around 65mph.
May 30, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Didn’t Brady under throw what would have been the game winning td to moss in the superbowl?
May 30, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Took down a bunch of player ratings. There are six players rated 99. Antonio Gates, Bob Sanders, LaDainian Tomlinson, Randy Moss, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning. I’ll have a bunch more later tonight.
May 30, 2008 at 4:15 pm
[quote comment="22942"]Pasta-
Honest opinion, which game is a better overall product Madden or NCAA? Seems to me like Madden innovated, and NCAA just polished as opposed to the 08 versions- would that statement be correct?
Great stuff.[/quote]
Overall I’d give it to Madden for presentation and gameplay. NCAA would have the edge with new features like the online dynasty.
May 30, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Pasta, where are you posting all of these things you say you are gonna post later.
May 30, 2008 at 4:18 pm
pasta any chance you can find a rating for jerricho cotchery
May 30, 2008 at 4:22 pm
WHAT IS ADRIAN PETERSON RATED??????????
May 30, 2008 at 4:24 pm
[quote comment="22945"][quote comment="22944"]Pasta
Any chance to check out Franchise mode? Is it at least up to par with the PS2 / XBox Franchise modes?[/quote]
Yes please that’s for the true hardcore.
With all the HC depth I hope the franchise stepped up somehow.[/quote]
I’m gonna echo these sentiments.
I know Pasta is extremely busy because he’s being swamped by questions about player ratings for the Eagles 3RD string DB and what color socks the Vikings are wearing, but I hope our community leaders don’t forget to atleast dabble in franchise mode for a few moments to give us a general feel of how it’s shaping up this year.
Us hardcore franchise guys would really appreciate it, thanks again.
May 30, 2008 at 4:24 pm
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!
May 30, 2008 at 4:33 pm
[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]
Wow get your negative ass off this sight and stop hating on Madden cause they dont have little nit picking things that your bitching about
May 30, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Pasta, how can you give the nod to NCAA in terms of features when Madden claims to have 85 new features. NCAA has essentially two: online dynasty and wide open gameplay(which madden has).
May 30, 2008 at 4:50 pm
pasta another thing that didnt happen once last year, does the CPU CHALLENGE plays!?
May 30, 2008 at 4:52 pm
[quote comment="22999"][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]
Wow get your negative ass off this sight and stop hating on Madden cause they dont have little nit picking things that your bitching about[/quote]
i can understand his anger about it and your anger about him complaining but people have different opinions so you cant blame him
May 30, 2008 at 4:52 pm
[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…
May 30, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Nice blog,I found it in a thread on http://www.themaddenlab.com. Thanks for the work.
May 30, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I am %100 excited for this game now. Im licking my chops in anticipation! I hope they deliver.
May 30, 2008 at 5:02 pm
[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
May 30, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Can you tell me the players ratings and maybe show a video of the bills. The bills are never showed in madden clips so I probably wont see a video with them untill the game comes out. Here are the players. Also tell weapons if you can.
Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, Leodis McKelvin, Jason Peters, James Hardy, Marcus Stroud, Terrence McGee, Leodis McKelvin, and Paul Posluszny. Please tell me!!
May 30, 2008 at 5:24 pm
[quote comment="22930"]Same shit, different coat of paint. This is the same as Madden 08. Why can’t EA make a good game? I’d even just be happy with simple things…..
1. Punters are still huge hulking monsters.
2. All the guys blocking the punt do the same animation at the same time.
3. Guy picking up the punt can’t return it. Since when are you down automatically in the NFL?
4. Tyree catch??? Great idea to include something that happens once in a lifetime EA instead of just more animations in general. Can’t wait to see that 100 times.
5. Fans in Cowboys home stadium cheer loudly and happily when Romo gets killed.
6. Still two returners on kickoffs?? When was the last time and NFL team used two returners?
7. Kickoffs still going 4-6 yards deep at full power, which means a touchback by the CPU.
8. Still no squib kicks. Hey, if it’s in the game, it’s in the game, but only if EA thinks it is gimmicky.
9. No alt unis online. I’m sure that must be sooooo difficult to implement.
10. Same WWF style flying shoulder tackle on the hit stick that they have had for years and everyone wants to be gone.
Could someone please blow up Tiburon and get Madden in the hands of a real developer that cares about the NFL and actually understands the game???
All I wnat is a good, realistic NFL football game. All I get is trash, with a shiny coat of paint, and the same BS, but less features than Madden 2005.
I hate you EA…I hate you Tiburon…I hate you.[/quote]
Dude eventhough you’re being a little too harsh on EA, I have to say that everything you mentioned is hard to argue with & quite amusing the way you word things. lol. You have to admit that the game looks better than last year by far though. I agree that EA’s priorities are not in order though but the game looks good.
May 30, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I found this blog on http://www.themaddelab.com. Good work.
May 30, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Did they fixed progression?????
May 30, 2008 at 5:39 pm
One more quick thing I wanted to mention, you can also grab replays from online games after they’re over, save them and upload to EA Sports World.
Just now finished some time with Campus Legend, will look into franchise but won’t have much time with it. I’m not a good person for the info on that mode.
May 30, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Nice.. great info!
May 30, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Also as to ratings questions, I’ll be able to answer pretty much of all of as related to overalls. I took pictures of the depth charts for each team
Don’t start asking yet, but I’ll reply to questions in the next posting (full impressions) and I’ll get to them over the weekend.
May 30, 2008 at 5:57 pm
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/
May 30, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Russell is going through franchise mode now and will have some to report back on along with screens and video. The Super Bowl for example has the SB logo in the end zone and on the field, and the camera flashes are more intense.
May 30, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Bills baby!!!!
May 30, 2008 at 6:22 pm
[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
dont forget kevin O’Connell
May 30, 2008 at 6:22 pm
[quote comment="23021"]Russell is going through franchise mode now and will have some to report back on along with screens and video. The Super Bowl for example has the SB logo in the end zone and on the field, and the camera flashes are more intense.[/quote]
more intense? IMPOSSIBLE!!!!
May 30, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Pasta,
Thanks so much for doing this live blog and I am really looking forward to your write up on Madden!
One question for you that goes along with atmosphere. How is the crowd interaction? Does it seem more realistic then years past?
Thanks
May 30, 2008 at 6:33 pm
what happen from comment 230 to 354 ?
May 30, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Pasta are you going to post the depth chart screens tonight if so what time Thanks
May 30, 2008 at 6:47 pm
[quote comment="23029"]Pasta are you going to post the depth chart screens tonight if so what time Thanks[/quote]
probably not until the Sat evening or Sunday, we’ll see though. I have an early flight, so as it is I’m only expecting to get like 4 hours of sleep before I have to head off to the airport.
May 30, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Hey Pasta, did you smack the man who said we can’t have alternate uni’s online ? hehe
, Sorry I loved that feature back in 06. Just gets boring using the same uni color online everygame 
.
May 30, 2008 at 6:52 pm
[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?
May 30, 2008 at 6:52 pm
-Ty Pasta again…..and yes, GO F’n BILLS!!!!!!!!!
May 30, 2008 at 7:06 pm
[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…
May 30, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Thanks pasta for the info man keep up the good work
May 30, 2008 at 7:34 pm
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.
May 30, 2008 at 7:45 pm
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.
May 30, 2008 at 7:54 pm
thank you !!!
May 30, 2008 at 8:00 pm
[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?
May 30, 2008 at 8:27 pm
[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
May 30, 2008 at 8:27 pm
[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?
May 30, 2008 at 8:42 pm
[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.
May 30, 2008 at 10:02 pm
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.