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:

Marc T.

Did they get rid of that stupid pointless ring builder, and add something more meaningful?

Also if you are gonna have legends why not implement a legends stadium ie: MVP baseball with sepia style overlays etc.

If not then we all saw APF’s legend idea fall flat on it’s “2K” so why even waste the space on them? Hell I am gonna score a TD with YA Title only to see him do the friggin Cabbage Patch?
Marc T.

Did they get rid of that stupid pointless ring builder, and add something more meaningful?

Also if you are gonna have legends why not implement a legends stadium ie: MVP baseball with sepia style overlays etc.

If not then we all saw APF’s legend idea fall flat on it’s “2K” so why even waste the space on them? Hell I am gonna score a TD with YA Title only to see him do the friggin Cabbage Patch?
Details

[quote comment="22902"]Hell I am gonna score a TD with YA Title only to see him do the friggin Cabbage Patch?[/quote]

LOL. I am curious if the ring carried over.
Details

[quote comment="22902"]Hell I am gonna score a TD with YA Title only to see him do the friggin Cabbage Patch?[/quote]

LOL. I am curious if the ring carried over.
MattMVPStroehms

wow….those vids looked awesome. I liked how it was zoomed in sort of while Romo was running. good job pasta.
MattMVPStroehms

wow….those vids looked awesome. I liked how it was zoomed in sort of while Romo was running. good job pasta.
http://www.vetzballin.com/ DJ Rhude

Man, once you said you injured Romo, Madden 09 became an automatic purchase for me lol. Nah, great work Pasta, sounds like you are enjoying the game, I am living Madden through you right now. Tell the guys I said what up.
http://www.vetzballin.com DJ Rhude

Man, once you said you injured Romo, Madden 09 became an automatic purchase for me lol. Nah, great work Pasta, sounds like you are enjoying the game, I am living Madden through you right now. Tell the guys I said what up.
http://www.Maddenlist.Com/ Rush23hester

You guys should join up to the forum on pasta’s site and use it some as well.

Also seeing that video, the game just looks a lot more realistic
http://www.Maddenlist.Com Rush23hester

You guys should join up to the forum on pasta’s site and use it some as well.

Also seeing that video, the game just looks a lot more realistic
boisedude

Im STOKED for this now!
boisedude

Im STOKED for this now!
Tex

Why they don’t implement a TV Style Camera? I know, it wouldn’t be useful, but at least would be cool.
Callmetaternuts

Wow, they added the Tyree catch, not sure how i feel about that.

Any word on the EA Rewind? If we are able to view the replay with COllinsworth telling us we suck or what we missed WITHOUT actually rewinding the play? I dont wanna rewind it, but i do wanna know what i missed
Tex

Why they don’t implement a TV Style Camera? I know, it wouldn’t be useful, but at least would be cool.
Callmetaternuts

Wow, they added the Tyree catch, not sure how i feel about that.

Any word on the EA Rewind? If we are able to view the replay with COllinsworth telling us we suck or what we missed WITHOUT actually rewinding the play? I dont wanna rewind it, but i do wanna know what i missed
Details

“225: Ok, so there won’t be alternate uniforms for online play.”

You have to be kidding me.

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

Very, very, very rare.
Details

“225: Ok, so there won’t be alternate uniforms for online play.”

You have to be kidding me.

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

Very, very, very rare.
aceoYe4 also my xboxlive gamer

What the hell the david tyree catch, it better not be in madden 2010 because i dont believe we’ll even see it this season by any reciever. Good thing the Boom sound from catching deep balls is gone it was unnceassary and did the sound even if it hit your recievers helmet.I hope that David Tyree catch doesnt happen as much as the one-handed spectacular catch because in madden 08 you could actually do it everytime as long as your reciever is in the touchdown are and the pass was bulleted.And alternate uniforms in online play is not wanted, i dont even want it because if your online with two teams both being in their all white uniforms you could be super confused.and i hope the field feels more realistic and more wide-open and not squished at times in previous maddens it seems like theres no space to run everywhere you run or pass your almost out of bounds.
aceoYe4 also my xboxlive gamertag

What the hell the david tyree catch, it better not be in madden 2010 because i dont believe we’ll even see it this season by any reciever. Good thing the Boom sound from catching deep balls is gone it was unnceassary and did the sound even if it hit your recievers helmet.I hope that David Tyree catch doesnt happen as much as the one-handed spectacular catch because in madden 08 you could actually do it everytime as long as your reciever is in the touchdown are and the pass was bulleted.And alternate uniforms in online play is not wanted, i dont even want it because if your online with two teams both being in their all white uniforms you could be super confused.and i hope the field feels more realistic and more wide-open and not squished at times in previous maddens it seems like theres no space to run everywhere you run or pass your almost out of bounds.
Marc T.

“Tony Romo is dead” The diobolical laugh following was priceless…
Marc T.

“Tony Romo is dead” The diobolical laugh following was priceless…
Kmart2180

Thanks pasta for the live blog, go have fun and whoop up Russell’s Ravens.
Kmart2180

Thanks pasta for the live blog, go have fun and whoop up Russell’s Ravens.
phatskillz

Hey pasta, if you could, let us know if the computer will ever throw the ball deep?
phatskillz

Hey pasta, if you could, let us know if the computer will ever throw the ball deep?
Badluck

have they improved the superstar mode ?
Badluck

have they improved the superstar mode ?
Marc T.

[quote comment="22915"]have they improved the superstar mode ?[/quote]

HOW DO U IMPROVE SOMETHING SO PERFECT AND FLAWLESS ZOMG!!!!

I kid….I kid….lol I hated it, hopefully they will give it a much needed overhaul.
Marc T.

[quote comment="22915"]have they improved the superstar mode ?[/quote]

HOW DO U IMPROVE SOMETHING SO PERFECT AND FLAWLESS ZOMG!!!!

I kid….I kid….lol I hated it, hopefully they will give it a much needed overhaul.
Marc T.

Pasta P.

Perhaps a vid of the long awaited field goal net in all it’s glory?
Marc T.

Pasta P.

Perhaps a vid of the long awaited field goal net in all it’s glory?
Details

[quote comment="22917"]Perhaps a vid of the long awaited field goal net in all it’s glory?[/quote]

It’s 2008, and I’m excited about a field goal net.
Details

[quote comment="22917"]Perhaps a vid of the long awaited field goal net in all it’s glory?[/quote]

It’s 2008, and I’m excited about a field goal net.
Marc T.

[quote comment="22919"][quote comment="22917"]Perhaps a vid of the long awaited field goal net in all it’s glory?[/quote]

It’s 2008, and I’m excited about a field goal net.[/quote]

Pretty sad huh?

Should have been in 2 installments ago next-gine wise lol.
Marc T.

[quote comment="22919"][quote comment="22917"]Perhaps a vid of the long awaited field goal net in all it’s glory?[/quote]

It’s 2008, and I’m excited about a field goal net.[/quote]

Pretty sad huh?

Should have been in 2 installments ago next-gine wise lol.
Marc T.

bah

Next-Gen*
Marc T.

bah

Next-Gen*
gtruth

Can you see if the 3-4 is still unstoppable? And if the rb runs backwards after hitting the blockers?
gtruth

Can you see if the 3-4 is still unstoppable? And if the rb runs backwards after hitting the blockers?
Grey

Ummmm…Blocked Punts are great…but why the hell does that happen where you pick the ball up and the player stops running. I hated that in the past and i hate it now. They should allow the play to continue and have the person picking up the ball able to return it for a TD!!! Anyone else frustrated by that?
Marc T.

I fail to understand the blocked punt scenario as well.
Grey

Ummmm…Blocked Punts are great…but why the hell does that happen where you pick the ball up and the player stops running. I hated that in the past and i hate it now. They should allow the play to continue and have the person picking up the ball able to return it for a TD!!! Anyone else frustrated by that?
Marc T.

I fail to understand the blocked punt scenario as well.
dasg

[quote comment="22923"]Ummmm…Blocked Punts are great…but why the hell does that happen where you pick the ball up and the player stops running. I hated that in the past and i hate it now. They should allow the play to continue and have the person picking up the ball able to return it for a TD!!! Anyone else frustrated by that?[/quote]

he was touched while he was still on the ground…but you are right about the 2 part. I’ve seen it too many times and it is frustrating.
dasg

[quote comment="22923"]Ummmm…Blocked Punts are great…but why the hell does that happen where you pick the ball up and the player stops running. I hated that in the past and i hate it now. They should allow the play to continue and have the person picking up the ball able to return it for a TD!!! Anyone else frustrated by that?[/quote]

he was touched while he was still on the ground…but you are right about the 2 part. I’ve seen it too many times and it is frustrating.
pat

[quote comment="22836"]Theres so many questions you guys have that have already been answered guys.

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

Created Playbooks Online?
No EA is worried about exploits.

Field Goal Nets?
Yes!

Weather Online?
Yes but only unranked games.

Some questions that still need to be answered that I saw were pretty good.

Will we be able to set defensive assignments and match-ups like in 06?

Alt Uniforms for online use?

Save our roster line-up so we can use it online and not have to pause the game to set it everytime.

Records Reset?[/quote]

great ponit nfl network vs espn no doubt espn has a sick presentation but nfl network is more nfl like
pat

[quote comment="22836"]Theres so many questions you guys have that have already been answered guys.

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

Created Playbooks Online?
No EA is worried about exploits.

Field Goal Nets?
Yes!

Weather Online?
Yes but only unranked games.

Some questions that still need to be answered that I saw were pretty good.

Will we be able to set defensive assignments and match-ups like in 06?

Alt Uniforms for online use?

Save our roster line-up so we can use it online and not have to pause the game to set it everytime.

Records Reset?[/quote]

great ponit nfl network vs espn no doubt espn has a sick presentation but nfl network is more nfl like
Badluck

i used to block punts all the time in last gen madden with the falcons i would put d hall on the end wherever the other teams blocker was not… worked all the time worked all the time( until people started to get wise to it and and put more blockers in the backfield..which sometimes is why i would wait until i REALLY needed a blocked punt)
Grey

Touched on the ground in that clip. But i remember in Madden 08 I would recover a fumble with no one close to me and my player would pick it up and do that non chalont shrug and the play would stop. THey need to fix that. Or at least make it real. Have the player keep running like hes gonna continue the play, but have the announcer say the ref ruled he was down by contact.