#7 of 2009: Madden Arcade

by pastapadre
Posted December 22nd, 2009 at 1:05 pm

The ranking of games in the best of 2009 list is based primarily on the personal amount of enjoyment had with a particular title. Some other factors include whether advertised features were fully delivered on, post-release support, community interaction and communication, overall gameplay experience, feature set, and online play performance. Again this is a personal take on the games. The analysis is weighted largely towards those which I had the most fun with while considering them as a whole and compared relatively to the others.

This will probably be the most controversial addition to my top 10 but ultimately the amount of fun and value had exceeded many other games this year. Sure it is a simple arcade style game but it gets a lot of things right and the amount of time I’ve already spent playing online is telling.

It should be no surprise that at least one arcade game makes would make my end of year list. Last year NFL Tour was a surprise inclusion and in 2007 my top game was The BIGS. I appreciate them for the ability to play and not worry about doing so within constrained situations. They can be fun yet at the same time strategic and provide a refreshing change of pace from the sim games.

What Madden Arcade does especially well is with its power-ups known as “Game Changers”. There is good variety and the random nature of receiving them is refreshing instead of having to “build up” to earn them. Not only is there a decent mix of power-ups but how to use them will vary based on the individual. It isn’t just about strategy in when to use based on situations but also in when to activate them before or during a play and how to react to an opponent having one in their arsenal.

The game is not completely over-the-top. In fact games slant more towards defensive struggles than anyone would anticipate going in. The power-ups have to be used to really get that advantage and score. Outside of that I have the tendency to play field position. Which sounds ludicrous for a game of this mold but it is a legit strategy.

The one design decision that is troublesome is having a “reverse the score” power-up. I don’t understand how that could have been deemed as a good idea to include it. Luckily it is extremely rare, I’ve only seen it a couple times. However lose a single game because of it and it has the potential to overshadow any other fun that has been had.

Because of the restricted options in choosing plays the running back becomes the prime offensive target. In all but one of the four defensive plays the RB is left uncovered. Meanwhile the wide receivers are always man-covered. Of course you could always manually control a CB and blitz or play different coverage but the others will stick to the play assignments. Generally the RB won’t get huge gains but just the easy positive yardage can be a big thing in this Madden Arcade.

In terms of improvements to future offerings I really hope for a few additional plays. Having a play-action option at the very least would be a huge addition for the offense. On defense having some zone for the corners and better coverage of the running back would mix things up better.

At $15 Madden Arcade fell in the higher priced downloadable titles but the value feels right. It was just last year that NFL Tour, which couldn’t be argued to be much deeper, sold for $40. Like Tour this is essentially a game targeted for the online crowd. Online has been smooth and responsive since day one. EA has also provided a roster update and plan one more which is going beyond the typical support one would expect for a downloadable game.

Madden Arcade has provided exactly what it promised, fun head-to-head gameplay and unique strategical elements that make every game different. While there are certainly some improvements that could be made I have found it to be completely enjoyable and addictive. There isn’t much more that can be asked for than that.

#7: Madden Arcade
#8: NCAA Football 10
#9: NBA 2K10
#10: Fight Night Round 4
The Worst of 2009

Tags: top 10

Wostler

I really like this game too. Probably played it more by now than any game but The Show. Got over 75 online games in already.
Wostler

I really like this game too. Probably played it more by now than any game but The Show. Got over 75 online games in already.
NoFro904

….more jokes
http://intensedebate.com/people/AfroMANIA NoFro904 (Theron)

….more jokes
http://intensedebate.com/people/cdub326 cdub326

It was fun but nowhere near as good as NCAA 10 or NBA 2K10 and for that matter it probably isn't better than Fight Night
http://intensedebate.com/people/cdub326 cdub326

It was fun but nowhere near as good as NCAA 10 or NBA 2K10 and for that matter it probably isn't better than Fight Night
Scott

Are you serious Pasta? How much does EA pay you anyway?

Madden arcade has ZERO replay value. If you want to play a quick game with your friends, play Madden 10 with 5 min quarters. You might as well, Madden arcade is just Madden with Nintendo Wii style graphics.

Madden Arcade is a worthless waste of $15
Scott

Are you serious Pasta? How much does EA pay you anyway?

Madden arcade has ZERO replay value. If you want to play a quick game with your friends, play Madden 10 with 5 min quarters. You might as well, Madden arcade is just Madden with Nintendo Wii style graphics.

Madden Arcade is a worthless waste of $15
Keith.

Madden Arcade over NBA2k10? You crack me up, Pasta. Sure hope all that free EA swag is worth the ridicule, you frickin' SELL OUT!
Keith.

Madden Arcade over NBA2k10? You crack me up, Pasta. Sure hope all that free EA swag is worth the ridicule, you frickin' SELL OUT!
bux

this is why you have NO credibility with bias gamers… I hope Tecmo Basketball is number one dude… its better than this crap
bux

this is why you have NO credibility with bias gamers… I hope Tecmo Basketball is number one dude… its better than this crap
Ben

Wow, people need to chill out. First of all, it's Pasta's opinion, so shut the hell up. Second, if you get this worked up over a damn video game, get a fricken life. My God, this is ridiculous. People are so friggen stupid. Just because you don't agree with Pasta's opinion, you don't need to name call. Yeah, he talks about EA a lot. Why? Oh idk, maybe because it's the #1 Sports game developer? Maybe? Dumbasses.
Ben

Wow, people need to chill out. First of all, it's Pasta's opinion, so shut the hell up. Second, if you get this worked up over a damn video game, get a fricken life. My God, this is ridiculous. People are so friggen stupid. Just because you don't agree with Pasta's opinion, you don't need to name call. Yeah, he talks about EA a lot. Why? Oh idk, maybe because it's the #1 Sports game developer? Maybe? Dumbasses.
Pasta getspaidby EA

sell out.
Pasta getspaidby EA

sell out.
newbie

Wow just wow..r u kidding me Pasta..this game is terrible and has no replay value at all…On top of that you throw NCAA Football on the list ?..your ea nuthugging and bias is unbelievable..I gues this is the reason people laugh at you when you post at Operation Sports…no credibility at all…
newbie

Wow just wow..r u kidding me Pasta..this game is terrible and has no replay value at all…On top of that you throw NCAA Football on the list ?..your ea nuthugging and bias is unbelievable..I gues this is the reason people laugh at you when you post at Operation Sports…no credibility at all…
Otis

well, you gotta keep your bosses at EA happy I guess. How much do they pay you? Is it worth selling your soul for?
Otis

well, you gotta keep your bosses at EA happy I guess. How much do they pay you? Is it worth selling your soul for?
Adam

OS is far worse about sucking up to EA, at least Pasta allows us to voice our frustrations and doesn't ban people for criticizing Madden. I realize many of those banned took things too far at OS, but their mods really instigate a lot of it.
Adam

OS is far worse about sucking up to EA, at least Pasta allows us to voice our frustrations and doesn't ban people for criticizing Madden. I realize many of those banned took things too far at OS, but their mods really instigate a lot of it.
Franklin

Didn't you just say no need to name call, but yet you call these people stupid? And yes we know it's pasta's opinion, but that don't mean it's made of gold. We also have the right to an opinion, not everyone has to agree with what pasta has to say, that's the whole point of leaving comments. Who cares if it's his site, if you don't like for people to disagree with him then skip over there posts. I'm sure pasta's a grown man, so let him defend for himself. I think you should do the same thing you said in your first line, CHILL OUT!
Franklin

Didn't you just say no need to name call, but yet you call these people stupid? And yes we know it's pasta's opinion, but that don't mean it's made of gold. We also have the right to an opinion, not everyone has to agree with what pasta has to say, that's the whole point of leaving comments. Who cares if it's his site, if you don't like for people to disagree with him then skip over there posts. I'm sure pasta's a grown man, so let him defend for himself. I think you should do the same thing you said in your first line, CHILL OUT!
newbie

I agree OS has become so-pro-EA that it has caused rifts in members..i think the crybaby developer Ian created alot of it because of his thin skin and total inability to take constructive criticism ..His snitching to the mods about people who complain about Madden is legendary..LOL..matter of fact I think he stopped coming to OS all together and chose to be present at ea forums only..Oh well if you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen…
newbie

I agree OS has become so-pro-EA that it has caused rifts in members..i think the crybaby developer Ian created alot of it because of his thin skin and total inability to take constructive criticism ..His snitching to the mods about people who complain about Madden is legendary..LOL..matter of fact I think he stopped coming to OS all together and chose to be present at ea forums only..Oh well if you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen…
Mgb5

Are you high?
Mgb5

Are you high?
Rick

So Pasta when you and Ian are in the bedroom…. who's on top?
Rick

So Pasta when you and Ian are in the bedroom…. who's on top?
sportsgamer

No fucking credibility left.
sportsgamer

At this point you have to wonder if EA pays for this site as well.
sportsgamer

At this point you have to wonder if EA pays for this site as well.
sportsgamer

No fucking credibility left.
steve

NHL 3 on 3 is much better…..and cost only $5 bucks…so that was much better in value and gamewise….NHL 3 on 3 would have been much better pick as an arcade game too
steve

NHL 3 on 3 is much better…..and cost only $5 bucks…so that was much better in value and gamewise….NHL 3 on 3 would have been much better pick as an arcade game too
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

If Madden Arcade made the list then i can't wait to see where NHL 3 on 3 hockey ranking. I wonder if Fight Night would have used bobbleheads cartoons instead of realism what would their ranking be?

Pasta, since when did we start putting downloadable mini games included with full dics based games?
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

If Madden Arcade made the list then i can't wait to see where NHL 3 on 3 hockey ranking. I wonder if Fight Night would have used bobbleheads cartoons instead of realism what would their ranking be?

Pasta, since when did we start putting downloadable mini games included with full dics based games?
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

Not to knock those games but i thought this was about full dics games.

But yes 3 on 3 is very good and fun
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mo_Diddley Mo_Diddley

Not to knock those games but i thought this was about full dics games.

But yes 3 on 3 is very good and fun
sportsgamerwho

What this comment really necessar?
sportsgamerwho

What this comment really necessar?
GURU

I am so glad that Pasta keeps putting up more evidence of how much he is stroked by EA and how they provide free games to him as long as he favors their games. He is a joke and i knew this would be the case when i saw Ian Cummings twitter page say that he is looking forward to Pasta's list. Yea I wonder why?

To put Madden Arcade over 2k is a joke. But I am sure if EA puts out a game about cleaning toilets…Pasta will make sure to put it up on the top 10

He has zero cred in many forums. And I am glad many here are starting to see why

Does pasta really look like sports gamer. He looks like a computer geek just like the rest of the goons at EA who know nothing about sports
GURU

I am so glad that Pasta keeps putting up more evidence of how much he is stroked by EA and how they provide free games to him as long as he favors their games. He is a joke and i knew this would be the case when i saw Ian Cummings twitter page say that he is looking forward to Pasta's list. Yea I wonder why?

To put Madden Arcade over 2k is a joke. But I am sure if EA puts out a game about cleaning toilets…Pasta will make sure to put it up on the top 10

He has zero cred in many forums. And I am glad many here are starting to see why

Does pasta really look like sports gamer. He looks like a computer geek just like the rest of the goons at EA who know nothing about sports
http://intensedebate.com/people/bengalsfan2001 bengalsfan2001

LOL @ getting this worked up over a game, damn it's this guy opinion, yes some of you guys might not like it but that doesn't mean you have to bash the guy. Not gonna lie I didn't hav alot of fun with 2k10 this year, thus that is why I traded it in for live. You guys have to remember, the whole point of the list is for him to tell us the game HE had the most fun playing this year
http://intensedebate.com/people/bengalsfan2001 bengalsfan2001

LOL @ getting this worked up over a game, damn it's this guy opinion, yes some of you guys might not like it but that doesn't mean you have to bash the guy. Not gonna lie I didn't hav alot of fun with 2k10 this year, thus that is why I traded it in for live. You guys have to remember, the whole point of the list is for him to tell us the game HE had the most fun playing this year
Ben

Thank you! Someone who has some fricken sense!
Ben

Thank you! Someone who has some fricken sense!
pasta the EA bitch

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pasta the EA bitch

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pastaEApadre

I guess we now know that Ian wears the pants in the relationship
pastaEApadre

I guess we now know that Ian wears the pants in the relationship
Jonathon

i'm guessing that means you haven't played the game at all…

it is very enjoyable and highly addictive…
Jonathon

i'm guessing that means you haven't played the game at all…

it is very enjoyable and highly addictive…
AmenRa

The fact that you read Ian Cumming twitter page means you are a fag.
AmenRa

The fact that you read Ian Cumming twitter page means you are a fag.
AmenRa

OS sports has always been a EA nuthugger. All it's good for is downloading files and for that it's very good
AmenRa

OS sports has always been a EA nuthugger. All it's good for is downloading files and for that it's very good
JJC

Its fine not to agree with Pasta but do people have to disrespect him. Hell pastas good because if it was me I would be coming back hard at sum of you dudes.
JJC

Its fine not to agree with Pasta but do people have to disrespect him. Hell pastas good because if it was me I would be coming back hard at sum of you dudes.
JJC

"to put madden arcade over 2k is a joke" from dis comment u proly hav ur lips on 2ks tip huh smh
JJC

"to put madden arcade over 2k is a joke" from dis comment u proly hav ur lips on 2ks tip huh smh
JJC

we can tell how old dis guy is lmao
JJC

we can tell how old dis guy is lmao
…..

LMAO!!!
…..

LMAO!!!
your nasty mother

Go fuck yourself, you belching vagina
your nasty mother

Go fuck yourself, you belching vagina
Tito

I'll go out on a limb with the a guess. #1.. MADDEN! This isn't any different that Ign and Gamespot.
Tito

I'll go out on a limb with the a guess. #1.. MADDEN! This isn't any different that Ign and Gamespot.
Ben

Ok buddy, i never said there's no need for name calling. I just said we don't need to just because we don't agree with him. I personally don't agree with this choice either, but you don't see me spamming the comments with "Pasta sucks EA's teat" or stuff like that. I am perfectly fine with people giving their opinion, but when you look at the comments about anything related to EA Sports, that crap is all you see. It just gets annoying to look at. I'm not "defending" Pasta, i'm voicing my own opinion about the stupid people who leave comments like i gave as an example. At least you have some sense on this God forsaken site.
Ben

Ok buddy, i never said there's no need for name calling. I just said we don't need to just because we don't agree with him. I personally don't agree with this choice either, but you don't see me spamming the comments with "Pasta sucks EA's teat" or stuff like that. I am perfectly fine with people giving their opinion, but when you look at the comments about anything related to EA Sports, that crap is all you see. It just gets annoying to look at. I'm not "defending" Pasta, i'm voicing my own opinion about the stupid people who leave comments like i gave as an example. At least you have some sense on this God forsaken site.
Keith.

There's no way Gamespot has Madden at # 1. They're not on EA's payroll or Ian's homey like Pasta is. Gamespot only gave madden a 7 review, which was still probably a point or 2 too high.
Keith.

There's no way Gamespot has Madden at # 1. They're not on EA's payroll or Ian's homey like Pasta is. Gamespot only gave madden a 7 review, which was still probably a point or 2 too high.
JJC

Exactly
JJC

Exactly
russianBob

sell out
russianBob

sell out
Mateo

El-oh-el
Mateo

El-oh-el
jusmegamer

Yeah Pasta is officially a clown.
jusmegamer

Yeah Pasta is officially a clown.
What

lmao
What

lmao
Franklin

Understandable, and may I go ahead and wish all you guys and your families a very merry christmas.
Franklin

Understandable, and may I go ahead and wish all you guys and your families a very merry christmas.
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