Madden 09 debut video
May 2, 2008 by pastapadre
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.
Why do the sidelines still look so terrible. It’s one thing that has bugged me about Madden over the past few years. I just can’t believe that EA are happy with the guys on the sideline all doing the SAME movement at the SAME time. Bar the guy with his kicking motion. I doubt this will be improved before release.
Looks good, still early, but i like the progress, would like to see the QB stop dropping back 15-17 steps
I am really impresses with that video… love the presentation, and can really notice the enhanced lighting…. everything seems to be improved greatly… pumped for this game now!
I’m really consfused as to why EA finds it so difficult to show players on the field warming up before the coin toss? Is it that hard to spotlight a player and talk about them? This looks good, but I am really getting sick of their sterile pre game presentation in their football games…let me guess, all stadiums will have the same fireworks intro?
Holy hand gernade batman this video looks fantastic I really like the camera flashes, hey Pasta do you think they will release a video soon where we can hear the new announcing bro?
Callmetaternuts, I agree whole heartedly!
They have to figure out a way to make the QB footwork better. If you notice on the IGN clip the QB drops back forever as well.
It seems like they still have to work on O line pass protection, especially on the edges.
If the QB can still run all over the backfield the entire game and continue to throw darts, it will kill any realism EA was going for.
anyone who has played nfl 2k5…knows what they see “familiar in this vid right here” not gonna say it those who played know.
those camera flashes needs to be saved for deep rival games, playoffs or superbowl..
I am still waiting for the videos to come out that show the Chris Berman half time show & draft coverage by Mel Kiper (actually been waiting for this for a few years now). NFL2K5 had this and its inexcusable that Madden hasnt incorporated this yet. Fixes to lighting and prettier stat overlays wont convince me to buy this game anymore, they better start stepping up.
buffalo doritos wrote:
I would say…..the cutscene of Adelius Thomas after the tackle for a loss on Jacobs.
EA makes very purty videos, with all the stirring music and hoo hah. Good for them
I do like the lighting engine, that looks great, and the stats on the fly is cool. Instant replay option is nice, I hope it lets you manipulate camera
For the LOVE OF GOD tho’ - what’s with the QB dropping back 15 yards, then side-peddling at Full Speed (God forbid there’s a pocket) Always hated this about Madden - it immediately takes me out of any sense that I’m playing football
The bad-angle tackling at the end, where all defenders then line up to chase is distressing as well
The games gonna look better - online leagues might be good (need more details and online to work), but I’m not sure Gameplay is gonna convert anybody who’s not already a Madden fan
What’s with the weapon icons? They are all gray like the smart weapon, but when it showed Moss or Brady it was blue. I guess instead of filling up to be yellow, this year it is blue. Pasta, any verification on this, or is my theory wrong?
some people are just never happy, compare to madden 08 this is like night and day…all i really want for this game is tv like presentation like nfl 2k5 and i will be super happy.
Pasta could you pliz make this comments taken into consideration next time yoy contact EA staff? I believe they are in the best interest of the game:
1. Camera flashes happen way to often.
2. Pre-game presentation sucked…again.
3. The starting lineups were kinda cut off because of the snap.
4. Sidelines still suck.
5. Unexistent pocket.
6. Why oh why do players look all “square” and guys like Vince Wilfork don’t resemble 300 something plus pounds they weight.
7. How is it that after struggle at the line, tackles, hits, holdings, etc. all uniforms stay perfect…no untucked shrits, downed sox, etc.
8. Will all presentations look the same eventhough they are a pre-season game, rivalry, post-season or superbowl?
THE TACKLING ANGLES DO SUCK AND THERE IS NO RISK/ALL REWARD FOR THE QB TO DROP BACK. Other than that…WOW! Looks fantasamazable!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to hearing the play-by-play…..
Also, starting lineups presentations should go like this:
Offense:
1. Offensive line (Tackles, Guards and Center).
2. Backs and receivers (Receivers, Tight End, Runnigback, Fullback).
3, Quarterback.
Defense:
1. Defensive line (Defensive Ends, Defensive Tackles or Nose Tackle).
2. Linebackers (Outside Linebackers, Middle Linebacker or Inside Linebackers).
3. Defensive backs (Corners and Safetys).
Saludos (thats greetings, in spanish).
This footage looks good in some areas, but I’m still not seeing anything that will make want to buy this game first day. I’ve just been burned too many times by Madden the past few years. I like how the camera swoops in from the side after breaking the huddle, and the cut scenes also look much better. Beyond that not overly impressive.
But presentation isn’t the biggest thing keeping me from buying this game. It’s the horrible AI and game physics that ruin the experience for me. I see no evidence of any of that being fixed in this video clip.
(Also hope this year’s version isn’t plagued by another fumble glitch. Already see on in this short clip…)
THIS GAME LOOKS SICK!
Pasta, if I can make one suggestion that would clearly help the pre-game resentation a BUNCH…can you mention to Phil @ EA to put the National Anthem in before each contest in the same way NHL08 does?!?!? It would be awesome and get me pumped in the same way I do when I’m at the Ralph in Buffalo before a game!
How about fixing whereas if u use full strength in the kicking meter for kickoffs EVERY KICK doesnt end up in the back of the end zone for a touchback. All kickers use full strength hoping for a touchback in the NFL but it just doesnt happen, apparently in Madden every kicker has a bionic leg.
Any way you can ask if they will include accelerated clock and in-game saves this year? Thanks
After a second look at the video I can now see what people are talking about with the player models. Willfork looks like a LB and not the fat #uck he really is. Pasta, why does it tell the receivers how to sprint underneath them and QB’s how to snap? That is the most basic of controls and shouldn’t be there in the final build right?
BEST FOOTBALL GAME I HAVE EVER SEEN! One thing though, as a ex Offensive Lineman, Looks like they have not fixed the PULLING GUARD PROBLEM that makes me SOOOOOOOO mad, watch the first play from scrimage from the video. RG pulls and never makes it to the OLB, unless the Center and Guard are chipping on the 3 technique?????? But pull that G out of there and smash the OLB/DE, come on NOW!
I love the fact that they changed the color of the weapon icons. Love it. The yellow was too bright. This is much, much better.
We didn’t make it through the drive without a turnover, though. That’s the only thing that’s worrisome. You would think that they wouldn’t include a turnover in the promotional video after the problems of last year.
Overall, I think the game looks better than NCAA 09. Maybe I just love seeing NFL teams. I’m excited.
Would everyone shut up about camera flashes and sidelines and crowds and refs… yada yada yada. As long as the game is playable and has good features, do you really care that the guys on the sidelines do the same motion. Get a life! Find something worth while to complain about. You all sound rediculous, “oh no there is no ref on the field during play” “too many or not enough camera flashes”. Listen to yourselves, you sound like idiots!
Willfork looks like a LB and not the fat #uck he really is. LMAO I love it bro!!!!!! Go BILLS baby!!
You know I hate the Pats w/a passion bro, and couldn’t resist putting that in there!!! -lol
Dan wrote:
They obviously don’t think it’s important. Gameplay comes first, but the sidelines seem like a simple fix.
I don’t know bro I might hate them more then you lol!
Jesse wrote:
You sound like an idot you fair weather fan! Just because you settle for anything EA puts out doesn’t me we have to. Just because we want EA to live up to it’s modo “If it’s in the game it’s in the game” doesn’t mean the we’re complaining for nothing. I for one love EA & I’ve been playing Madden since ‘92 & had watched it evolve to what is. The game this year looks way better than last year but don’t act like there still aren’t improvements that need to be made. The fact that this is year 4 into Next Gen & there are still no refs or chaingangs is unexcusable. They added more to the sidelines but the players still don’t look right. They improved weather & added footprints but how come when someone gets tackled you don’t see snow flying everywhere. If they are gonna improve an aspect of the game, at least don’t do a halfass job of it. Overall I do like the direction it’s going but certain parts of the game should’ve been improved years ago.
every QB runs around back there lighting fast DRIVES ME INSANE. I love football for the D. This game is all about the O which is garbage. they do that with the qb because all the dumbass who cant play real and have to run a mile back word because they dont no how to max protect or do anything right.IF the QB runs around like a rocket this game will be trash. EA STOP TRYING TO MAKE GAY ASS INTOR’s AND MAKE A REAL GAME BASED ON REAL FOOTBALL. From the visuals its great. GAME PLAY MOST IMPORTANT THING, LOOKS LIKE DAWG SHIT
WIlfork gut in real life hangs down to his knee’s in this video makes it look like hes got a 6pack????? EA are nerds who dont know anything about the sport. Madden on PS2 is better then this next gen garbage.
the game does look good, but as someone stated b4 why are so many little details STILL not fixed? 4 years and still no refs?! are you kiddin me!?!?! i hate to sound like a broken record but 4 years !?!? oh yea and im sure every stadium will have the same intro, same fireworks, same repetative commentary, same crappy running animations. LT does not run like Ron Dayne.Troy polomolu does not move like Rodney Harrison. one more thing EA please understand players run faster on turf than they do on grass why is this so hard to incorparate in the game the features they added are good dont get me wrong but dang man why is this game still missin basic football stuff?! i really dont understand.
jazzyjeff wrote:
Believe me that is something that has really bothered me over the past couple years so when it comes time I’ll be looking to see if it has been addressed.
Will the refs call facemask in this years Madden 09 game? It was not called at all in 08.
why can’t EA just use the vision cone for FG kicks. The further out a kick becomes, the “wider” a kick-cone becomes and the area for error (hooks and fades) becomes larger if precision isn’t met. Certain kickers would certainly have narrower cones than others. And kicking in extreme cold weather should also be addressed. Very difficult…a 30 yd becomes more like a 70 yarder! It’s hard to miss FG’s in Madden and blocking one only is acheived if you get lucky from the outside. Most blocks come from the big fellas in the middle!
I think special teams needs an entire re-haul. First off the uber-kicks by kickers. No team has two guys return kick-offs. Also why is there still no dog pile?
Pasta:
Could you find out if there’s going to be an animation where the helmet of the player pops out after hit? This was on current gen consoles for madden 07 and it was pretty cool…
Also, will the player models incorporate the long hair of some dudes like Polamalu and Hawk and teh tattoos WHICH WERE PRESENT in current gen games? I used to see Urlacher or Merrimans tattoo and stay the f*ck away from them…now I know I’m playing against them when they blast my RB…
Thanks
DOG PILES AND CHAINGANGS WILL BE 4 MORE YEARS AWAY!
holy shit this is dope nd my boy randy moss doing the soulja boy after the td
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!!!
Eski wrote:
Playable version of Madden 93 sucks if it doesn’t have classic rosters.
some of yall dudes cry about any and everything…
Details wrote:
You speak about gameplay coming first but thats the worst part maybe thats why everyone is screaming about sidelines, presentation, refs, and chain gangs because at least it adds to the realism cuz the gameplay is not doing it…EA has been shouting gameplay gameplay gameplay for years but there is still no pocket, AI is still not improved, same animations year after year so please tell me what gameplay are looking at.
Looks great i really like the QBs movement when droping back it looks fabulous also the speed of randy moss was life like how he got the edge and was gone
This looks just like they promised us in the trailer in 2005. EA CAME THROUGH ON A PROMISE!!!!
This is why I can’t stand EA sometimes. This was taking from a Q&A excerpt with one of Madden producers.
Don Juan said:
“I just looked at a youtube video of nfl fever 2002..The makers of NFL Fever were able to use the specs of original Xbox to put towels on their player models 6 years ago…How come the makers of Madden and NCAA football still haven’t figured out how to put towels and other realistic additions on their player models?”
Dale Jackson: Madden 09 features extremely realistic player models. The models this year have been completely rebuilt, and along with the upgraded visuals, provide the most realistic looking sports game ever. We don’t have towels this year but will make sure this gets some serious consideration for future iterations.
Fix the sidelines!
Why does the CB covering Moss on the final TD play run straight into the TE block. Although it was play action, no player would take that large of a gamble. That is just terrible DB AI, in any senario, other than a CB blitz which that was not, he would have ouside contain and not leave the WR by him self uncovered. The linebackers and safteys look like they react a little better in coverage this year though, but as stated before they take bad angles on those long TD plays.
NFL 2k5 still has this presentation beat by a F’N landslide. 4 years in on next gen and this is the best they can come up with. F’N sad. Its an improvement over 08 for sure, but since they bought the ESPN license they still dont use it for nothing more than a ticker. 2k has their own AP ticker, so basically EA wasted money on that license. Ill wait for 2 week, and listen to review from true hardcore fans on OS before I even think about purcahsing this.
1. Why is everyone on the sideline insync?
2. Why is it that they cant put a real cointoss in like on APF 2k8? this is beyond rediculous. EA has all this money yet they are being cheap, and always cutting corners.
3. Why is the QB still dropping back 10-15 yards. This kills any chance for a realistic pocket.
4. Willfork looks like a LB, WHY???????
5. No refs or chaingangs is unexcusable. 4 years running.. WHY?
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.
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.
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.
Eric wrote:
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.
I hate the camera flashes. Maybe they would work in the superbowl but i think it is way overdone.
wow that looks BA!
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.
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.
Eski wrote:
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.
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…
When are you going to have the info on who is 99 and top rated players at each position and top 25 teams?
I really hope EA uses the remaining time to fix as many issues as possible.
Eski wrote:
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
I was more impressed with the video pasta put up for ncaa football 09.
speedster wrote:
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.
Hey pasta do you know if superstar mode will be back havent heard anything as of yet thanks?
deltroy wrote:
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.
Ok great thanks man!
Why is Wilfork like 200 lb looking. Give him a dang gut.
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
HD version up at Gametrailers
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33492.html
michael wrote:
LOL. Wouldn’t that be everybody but the first 7 draft teams?
Hopefully the play call screen will use 3 button prompts so my buddy I’m playing won’t see my play and I don’t see his.
I was hoping the Soulja boy crank dat dance would stay in the year 2007…
My question is did they fix the defensive line glitch and the super high spectecular catches?
yo pasta in the beginning did they skip player intros