Live Blog: Madden 09
May 30, 2008 by pastapadre
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)
first
second
go pats
Hey Pasta, Did they finally include all the alternates and throwbacks (Home and Away)and if so are the avalible for online use.
Pasta P, Thanks for all your hard work for us. I have hated Madden for awhile now and David Ortiz’s lack of push to the series. Looks like his departure is a positive thing thus far. I am happy to say it looks promising.
Tex wrote:
Maybe they implemented a “film the other team” feature this season?
Could you please find out about editing players (position, weight, appearance…) in franchise mode? and also check out some teams overall ratings?
have fun man, thanks
Hey pasta can the public expect a demo in the near future of madden? Thanks have fun!! And please tell me how the buffalo bills are lol
deltroy wrote:
Looks like they finally got our Buffalo Bills right, from the pics I have seen of “Beast Mode #23″ !!!
Will you be able to take your franchise team and use them in exhibition play?
please tell me if theyre more training camp mini games
Online Records Reset or Not? This is a must. Can’t wait too see some vids of this.
thanks a-million for all of the hard work and time you give us on this website. thanks man!!! dawg you’re the greatest
Request: Video of “The Ralph” With this new snow they hyped up. Also:
-How is the presentation?
-Field Goal nets finally?
-More emotion and excitement in the game overall?
-Alt uni’s or weather online?
-Does the sidelines have the corrects uniforms, and all the players not move like trained monkeys anymore?
-Overall weather effects, footprints, splashes, slipping, etc.?
Thanks Pasta P.
Please tell me they fixed the turnover issues that plagued 08- and please tell me no more super defensemen.
I really think they need to emphasize more of a “wide open” feel to the offense this year, as the game has felt stale on the offensive side for a while.
Tex wrote:
Cheaters!!!!!
Pasta can you ask a bit about what other online features they will have and also check up on the weather online topic. Thanks Man.
Why have they not implemented the ESPN license more?
Man my quesions were posted above so please disregard those. What about created playbooks online? Also defensive assignments, ablity to save your roster lineup and have it load online. Also any formation subs load online. Also if you can ask what if any differences the PS3 and 360 version will have.
Also check into the online lag that was horrible last year. Going through menus was just a hassle. Thanks bro.
Please flesh out the franchise mode.
PSMD410 wrote:
As far as rosters online…We will never see that happen thanks to cheesers. If you want to question that. Check out all pro football, I played this punk and he had nothing but 7ft wide receivers…
Chris Berman and Rich Eisen would have been great additions to this game. Why Collinsworth? Not that he doesn’t sound awesome, anything sounds better than Madden, Michaels, or Summerall that’s for darn sure!!!
Pasta are rocket catches still in the game. Can an under center offense work? Thanks.
One more thing then i’m done lol.
Can we get a superbowl and playoffs, that FEEL LIKE IT. By that I mean, hype, emotion, and excitement.
-Real SB field complete with non generic stuff, and both teams having their own endzone.
-Halftime show, and bigtime playoff atmosphere. Bottom line I don’t want my exhibition games to feel like my playoff games. Actual NFL playoff logo on the field ie: conference championship.
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?
AJayJay wrote:
Ok so how is presentation not a key in these games? I think it poses a great question. The superbowl and playoffs in Madden pretty much suck. The exhibition pre-game explosions kill any playoff hype or excitement by a mile. For the pricetag, I truly want to see a difference in all of this. Why have a franchise when u are just gonna get a pat on the back for playing all those weeks, and winning the big game?
Pasta,
Can you find out more info about Franchise and if ‘09 will have the EA Locker? Thank you!
Go BILLS!!!!!!! Have fun Pasta, I wish I could go…….:(
r00tabaga wrote:
3 BILLS fans on right now….niiiice
Pasta,
Can you also tell us if the cheese plays (hb pass, wr pass trick plays, jet-packing) have been removed/toned down/fixed? Thanks again!
Marc T. wrote:
Ummmmmmmmm back in PS2 and XBOX you could set your team up how you wanted and save the online roster and it would load up automatically online.
AJayJay wrote:
Weather online was never set in stone. It was said that they were 95% sure they could get it in but there was never anything saying for sure it was there.
franchise mode!!!!! expansion teams, create-a-team, editing player positions,scouting reports for the draft,(exported players ncaa09) free agent scounting reports, team chemistry, custom personel packages, how many plays per playbook can be expoted from head coach (off&def)any new atrributes(off-def) long snappers have own attribute, and also see if is the sideline still ugly. thank you!!!
Buffalo Bills surprise team of 2008 baby sorry had too!!!!!! please pasta put some videos of the bills up I beg thee!
AJayJay wrote:
How would created playbooks be an exploit? Every play in the game is found all the teams books provided so whats the harm of taking plays you like from multiple books and customizing a book for yourself. If a guy is gonna use exploits hes gonna do it regardless. Maybe not for ranked games but you should for unranked.
almost forgot player progression. thanks again
deltroy wrote:
2nd 3rd and 4th that!
add: Preferably SNOW!!!!
Marc T: 11 posts so far, 0 blog entries, and a ton of previously answered Q’s.
Go take a few laps and come back in an hour once the blogging has started. We’re all pumped.
jzal8 wrote:
Well I already ran this morning, and hopping on in between work and calls. What’s wrong with posting, and why sweat what I do? I’m keeping the blog entries active, and having some fun, mind your own business man. If i’m bothering you , then make your way to IGN.
Dude im so ready for this i just hopes he gets some real kewl pics and videos while he’s there>
Pasta not sure if you got my question in Ncaa part 2 blog but anyways. If you could sim to the Super Bowl and report on the Atmosphere. We’d all appreciate it much thanks alot.
Yo leave marc T alone we are just having fun here its getting to be that time of year again and we are all pumped go bills baby!!!!
This is an exciting day.
dominique wrote:
Well don’t post too much you might get clowned…
Anyways, I too am looking forward to some solid coverage of this game, so far we have been given a few gems, but like previous years I am certain Pasta P. won’t dissapoint.
Kmart2180 wrote:
I touched on that in a previous post. In no way should the SB have the hype of an Exhibition game. Let’s hope they took all of this into consideration after we complained about it 4 years ago
Bryan - if you have chance can you see if during franchise mode whether you can select any game from any side’s schedule and watch it as cpu v cpu please? Or, and I hope not, are you just restricted to your own team’s games (prays not)
My normal question I’m afraid, lol.
Thanks bud
Mark
The biggest unanswered question for me is whether we will be able to switch player positions in franchise mode. Looking forward to the freedom to move Kiwanuka back to DE or move Osi to OLB and Coefiled and Alford out to DE to run the 3-4; Swap safeties between FS and SS, and shuffle guys like David Deihl around on the line. Franchise features like this is what kept me on the PS2 for previous Maddens. My wife got me the PS3 for my birthday this year, so there’s no looking back now.
Shocker wrote:
Gratz on the PS3 man. I own a 360, and am looking into a PS3 just due to easier ways to get rosters etc. Position swapping is a great question. Pasta, I’d hate to be u right now bor, u got the gift and the curse lol.
Marc T. wrote:
There’s something oddly appropriate about a nickname for the Bills stadium that can also mean “to vomit”…
I KEED, I KEEEEEEEEEEED…
coogrfan wrote:
LMAO
Should be Called The Choke4x center” Ralph needs to step down man, I was a huge fan of his ideas back in the day, but a fossil cannot function in the cut-throat NFL these days…
Perhaps i’ll purchase head coach as well to show that team how it should be run in 2008 lol!!!
Hello pasta i got a few things for you to ceeck on
Can you check to see if all of the unlockable Hall of Famers make their retrun and if we can use them in franchise mode again
and also is there any new legends included this year or is the list the same?
can you also please get team ratings if anything like that
and check and see if the Chiefs have a Alt jersey like the red on red combo from last year
cuz i loved that combo and if they actually fxed my Ciiefs uniforms with the numbers on the side of the sholders instead of the top and if they included the AFL Patch
and lastly i know commatary has been added but what i am wanting to know is is the commtary like in years past or did they actually add a TV Booth like style showing cut scences of Collinsworth and Hammond just like they used to do in madden 97 With Madden and Summerall
along with that is there a pre game post game and halftime show feturing Collinsworth Hammoned doing the play by play with cut scrences showing them in the booth
fllowed by Joh Madden with pre game halftime and post game shows thanks man
pasta,
are there going to be normal minigames?
ex. bench press, 40, drills
not the madden iq holographic ones.
Pasta is playing madden 09 now wow so lucky!
Pasta make sure you come back with Franchise news. That’s the only thing that they haven’t been talking about. Is it because there aren’t any improvements? With all the innovations they’ve done so far it would be bad for them not to touch it up for next gen.
So many questions. A few random ones:
Do long passes still feature the “boom” sound effect?
Is there a halftime show? If so, different from last year?
Does passing feel more realistic?
How’s ActionCam?
And anything you can offer about the online leagues is appreciated, especially screens and/or video.
Thanks!
have you got a chance to play with any of the rookies yet?
Pasta is there good presentation on the game, and does the running game really feel natural and not too easy to break tackles?
ThX!
Could you tell us the ratings of some of the players youve seen?
Are the kick-offs better? Are field goals tougher to make?
Hey Pasta how’s the tackling feeling when your CPU teammates are starting the tackle and you are tryin gto clean it up? Is it 100% that you get to hit him or do you just drop to the ground?
Tristate Killa wrote:
I’ll grab some later.
Kmart2180 wrote:
So far mostly quick strong hits with the players involved heading to the ground. I’ll try to get some vids of it.
Pasta how do u like the juking system, does it feel natural and fun?
Yeah, how’s the kicking power Pasta? Still booting it thru the back of the endzone every time?
Anyway this sounds really good. I’m excited. Can’t wait too see the vids. Find out about the records being reset please.
can you tell us patrick willis and adrian peterson ratins and weapons please???? (especially willis) GO 9ERS!!!!!
AJayJay wrote:
They better not reset the records but resetting the levels and ranks would be ok.
Pasta will the cpu ever throw a deep ball?
Pasta did you find out any new details on the online leagues and drafts?
“149: No squib kicks, 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.”
Not a huge deal, but it seems simple to add a return play with one returner back. Seriously, isn’t there time to add this?
Details wrote:
there is no BIG difference about that.
Pasta did you notice at all if Co-op was available? I know they added it to NCAA0 but am preying for it on Madden09.
^^^^^^^^^I meant 4 player co-op.
Zack wrote:
Why shouldn’t they reset records? It’s a new game.
I’d be fine if they don’t do it but I wanna see it get reset it only seems logical to do it.
Marc T. wrote:
Ditto, playoff atmosphere and Super-Bowl info, please Boring to tears, last year. Already know that NCAA hasn’t upgraded, plaease have good news for Madden!
any of that stupid Marshall Faulk opening or ring builder?
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. wrote:
LOL. I am curious if the ring carried over.
wow….those vids looked awesome. I liked how it was zoomed in sort of while Romo was running. good job pasta.
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.
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
Im STOKED for this now!
Why they don’t implement a TV Style Camera? I know, it wouldn’t be useful, but at least would be cool.
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
“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.
What the hell the david tyree catch, it better not be in madden 2010 because i dont believe we’ll even see it