Madden NFL 09 hands-on report
May 30, 2008 by pastapadre
Some of what I will detail from my time with Madden 09 was covered through my live blog from the studio but I have tons more to add to it. I’ve also included a few videos throughout the write-up. As I mentioned as the blog began I have a completely different feeling about the game this year compared to how I felt last year. That is accented even more by how it is still a few months to go until release. Outside of a few bugs, which were reported to the producers and some already having been fixed by the time we left the studio, it felt like a game that was prepared for release.
Originally I didn’t want to be too enthusiastic considering how my thoughts could’ve changed as the day progressed. However I left with the same general feeling as I began with. Last year, playing the actual release copies, I quickly identified the fumbles, poor o-line blocking, and overpowered kicking as issues that would be relatively serious. However with 09 I didn’t come across any of those type of things. Instead I passed along some feedback on minor areas along the lines of reducing the camera flashes and adding return plays with a single returner deep.
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.
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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 rewinds factor in. Beginner gets 5, Intermediate 3, Advanced 1, and Hardcore 0. The “Gameplay Style” also determines the type of presentation you’ll get. The amount of rewinds can be changed if you want. So if you prefer the beginner style of presentation you can still set the number of rewinds to 0.
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.
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. I don’t think I saw any big plays out of the running game in the ones I played though. On All-Madden difficulty the running backs were contained somewhat and on average were getting about four yards a carry.
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The pass defense does a great job defending the deep ball, and more so specifically the “jump” catches. Those spectacular catches from last year and the ones where a receiver sets and jumps straight up 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. Despite that I was able to complete a couple deep balls over the top when the receiver had a step or two advantage. It felt very fair when a deep pass was completed and I didn’t feel cheated one way or the other. Something neat is you’ll see the QB really get into a deep throw, lean back and throw it up higher than we have been used to. Looks much more natural in getting the power behind it and requires the QB have the time to do it.
Graphically, as already seen by the screenshots and videos, it’s a big step up this year. The player models look great, as does the grass or turf, and player faces are much improved. One thing that was noticed was how dirty the jerseys can get. In some rain games they were getting really muddied up. The weather overall looks great as well, both snow and rain. When raining you’ll see water splashing up from the player’s feet and footprints in the snow.
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The presentation really enhances the experience and isn’t just thrown on the top. The replays are well integrated, things are easy to access on the play call screen, and the commentary is quite good (especially Chris Collinsworth).
Russell went into franchise mode some and has screens and video to post along with his observations. I did notice that the Super Bowl has the logo on the field and in the end zones. Also the camera flashes are even more intense.
I was able to start up a few Superstar mode examples, and have some videos to show from it later this weekend. Basically not much has changed here, except like NCAA’s Campus Legend the camera angles have been fixed so they won’t swing around at a change of possession, and activities don’t have to be loaded into as often since you can string them together such as practices. The roles/influence remains, which is frustrating. Those should have just been scrapped. I really hate having to press buttons to clear out those screens. I just want to run through all the plays. The playcalling seemed to be better, though it was a small sample I saw. I just remember always having terrible plays called for the situation, knowing they would not be successful even before the snap. However I had no complaints about the play calls that were made. There is no editing of depth charts. You can import your NCAA Campus Legend, create a new Superstar, or take control of a rookie.
Some random notes: Not only did they add FG nets, but the nets raise before the kick and you see them lowered after. There are alternate jerseys as well as classic jerseys. 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. The camera shakes on hit sticks which really adds to the effect. Halftime/Postgame will show some highlights but there isn’t a “show”. Music has been added into practice mode. Not only does Madden talk you through the IQ test but he also leads into and out of games with some audio. They added the “David Tyree Catch”. Only seen it once, so as long as it’s rare it is pretty neat to see.
A few suggestions I made:
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. Also the camera flashes continued during visiting team celebrations which is awkward.
There needs to be a return play that has a single returner back. You can still keep it away from someone like Devin Hester by kicking towards the other side of the field. I would also like to see squib kicks.
Kickoff power is toned down, on average full powered kicks went about 4-6 yards into the end zone. However with a little wind (12mph) at your back they would go out the back of the end zone. Luckily if that isn’t adjusted a little more there are sliders for kickoff power. Field goal kicking is still really easy also, with 50+ yarders sailing through without much concern. You can also adjust the slider for field goal power. Though without sliders being available online that won’t be of as much comfort.
It was a limited amount of time with the game, but maybe looking into opening up the run a little more at least in All-Madden. I wasn’t bothered by the production, just that there didn’t seem to be potential for a big play from a run.
Something I mentioned about NCAA Football 09 also applies to Madden. You are defaulted into Special Teams after kicking off or punting which is annoying to have to back out of.
The Seahawks playbook didn’t have any shotgun formations. They have used the shotgun fairly often over the last two seasons.
Online Play:
I was a part of a discussion (which ended up being over an hour) with Ryan Ferwerda who leads the online play aspect of Madden. I’m going to list off a few things that I got direct answers to. He’s working towards wiping out the online records and stats for a clear slate (please do!), weather is random in both ranked and unranked games, alternate uniforms are not selectable, and the depth chart will not carry from offline. With created teams in unranked games you still won’t see the names of the opposition’s teams or players (concern with user created content possibilities). Roster updates should be at least as frequent as last year (they released eight) but they are hoping for even more. You will be able to watch all the saved plays from an online game afterwards and upload clips to EA Sports World.
Two things were basically guaranteed along the way. In Madden 2010 offline depth charts will carry over and alternate uniforms will be available. Basically they would like to make everything that is an option offline available for at least unranked games in the future.
There is a new player hub online, somewhat similar to the EA Messenger of old. This should come in handy especially for PS3 players. It has more to it than the old messenger though, with some aspects interacting with the web as well.
Online leagues were talked about quite a bit, much of which was already known, but if you have questions I can probably answer most of them. They really wanted to focus and get the base right so they could expand on it over the coming years. Some other things they are working towards are spectator mode and possibly saving/reconnecting into online games that were interrupted (which would eventually grown out of the in-game saves feature they will have next year). Those might not be next year but they are things that they would like to add in down the line.
Essentially it was very apparent that they know what the community would like, and that they would like many of those same things. But it comes down to issues such as prioritizing, connection quality, conflicts with the console manufacturers and their standards, and some of these features just being very difficult to implement.
Final Thoughts:
One of the best games I played of the day was against Tiburon Community Manager Will Kinsler. He held a 21-10 lead in the fourth but I was able to come back and tie it with about a minute remaining. He got a good kick return out to near the 45. After a few plays he was in position to attempt a 52 yard FG with only seconds left and the 12mph wind going against him. I was expecting it to come up short and had Josh Cribbs back to catch it. As it sailed I still thought I was going to get a chance to run it back but it went through and he was obviously very pleased with the outcome.
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Overall I had more fun playing Madden 09 than any game at a previous event I have attended. I am attempting to contain my excitement about it given the circumstances, but feel confident in saying at least that much. On Saturday evening and Sunday look for additional content to be posted including all of the overall player ratings (I already posted all the 99’s in the comments of the live blog), team ratings (worst is Dolphins at 67 and top is Patriots at 97), more videos showing gameplay, presentation, and superstar mode, and more thoughts on the game that may come to mind by then.
Firsties!!!!!!!!
Great work pasta I am so pumped for 09 just watching some of these videos, can you post a video of hester returning a missed FG attempt please? That would be kickass and make me and the rest of sportsgamer have a wet dream.
oh yeah, everybody join up to pastapadre’s forum, it’s located at the top of the website, join up to it and use it.
Thanks Pasta. Sounds great. Also thanks for giving my Browns some love too.
rush23hester wrote:
The only time I saw a FG return was when someone did it on purpose, with the kickers having so much distance it would be rare to have a legit opportunity to see one.
Alright I’ve got to get some sleep, looking at about 3 hours tops before I have to be back up and take off for the airport soon after. I should be able to respond to some comments while at the airport, but then I’ll be out of commission for a good 7 or 8 hours with the flight and ride home.
Any word on whether or not mouthpieces and eye paint will appear in the game?
Pasta were you able to see the draft portion of the Superstar mode or no?
If you were, was the created Superstar able to be drafted in the first round?
I don’t care for the flash bulbs either. Way too much of them.
But looks like the game is much improved from last year, I’m looking forward for this.
BTW, check your PM’s pasta.
Can you enter practice mode within franchise mode? Unless I missed something, I don’t think you could do that in 08
Looks like Madden 2010 and up will have almost everything we ask for. Sounds like a real promising feature. I am really impressed. Hope the records get reset. Everything else seems pretty legit. I’m sure we will never be happy but it seems like it has improved a lot. Thanks Pasta!
Forgot about nasal strips too.
what about classic teams, did u hear anything on them or AFC NFC 2008 teams in quick play,
thanks
Graphics seems much improved,but the jersey colors look “washed out” on some of the videos and something should be done with the name plates, the lettering is to close together.
http://www.sportsgamer.com/ass......57.57.jpg
in this pic montana is the quarterback, doesn’t it look like the receiver is wearing number 80, aka Jerry rice. posable classic teams, that would be great.
Do teams have alternate glove colors?
Dolphins a 67? Blasphemsy! You think a team avoiding 0-16 could get a little respect.
How is the player progression in franchise mode for both human & cpu controlled teams?
hey pasta, any word why dennis dixon has a speed rating of 60? Why is he so slow hes actually one of the fastest out there.
Awesome.
Pasta i was wondering in the madden I.Q thingy are you able to user catch or is it you just controlling the QB…..PLEASE ANSWER forget everyone elses questions……ok i kidd but still im lookin for a quoted response
When are you going to post the rating screenshots you took?
also i forgot to ask other than the nfl head coach what else is included in the collectors edition package
Nice work pasta and D.Dixons speed is like 86
quagga wrote:
Maybe I’m showing my ignorance here, but who is Russell and where will this be posted?
“There needs to be a return play that has a single returner back. You can still keep it away from someone like Devin Hester by kicking towards the other side of the field.”
This might be a bit excessive nor do I know if it is possible, but in the Head Coach play creator/editor, are you able to create special teams plays? I’ve only seen info on offense and defense. If so, you can create the single returner play and import it to Madden.
Pasta is it possible for EA to send a patch after release & add acelerated clock? I know you said that Headcoach has it so do you know if it’s a possibility or is that something that would be too difficult to add via patch?
quagga wrote:
Yea, Pasta can you point us in the direction of his impressions/videos of franchise mode?
Thanks.
Are you able to do Trades in the online league?
Almost forgot do you have to have those Sprint and Juke options under your guy all the time?
StEaLtH ShOt wrote:
Yes you can. THey have to be one for one trades, though.
Did they have a PS3 build of Madden? If so, was it identical?
DLaren wrote:
I will third that..
Could you find out if there are Hardcore ranked games/all madden ranked games online this year?
Also could you see how long the quarters are online?
DBoweshow8282 wrote:
Fourthed….ha
Altimus GTR wrote:
Yes and yes.
StEaLtH ShOt wrote:
Yes but no multi-team trades, must be one for one (though you could work something out on the side and put together something bigger just would have to do several individual trades), and they must involve players that have appeared in the same number of games to that point.
thekid wrote:
Apparently they are not allowed by MS/Sony to do different types of ranked games. So it’ll be the same way it was last year.
DLaren wrote:
I don’t believe he has posted up yet. I will as soon as he does.
Stuntman87 (bawbeata) PSN: Drebo87 wrote:
I wish I could remember that. I only recall throwing and running after the catch, but it could be that you can user catch if you want.
Weird. my text got added into the quote - “I’m really trying…” thats mine
Aaron wrote:
Saw only one instance of a freeze when someone else was playing. Considering how much was being done in there and still in alpha state that isn’t a big deal. Didn’t hear of any freezing with NCAA on Thursday.
Sorry I didn’t really pay much attention to the helmets.
I really hope they got the Bills alternates right this year. I’m glad they got their home and aways, but the alternates need to be correct.
pastapadre wrote:
No problem on helmets, not a huge deal. Glad there was no freezing at the early stage of Madden. The one thing I miss is the sideline chaingang for a guage while running for a first down
Pasta, I saw where we control how many “Rewinds” we want to see. My question is, can we still use the BackTrack feature w/out the Rewinds activated?
I was wondering what was Eli and Brandon Jacobs rating? Also the Giants rating?
Good stuff Pasta - Russ’ question above is a good one I’d be interested in that answer
Found it odd that in the Madden IQ video the AI tells you what to do (RS, A, etc) you would think the IQ would measure whether or not the PLAYER knew what to do, as during actual gameplay you won’t be getting the same prompts. Also, I’d recommend ditching the Tron video style for standard Madden gameplay during the IQ test
Like the video upload feature -
I agree with Pasta on the camera flashes being overdone. The first video I saw weeks ago with flashes, I though to myself, I hope they tone those down because they are going off constantly the whole game.
Something like that seems like it would be a no brainer to not have them going off during the whole game. I could see it being extremely annoying if they don’t fix it. Hopefully, someone at Tiburon will take notice..
AWESOME that they are thinking about adding spectator mode.
About spectator mode, anyone know if it’s possible on the PS3? I know some games have it on the 360 already like PGR, Forza, Table tennis. It’s a functionality built into live that developers can add to their game if they choose. I wonder if it can be implemented on PS3?
Great stuff.
when i first saw this game it looked so bad but ea just stepped up A LOT and now i feel rele stupid lol but i dont like how when u walk up the line as the qb it says a to hike and when u run it says rt for sprint i dont like that hopefully that can be turned off
pat wrote:
you feel “rele” stupid?…you should
Pasta, did you run any draw plays? Those NEVER seem to work (for me at least) in these damn EA games, and I always felt like they should go for big gains on 3rd and longs when the defense is expecting pass. Hope they are a bit more realistic in 09.
I Peench wrote:
umm ok i said this a couple of comments ago its aol talk im not gonna sit there and make sure every word is right im goin say things like u,r,wat,rele so just shut ur mouth maybe U should think b 4 u type
Pat calm down. Are you going to start a cyber fight? jeeze.
Game looks great. Good Job Pasta.
great work pasta, I just realized how much work you are putting into this and answering all of the “little” questions people seem to have. i have a question about the actual event you were at, how was it? how is everybody else liking madden? who is the best in attendance?
MattMVPStroehms wrote:
na i actually hate those kids but it gets me so mad when people like try to s@#T on u for spelling things wrong its like no 1 here knows what aol is and i say im talking aol style all the time lol
Formation specific subs? Please?
So where is are these so called franchise impressions? Is Russell a guy from another website or what?
Looks like Superstar will be another doozie, unless you have to work up the depth chart to become the starter.
Dear pasta,
First off I want to thank u for the work that has been Put in on your side and i appreciate everything.I just found this site like 3 months ago and im so glad i can be updated on everything sports gaming right at the moment.
Couple of things i want to ask about madden that i haven’t been seeing on the site Im not to concern about the small things just things that can mess up the game play and realness of the game Strategy wise
1.Did anybody at EA mention anything about matching conerbacks with certain Wide Receivers.It was on current gen and that was something major they took off?
2.On current Gen There was 3 extra audible plays for every formation that was not listed in the audible section.For example if i pick a singleback formation plays besides the audible i set at the start of the game i had 3 more for that formation.One button was for a long pass,another button was Short pass,or running play out that formation.
3.How is the defensive pursuits on long runs and screen passes
4.There was one thing in 08 that was the final straw and made me put down madden for the rest of the year.There are a lot of BS that happen on online but i person some how used a created team for a online rank game against me.Have this issue been address or talk about
5.Are there trades between CPU thats done on draft day in franchise mode?
6.With the O-Line do guards actually pull this year on the block and pick up the block?
7.How is the feel controlling a person on the D-Line?
8.On Current Gen i was able to control the WR with eaze when the ball was in the air.But when the game move to next gen it was little difficult to control the player.When i push the jump button he wouldn’t jump nor run to where i wanted him to run.I figure it was more success just letting the CPU catch the ball.Have this been fix in 09?
9.Even though my rank and record online was great for time i was playing the game will they reset the record cuz its a new year new game so should be new record.
10.Im a Cowboys fan and my favorite player on the game last year after the updated roster was Marion Barber.This guy would never go down after the first hit just like in real life.I see the cowboys was used in one of your videos how is he in this year madden?
I hope u can get back to these questions When u have time and once again thank u for the site
Oh one more question
11.Is the Madden Moments feature done with this year rosters.I saw one video online for the madden moment and it was the moment where Brett Favre Threw the winning touchdown against the Broncos last year on Monday night.But when i saw the video online Aaron Rogers was taking the snap.If they used this year roster it would be ass backwards
kc10785 wrote:
definetely i saw that to i was shocked i cant belive they decided to use this yeard rosters for madden moments
pat wrote:
relax, relax my brotha i was just playing…believe me i’m far from the world’s greatest speller
I hope Pasta is sleeping on the plane, because we need a lot more content today. Heh-heh.
The videos look great.
I Peench wrote:
its ight but like its so weird like some people really take spelling seriously lol like i say u and people go your a idiot its you lol well people can say whatever they want lol
Pasta,
I know this is a minor thing, but one that has bugged me for years. Can you see if during the Pro bowl, they have AFC and NFC helmets? I don’t think that it would take too much effort to have the players real team helmets on during the game. It just comes off as lazy for EA, especially when they have had it in the past.
Thanks
pastapadre wrote:
Thank you PP!
It’s alright Patty.
It’s blatantly obvious guys like yourself don’t use punctuation and spell incorrectly just to get attention. You’ll never admit it but we all know it’s true.