Madden NFL 10 Impressions?

[theFRANCHISE]

Well, I've only played for a couple hours (most of which was spent going through menus and seeing the new changes), but I'm loving the game so far. It really feels like enough of a change from Madden NFL 09 to have justified the purchase. EA Sports really stepped it up this year with the presentation, and their hard work shows in virtually every facet of the game. The gameplay speed feels just right, and you notice the subtle little things while playing. For instance, Joe Flacco's throwing motion is just as he does in real life, including how he uses his non-throwing hand to guide his throw before he releases. Even Troy Smith's dropback is accurate down to how he holds the ball!

I'll have more impressions later once I've spent more time with the game, but what do you guys think so far?

EDIT- I have to note that it is IMPERATIVE you download the first roster update before going into Franchise mode. Many of the rosters are inaccurate in that some rookies are listed in their college positions as opposed to their pro positions, Michael Oher being one of the examples off the top of my head. Additionally, there are a few jersey numbers that are inaccurate due to the roster cut-off date (or some simply not being updated at all), and there are some rookies even MISSING from their respective teams because they weren't signed yet. I noticed this mostly with the Ravens, but there were a couple other teams that had this issue as well.

[AwakenTheDemon]

I agree. I absolutely love the new presentation, especially "The Extra Point" during Franchise mode. Reminds me of the SportsCenter "broadcasts" from NFL 2K5. Although, I think they kind of overdid it with the Chain Gang. I'm glad they put them in, but I'll get them on the field on a play that was obviously a first down *shrugs*

The game speed seems faster than the Giants/Cowboys demo too. I absolutely hated how slow Jacobs was. Although I don't know if the demo's speed would be the full game's "very slow". But slow seems good to me.

As for the player and team ratings, they turned out to operate better than I thought. For an 82 team, the Ravens play pretty well. McGahee is surprisingly effective at running back, and Flacco's accuracy isn't a big issue. Seems EA wasn't joking when they said they redid the ratings, seems to work out pretty well.

There's nothing sweeter than in my first game in Franchise against the Chiefs, having Suggs force Bowe to fumble, Reed scoop it up and run it 45 yards for a TD. Then to have Johnson tip a pass for Ray to intercept and run in for a touchdown. As for Ed Reed, well...he's been doing what he does best in my franchise. Tom Brady chucked a pass to Moss in the endzone, Reed picks it off and returns it 103 yards for a touchdown. Yeah...they got Reed right.

[Ravens52]

Gah, I can't wait to get this gameeeeee

[CP`C-Pain`CP]

Im glad to hear you say that the game speed is a bit faster than the demo, that was TOO slow for me.
My parents were picking it up for me while they were out, I plan on playing it for a while once they get back...Other than Practice tonight...Nothing on the table...So..I know what I'm doing till early hours of the morning XD.

I heard you have to pay to get an online franchise longer than 5 years though =(

[AwakenTheDemon]

I can't confirm or deny the online franchise comment, I really haven't joined one yet. I had a pretty horrid experience trying to get into an online dynasty in NCAA Football 10, so I'm really picky now about Online Franchise :\

Oh yeah, anyone else think it's cool to see Ray's Trademark dance in the game when you play home games?

[SupaBwandin]

The midnight release last night was so fun, i knew everybody at the gamestop, there was tons of pizza and drinks and it was like a huge party. There were hdtvs set-up outside with Madden10 before the release. It was great; game is looking amazing

[AwakenTheDemon]

ProTak is pretty awesome too. The gang tackles are animated very well. Love watching two guys tackle McGahee and watching him drag them for another yard or two. Or watching Rice wiggle his way out of a defender's grasp and break into the open field.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='14 August 2009 - 02:38 PM' timestamp='1250275083' post='219516']
I can't confirm or deny the online franchise comment, I really haven't joined one yet. I had a pretty horrid experience trying to get into an online dynasty in NCAA Football 10, so I'm really picky now about Online Franchise :\

Oh yeah, anyone else think it's cool to see Ray's Trademark dance in the game when you play home games? [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif[/img]
[/quote]
You have to pay something like $5.00 to do online Franchise, but not sure about whether it's to unlock the mode or whether it's to continue beyond five years. Can't really see myself playing it anyway, so no biggie. But just another example of how much I hate EA Sports' ridiculous microtransactions.

Still, what's already in the box is more than good enough to justify the $60 price tag. (Well, $44.99 for me with the $10 Amazon gift card and the reduced pre-order price and free release date delivery)

And on the note of Ray Lewis' dance...it's just as crappy in the game as it was in the early gameplay build videos. The mo-cap guy who did the dance did a HORRIBLE job. Should've just had Ray come in for a couple hours to get the dance done RIGHT. (But they DID do a great job with Ray's signature post-tackle fist pump, though!) Most of the faces are pretty accurate, too. Joe Flacco's face is much better than last year's, but you can still tell it's a generic face.

I LOVE the introduction of mixing-and-matching uniforms. Including the Ravens' classic 1990s uniform was a nice touch, too! Can't believe they secured the rights to the old logo on both the helmet AND the jersey! Last year only had the old jersey but no helmet. And I like how they included ALL the Ravens' default alternate uniforms, including the all-black, black-top-white-pants, and all-white combos.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Yeah, I know they butchered his dance, but eh, I was just pumped to see that get any attention at all in the game. As for online franchise, you don't have to pay anything to play it. There's a code on the back of your instruction manual for it. Then you just go to Xbox Live > Online Franchise > Activate and put your code in. I just don't don't know about the having to pay to keep it going past year 5

[RavensClaw52]

im liking it a lot, ive just been playing last years schedule getting used to it, deffinatly worth the money

[Ravens52]

anyone see Flacco? doesn't look like him at all..

[AwakenTheDemon]

My only gripe with it right now is my linebackers are getting next to nothing for tackles =\

T-Good and Ray shouldn't finish a game with 1-3 tackles per game each ;\

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

Has anyone seen our 82 overall rating. The eagles are 86 hahahahaha. I agree with the flacco rating at 81 and his speed at 70. Flacco is just going to get better and better. Boy did he look sharp last night. They pronounce ngata "na-gotta"

[theFRANCHISE]

I feel much more comfortable throwing the deep ball this year. Before, I would get picked off every time. But now, when I see a defender beat, I have a much better chance of my receiver making the catch than him getting the pass batted down or intercepted. My only gripe is that the throwing motion is a little too slow for my liking, but it adds to the realism.

I can't really describe it, but this game feels JUST RIGHT. I need to get back into my groove playing defense, but my offense is operating just as it should.

The only thing I hate about the game so far is the fumble mini-game. I know it adds an interesting element, but half the time, I keep tapping whatever button was first shown on screen and don't notice that they're now telling me to tap a different button. I know it doesn't pop up so frequently that it kills the experience, but I'd like to just stick to tapping ONE button and be done with it. I play these games to relax, not to be so alert all the time.

[AwakenTheDemon]

I'm having some pretty good success with the pass rush so far. Ngata and Pryce are constantly in the backfield. Ngata has 5 sacks and Pryce has 9. Just need to clamp down on the receiver if they do get the ball off. Thankfully Foxworth, Washington, and Reed have that speed

[theFRANCHISE]

I like how, even when I get beat on the deep ball, the secondary will still finish the play and try to get the guy down. I've actually had Foxworth miss a tackle, then get up and continue chasing the guy down and JUST STOP HIM right before the end zone. It was cutting it close, but I like the hustle there. Much better than the opposing receiver just straight up getting an automatic TD.

[Ozzsome]

i am pretty excited for that game, cant wait to get it

[PuRock]

It definitely has a different feel from last year. It does seem to slow down a bit. And speaking of slow, Flacco is running with bricks on his ankles.

Last year I was fine with the deep passing attack, but I struggled with the running game. So far the running game seems to open up better. There are better gaps to wait for this year over last.

One other thing I hate is the Steelers love. I really didn't feel like watching the intro of Troy P. And on the back cover of the game. It shows McGahee getting gang tackled. Then it shows the Steelers holding up the superbowl. What gives?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' date='14 August 2009 - 05:15 PM' timestamp='1250284540' post='219605']
One other thing I hate is the Steelers love. I really didn't feel like watching the intro of Troy P. And on the back cover of the game. It shows McGahee getting gang tackled. Then it shows the Steelers holding up the superbowl. What gives?
[/quote]
That pisses me off to no end. It's like rubbing it in our faces that the Steelers won the Super Bowl. Why can't they give us the option of setting our favorite teams again so we can have different menu backgrounds than Troy Polamalu celebrating????

But, I figure by the end of my first season in Franchise mode, I'll have my revenge one way or another.

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='14 August 2009 - 05:29 PM' timestamp='1250285386' post='219610']
That pisses me off to no end. It's like rubbing it in our faces that the Steelers won the Super Bowl. Why can't they give us the option of setting our favorite teams again so we can have different menu backgrounds than Troy Polamalu celebrating????

But, I figure by the end of my first season in Franchise mode, I'll have my revenge one way or another.
[/quote]

Maybe the Madden curse will hold true for the whole Steelers Organization. One can only wish.

First kickoff return with Figurs, and he runs it back for a touchdown. That would be nice to see in a real life game.

[Ravens52]

Another thing, there ARE NO Madden Moments favoring us. It's us vs. Titans and Steelers.

[J-man]

IT IS AWESOME!

I havent tried franchise mode yet because I'm going to wait for them to update the roster for Vick and the first cuts

[Ravens52]

[quote name='J-man' date='14 August 2009 - 05:52 PM' timestamp='1250286752' post='219618']
IT IS AWESOME!

I havent tried franchise mode yet because I'm going to wait for them to update the roster for Vick and the first cuts
[/quote]


Yeahhh same thats what I'm doing

[J-man]

[quote name='Ravens52' date='14 August 2009 - 05:36 PM' timestamp='1250285783' post='219613']
Another thing, there ARE NO Madden Moments favoring us. It's us vs. Titans and Steelers.
[/quote]

and there are a lot favoring the Steelers.

Does EA like the Steelers, too? I am the only person who does not like the Steelers?

[J-man]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='14 August 2009 - 05:29 PM' timestamp='1250285386' post='219610']
Why can't they give us the option of setting our favorite teams again so we can have different menu backgrounds than Troy Polamalu celebrating????

[/quote]

THAT'S WHAT I SAID. After that demo I was like, "There HAS to be a favorite team option so I dont have to see Steelers everywhere."

I was wrong. It's Steelers everywhere. At least there is Fitzgerald, who I respect, to balance it out sometime.

[theFRANCHISE]

On another presentation note, I'm VERY happy with the soundtrack. A nice balance of old and new music across all genres. Beastie Boys "Sabotage" was a NICE rap/rock touch that I didn't see coming, and I LOVE Helmet's "Unsung."

[Bullitt_711]

Man you guys like it that much huh? WHat about a 1-10 rating?

I was gonna pass and wait for 2011 to work the kinks out and by that time we'd have our stud WR on the roster, and they'd give our Ravens more respect after we have another strong year. In this game and in real life EVERYONE is underestimating our running game IMO it is going to be top 3 for sure and a shot at #1. Im sure ATL, TEN, and MIN have something to say about that, but...

[theFRANCHISE]

I'll break it down:

Presentation: 9/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Replay Value: 9/10
Realism/Authenticity: 8/10
Overall (average): 85/100 = B

Very good game. This is hands-down the most realistic Madden game ever. A 10/10 is damn-near impossible (that'd mean it mirrors the real-life product PERFECTLY), so 8/10 would more than suffice. Gameplay is improved from previous incarnations and feels new enough that you notice changes, but is still familiar for those who've played Madden in recent years. Everything has improved all across the board, with the only drawback being that the game still has so much untapped potential. The NFL Network-style halftime and weekly recap show obviously still needs work, but it's headed in the right direction for a first-year concept. The commentary by Tom Hammond is pretty atrocious (he's as monotone as he was last game, and still mis-pronounces names), but Chris Collinsworth sounds as natural as he does doing a real broadcast -- whether you love him or hate him, you have to appreciate the voice-acting effort on Collinsworth's part.

The presentation, as I've alluded to time-and-again, is as close to a television broadcast as any sports game has gotten. The attention-to-detail, from equipment (hand-warmers, wristbands, team-colored shoes, mix-and-match uniforms, visors, fading eye-black, etc.) to movement (true-to-life throwing motions for each starting QB and even some backups, switching hands when running with the ball, heads tracking the ball, etc.), is downright amazing. EA Sports really stepped up their game from this year.

Franchise Mode has taken another step forward by becoming more intuitive to navigate and mimicking that of its NFL Head Coach 09 counterpart. There's still a lot missing (no Owner Mode, agent negotiations, etc.), but the little things from player interests (some players won't sign with you because they're just not interested, no matter your offer) to improved scouting reports somewhat make up for it. Make no mistake, the mode is still a lot of fun to play, but if you expected it to improve by leaps-and-bounds, you'll be disappointed.

Regardless of its shortcomings, there are so many more improvements, you can't help but fall in love with the game once you've spent a good couple hours with it. If you're already anti-Madden, the game will do nothing to change your mind. But if you were on the fence, this game will bring you back into the fold.

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='14 August 2009 - 10:48 PM' timestamp='1250304528' post='219697']
Everything has improved all across the board, with the only drawback being that the game still has so much untapped potential.

Chris Collinsworth sounds as natural as he does doing a real broadcast -- whether you love him or hate him, you have to appreciate the voice-acting effort on Collinsworth's part.
[/quote]

The game has come a long way. But it still has a lot of untapped potential as you state.

2 things to note. Chris Collinsworth is already getting on my nerves. And they need to stop showing the same clips of the QB on the phone. And the shirtless guys in the stands.

But you can actually see the resemblance of characters. I thought they were showing Harbaugh and I was thinking "that doesn't look like Harbaugh, it looks like Norv Turner". It was Norv Turner. And Brady Quinn has the steroid chin going and everything.

I give it a 7.

[BloodRaven]

I might quit work for a few months if its any good