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JBHuskers
07-30-2012, 02:28 PM
This thread will be opened once the embargo is lifted.

JBHuskers
08-24-2012, 09:55 AM
Opening up this thread for those who get the download from Season Ticket tonight.

I'm going to buy Season Ticket tonight, so if you want to get a game in, just let me know.

Rudy
08-24-2012, 10:48 AM
I've got the game pre-ordered. I'm not plunking down $25 for season ticket. I'll just wait, read impressions, play the demo and then pick it up on Tuesday. Wednesday may be an obvious sick day and I'm kind of busy at work (although taking this afternoon off for office golf tourney while working from home this morning) so I'm not sure if I will do a Madden holiday or not.

skipwondah33
08-24-2012, 11:10 AM
Opening up this thread for those who get the download from Season Ticket tonight.

I'm going to buy Season Ticket tonight, so if you want to get a game in, just let me know.I'll definitely hit you up JB

JBHuskers
08-24-2012, 11:17 AM
I'll definitely hit you up JB

:up:

Should be home all night. We can rock some Bears/Steelers.

CLW
08-24-2012, 11:41 AM
I'm down for some games as well fellas.

skipwondah33
08-24-2012, 02:46 PM
:up:

Should be home all night. We can rock some Bears/Steelers.

Sounds good

JBHuskers
08-24-2012, 02:47 PM
I'm doing two videos for EA, top 5 goaline plays and top 5 3rd and 10 plays....I'll have to practice the goaline ones on you guys all night ;)

gschwendt
08-24-2012, 02:47 PM
cdj & I played an online game last night, Panthers at Jets. I'll be posting that full-game video tonight at 5pm CT.

CLW
08-24-2012, 03:29 PM
If ANY of you want some of me and my boy Tebow just bring it!

JBHuskers
08-24-2012, 03:41 PM
I had recorded a game with CDJ in a battle of the last two #1 picks (Luck & Newton) but damn thing failed in the middle of uploading.

JBHuskers
08-24-2012, 04:06 PM
You can view the page at http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/content.php?622-Madden-NFL-13-Share-Your-Thoughts-Impressions

WolverineJay
08-24-2012, 04:55 PM
Just curious about 3 things:
1) The tackling/break tackling within the Infinity Engine. Does it look realistic now or still same as demo?

2) The playcalling logic of the CPU at end of the game while trailing by 7 or less was atrocious in the demo. So is the CPU still calling HB draws, HB dives, HB screens, and dumping it off underneath with no concern for the time left in a close game that their losing?

3) The CPU team's draft pick logic and trades within the draft. I still don't know if it is possible to trade down instead of making your selection since all the draft videos have shown unrealistic things any impressions on those areas will be appreciated.

gschwendt
08-24-2012, 05:01 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO6aPZ9Xm00
Madden NFL 13 Full Game
Carolina Panthers at New York Jets
cdj vs gschwendt

gschwendt
08-24-2012, 05:03 PM
I've only played 1.25 games (we just got it yesterday) so I can't give a very solid opinion, but to me the most entertaining aspect of the game is laughing at all of the awful physics post-play. In fact, there's one segment of that video where one player was trying to perform a figure four leg lock on an opponent. I'm glad NCAA didn't get the physics this year.

JeffHCross
08-24-2012, 05:09 PM
laughing at all of the awful physics post-play.Yeah, that's the first thing my co-worker mentioned to me after playing the demo. Somehow I hadn't noticed :D

jaymo76
08-24-2012, 05:17 PM
I've only played 1.25 games (we just got it yesterday) so I can't give a very solid opinion, but to me the most entertaining aspect of the game is laughing at all of the awful physics post-play. In fact, there's one segment of that video where one player was trying to perform a figure four leg lock on an opponent. I'm glad NCAA didn't get the physics this year.

I love seeing how some of the arms are bent back like a pretzel. It really is good entertainment.

JBHuskers
08-24-2012, 06:05 PM
Just saw on Josh Looman's Facebook page that IGN gave Madden a 90.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

jaymo76
08-24-2012, 06:17 PM
Just saw on Josh Looman's Facebook page that IGN gave Madden a 90.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

I don't get it. Pastapadre is a pretty big madden homer but even he admitted the game has a lot of short comings. The game is going in the right direction but at the end of the day it still plays/looks/feels like madden. It's refreshing but not revolutionary.

CLW
08-24-2012, 06:17 PM
Just saw on Josh Looman's Facebook page that IGN gave Madden a 90.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

Well that means I'll prob rate it a 45.

I OU a Beatn
08-24-2012, 08:19 PM
First impression: good luck defending a user online who knows what they're doing with New England. That offense is straight up nasty. Horrible defense, though. Sounds like the perfect team for me!

JBHuskers
08-24-2012, 08:21 PM
Whoever gets it installed, shoot me a psn message. Gonna be on the disc version for a bit.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

cdj
08-24-2012, 08:30 PM
3rd Quarter of Action between the Colts (CPU) and Oakland (cdj) on All-Pro. (The third quarter had the most action.)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnVPcEzm7NM

cdj
08-24-2012, 08:32 PM
Opening Video of Madden NFL 13:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXa2cbUeLK4

Rudy
08-24-2012, 08:56 PM
Yeah, that's the first thing my co-worker mentioned to me after playing the demo. Somehow I hadn't noticed :D

I was too busy being pissed off at the horrible replay system than noticing the defensive players all falling over each other. Pastapadre has a lot of nice things to say about Madden but late game cpu AI, the ease of the cpu on default All-American and the replay system were on the negative side. He does like the Infinity engine a lot. I still see it as a subtle improvement. Guys falling over each other post play doesn't bother me.

EDJ
08-24-2012, 09:39 PM
My impression...still downloading.

:fdown:

CLW
08-24-2012, 10:33 PM
My impression...still downloading.

:fdown:

Ditto. :smh:

JeffHCross
08-24-2012, 10:58 PM
Pastapadre has a lot of nice things to say about MaddenI haven't looked in the comments, but, after reading his articles, I imagine that some of the more frequent haters there are accusing him or being bought and paid for.

SmoothPancakes
08-24-2012, 11:05 PM
I haven't looked in the comments, but, after reading his articles, I imagine that some of the more frequent haters there are accusing him or being bought and paid for.

That's pretty much a given. Any article even slightly-pro EA, the comments are full of all the idiots accusing him of being bought and paid off for good words. He could have 10 negative articles attacking EA, but that one pro-EA article, and suddenly he's being bought by EA. :fp:

I OU a Beatn
08-25-2012, 02:18 AM
Put up over 500 yards of offense in my first online game after maybe an hour in practice mode. Aside from throwing 3 absolutely stupid as hell picks(stupid on my part, not the game) I had my way with my opponent. I kind of felt bad for him. If he blitzed, I'd just hit drags or flares. If he gave me time, I ate him alive with corners and crossing patterns.

The pass rush still just isn't there. The defense is definitely improved, but it can't hold up forever. I'm sure it'll get better the more people play the game, but early on it's going to be all offense.

skipwondah33
08-25-2012, 02:28 AM
I'll give a more in-depth impression I guess tomorrow. A little sleepy now.

The collisions after the play are hilarious at times when I pay attention to them.

Other than that I could careless what happens after the play as I dont watch them.

And despite love what the Physics does in the game. Can only get better which is promising but I can definitely tell the implementation of it very much.

Love how the WR's catch the ball in stride all in one motion continuing to run.

Will get plenty more games in tomorrow

skipwondah33
08-25-2012, 02:29 AM
Put up over 500 yards of offense in my first online game after maybe an hour in practice mode. Aside from throwing 3 absolutely stupid as hell picks(stupid on my part, not the game) I had my way with my opponent. I kind of felt bad for him. If he blitzed, I'd just hit drags or flares. If he gave me time, I ate him alive with corners and crossing patterns.

The pass rush still just isn't there. The defense is definitely improved, but it can't hold up forever. I'm sure it'll get better the more people play the game, but early on it's going to be all offense.

Get off All-Pro lol

I OU a Beatn
08-25-2012, 02:33 AM
It wont help. I was sitting in All Madden while practicing and I was picking apart the CPU just like I did my opponent on All Pro. The pass rush just isn't there. I'm pretty confident I could run drags and flares all game long and score every possession. I still like it way better than '12, but I can already tell I'm going to be pulling my hair out playing against some of the guys I just know I'm going to encounter. If I can put up 500 yards of offense with so little practice time, I'd hate to think what people will be able to do after a few weeks with the game.

Of course, we will have to wait to see if the patch addresses anything worthwhile. Even if it doesn't, I can actually see myself playing this for more than a month, which would be a first for any NCAA/Madden game this generation.

CLW
08-25-2012, 09:44 AM
Meh maybe its just b/c I'm more of a college guy but after playing around with it this morning I'm probably just going to pass.

steelerfan
08-25-2012, 10:55 AM
So they still haven't allowed for separate sliders for HUM and CPU Special Teams. :fp:

Also, Maurkice Pouncey has been to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 2 NFL seasons. He was the first rookie Center to do so since the 1950s and he is rated as the 13th best Center in the league. :fp:

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

Rudy
08-25-2012, 11:38 AM
I just don't understand the lack of special team slider love. It's not hard to split them out into user vs. cpu. Still would like to see special teams sliders for return blocking and blocked kicks.

The ratings on some of these players aren't that good. I think that job is too big for just one guy and Donny Moore doesn't seem to use any advanced statistics to help.

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 12:47 PM
Just let me say first that MY COMMENTS ARE 100% OFFLINE USER based. Keeping that in mind I have been sceptical of this game since I heard of all the features being removed. Going into the demo and then season pass I was on record as saying I would NOT be buying. After playing extensively last night.... at this point I will not be buying. CCM has some fun factor to it but outside of the tweets/stories and draft coverage the mode is identical to past madden titles this gen.

Pros:
*stadium noise is excellent (when it wants to be). Set crowd to 100 and put on your speakers after a TD... nice!
*great selection of uniforms available for all teams
*practising available in CCM (franchise)
*the stadium detail is spectacular
*making a coach is great to see in Madden... finally! (but game face didn't work for me)
*coach goals are a nice touch (though I would prefer real contracts)


Cons:
*practising for XP has become tedious. After preseason I am now setting it to be done automatically
*the interface could be a lot clearer and cleaner IMO. It's tough to find stuff quickly
*THERE IS NO IMMERSION DURING GAMES, only in the hub do you get immersion
*cpu offense is attrocious (in 4 exhibition games I didn't give up a TD!)
*visuals have taken a step back this year/ player models look awkward especially in night games
*though improved, the presentation is already bland... by game three it is total repetition, espeically if it's an NFC/AFC matchup
*assisted tackels are still not being recorded
*NO CHANGING THE CPU UNIFORMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF???
*NO PLAYING OTHER GAMES ON THE SCHEDULE / NO WATCHING CPU GAMES
*NO EDITING OF ANY KIND.... this really sucks with F/A's and their numbers.... eg. I don't want my TE wearing #47
*NO CUSTOM PLAYBOOKS!!!


Differences from the demo:
* visuals in the game are not as crisp and clear as from the NY/SF demo game
* put me in the camp that believes physics have been tuned down way too far!!!!
* pass rushh seems to be non-existent in retail where I found it was fair in the demo
*seems like there are less stat overlays now. I will continue to check this out to be sure though


Other:
*to me the XP upgrades just seem kind of silly
*not enough recruiting points... this will make the draft pointless after round 3 or so
*at this point trading seems almost too difficult
*trade block??? Where is it? You put players on the block but don't see it anywhere?
*have defensive matchups been removed? If so, why?

Obviously I have not made it to the draft yet but I am looking forward to seeing that based on the videos people have posted. Overall, I really want to like CCM but I am really finding the omissions are killing what I like to do. If I could get a guarantee that EA would patch player editing in then I would buy this game regardless of the issues. However, editing and things like not switching cpu uniforms is a deal breaker for me. I will most likely stick with 12. Infinity is a good start but it doesn't justify a new purchase IMO. I praise Tburon for the effort but it's just not there yet. 7/10

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 12:54 PM
Oh another thing... the depth chartds are totally screwed up in the preseason. There are a ton of players out of position. Since there is no playrd editng with regards to positions, this screws things up even more. With regards to schemes.... clear as mud.

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 01:00 PM
Here's aother one... why is there no transaction screen? Unless it's tweated you have no information on what has happened to players in the league.

souljahbill
08-25-2012, 01:10 PM
Cutting it on for the first time. Ray Lewis may be the greatest inspirational speaker of all time.

steelerfan
08-25-2012, 01:34 PM
Cutting it on for the first time. Ray Lewis may be the greatest inspirational speaker of all time.

Too bad that mouth hasn't produced results since 2001. ;)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

JeffHCross
08-25-2012, 01:35 PM
*trade block??? Where is it? You put players on the block but don't see it anywhere?Since they incorporated a lot of Head Coach 09 features, I'll take a stab (haven't played the game) at this one. In HC 09, there was no physical trade block or menu to see. Players just went on and off the block. Now, I think there was a "trade for" menu somewhere, or at least when viewing other teams rosters you could see who the CPU had put on the block.

It took me a few years to figure out that after you put a player on the Trade Block, then (I think only in-season, which is why I didn't figure this out for a while) you could see who was offering what out there.


Oh another thing... the depth chartds are totally screwed up in the preseason. There are a ton of players out of position.Is this true at the beginning of the game, or could this just be a factor of the CPU auto-subbing players in between quarters. I think 2nd string is 2nd quarter, 3rd is 3rd, etc.

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 02:01 PM
Since they incorporated a lot of Head Coach 09 features, I'll take a stab (haven't played the game) at this one. In HC 09, there was no physical trade block or menu to see. Players just went on and off the block. Now, I think there was a "trade for" menu somewhere, or at least when viewing other teams rosters you could see who the CPU had put on the block.

It took me a few years to figure out that after you put a player on the Trade Block, then (I think only in-season, which is why I didn't figure this out for a while) you could see who was offering what out there.

Is this true at the beginning of the game, or could this just be a factor of the CPU auto-subbing players in between quarters. I think 2nd string is 2nd quarter, 3rd is 3rd, etc.

No this was outside of game mode when I was looking at the depth charts in my CCM. As for trade blocks I will have to check out what you said.

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 02:04 PM
Schemes... I'm not sure but I am starting to think this is broken. Each week i change my scheme with regards to my players and each week I have to change them all again because they reset. I get that it takes time to change a scheme but your selections should not rest each week. Some people at OS have simmed and are saying that 2 years into the future their schemes still have not changed. I find this very convoluded. Let me pick a scheme and change it... done.

JeffHCross
08-25-2012, 02:26 PM
Jaymo, for the un-Madden-educated among us, what are the schemes you're referring to? I would think I would know, but since you said you're setting it on every player ...

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 04:48 PM
Jaymo, for the un-Madden-educated among us, what are the schemes you're referring to? I would think I would know, but since you said you're setting it on every player ...

Your scheme is what your base offense/defense excels at. So I run a 4-3 with my Raiders and a West Coast for my offense. However, within that you have to choose a focus area for each of your key players (eg. WR #1 (speed, possession, red zone, etc.). By changing each of the personel with time it changes your defense. So while I want a balanced 4-3 currently the game says because of my personel I have a "spread D" (a term I am not familiar with on D).

Im sorry I have not explained it well at all. Let's just say though that if you want your players to act a certain way (eg LE is a speed rusher) you set your LE scheme to LE speed rusher and then you have to go out and get personel to fit that description. Each position can be set to act a certain way and those changes in theory are supposed to change your scheme. It's very confusing in the game as well.

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 05:00 PM
I played game 1 of the campaign. My first drive Simms tells me about the Raiders new coach finally getting his shot after being coordinator at Denver. Great story... BUT... I created myself as coach. Observation two... why can you not adjust sliders DURING the game??? I just don't get it on that one. Observation three... zone defense is pretty weak... not as bad as NCAA but close. Strong QB's will pick your D apart. I would recommend running with man. However, don't press as the cpu goes deep with deadly accuracy. Observation three... ball hawk feature works very well. It's a great feature IMO.

With regards to XP and progression, I have changed my mind. I actually kind of like it now. It's challenging trying to figure out what to improve and in what order. I am no longer practising though. I sim practise to get the XP. It takes far too long to run the practises and my season pass expires in a few days.

As for scouting... I will be owned at the draft. Please EA... patch in more scouting points. I would recommend another 2000 points each week.

Lastly, I have noticed there is still a lot of mirror route running from DB's on slant patterns. A DB running in front of a reciever is inexcusable and really hampers both NCAA and to a lesser extent Madden. Alright back to the kids and then Madden tonight.

JeffHCross
08-25-2012, 05:19 PM
Im sorry I have not explained it well at all. Let's just say though that if you want your players to act a certain way (eg LE is a speed rusher) you set your LE scheme to LE speed rusher and then you have to go out and get personel to fit that description. Each position can be set to act a certain way and those changes in theory are supposed to change your scheme. It's very confusing in the game as well.Interesting. Head Coach 09 had a similar concept, but it only affected how the player's OVR was calculated. At least, as far as I knew, that was all it determined.

It shouldn't reset, either way. Probably a bug.

Rudy
08-25-2012, 05:24 PM
why can you not adjust sliders DURING the game??? I just don't get it on that one.

As for scouting... I will be owned at the draft. Please EA... patch in more scouting points. I would recommend another 2000 points each week.



What the heck? You can't adjust sliders during a game? Is this CCM only? Either way that's retarded.

I was very annoyed at the lack of scouting points in last year's Madden. I heard there was more this year but they need to add an option similar to NCAA's recruiting difficulty. If I want twice as many points give them to me! I think it's lousy that we don't get standard test scores from the combine. I should know every 40 time, 225 press, etc. without spending a single freaking point.



Interesting. Head Coach 09 had a similar concept, but it only affected how the player's OVR was calculated. At least, as far as I knew, that was all it determined.

It shouldn't reset, either way. Probably a bug.

I think I saw this on OS or twitter. Others have complained about it and it's a bug.

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 05:28 PM
What the heck? You can't adjust sliders during a game? Is this CCM only? Either way that's retarded.

I was very annoyed at the lack of scouting points in last year's Madden. I heard there was more this year but they need to add an option similar to NCAA's recruiting difficulty. If I want twice as many points give them to me! I think it's lousy that we don't get standard test scores from the combine. I should know every 40 time, 225 press, etc. without spending a single freaking point.




I think I saw this on OS or twitter. Others have complained about it and it's a bug.

Yeah Rudy, in CCM you CANNOT adjust sliders. All slider changes must be done outside of the actual game. It's really frustrating because I had Rivers carvving me up because he would avg 7-9 seconds to throw. I could not adjust my pass rush until the game ended and then I went back into the CCM hub. Bizarre!

Rudy
08-25-2012, 05:35 PM
I've read some impressions on OS and most people think the cpu offense is pretty crappy on All-Pro. Sounds like All-Pro is dumbed down this year like NCAA 13. I agree with many (based on the demo) that All-Pro can be very fun and balanced on offense but the cpu can be too dumb and ineffective. I know for the demo I've got by pass and run reactions at 0 and cpu run block at 100 to help them out.

I've also read guys say the cpu doesn't hit the big play. I've seen it in the demo so I don't think I agree with that. Too many football gamers think they should be able to run Cover 2 Man all game long and stuff the running game. Then they complain the cpu can't pass or hit deep plays. Well with two safeties back you aren't going to hit a lot of plays but you should be giving up some rushing yards. The average NFL back averages 4 yards a carry but that's including short yardage and defenses that also come up to try and stop the ground game. My opinion is that your difficulty setting and/or slider settings should allow the cpu RB to gain 5+ yards a pop between the 20s if you play a vanilla safe defense like Cover 2 Man. That will force the user to run blitz a little more and crowd the line which will also loosen up the cpu passing game. Same goes for the pass rush. People want a great pass rush without blitzing but the cpu QB is at his worst when he's under pressure. Want to help the cpu passing game? Boost the pass blocking and you will see a big improvement.

I still think a slider for cpu QB awareness would really help fix some things on the lower difficulty levels. I don't like going to the highest difficulty just to help the cpu offense because my skills aren't good enough. Hopefully I'll be able to tune All-Pro to my liking.

Rudy
08-25-2012, 05:36 PM
Yeah Rudy, in CCM you CANNOT adjust sliders. All slider changes must be done outside of the actual game. It's really frustrating because I had Rivers carvving me up because he would avg 7-9 seconds to throw. I could not adjust my pass rush until the game ended and then I went back into the CCM hub. Bizarre!

This kind of crap along with no separate special teams sliders just makes no sense. Are slider lovers in such a small minority that we can be ignored and screwed over like this? I rarely adjust sliders in game so it's not a huge deal but I don't get it. They need to improve their in game menu to include this along with formations subs like NCAA.

steelerfan
08-25-2012, 05:46 PM
I downloaded the early release last night. I played a little this morning. I got back on to play this afternoon and now it says my Season Ticket has expired. :(

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 05:56 PM
I downloaded the early release last night. I played a little this morning. I got back on to play this afternoon and now it says my Season Ticket has expired. :(

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

Ugh... that sucks! You should have it until the game expires since you d/l it before your pass expired.

Speaking of awful... I have not seen it but it is being reported that if you trade for a player you may get duplicate numbers on your team if someone on your team has the same number as the person traded for. Apparently longterm cpu progression is also off for cpu controlled teams.

jaymo76
08-25-2012, 06:00 PM
I've read some impressions on OS and most people think the cpu offense is pretty crappy on All-Pro. Sounds like All-Pro is dumbed down this year like NCAA 13. I agree with many (based on the demo) that All-Pro can be very fun and balanced on offense but the cpu can be too dumb and ineffective. I know for the demo I've got by pass and run reactions at 0 and cpu run block at 100 to help them out.

I've also read guys say the cpu doesn't hit the big play. I've seen it in the demo so I don't think I agree with that. Too many football gamers think they should be able to run Cover 2 Man all game long and stuff the running game. Then they complain the cpu can't pass or hit deep plays. Well with two safeties back you aren't going to hit a lot of plays but you should be giving up some rushing yards. The average NFL back averages 4 yards a carry but that's including short yardage and defenses that also come up to try and stop the ground game. My opinion is that your difficulty setting and/or slider settings should allow the cpu RB to gain 5+ yards a pop between the 20s if you play a vanilla safe defense like Cover 2 Man. That will force the user to run blitz a little more and crowd the line which will also loosen up the cpu passing game. Same goes for the pass rush. People want a great pass rush without blitzing but the cpu QB is at his worst when he's under pressure. Want to help the cpu passing game? Boost the pass blocking and you will see a big improvement.

I still think a slider for cpu QB awareness would really help fix some things on the lower difficulty levels. I don't like going to the highest difficulty just to help the cpu offense because my skills aren't good enough. Hopefully I'll be able to tune All-Pro to my liking.

In my experience the cpu pass game is pretty strong but the rushing is non-existent on all pro. I held Mathews to 19 carriers for 14 yards when I played SD (USING THE BASE SLIDER SET FOR ALL PRO). There needs to be significant tuning updates for the cpu run game as well as hum pass rush. On the bright side though, the injury slider is absolutely awesome this year. I have it at 75 and the results have been wonderful. I have seen more injuries in one game than all five seasons of NCAA 13 I have played.

Rudy
08-25-2012, 06:06 PM
I haven't played around with the injury slider in the demo. I did read Pasta say there weren't many on default. I'll have to take your advice and use 75.

Honestly Jaymo, boost the cpu run block to 100, up the broken tackles to 75 and drop your run reaction to 0 as well. That helped a lot in the demo for All-Pro.

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 02:41 AM
I haven't played around with the injury slider in the demo. I did read Pasta say there weren't many on default. I'll have to take your advice and use 75.

Honestly Jaymo, boost the cpu run block to 100, up the broken tackles to 75 and drop your run reaction to 0 as well. That helped a lot in the demo for All-Pro.

Sorry Rudy, I meant to say 70 for injuries. I also have global fatigue at 70 to get the players more run down. I prefer to see a lot of injuries as it feels more realistic. I will have to try out your suggestion for cpu running as right now the cpu is awful.

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 03:20 AM
Alright... I got in two additional CCM games tonight

Oakland 9 Miami 16
* I was kept to under 200 yards all game. It was 9-9 into the last two minutes of the game.
* I counted 18 of my players as being on cold streaks before this game started. That made no sense

Pittsburgh 14 Oakland 49
* I could not do anything wrong... why such a contrast from the week before???
* Roethlisberger threw 5 pics and 352 yards passing

I am now 2-1 in the regular season and I went 4-0 in the preseason. So after seven games here are some more thoughts.

1. Why does EA include CHALLENGE THE PLAY? It doesn't work because there seem to be no physics with regards to field boundaries.
2. Weight, height, and momentum do not exist in this game. Cutting on a dime is still a regular occurance.
3. Please get rid of the WR slipping on slant routes in the rain!!! The DB's never slip.
4. the more I play the more apparent it has become that zone D in this game is sub par to where it should be.
5. OL/DL line interaction proves to be very frustrating at times, though it is better than NCAA 13.
6. Way to many players are signing contract extensions each week (according to the tweets since you can't find out any other way)


This next point will sound really screwed up but I don't find CCM as immersive as they made it out to be. In many ways I find that Madden 10's immersion with the Extra Point and the easy to use interface provided a lot more immersion. The Tweets and news stories don't let you expand on them and there is no way of finding out what transactions have occured throughout the league unless it's mentioned in a tweet. You also have no real sense of how the league is going and how teams are performing.

To be fair, scouting is improved even if you don't get enough points and the XP progression thing has actually turned out to be fun in small doses. I love that you can create yourself as a coach too. Progressive lighting looks really good in this game even if the player models have taken a step back.

CLW
08-26-2012, 11:35 AM
I've played a ton of games today against the CPU and HUM opponents and this game is just utter trash. Playing defense is an absolute BORE and you can run the same shit over and over and over again and there is just no stop for it.

Honestly, I wouldn't play this game if EA paid me to do it its that bad and that big of a waste of time. I'll stick with NCAA.

Rudy
08-26-2012, 11:55 AM
I've played a ton of games today against the CPU and HUM opponents and this game is just utter trash. Playing defense is an absolute BORE and you can run the same shit over and over and over again and there is just no stop for it.

Honestly, I wouldn't play this game if EA paid me to do it its that bad and that big of a waste of time. I'll stick with NCAA.

So you're saying there is a chance you like it?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5jNnDMfxA

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 12:26 PM
Well, I clearly wasted ... well, not money ... on Season Ticket, but time. Bought it Friday, didn't have a chance to play it until now, and Jaymo's impressions, among others, would have already convinced me not to get it. Could've at least gotten a couple extra days or weeks out of Season Ticket (because I know I'll be getting it for NHL).

Oh well. Grand scheme, not much.

So far I only have a few things:

The menu structure within CCM is ... well, not intuitive in the least. I've never used the R-Stick to navigate except in 2k games (and I hated it in 2k games).
The Checklist is very nice as a central location. I really liked the "Clipboard" in Head Coach 09, though it was more fluid and wouldn't work quite as well in Madden/NCAA.
Advancing week by week has killed my ability to "do something quick" like I was hoping to. I was hoping to go straight to the postsseason/offseason and do some stuff in there, just to see how I like it.
One of the upsides to Head Coach 09 was that you could delegate anything you wanted to. Don't feel like Scouting? Delegate it. Don't feel like playing your games? Delegate it. And you could even choose not to even be prompted for those things, beyond simply delegating it. Madden and NCAA don't have that. I hoped Madden would with the college scouting, but it's obvious they don't. There's some stuff you can choose to have the CPU do for you at the opening menu, but you're still prompted.


One of my reasons for checking out Madden is that, every year, I think it might replace my interest in Head Coach 09. Nope. I'd already cancelled my pre-order (not going to have any time to play it anyway), but if something blew me away I was willing to re-consider. Nope.

Rudy
08-26-2012, 12:56 PM
So you can't set scouting to auto if you want? That kind of sucks. I plan on doing it all but after realizing that scouting sucked and was largely useless last year I quit doing it after my second year with Miami.

Madden's menus were bad last year. I was hoping it would be better but it sounds like they are still weak. I know Pastapadre wrote that he EA didn't even display the countdown for his draft and ended up having his pick being done automatically by the cpu. Even in the demo the play call screen doesn't always show the down, distance and clock. That is a bad design decision but the worst decision was to go with the NCAA style replays. Awful imo.

Madden made a really strong push towards TV style presentation last year and I really enjoyed the instant replays and the cut scenes. M13 takes a big step down in this area for me. The infinity engine has not been a big deal. It's nice but I thought Madden 12's tackling engine was pretty good and I still consider it better than what NCAA 13 has. Part of me has actually thought of buying Madden 12 instead of buying Madden 13. But the commentary is better and the passing game is WAY better than Madden 12 for me. I don't think I can go back to some of the frustrations of M12's passing game. I'm hoping the draft and free agency are a lot better too.

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 01:05 PM
So you can't set scouting to auto if you want?Far as I can tell, no.

I was hoping it would be better but it sounds like they are still weak.They may be better, I'm just more used to NCAA. I haven't played Madden since '10, and while '10 was pretty intuitive (and shared a lot of similarities with NCAA), '13 isn't, IMO.

I know Pastapadre wrote that he EA didn't even display the countdown for his draft and ended up having his pick being done automatically by the cpu.That's a half-truth, I think. The countdown is displayed on the primary screen, but once you go inside one of the menus (like "Trade Up" or "Draft Player"), I think it's not obviously seen from in there.

The infinity engine has not been a big deal. It's nice but I thought Madden 12's tackling engine was pretty goodI've played very little on the field, but there's nothing I'm seeing, so far, that makes me say "obviously that wouldn't have happened last year". Or in NCAA.

I'm hoping the draft and free agency are a lot better too.Free Agency is meh. Personally I would have liked '12's system, with it's auction-style. That's something I really enjoyed in HC09. The draft has nice presentation, though it's not clear when the bottom ticker is showing you real news versus in-game news (FWIW, that's a problem across all of CCM, IMO).

I OU a Beatn
08-26-2012, 01:05 PM
I can't believe some of the tactics these douche bags will resort to. Just got IP flooded and booted while up 24-7 in the 2nd. Unbelievable.

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 01:19 PM
Okay, just saw something that probably wouldn't happen in '12 or NCAA. Had a ball bounce off my receiver's chest, and another receiver managed to snag it before it hit the ground. 4th and 1, too!

Also, the default Pro is laughably easy. Just took at QB with 59 Deep Accuracy and was throwing spot on Corner routes.

The #1 projected player in the draft fell to the Jets at #7. There were some very questionable draft choices made by the teams in front of us, including the Rams taking a QB.

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 01:23 PM
I can't believe some of the tactics these douche bags will resort to. Just got IP flooded and booted while up 24-7 in the 2nd. Unbelievable.The fact that I can easily find tons of discussions on IP flooding for NCAA or Madden is enough to make me never play Random Online ever again. Really? DDoS to win a [censored] video game? Get over yourselves.

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 01:43 PM
In the 2013 pre-season, Nantz and Simms are still reflecting on the 2011 Jets. Oops.

Also, the "Gridiron Club" wants to reward me for playing Madden 10. Apparently the game does not notice I have? Hoping that's just something of a quirk with the Early Release factor (since things like UMT aren't available) and not evidence that it fails to go back and look at past played titles. Or it could be because I no longer have the Game Data stored on my PS3 (that may be the most likely) ... which would disappoint anyone that had to change consoles.

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 01:48 PM
Okay, just saw something that probably wouldn't happen in '12 or NCAA. Had a ball bounce off my receiver's chest, and another receiver managed to snag it before it hit the ground. 4th and 1, too!

Also, the default Pro is laughably easy. Just took at QB with 59 Deep Accuracy and was throwing spot on Corner routes.

The #1 projected player in the draft fell to the Jets at #7. There were some very questionable draft choices made by the teams in front of us, including the Rams taking a QB.

I have seen this quite a few times now. It looks really good... at first but it gets more frustrating with time.

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 01:51 PM
I forgot to mention this in my earlier posts... the cpu runs the ball too much. Normally I wold be happy to see the cpu run but unless they are losing they don't pass enough, even though Simms goes on and on about how it's a passing league. As I mentioned when I played Miami Garrard through the ball 8 times... Slaton had 43 carries!!!

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 01:58 PM
So you can't set scouting to auto if you want? That kind of sucks. I plan on doing it all but after realizing that scouting sucked and was largely useless last year I quit doing it after my second year with Miami.

Madden's menus were bad last year. I was hoping it would be better but it sounds like they are still weak. I know Pastapadre wrote that he EA didn't even display the countdown for his draft and ended up having his pick being done automatically by the cpu. Even in the demo the play call screen doesn't always show the down, distance and clock. That is a bad design decision but the worst decision was to go with the NCAA style replays. Awful imo.

Madden made a really strong push towards TV style presentation last year and I really enjoyed the instant replays and the cut scenes. M13 takes a big step down in this area for me. The infinity engine has not been a big deal. It's nice but I thought Madden 12's tackling engine was pretty good and I still consider it better than what NCAA 13 has. Part of me has actually thought of buying Madden 12 instead of buying Madden 13. But the commentary is better and the passing game is WAY better than Madden 12 for me. I don't think I can go back to some of the frustrations of M12's passing game. I'm hoping the draft and free agency are a lot better too.

Rudy, it's not that the menus are bad it's just that you have to navigate through so many different levels to access information. It is cumbersome to remember where everything is. Have fun looking for the offline save franchise... it's well burried. I really prefered MADDEN 10's simple screen format with all of the information down the right-side

I think the presentation is hugely better than Gus Johnson last year but with only one year in it just doesn't have the depth thus far.


Well, I clearly wasted ... well, not money ... on Season Ticket, but time. Bought it Friday, didn't have a chance to play it until now, and Jaymo's impressions, among others, would have already convinced me not to get it. Could've at least gotten a couple extra days or weeks out of Season Ticket (because I know I'll be getting it for NHL).

Oh well. Grand scheme, not much.

So far I only have a few things:

The menu structure within CCM is ... well, not intuitive in the least. I've never used the R-Stick to navigate except in 2k games (and I hated it in 2k games).
The Checklist is very nice as a central location. I really liked the "Clipboard" in Head Coach 09, though it was more fluid and wouldn't work quite as well in Madden/NCAA.
Advancing week by week has killed my ability to "do something quick" like I was hoping to. I was hoping to go straight to the postsseason/offseason and do some stuff in there, just to see how I like it.
One of the upsides to Head Coach 09 was that you could delegate anything you wanted to. Don't feel like Scouting? Delegate it. Don't feel like playing your games? Delegate it. And you could even choose not to even be prompted for those things, beyond simply delegating it. Madden and NCAA don't have that. I hoped Madden would with the college scouting, but it's obvious they don't. There's some stuff you can choose to have the CPU do for you at the opening menu, but you're still prompted.


One of my reasons for checking out Madden is that, every year, I think it might replace my interest in Head Coach 09. Nope. I'd already cancelled my pre-order (not going to have any time to play it anyway), but if something blew me away I was willing to re-consider. Nope.

Jeff, I totally agree about the R stick navigation. Who does that? It's just really awkard to use it to scroll the menus.

I OU a Beatn
08-26-2012, 01:59 PM
The fact that I can easily find tons of discussions on IP flooding for NCAA or Madden is enough to make me never play Random Online ever again. Really? DDoS to win a [censored] video game? Get over yourselves.

I know. It's so pathetic. Not to mention, isn't it illegal? How stupid and pathetic can these guys be?

I remember people doing it ALL the time in Gears of War and Halo. You couldn't even get through a full game without it happening and now it's starting to make it's ugly head known in NCAA and Madden. It's the first time it's happened to me on a football game, but I've read the horror stories.

It is illegal, right, or am I thinking of something else?

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 02:40 PM
The legality is a gray area right now in the US. Absolutely illegal in the UK.

For me it's more about ... really? You'll go to that level? Really?

Makes me more convinced than ever that a great % of the things people will do on the Internet is just for LOLZ.

I OU a Beatn
08-26-2012, 03:20 PM
The legality is a gray area right now in the US. Absolutely illegal in the UK.

For me it's more about ... really? You'll go to that level? Really?

Makes me more convinced than ever that a great % of the things people will do on the Internet is just for LOLZ.

Oh yeah, I know what you mean. I'm kind of used to it because I've dealt with online random players for so long, but this severity of something really baffles me. I mean, this isn't even something EA can really stop. The fact that it's growing pretty rapidly in it's popularity is what scares me. For long I wont even be able to finish a game without it happening.

It's right up there with the keyboard glitch on the PS2 games. Press start, wait until your opponent resumes, rapidly press the space bar on your USB keyboard until the clock ticked down to 0, and then the game would freeze until the person with the keyboard was ready to resume(in effect hoping you left and you get called for delay of game 3 times and get booted). It got to the point it was happening every few games, too. I just hope this doesn't become widespread.

Do you know of any ways to minimize the chances of them getting your IP, Jeff?

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 03:41 PM
Honestly, I'm not even sure how they're getting your IP to begin with. They're doing something unique with their setup that I can't figure. 'Cause when I hook up with somebody on my PS3, I can't immediately think of a way for me to know what IP I'm hooking up with, anywhere. Maybe through my wireless router, it would tell me where I'm getting packets from. But I don't even think it will tell me that.

And I'm finding guys talking about Zone Alarm and other firewalls ... a firewall isn't going to anything unless it's between the PS3/360 and the internet.

The only thing I can think of maybe ... maybe ... would be to use a proxy server instead of directly connecting to the PSN. But that could cause slowdown, and it's entirely possible they could still flood the proxy with packets to take it down. So it may not do a lick of good.

I OU a Beatn
08-26-2012, 04:00 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1u1xk-fepY

So yeah, some of the tackles are just a bit over the top. :D

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 04:05 PM
Way to hold onto the ball. That takes talent!

Okay, now I can say I've seen something that wouldn't happen in '12. :D

CLW
08-26-2012, 04:44 PM
So you're saying there is a chance you like it?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5jNnDMfxA

LMAO there is = % chance of me voting for Obama in November. :nod:

SmoothPancakes
08-26-2012, 05:01 PM
So yeah, some of the tackles are just a bit over the top. :D

Yeah, some of the tackles I've seen are some of the worst god awful tackles I've ever seen.

Honestly, while people were bitching because Madden got Infinity Engine and NCAA didn't, I say THANK GOD! The player movements, the tackles (some of the shittiest tackling I've ever seen, and this is taking into regard the lack of fundamental tackling in the NFL), just awful. I have seen players do things and bend certain ways that are anatomically impossible, lest you would end up carried off the field with a broken back or broken neck. And this is all during plays, I'm not even going to comment on the stuff I've seen after the play ends.

I'm gonna say it now, I HOPE TO GOD that Infinity Engine does NOT get put into NCAA next year. I personally would rather have the regular old animations, sucking blocking, route mirroring and whatever else over this crap in Madden.

Rudy
08-26-2012, 05:10 PM
I'll disagree about the player movements. I think the player movement in Madden 13 is smoother and players have more weight than NCAA 13. I don't think that has anything to do with the Infinity engine though. You could say the same thing about last year's games.

I do like the IE engine (just from my time with the demo). I think it's fine except for some goofy things. I just don't think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread although some guys love it. It's a very polarizing topic for people on the forums.

SmoothPancakes
08-26-2012, 05:12 PM
I'll disagree about the player movements. I think the player movement in Madden 13 is smoother and players have more weight than NCAA 13. I don't think that has anything to do with the Infinity engine though. You could say the same thing about last year's games.

I do like the IE engine (just from my time with the demo). I think it's fine except for some goofy things. I just don't think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread although some guys love it. It's a very polarizing topic for people on the forums.

Wait until you play the full game, especially with instant replay capabilities to go back and look at things in slow motion. Some of the stuff, since the implementation of IE engine, are just atrocious. It almost ruins the game for me seeing what I've seen, especially during running plays.

Rudy
08-26-2012, 05:17 PM
Wait until you play the full game, especially with instant replay capabilities to go back and look at things in slow motion. Some of the stuff, since the implementation of IE engine, are just atrocious. It almost ruins the game for me seeing what I've seen, especially during running plays.

I pick the game up on Tuesday! I'll have to see for myself. I did read that the retail version of IE is different from the demo. Wonder if the sliders and tuning of general gameplay is significantly different?

Rudy
08-26-2012, 05:20 PM
Ratings for every team in Madden are here if you haven't seen the link. Just click and save the excel file.
http://web-vassets.ea.com/Assets/Resources/File/MADDEN13_RATINGS_REVEAL_ALL.xlsx

SmoothPancakes
08-26-2012, 05:26 PM
I pick the game up on Tuesday! I'll have to see for myself. I did read that the retail version of IE is different from the demo. Wonder if the sliders and tuning of general gameplay is significantly different?

Yeah, I mean could live it, but there is just so much I see anatomically impossible when it comes to tackling or players being tackled, it makes me cringe seeing those things in a game, especially Madden. That and half of the tackles I see in my games seem to be people running into each other and the ball carrier just falling down or a player simply being pushed down. And heaven forbid you bump shoulders with a defender, even if he doesn't trip you up, as soon as your player breaks contact with him, you're going to be stumbling, trying not to fall over for a couple seconds before your guy regains his footing, by which time the entire defense is already on top of you.

Also, a general comment here on CCM, they have GOT to flesh out that Twitter stuff if they're going to keep it. I swear to god, if I seen Skip Bayless say "Running backs may be less important now, but you can't tell me (Player name here) getting 1,000 yards is a bad thing." one more time, I'm going to punch a baby. I have seen that same damn "tweet" now for 5 weeks in a row. It's like a broken record.

I OU a Beatn
08-26-2012, 05:28 PM
I still like it. It's really nice that when you hit your own player you slow down or even trip in some instances. It's really buggy this year, yes, but it should be really nice with another year of development.

illwill10
08-26-2012, 05:39 PM
Also, a general comment here on CCM, they have GOT to flesh out that Twitter stuff if they're going to keep it. I swear to god, if I seen Skip Bayless say "Running backs may be less important now, but you can't tell me (Player name here) getting 1,000 yards is a bad thing." one more time, I'm going to punch a baby. I have seen that same damn "tweet" now for 5 weeks in a row. It's like a broken record.

This is something that I liked, but I expected it would be very repetitive very fast. Things like Twitter/newspaper/events things in games would have to be fully fleshed out with different lines. It is a good idea, but if you add something like this it has to be deep or it will be something that people would try to ignore.

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 05:40 PM
I agree (tentatively) with IOU. If it's included in NCAA this year, it won't be the current iteration, it'll be with more time under development. That could turn out real nice.

As for "wait until you watch replays" ... Backbreaker didn't have a replay system for quite a while :D

SmoothPancakes
08-26-2012, 05:47 PM
I still like it. It's really nice that when you hit your own player you slow down or even trip in some instances. It's really buggy this year, yes, but it should be really nice with another year of development.

You're right, it can be really nice with a year or two more of development. And that's what I hope happens before NCAA even considers adding it. It could be really nice with time to work on it, but as it is now, keep it the hell out of NCAA. I still am able to enjoy and play NCAA year round in dynasty, don't bring the IE engine in before it's polished and pristine.

I OU a Beatn
08-26-2012, 05:48 PM
Oh, Backbreaker. Every time that game is mentioned I throw up a little.

CLW
08-26-2012, 05:54 PM
This game is a bit over the top. All it is is play BNR bring the house on D and hope you get a pick and/or sack. Then watch the guys fall all over each other and/or put people in wrestling holds after the play is over. If it's in the game....

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 06:27 PM
You're right, it can be really nice with a year or two more of development. And that's what I hope happens before NCAA even considers adding it. It could be really nice with time to work on it, but as it is now, keep it the hell out of NCAA. I still am able to enjoy and play NCAA year round in dynasty, don't bring the IE engine in before it's polished and pristine.

The fundamental problem with INFINITY is that at its most basic level it is a collision engine. A force hits you and you react (bounce) like a pinball. A lot of the interaction outside of that is still canned. Something needs to be done with the field and the actual parameters of the players bodies. When you watch replays you still see arms drift through opposite players and you still see legs sink through the turf and you still see sideline catches where there is no foot planting logic for the field of play. I would also suspect that until you have real physics for WR/DB interaction will will NEVER see real pass interference calls

skipwondah33
08-26-2012, 06:40 PM
I still like it. It's really nice that when you hit your own player you slow down or even trip in some instances. It's really buggy this year, yes, but it should be really nice with another year of development.

I am enjoying the IE. For someone that has been wanting physics into the game I definitely enjoy it and the impact on the game. All bias aside

Some of the animations after the plays give you a chuckle at first but I don't watch replays or pay attention anymore. There have been so many instances where I would have had TD's in 12 easily after running through or over someone directly in my way...now it's a trip as it should be. I've stumbled when I should have, bounced off tackles naturally, etc.

I've played 10 games now and they have all been pretty defensive. Quite a few interceptions thrown and rushing yards at a minimal. None of us use that garbage "guess a play" feature so that hasn't been a problem. We have been getting pressure on one another as well, even without blitzing at times.

Definitely enjoying it, can't wait to get our league's started.

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 07:29 PM
I am enjoying the IE. For someone that has been wanting physics into the game I definitely enjoy it and the impact on the game. All bias aside

Some of the animations after the plays give you a chuckle at first but I don't watch replays or pay attention anymore. There have been so many instances where I would have had TD's in 12 easily after running through or over someone directly in my way...now it's a trip as it should be. I've stumbled when I should have, bounced off tackles naturally, etc.

I've played 10 games now and they have all been pretty defensive. Quite a few interceptions thrown and rushing yards at a minimal. None of us use that garbage "guess a play" feature so that hasn't been a problem. We have been getting pressure on one another as well, even without blitzing at times.

Definitely enjoying it, can't wait to get our league's started.

Skip, you need to start an offline franchise and play 5-10 games and then give me your thoughts on CCM in an offline sense. Since your a bigtime online guy if would be interesting to get your take.

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 07:46 PM
Wow! That is just mean and cruel Tiburon. I decide to check out the My Madden section so I create a player. You get to create a player, edit everything, assign you player to a team... and the worst part... assign a contract length and dollar value for the contract. You're allowed to create a $$$ contract for multiple years but you cannot use custom rosters in CCM...???... For a person who loves editing and believes that 100% customization is the only way to play, somethng like this just drives me nuts. :bang:

JeffHCross
08-26-2012, 07:48 PM
Jaymo, while I hear you ... without contracts, CCM would be playable for only one season, so .... y'know.

Rudy
08-26-2012, 08:07 PM
I read on OS that the pass reaction slider may be backwards. Can anyone confirm that? I will have to mess around with that in the demo. EA needs to fully test every slider on every difficulty level before release!

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 08:26 PM
I read on OS that the pass reaction slider may be backwards. Can anyone confirm that? I will have to mess around with that in the demo. EA needs to fully test every slider on every difficulty level before release!

Rudy, I haven't played around with anything to do with passing and sliders. The cpu is pretty good at passing so I primarily run man D as zone is pretty weak. On offense I am really struggling with moving the ball effectively via the pass. Sometimes I find the cpu zone too tight. Overall though for the passing aspect/pass defense aspect I find it far superior to NCAA simply based on the default sliders.

On a sidenote... my D is ranked #1 and my offense is #26 (#3 for ruhsing and #32 for passing).

SmoothPancakes
08-26-2012, 08:42 PM
Fuck this shit. I'm done with this fucking game. If they ever add that fucking shit called Infinity Engine to NCAA, that is going to be the day I walk away from NCAA forever. I'm already done with Madden. It's deleted off my hard drive and as far as I'm concerned, Madden is dead to me.

gigemaggs99
08-26-2012, 10:19 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1u1xk-fepY

So yeah, some of the tackles are just a bit over the top. :D

WOW he must be doing some yoga in the off-season.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9rwCdQIAFuY/TAHdCA-MecI/AAAAAAAAAII/E_JV4XFIneg/s1600/article-0-06F48AAC000005DC-971_634x531.jpg

gigemaggs99
08-26-2012, 10:31 PM
Fuck this shit. I'm done with this fucking game. If they ever add that fucking shit called Infinity Engine to NCAA, that is going to be the day I walk away from NCAA forever. I'm already done with Madden. It's deleted off my hard drive and as far as I'm concerned, Madden is dead to me.

Well it's always nice to get a full honest review.

It's funny, here I sit waiting for Tuesday, not sure if it's Tuesday or Wednesday when the game comes out...I guess Tuesday at 12:01AM? Either way...I seriously think I'll be up at that hour to drive to Gamestop, probably not until they open on Tuesday morning...anyways...I'm going back and forth between Madden 10 and 12 playing around with playbooks, then back to NCAA 13 trying out different PBs on the practice field, then I come in here to read reviews on Madden 13, this is a hoot.

I read a few and think, ok cool this game sounds good, then I read a few others and I'm like, oh my did I waste my money on the pre-order....I guess only time will tell, but it's fun to read everyone reviews and impressions of the game.

The only thing I can see from the game is the Walmart commercial they keep playing on TV where they guys buddy is playing Marshall Faulk.

Oh yeah and smooth, would your score be a neg on a scale of 1-10?

jaymo76
08-26-2012, 11:30 PM
Well it's always nice to get a full honest review.

It's funny, here I sit waiting for Tuesday, not sure if it's Tuesday or Wednesday when the game comes out...I guess Tuesday at 12:01AM? Either way...I seriously think I'll be up at that hour to drive to Gamestop, probably not until they open on Tuesday morning...anyways...I'm going back and forth between Madden 10 and 12 playing around with playbooks, then back to NCAA 13 trying out different PBs on the practice field, then I come in here to read reviews on Madden 13, this is a hoot.

I read a few and think, ok cool this game sounds good, then I read a few others and I'm like, oh my did I waste my money on the pre-order....I guess only time will tell, but it's fun to read everyone reviews and impressions of the game.

The only thing I can see from the game is the Walmart commercial they keep playing on TV where they guys buddy is playing Marshall Faulk.

Oh yeah and smooth, would your score be a neg on a scale of 1-10?

Honestly Gigs, since you have not bought the series in awhile, I suspect you will enjoy the gameplay. If you can overlook the lack of user customization you will be fine. That unfortunately is the deal breaker for me.

I OU a Beatn
08-27-2012, 12:06 AM
While my offense has been on fire, I'm pleasantly surprised at how well my defense is doing. I gave up 28 in my first game, 21 in the second, 14 in the 3rd, and then 7 in my last one, all against increasingly better opponents. I had one guy disconnect on me who had 0 early in the 3rd and then of course the douche who IP flooded me who had 7 midway through the 2nd.

The most recent guy ran an offense that would've easily scored 40 on me in last year's Madden(Strong Close...what a *and I hate this word* cheesy formation) and I had little problem completely shutting him down. He was even using the Chiefs, which was everyone's favorite team to roll with when they planned on abusing Strong Close. I can't get any pressure whatsoever, but my run D has been amazing and I've got several really nice coverage plays that people seem to have trouble finding open receivers against.

Anyway, after 6 online games and several hours messing around in practice, I'm still standing by my initial statement. From a game play standpoint, Madden '13 is far ahead of any other EA football game released this generation. It's got that balance that I'm always talking about. For the first time in a long time, people are having to run legitimate defenses and they're having to attempt to read defenses. I've enjoyed every second of it so far.

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 12:13 AM
A couple of little things that are starting to annoy me.

1. In CCM every game starts with gameflow. You cannot change it... you have to start with gameflow and then change before the kickoff.
2. You cannot see the teams players played for in past year, only the dates they have played.
3. the replays... please just stop. Bring back the Madden 12 replays.
4. Phil Simms saying about how my player is coming back but the team might be upset because he is playing awful.
5. no changing the cpu uniform.

Since it has pretty much been confirmed that CCM is quasi scripted it does take the fun out of it a little bit. McNabb goes to the Browns; TO gets cut in week 2 of preseason, etc. This type of mode must be dynamicin order to be immersive. With T iburon trying to control all the dynamics at the expense of customization I think this will backfire on them from their customer base.

ram29jackson
08-27-2012, 01:16 AM
OS

Update: Thanks to OS member Kiddlex, it appears that we may have a temporary solution: controlling a player on the D-Line prior to the snap triggers the bug. If you control a LB or someone in the secondary the bug should go away. I will update this post as more info/testing results come in.

Short summary: There is a bug in M13 where the CPU randomly makes your CBs run commit. This happens 5-10 times per game. If the CPU passes on these plays it usually results in a TD since the CPU WRs have a huge head start. Sliders cannot fix the bug. The only known workaround it to pass commit on every play.

Long version:

There is a HUGE man coverage bug in Madden 13 that is ruining the experience. Every 5 or 6 pass plays all of my CBs take 3-4 steps toward the QB before retreating and trying to catch up to the now wide open WR. This results in 2-4 easy TDs for the CPU per game. When this bug happens all of my CBs synchronize and run toward the QB at the same time.

I am seeing this on the Season Ticket version of the game. I am not telling the CBs to do anything different such as press, play run, etc. I simply call man coverage and they act like morons. It happens to all of my CBs, even high rated players like Champ Bailey.

Edit #1: This happens on normal pass plays, not on PA passes.

I have played with the pass reaction sliders and it does NOT resolve the issue. I have tried every difficulty and I even deleted the game and re-downloaded it.

Here is a video where my two CBs run toward the QB and leave both CPU WRs wide open. It isn't even halftime in this game and the CPU already has 3 TD passes due to this bug.

Edit #2:

I have been doing some more testing and I am 99% certain that the computer somehow tells your team to commit to the run. When I manually make the pre-snap commit to run adjustment my CBs do the same animation.

In summary, the CPU commandeers control your CBs and makes them aggressively jump the run. If the CPU passes on that play you are screwed. The only work around is to tell your team to play the pass on every down. Obviously, the downside is it's very hard to stop the CPU run game when your whole team is playing the pass.

In my opinion the game is unplayable until EA fixes this. How did they miss such a glaring bug?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY3CF_qEipU

Rudy
08-27-2012, 03:57 AM
I read a few and think, ok cool this game sounds good, then I read a few others and I'm like, oh my did I waste my money on the pre-order....I guess only time will tell, but it's fun to read everyone reviews and impressions of the game.

What did you think of the demo? Your own impression based on that should go a long way.

Rudy
08-27-2012, 03:59 AM
A couple of little things that are starting to annoy me.

3. the replays... please just stop. Bring back the Madden 12 replays.


X 10000

Rudy
08-27-2012, 04:03 AM
I wish we had an option of turning the commit features right off.

I have read a lot of impressions where the cpu runs the ball WAY too much on the retail version. Are the team strategies that messed up?

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 04:10 AM
I decided to create a player CCM for 1 person online just to see what it was like. I created myself as a speed back and my back story was a non-draft player AND SIGNED WITH THE SEAHAWKS. Long story short, in the preseason I rush for 57 yards and am named the teams starting RB, punt returner, and kickoff returner. I was only a 66 ovr. This makes no sense whatsoever!!! Lynch should be the starter and I should be 3rd or 4th string.

Well I played five of the games on the schedule and ended the season with 1100+ yards rushing which game me 10000xp. I was voted to the pro bowl and then found out that apparently you cannot play the pro bowl??? Denver beat SF 20-13 to win the SB. The shock of the season... INDIANAPOLIS went 11-5 and made it to the conference finals.

At the end of the year London Fletcher, Ray Lewis, T.O., Chad Johnson, and Brian Urlacher retired.
New coaches hired for: Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit, Benglas,
Brian Billick returns to coach in the NFL... only thing is nobody hired him??? Weird.
Matt Moore picked up as a key F/A for.... Miami... the team that cut him in preseason???
Seahawks tweets... desperately need a QB...???

YOU CANNOT DO ANY OFFSEASON STUFF IN PLAYER CCM. HOWEVER, YOU CAN WATCH THE DRAFT. Speaking of the draft:

1. top ten picks: LE, QB,MLB,CB,HB,WR,WR,FS,WR,ROLB
2. TWO TRADES IN THE TOP 10
*** frustrating... you cannot find out who is traded for who/what
3. the draft goes super quick in this mode... 2 mins max per cpu pick
4. the draft commentary and stories are an excellent addition!!!
5. Seahawks pick up a RT (Dwayne Carter). RT was rated a C in the needs section so I guess it's a good pick.
6. 13 trades in the first round. IMO that's too many (Colts traded for the 31st and 32nd pick???)
7. 9 teams who traded picks had no selections in the first round (Raiders and Colts had three each)
8. Best tweets: "if Todd McShay is baffled by your pick, that is usually a bad sign." "49ers GM trying to be in movie, dumb, dumber, & dumbest"

It sucks that as a player you can only watch the draft. I so badly wanted to participate. THE DRAFT IS AWESOME THIS YEAR... BEST FEATURE OF THE GAME!!!!! Outside of that though playing as a player in CCM is dreadfully boring and will NOT have lasting appeal IMO.

Just a few other little things: Urlacher and Lewis went into the Hall and it was mentioned that Fletcher, Harrison, and T.O. were snubbed.

After my stellar season my new ovr... 67 (started at 66???). CCM PLAYER in my opinion fails as an interesting and enjoyable mode but to each his own I guess.

Rudy
08-27-2012, 05:41 AM
It looks like the pass reaction slider is either backwards or completely ineffective. I've read this on OS and tried it out on the demo. Set it to 0 or 100 and it doesn't make much difference. Ugh. When will EA test their sliders?

As far as IE and some guys not wanting it in NCAA, I did see some cool stuff running with Frank Gore this morning. As much as it may be buggy and not as big a deal as I thought, it's still WAY better than the tackling and physics engine NCAA 13 uses imo.

I OU a Beatn
08-27-2012, 07:04 AM
As much as it may be buggy and not as big a deal as I thought, it's still WAY better than the tackling and physics engine NCAA 13 uses imo.

Without a doubt.

goosedawg68
08-27-2012, 08:26 AM
As someone who is looking at buying this game strictly for online franchise, is it worth it?

gigemaggs99
08-27-2012, 09:41 AM
As someone who is looking at buying this game strictly for online franchise, is it worth it?

I'm not the expert as I haven't played Madden a lot, just bought '10 and '12 used last week and have '13 on pre-order. That being said, '10 doesn't work online anymore, '12 does. But I don't know how long EA supports their games online. If '12 stays on a for a while it seems like a good game. What I'm saying is, if ONLINE is a big part of your decision '13 would be the way to go since it will be online until '14 comes out for sure. Once '13 is out for a while and again I don't know how long EA will support '12 or have server space etc....it will also get harder and harder to find online games vs other users.

Offline everything is working great! I like '10, '12 is good too, there isn't a HUGE difference between them of course I haven't played enough of each to give a pros vs cons review but they are solid games.

I'm going to pick up a used copy of NCAA 09 for the same reason. I liked NCAA 09 as I thought it was one of the better versions. It's also only $1.99 at Gamestop.

CLW
08-27-2012, 02:01 PM
LMAO forgot to update my GameFly account and sure enough 13 is on my way. Perhaps a decent set of sliders will fix it but IMHO its rental material at best for anyone more concerned with offline franchise (CCM) mode than playing against friends online. (only a crazy person plays randoms in Madden as its even worse than NCAA)

skipwondah33
08-27-2012, 02:07 PM
Anyway, after 6 online games and several hours messing around in practice, I'm still standing by my initial statement. From a game play standpoint, Madden '13 is far ahead of any other EA football game released this generation. It's got that balance that I'm always talking about. For the first time in a long time, people are having to run legitimate defenses and they're having to attempt to read defenses. I've enjoyed every second of it so far.That has been along the lines of my thinking after several games I've played.

Though I still do not like the Commit feature at all

CLW
08-27-2012, 02:40 PM
That has been along the lines of my thinking after several games I've played.

Though I still do not like the Commit feature at all

Yeah it seems every bit as cheesy as NCAA (its almost Tecmo Bowl like rock paper scissors). I WISH I had time like I did back in school to play a group of guys online in Madden (I'm sure it would be fun) but I just cannot keep up with everyone else and I end up holding most people down so I have to pick and choose my online leagues closely and 1 FIFA and 1 NCAA league is about all I can handle.

I OU a Beatn
08-27-2012, 02:48 PM
LMAO forgot to update my GameFly account and sure enough 13 is on my way. Perhaps a decent set of sliders will fix it but IMHO its rental material at best for anyone more concerned with offline franchise (CCM) mode than playing against friends online. (only a crazy person plays randoms in Madden as its even worse than NCAA)

Not this year. No stacking the line? No scrambling around like a retard with the QB? No quick throws before the receiver turns around? Receivers that actually beat man press? I've played 2 top 200 guys already and blown them both the hell out. These guys don't know what to do now that their horse shit offenses and defenses don't work.

...and no, the players in NCAA are a BILLION times worse than Madden. I quit playing NCAA because I couldn't even finish a game without getting glitched. I had some dude who had a losing record wildcat glitch me. Not kidding. I wont be buying NCAA '14 until I know all of it is fixed. If it's not, I'm not even touching it. I don't remember being glitched at all in Madden '12, and I played close to 100 games.

CLW
08-27-2012, 03:10 PM
Not this year. No stacking the line? No scrambling around like a retard with the QB? No quick throws before the receiver turns around? Receivers that actually beat man press? I've played 2 top 200 guys already and blown them both the hell out. These guys don't know what to do now that their horse shit offenses and defenses don't work.

...and no, the players in NCAA are a BILLION times worse than Madden. I quit playing NCAA because I couldn't even finish a game without getting glitched. I had some dude who had a losing record wildcat glitch me. Not kidding. I wont be buying NCAA '14 until I know all of it is fixed. If it's not, I'm not even touching it. I don't remember being glitched at all in Madden '12, and I played close to 100 games.

I probably just don't know how to stop it but all of the above you mentioned where used on me repeatedly in Madden.

In fact, someone in the TGT group that I played (didn't recognize the ID so its clearly not a regular here) even ran around with Newton like a chicken with his head cut off even with no pressure with a ton of success.

My receivers couldn't beat press coverage (unless I ran compression sets that had the receivers off the line) if their lives depended on it. One guy ran some formation where he ran the same 5 plays the entire game and my defenders were acting like zombies on a couple of them unless I tried to control them.

Basically its just BORING for me to play randoms online b/c there is ZERO variety in their games (especially on their defense). This means you have to play a certain way to counter it which is just boring as there is no chess match its just a matter of who has "mad stick skillz".

I OU a Beatn
08-27-2012, 03:26 PM
I don't know, I certainly used to rely on stick skills to win during the PS2 days, but I'm ripping people to shreds so far on M13 and I rarely throw over 25 yards, so no user is necessary. Believe me, if you tear someone up bad enough, they'll start switching defenses. The popular trend last year and this year so far has to bring Cover 1 blitzes with press coverage, and I start licking my chops when I see it. I can pass against zone, but I absolutely love when someone matches me up 1 on 1 and then users a safety. That's how a lot of the top players play and that's just asking for trouble. They're so used to playing someone who runs 4 or 5 plays that when they play someone like me who runs 25+ every game, they have absolutely no idea where I'm going with it.

Deep Attack out of Shotgun Spread is the perfect example. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten 10-15 yards on the out pattern a few times so that the user brings up the safety to cover it, and then I hit them with the deep post going the opposite way for a huge gain. They're mostly one trick ponies and in this year's game, they're not going to do as well. For the first time in a long time, the tools are there to play completely sim and still beat the douches. I've always played straight, but this year is much more reliant on playing good, solid defense and making good reads on offense.

skipwondah33
08-27-2012, 04:09 PM
Here are my impressions from the Demo in the original post. Anything new since playing the retail version will be in red. Anything left untouched is how I still feel about the game and have noticed a pattern that there is/was in fact a change to the game.


After playing quite a bit of games last night and capturing them to replay over here are my impressions.

First though

Madden is the dominant game I play every version the most of any of the games I own (which are exclusively sports games. I buy Tiger, Madden and typically NCAA..and COD). Still Madden dominates my game playing. I am involved with another community solely for my Madden play in (4) Leagues, numerous tourneys, PUG quarters (PUG tracking system), etc. Needless to say I've played over 700 games easily this past Madden 12 version...which we are currently finishing up 2 seasons before the next version releases.

Now from my background, on to my impressions. Played only on All-Madden difficulty.

Note: Some of these will differ/change once able to play Online. Certain aspects of the game change when playing Online.

Also when I refer to Madden 12, it was also played on strictly All-Madden against other Users Online from my Community, not the CPU or lobby games.


Positives



Infinity Engine


I definitely notice the impact it has in the Gameplay. Currently in Madden 12 and all other released prior you could take your RB run into the back of your OL with your head down..and nothing would happen other than of course you just keep running into his back at a stand still. Or when you run through a hole with a OL or defender stretched out, you simply ran through them magically without slowing down. Once you found a hole it was simply speed burst through it.

Not anymore. You can't run recklessly through the hole and get through/past OL and Defenders. I can't tell you how many times I specifically tried to run the way you can in Madden 12, only to either get knocked back, fall completely, knocked off balanced or stumble. In each case this happened. It was a beautiful thing to see because the run game last version was entirely too easy since there was no negative result when someone simply ran into their OL. Another thing is that when OL are in the process of getting up and you run into them you will flip over or off of them. I loved seeing that.

When I ran with RB's like Frank Gore and Brandon Jacobs...two relatively Big RB's and they built up steam they almost always fell forward or got the better end of the run. If multiple Defenders hit them from all different angles that changed the outcome...speaking of which I didn't notice ANY animation tackling like in the past. From previous versions a RB could be running full speed only to get completely stopped in his tracks by a Defender in pursuit. Regardless of the runner, if this happens it will be forward progress as the end result.

On one particular run Ahmad Bradshaw carried the ball through the hole and was wrapped up a few yards down field from the side....he fell back onto a defender who was on the ground....never did any part of his body hit the ground, other players thought he was down but he rolled off of the defender planted his hand on the ground and took off for the TD. This was AMAZING to see I kid you not. It all looked natural and was not animation driven. Definitely unlike anything I've seen in previous Maddens.

It effects Defense even, in Madden 12 you could also fire through a Gap grazing OL or your DL without any negative result. Now you will get tripped or knocked off your path. Love that as well. The run game will be more rewarding and more difficult at the same time.

Note: I don't pay attention to the players after the play is over on how they react. On one play I did notice that the player that was tackled waited for the players to peel off of him before he tried to get up which was pretty cool

Still enjoy the Infinity Engine. Has it's quirks after plays that will have you laughing, but regarding in actual Gameplay the tackles, stumbles. trips, collisions have been beautiful. I haven't ran into any wildly glitchy tackles or anything that apparently others have had happened. Love the effect that it has on the game as I stated I've already had receptions and runs that would have easily been TD's in 12 and any other version not happen due to the physics. I fell when I was suppose to, tripped when I was suppose to, etc. Even the catches that happen and how the WR's catch them are impacted by the IE.




Throwing Trajectories


Another much needed feature that is very obvious and has an impact on Gameplay. I've been able to throw a number of passes that with just the right amount of trajectory found their targets over Defenders heads perfectly. Not every one of them were completed, if the Defender is in position and spots the ball he will make a play on it. Being able to throw every type of route now with different trajectory passes is great. You simply could not throw certain passes in Madden 12 or nearly all of the previous versions. People use to think it was due to super leaping LB's, but it was the trajectory of the ball that was low to begin with that enabled them to get a hand on the ball. You are able to throw to a RB or WR near the sideline and not put them OB giving them room to get up field or easily make the grab in bounds.

The different Throwing Trajectories are very noticeable. From putting the ball over a trailing Defender's head to throwing an actual Corner Post to the back pylon. I haven't had a pass swatted down intended 10,15,20 yards down field yet.




Routes


Due to the throwing Trajectories being improved, nearly all routes are available which DEFINITELY was not the case in Madden 12..or really each of the past versions. Each route I tried was there if I threw the ball on time or depending on the coverage (what play they called or if they were able to spot the ball prior). They weren't always successful but I could see that if my timing was better, I had more time or against certain coverages that the route was available. This is huge honestly. Last version there was really only a couple routes that were available to use. The others you had to hope would work at times but chances are you knew it would be swatted or just flat out picked off. Having access to every route is definitely a great thing. Same as I mentioned above. Now routes towards the sideline can work due to the Trajectories, especially ones towards the sidelines.

Another thing regarding routes. RB's and TE's have different hot routes than WR's in some instances. The Slant Out route that seemed to always be golden against Man or Zone in the past several versions has been removed. You won't be able to hot route an RB to a fade route out of the backfield either.

With that said looks like you can't throw "blind quick passes" sort of speak. Like the snap and throw variety. The ball will likely find the dirt more times than it will a WR.

From my experience thus far, any and all routes are available. Routes that Defenders played psychically last version and past versions are available. In fact if a Defender doesn't swing his head around he will not make a play on the ball accurately. He may put his hands up as a last ditch attempt sort of speak but it won't be an interception. This can be frustrating if you are use to that being an automatic interception given you have been playing the series a while, but it is finally refreshing.




Catch Animations


In Madden 12 I seen the same 2-3 animations on every catch. Didn't matter the type of route it was or if the WR was near the sideline, the same animations would be attempted. Thus far I've noticed ALOT of different ones, especially near the sideline. I was able to complete a long ball over the LB's head in with Vernon Davis caught the ball in stride beautifully. Last version you would get 99.9% of the time, the "long jump in the air" over the shoulder catch which would give time for the Defender to tackle you or knock the ball loose. Now the WR catches the ball while still on the ground over shoulder.


It is great to see the ball caught in stride now. From Crossing routes, to Corner Posts to Streaks. The WR will now catch it in stride without taking a "hop jump" or some other animation that slows them down. Of course if they have to jump they do, but that was nearly every pass last version.

I will note that I do not care for how easy it is to manual catch deep passes. Before you needed some actual skill to accomplish it..now it's just hold the Triangle (catch) button down. I see alot of deep bombs attempted and doing just this. On a side note it at times can be easily defended the same way by the defense but the Offense appears to get the benefit of the doubt mostly.




Defense


Things I've noticed.

- Safety play is much improved. Safeties appear to be more cognizant of their responsibilities. In Madden 12, at times they would not cover their deep half completely allowing the WR to get deeper than they were. Or routes down the middle of the field they would play more towards the sideline in Man Under 2 plays. Once they locate the ball they will try to make a play on it. Antrell Rolle ate me alive when I kept trying to throw same route and ball his way.

- Man Coverage is enhanced. Not in a way making it over powered but subtle changes that may or may not happen automatically. For example if a CB knows that he has help over top and to the inside it appears that he will play the WR on his outside shoulder. That subtle change is great. I also did not notice any Psychic coverage from any of the Defenders like in previous versions.


- Shading appears to work as well correctly this version. When I shaded a specific WR my CB acted accordingly.


- Zone Coverage seems to be solid. Again Defenders will play the ball once they locate it. A single player cannot cover 10-20 yards of their area no longer it appears, but they will carry the WR further if necessary.


- Catch animations for Defenders have also improved. In the past you would also get the same animations from Defenders trying to swat or intercept the ball. Now they are aware of the sideline when trying intercept a pass.


- Defensive Ends seem to rush upfield like they should...especially the DE's of the New York Giants. As I noted again Offline against the CPU or in general always plays differently. But it was very promising to see their rush improved.

Standard pass rush has definitely been improved. You don't need to blitz to get a good rush to the QB. This goes for DE's and LB's in my experience. The good/great pass rushers seem to standout, James Harrison, Von Miller, Lamarr Woodley, etc.


- Man Lock is FINALLY back in the game. In the past you simply motioned a WR and could tell what coverage the Defense was in. Man if the Defender followed, Zone if he didn't and took steps back. Now the LB or CB will either switch or follow the motioned WR to where he goes while having his assignment switched without tipping this to the Offense. They could be in Man or Zone. This by far is one of the better additions as well and much needed for those of us who remember when it was in the game in the PS2 days.

Love that is back in the game. This may not be a big deal to others but to most of the Madden crowd this is huge!.

- * Alignment. This is one thing I will need to investigate when I get home later as I really didn't pay too close attention to it.

I've found no issues with alignment thus far.




Kicker Meter


Kicking has always been easy in Madden eventually once the meter is figured out and of course no lag. Going back to this meter is more natural. It will still be easy eventually but better than the button tap method. If it plays like it has Offline (which I doubt it will be that quick) it will make kicks more difficult. Hoping that the speed is based on accuracy or something.


Negatives



"Guess a Play"


This is by far my biggest complaint of the game, (I've never liked it in NCAA either) The "guess a play" feature is back in the game. May be this has been in the past few versions and me just not know it but I didn't think it was since the 07-08 versions. You can either guess Run Middle, Run Right, Run Left or Pass. I absolute hate this feature and what it does to your Defense. The Offense came out in a Singleback 3 WR set. I called 2-3-6, Man Under 2 on Defense. I controlled the SS and "guessed" Run Middle. The Offense was running a pass play, I had 6 players into the backfield in an instance with Eli running for his life avoiding the easy sack.

The difference is night and day how the Defense reacts. When you use it every one of the front 7 moves faster immediately after the snap, especially the LB's. Now I will say that it wasn't always a given but nothing ever is against the CPU especially on All-Madden. They were able to have success both throwing and passing when I kept calling Run Middle (which is all I ever kept calling). Still the fact that my Defense reacted so much faster after the snap is garbage. The react like a bunch of blind pirahnas looking for blood IMO. I really really do not like this feature at all, I mean at all.

Still don't like this feature at all. Cannot stand it. What it does to your Defense in both run and pass is ridiculous. Testing it out in lab games for rule propositions I've gotten quite a few interceptions by just calling Zone and Pass Commit. Same for Man, your Defenders react and cover much better. A shame it was put back into the game. It dumbs down Defense in the game and just makes it easier to play. Defense is something you have to work on to be good at. I especially put in alot of time trying to perfect it, adjust to what I see and play it accordingly couple with User supplementation. Now it really is a point of guessing and using the "Ball Hawk Mechanic".




Broken Tackles


As I mentioned above some of these will change once able to play another User online. As always the case with the CPU they tend to do things that don't happen as often against Users. The CPU RB's break quite a bit of tackles. And they do it relatively quickly it seems. Some were ones they should have broke due to my angle, who it was and their momentum based on the Infinity Engine but there were quite a few that should have been one on one tackles. Bradshaw gouged me for nearly 200 yards rushing in one game as he was just unstoppable...a game in which I lost 42-14. He would break a good 1-2 tackles on most of his carries or was just tough to bring down in general. To be fair I'll say that I was just testing Defenses and wasn't really trying to play the run, but still.

Again this may change once Online. And I don't play the CPU anyway so it won't matter in that regard. But if it is something that I notice as well as others Online then it may need addressed. I guess people who play the CPU and adjust sliders will be able to limit or correct that.

Doesn't seem to be a broken tackle issue as I imagined when playing other Users online. The CPU is able to do ALOT of things that don't happen against another User, especially when online. This isn't an issue.




Blocking on Special Teams


Specifically Punt Returns. This also could be another thing that changes when Online as again the CPU is able to play differently. I didn't notice any better blocking as from last year. I rarely had any room to work after punts as my blockers didn't do much. This may have been due to the calls I was making as far as Middle, Return Left, Return Right.

I will say that Kick Return blocking is better as I returned a kick for a TD after I found the crease and shot through. Nice to see that will be a factor again. Punt return blocking did not seem the same

Special Teams blocking much improved on both Kick returns and Punt returns. I've already ran back two legitimate Kick returns in my number of games played. Which is about 2 more than I ran back all of '12 version in ALOT of games played. So this doesn't seem to be an issue or a negative to me.




Playcall Screen


This is one of those subtle changes that I don't care for. I know I will get use to it but I don't care for it now with where the play name is.

I'm use to it now which I figured would happen.




Score Bar


Don't care for it being blue. I would have liked this to remain black like it was.

I love the overlays, just not the score bar.

Same as above. Use to it and it doesn't look that bad actually.




"Ball Hawk Mechanism"

I may be the only one, but I do not care for this feature. It along with the Commit options seem to have dumb the Defense down making it easier for even the novice stick skill User to develop superior User skills suddenly. It was an Art sort of speak to having User skill and getting into position correctly to make a User pick. Now it is simplified to 1 button. In fact you don't even need to get in place any longer. Just click on and hold the Triangle button to make the interception. Now as I said in my instances the Offense has gotten the benefit of the doubt mostly, but that I figure is due to be not User picking that way ever before. I won't say I have the best stick skills around but it took ALOT of timing and hours put in for me to be where I'm at the past few versions which I feel is pretty good. Now the difference between a newbie and User who has superior stick skill isn't far off as it should.

Really wish this was a feature of certain players and not any and everyone.





Overall

Again I am impressed with the improvements in this game just off the Demo. They are very noticable from the past several versions and have and all have an impact on the game. I love the Infinity Engine and what it brings to the game. This will only get better and make the game that much more better.

This was going to be a buy for me but my feeling towards the game has improved to be more exciting. As I still play Madden 12 the improvements from it alone stand out very clear. My view of the game wasn't lessoned or changed hearing the things that don't mean anything to me like being able to Edit players ratings/equipment, CCM, Offline play, import classes, etc. My feeling was that if Gameplay was improved with things like Trajectory, Coverages, Physics, catch animations, Man-lock etc..and they all actually worked and were implemented correctly then I'd be that much more happier.

Definitely a step in the right direction for improving the game.

My Overall feelings toward the game are pretty much the same. Things went up and down since I'm actually playing Users now instead of the CPU. Still love the feel of the game and the things I am seeing. Wish a couple things weren't in the game, but hopefully they are not as bad once I have played 50 or so more games here soon. Again I won't be playing this game Offline or against the CPU so my view or impressions won't reflect any of that. I only play Sim Users, always on All-Madden (though JB and I played on All-Pro the other night). If you play this game against the CPU regardless the level of difficulty you will be frustrated. Things that the CPU can do, doesn't happen at all or nearly as much as it would against another User. If you also play this game against Lobby players you will will likely be frustrated though I assume it could be tolerable.

CLW
08-27-2012, 05:06 PM
Just read over at OS that EA has indicated that sliders do NOT work properly in offline CCMs and that everyone should play their CCM online. Not a biggie for me I suppose but WTF? Perhaps, I'm just over-angry recently but the shit that slips past EA just amazes me. I honestly wonder wtf QA people do. If they pay is decent sign me up to just play video games w/o having to worry if things work properly. :nod:

CLW
08-27-2012, 06:03 PM
This commercial really cracked me up. If ONLY EA MADE video games as well as they market them.


http://youtu.be/K31OoNY9QqQ


http://youtu.be/EtVUW-eAg40


http://youtu.be/-mgMT2YqsLw


http://youtu.be/0MTUQzXPeho


http://youtu.be/oNX_uAHNLm8

Rudy
08-27-2012, 06:32 PM
Something is wrong with the sliders. I've been in touch with Markus Frieske to have them look into the pass reactions slider. Others are claiming the cpu running game was nerfed on retail and a lot better on the demo. Sliders aren't helping. Josh Looman seems to have acknowledged there is a problem with offline CCM. But other guys are saying sliders in CCM are screwed up no matter what.

I've also read that the cpu runs WAY too much on retail. Brady threw 11 passes vs 39 runs in one Patriot game. Anyone with season ticket seeing this nonsense? I thought they said they focused on teams running the right plays in the right situations? Brady or Brees throwing less than 20 times a game is brutal.

JeffHCross
08-27-2012, 06:58 PM
If they pay is decentYou're a lawyer. Your hourly might be more than their salary :D

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 07:02 PM
Something is wrong with the sliders. I've been in touch with Markus Frieske to have them look into the pass reactions slider. Others are claiming the cpu running game was nerfed on retail and a lot better on the demo. Sliders aren't helping. Josh Looman seems to have acknowledged there is a problem with offline CCM. But other guys are saying sliders in CCM are screwed up no matter what.

I've also read that the cpu runs WAY too much on retail. Brady threw 11 passes vs 39 runs in one Patriot game. Anyone with season ticket seeing this nonsense? I thought they said they focused on teams running the right plays in the right situations? Brady or Brees throwing less than 20 times a game is brutal.

Yeah I have an offline dynasty and a player online dynasty and the sliders DO NOTHING!!! The running game is actually too easy on retail.. McFADDEN AVGS 8.1 YPC, WHILE MY 3RD STRINGER JONES AVERAGES 10.3 YPC. As for cpu running, as I said earlier, unless they are trailing it is run, run, pass for a typical drive . The cpu AI in this game is dreadful!

JeffHCross
08-27-2012, 07:02 PM
Not this year. No stacking the line? No scrambling around like a retard with the QB? No quick throws before the receiver turns around? Receivers that actually beat man press? I've played 2 top 200 guys already and blown them both the hell out. These guys don't know what to do now that their horse shit offenses and defenses don't work.IP Flood. Nuff said.

Rudy
08-27-2012, 07:02 PM
I took a quick look at some of the Madden ratings in the huge spreadsheet EA put out. DTs still have very high accelerations - upper 70s. Why? They have the same ratings as TEs and FBs in that category and far too many positions all have accelerations in the upper 70s to 90. Not enough of a spread imo.

It's very clear Donny Moore just picks numbers based on opinion for most categories and most players. I'm not saying they are wrong but the bell curve does not exist. Sometimes the mean or median rating in a category has the lowest observations. You'll see 59 get a ton of ratings in one category while 60 will be almost nothing. Kind of weird. Doesn't make anything wrong overall but I will say the Dolphins initial rosters wasn't very good from guys being in the wrong position (Charles Clay) and poorly rated. Makes it much worse when you aren't allowed to fix any of it yourself due to locked rosters. I'm still going to see if I can use the Live 10 trick to swap out data under the same profile name.

Rudy
08-27-2012, 07:03 PM
Yeah I have an offline dynasty and a player online dynasty and the sliders DO NOTHING!!! The running game is actually too easy on retail.. McFADDEN AVGS 8.1 YPC, WHILE MY 3RD STRINGER JONES AVERAGES 10.3 YPC. As for cpu running, as I said earlier, unless they are trailing it is run, run, pass for a typical drive . The cpu AI in this game is dreadful!

Something has to be broken. I don't know how the devs can't spot this stuff. I'm already getting hesitant over my pre-order.

EA seriously needs to add a Game Changer/tester whose sole job is to test sliders. Bring them in and test them all! It's embarrassing how poorly they work at times. The fact some are broken is terrible.

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 07:04 PM
Just read over at OS that EA has indicated that sliders do NOT work properly in offline CCMs and that everyone should play their CCM online. Not a biggie for me I suppose but WTF? Perhaps, I'm just over-angry recently but the shit that slips past EA just amazes me. I honestly wonder wtf QA people do. If they pay is decent sign me up to just play video games w/o having to worry if things work properly. :nod:

No you're not overreacting. I am beginning to feel the same way. This is our hard earned money and due to the patch system there seems to be no sense of urgency is making sure a fully functional game is provided on release date. Where is the accountability???

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 07:13 PM
Something has to be broken. I don't know how the devs can't spot this stuff. I'm already getting hesitant over my pre-order.

EA seriously needs to add a Game Changer/tester whose sole job is to test sliders. Bring them in and test them all! It's embarrassing how poorly they work at times. The fact some are broken is terrible.

I totally and completely agree with you Rudy but EA is moving to the 100% online direction and I think they would love to see no such thing as offline. Then they would not need to develop sliders and they could turn the servers off after a year forcing people to re-up for a new game. The future is in front of us and I fear "offline" may go the way of the dinosaur. I hate to sound negative but that is really the way I feel. Madden 13 has such much positive to it but at the same time it feels like a slap in the face to LOYAL OFFLINE CUSTOMERS such as myself.

Rudy
08-27-2012, 07:14 PM
No you're not overreacting. I am beginning to feel the same way. This is our hard earned money and due to the patch system there seems to be no sense of urgency is making sure a fully functional game is provided on release date. Where is the accountability???

The accountability has really been lacking in NCAA. I thought M12 released very polished but this sounds like a debacle for the Madden team. I'm going to hope I can find fixes for things are all this crap is fixed with the first patch out in mid September. As a slider guy I'm very upset with what I'm reading about the sliders. I have also harped on NCAA for not utilizing their personel properly and now Madden seems to call plays with the IQ of a 2 year old. I can't even cancel my pre-order as I traded games in on special Madden offer.

It does seem like the offline gamer is getting bent over completely now. So sick of taking a back seat to the online crowd.

Skip, someone, talk me down from the Madden 13 disappointment ledge!

Rudy
08-27-2012, 08:08 PM
Here is a breakdown of the disc rosters and the ratings. You can see how high the DT acceleration ratings are.

JeffHCross
08-27-2012, 08:19 PM
I took a quick look at some of the Madden ratings in the huge spreadsheet EA put out. DTs still have very high accelerations - upper 70s. Why? They have the same ratings as TEs and FBs in that category and far too many positions all have accelerations in the upper 70s to 90. Not enough of a spread imo.Speaking personally, D-linemen are very good at reaching their max speed quickly. Partially because their max speed is so low :D

Makes it much worse when you aren't allowed to fix any of it yourself due to locked rosters.I've heard/read that you can still change the offline rosters for an offline CCM. Not sure about it though.


EA seriously needs to add a Game Changer/tester whose sole job is to test sliders.A Game Changer could never do that job. Brought in at the wrong times, with unstable builds, and too much that could change from one day to the next. I agree it needs to be more thoroughly tested, but a GC could never be responsible for that (not to mention GCs couldn't be responsible for anything).

CLW
08-27-2012, 08:35 PM
You're a lawyer. Your hourly might be more than their salary :D

That's probably a slight exaggeration but your probably closer to right than I want to admit. EA is getting what it is paying for. Sure they might save $X by hiring really unprofessional QAs but they pay for it in the back end when people like me are thinking about making a purchase play the demo/season ticket and notice in a few hours how truly F'd up Y is and decline spending $60 for the game.


No you're not overreacting. I am beginning to feel the same way. This is our hard earned money and due to the patch system there seems to be no sense of urgency is making sure a fully functional game is provided on release date. Where is the accountability???

Well as a free market capitalist I can tell you no competition leads to this. Look the NFL is free to do what it wants with its property (i.e. officially licensed product). However, when you only have one company in town it tends to lead to lesser quality/innovation and the consumer pays for it. The only "accountability" is for people to stop buying the product. It probably won't register on EA's radar until its too late but death by a 1000 paper cuts will eventually happen if EA doesn't get its act together.

Rudy
08-27-2012, 08:38 PM
I've heard/read that you can still change the offline rosters for an offline CCM. Not sure about it though.


This is incorrect. You can only use edited rosters for Play Now games. Online AND offline CCM cannot use them. It sucks but what can we do?

I think if someone was brought in to test sliders it would have to be fairly late. But I'm actually interested in the logic behind them. What attributes are tied to sliders? Are these boosts tied to player ratings or do they affect AI or game programming separately? Example - you adjust pass coverage. Does this just adjust all the defensive players man and zone coverage ratings or what else does it do? QB accuracy - does this adjust player ratings or does it affect the size of the target windows or anything else? Interceptions - some guys claim this isn't just for defensive players hands and that it also affects DB aggressiveness. Does a higher tackle slider promote more big hits while a lower tackle slider promote more wrap tackles? I've seen guys claim certain settings on the pass rush slider will change the difference between DE and DT pass rush. I would just love to see the logic under the hood. That more than anything needs to be examined.

Either way if you have a true 100 point system like Madden has then the sliders should be a lot more powerful. We aren't stuck with 5 click intervals which is really a 20 point system. With a 100 point system there should be a massive difference between 0 and 100. If I can't tell the difference between the two when playing with the pass reaction slider then it's broken imo.

JeffHCross
08-27-2012, 08:44 PM
That's probably a slight exaggeration but your probably closer to right than I want to admit. EA is getting what it is paying for. Sure they might save $X by hiring really unprofessional QAs but they pay for it in the back end when people like me are thinking about making a purchase play the demo/season ticket and notice in a few hours how truly F'd up Y is and decline spending $60 for the game. It's less about EA -- I don't know the first thing about what they pay. The entire game industry pays very low for testers/QA. It's viewed as an entry level starting position for a reason.


This is incorrect. You can only use edited rosters for Play Now games. Online AND offline CCM cannot use them. It sucks but what can we do?Fair enough. I cant' remember where I saw that.


Are these boosts tied to player ratings or do they affect AI or game programming separately?My experience with NCAA has suggested to me that it ties in with the ratings. That is to say, if something normally triggers at 90 at a certain rating, with sliders it might trigger at 88 or 92.


I would just love to see the logic under the hood. That more than anything needs to be examined.Agreed. For a lot more than sliders!

CLW
08-27-2012, 08:51 PM
It's less about EA -- I don't know the first thing about what they pay. The entire game industry pays very low for testers/QA. It's viewed as an entry level starting position for a reason.

Perhaps but it seems EA has more of these issues than other companies do with their titles. Perhaps its the 1 year cycle for a game but that doesn't explain "legacy issues" that remain year after year. In any event for some reason it really has me steamed right now that these issues can be found within 24 hours by "the community" but somehow manages to slip past the company that is making the actual product.

EDIT: I must just be grouchy this week or on crack b/c literally every review claims this is the best football game eva! Meh what do I know GameFly has me covered and I'll try CCM but it just looked like a big hassle to me with all the XP.

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 09:45 PM
I thought it was just me but I guess it's not. Every couple games my depth chart is slightly changed but I wasn't doing it. Now other have reported this issue as well. It seems as though the cpu may adjust depth chart ranfomly. There doesn't seem to be a pattern I ahve seen as of yet though. Also, my 2nd string FB was missing when I went to sub him in the game. Turns out he was cut.... when??? by whom??? I never cut him...???? Weird.

JeffHCross
08-27-2012, 10:04 PM
Perhaps but it seems EA has more of these issues than other companies do with their titles. Perhaps its the 1 year cycle for a game but that doesn't explain "legacy issues" that remain year after year.Plenty of competing sports titles have/had "legacy" issues. MLB 2k was nothing but legacy issues. Yes, the year cycle has a lot to do with it.

Plus, EA, the company, has plenty of quality titles under their umbrella. Which further suggests that it's not pay or hiring, but something else.

CLW
08-27-2012, 10:06 PM
Yeah I won't be buying this game its just play BNR coverage use the commit feature and then "ball hawk" (translation just mash triangle during the entire play) and hope for picks then make sure you pick a team with a scrambling QB and roll out immediately regardless of whether there is pressure or not and scramble for 50+ yards if its a man-to-man D to avoid the "ball hawk".

Seriously who the fuck tested this POS excuse for a game before it was released?

SmoothPancakes
08-27-2012, 10:15 PM
Well it's always nice to get a full honest review.

It's funny, here I sit waiting for Tuesday, not sure if it's Tuesday or Wednesday when the game comes out...I guess Tuesday at 12:01AM? Either way...I seriously think I'll be up at that hour to drive to Gamestop, probably not until they open on Tuesday morning...anyways...I'm going back and forth between Madden 10 and 12 playing around with playbooks, then back to NCAA 13 trying out different PBs on the practice field, then I come in here to read reviews on Madden 13, this is a hoot.

I read a few and think, ok cool this game sounds good, then I read a few others and I'm like, oh my did I waste my money on the pre-order....I guess only time will tell, but it's fun to read everyone reviews and impressions of the game.

The only thing I can see from the game is the Walmart commercial they keep playing on TV where they guys buddy is playing Marshall Faulk.

Oh yeah and smooth, would your score be a neg on a scale of 1-10?

Now that I've cooled off, there are positives and negatives to the game. Some parts I did enjoy playing it, and maybe it would be a fun game to have, but only if I bought it for less than $20 or $30. I can't in any way justify spending $60 on it.

I'll admit, I'm not the one to take into consideration when making your own decision, I already had cancelled my Madden pre-order back in July before the demo ever even came out. Right now, for me personally, the game on the surface, I'd give it a 5. CCM I still don't care for, just because of everything that was taken out, everything that you can't do or find anymore, and how much worse it is to find out stuff or do stuff in "franchise" anymore.

Infinity Engine, I don't care for. Some stuff with it is alright, there are a couple things I do like and feel are improved about it, but there are many things that just piss me off while playing a game with it and ruin it for me. I played through an entire season of CCM. After that season and getting pissed off all to hell, I never played another game, just simmed each game for a couple more seasons as I tried to build my team into a Super Bowl contender.

If I got the game for that, simmed my seasons and did the moves and everything else, running the mode like a GM or something, I would probably give Madden a fair shake. But playing the actual games, I just can't do it. I could barely even make it through a full season.

The total game overall, I give it a 5. CCM, with everything that was completely taken out or made inaccessible to the user, I give a 4. Infinity Engine, I give a 2.


While my offense has been on fire, I'm pleasantly surprised at how well my defense is doing. I gave up 28 in my first game, 21 in the second, 14 in the 3rd, and then 7 in my last one, all against increasingly better opponents. I had one guy disconnect on me who had 0 early in the 3rd and then of course the douche who IP flooded me who had 7 midway through the 2nd.

The most recent guy ran an offense that would've easily scored 40 on me in last year's Madden(Strong Close...what a *and I hate this word* cheesy formation) and I had little problem completely shutting him down. He was even using the Chiefs, which was everyone's favorite team to roll with when they planned on abusing Strong Close. I can't get any pressure whatsoever, but my run D has been amazing and I've got several really nice coverage plays that people seem to have trouble finding open receivers against.

Anyway, after 6 online games and several hours messing around in practice, I'm still standing by my initial statement. From a game play standpoint, Madden '13 is far ahead of any other EA football game released this generation. It's got that balance that I'm always talking about. For the first time in a long time, people are having to run legitimate defenses and they're having to attempt to read defenses. I've enjoyed every second of it so far.

I will give Madden that. The defense has been much better than what I've seen in Madden. Still see some bullshit now then, especially leaping players on the defense to knock down passes they shouldn't (seen it from LBs and CBs), as well as the corners being able to completely fuck up the wide receivers at will. Any pass play, I can find at least one CB that just almost sucks the WR into them and they sit there running like one jumbled mess for 10 yards downfield. And if that receiver is making an inside cut, don't even bother fucking passing to him. The CB will make the cut ahead of him (looks almost exactly like route mirroring to me) and he's gonna be a wasted receiver and just clutter downfield.

However, on the flip side, when the CPU wants to score, it will score. My entire defense will turn into a bunch of retards if the CPU is determined to score a touchdown. My guys just ignore the ball carrier, they dive instead of jumping to contest a ball in the air, they flop and fall down, or the ball carrier is able to just break right through my entire fucking defense and score a touchdown from 50 yards out.

Line play also pisses me off. I would love to know, how blitzing 7 defenders up against only 5 blockers (it was a pass play so I was trying to overload and get a sack or rushed pass), every single fucking defender ends up as a giant fucking blob of players, looking like a bunch of retards trying to hump the same door knob, and the QB has all. fucking. day. to pass the ball as not a single player can get past the line of scrimmage. I know I would love to have an offensive line on my team where all 5 linemen can completely stop 7 blitzing defenders (2 ends, 2 DTs, 2 LBs and a safety) and not let a single defender get beyond the line of scrimmage nor outside of the inner shoulder of the tackles. That team would score touchdowns every drive with linemen like that in real life.


A couple of little things that are starting to annoy me.

1. In CCM every game starts with gameflow. You cannot change it... you have to start with gameflow and then change before the kickoff.
2. You cannot see the teams players played for in past year, only the dates they have played.
3. the replays... please just stop. Bring back the Madden 12 replays.
4. Phil Simms saying about how my player is coming back but the team might be upset because he is playing awful.
5. no changing the cpu uniform.

Since it has pretty much been confirmed that CCM is quasi scripted it does take the fun out of it a little bit. McNabb goes to the Browns; TO gets cut in week 2 of preseason, etc. This type of mode must be dynamicin order to be immersive. With T iburon trying to control all the dynamics at the expense of customization I think this will backfire on them from their customer base.

Number 2 really pisses me off. There was a player that I thought I had resigned at the end of season one, but come season 2, he wasn't there. I couldn't quite remember his name (it was a generic, everyday, doesn't stand out kind of name), but when I went searching every other team to see if maybe I could trade to get him back, yeah, I found out you can't find out who has played where in the past. They'll show you all their stats from past seasons, but if you want to know what teams they played for, well, you're fucked.

And yes, at least the first season of CCM is scripted. TO cut in preseason week 2, McNabb ended up with the Browns, I saw all of that myself. I'm sorry, but when I play a game, at least a sports game, I want completely unscripted gameplay. I don't want this shit with certain players getting cut, certain players ending up on certain teams, each and every time I create a new dynasty/franchise/CCM. Seriously, what kind of shit is that? What else is scripted in the mode? Is the draft scripted? Are ensuing seasons scripted? Are games, the playoffs and the Super Bowl scripted? When it comes to playing a sports game, besides the commentary, NOTHING should ever be scripted to happen every time any one starts playing a certain mode.


I decided to create a player CCM for 1 person online just to see what it was like. I created myself as a speed back and my back story was a non-draft player AND SIGNED WITH THE SEAHAWKS. Long story short, in the preseason I rush for 57 yards and am named the teams starting RB, punt returner, and kickoff returner. I was only a 66 ovr. This makes no sense whatsoever!!! Lynch should be the starter and I should be 3rd or 4th string.

Well I played five of the games on the schedule and ended the season with 1100+ yards rushing which game me 10000xp. I was voted to the pro bowl and then found out that apparently you cannot play the pro bowl??? Denver beat SF 20-13 to win the SB. The shock of the season... INDIANAPOLIS went 11-5 and made it to the conference finals.

At the end of the year London Fletcher, Ray Lewis, T.O., Chad Johnson, and Brian Urlacher retired.
New coaches hired for: Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit, Benglas,
Brian Billick returns to coach in the NFL... only thing is nobody hired him??? Weird.
Matt Moore picked up as a key F/A for.... Miami... the team that cut him in preseason???
Seahawks tweets... desperately need a QB...???

YOU CANNOT DO ANY OFFSEASON STUFF IN PLAYER CCM. HOWEVER, YOU CAN WATCH THE DRAFT. Speaking of the draft:

1. top ten picks: LE, QB,MLB,CB,HB,WR,WR,FS,WR,ROLB
2. TWO TRADES IN THE TOP 10
*** frustrating... you cannot find out who is traded for who/what
3. the draft goes super quick in this mode... 2 mins max per cpu pick
4. the draft commentary and stories are an excellent addition!!!
5. Seahawks pick up a RT (Dwayne Carter). RT was rated a C in the needs section so I guess it's a good pick.
6. 13 trades in the first round. IMO that's too many (Colts traded for the 31st and 32nd pick???)
7. 9 teams who traded picks had no selections in the first round (Raiders and Colts had three each)
8. Best tweets: "if Todd McShay is baffled by your pick, that is usually a bad sign." "49ers GM trying to be in movie, dumb, dumber, & dumbest"

It sucks that as a player you can only watch the draft. I so badly wanted to participate. THE DRAFT IS AWESOME THIS YEAR... BEST FEATURE OF THE GAME!!!!! Outside of that though playing as a player in CCM is dreadfully boring and will NOT have lasting appeal IMO.

Just a few other little things: Urlacher and Lewis went into the Hall and it was mentioned that Fletcher, Harrison, and T.O. were snubbed.

After my stellar season my new ovr... 67 (started at 66???). CCM PLAYER in my opinion fails as an interesting and enjoyable mode but to each his own I guess.

Lol, my season as a coach was fucked up. Eagles ended with the worst record at 3-12-1. Bengals and Eagles were both tied for worst at one point at 1-9 before the Bengals won 4 in a row, still ended 5-11. The Bills won the AFC East both in season one and season two, the Patriots were never better than 6-10 in three seasons of CCM. One year, Green Bay went to the Super Bowl with a 13-3 record, the next year they end up 3-13.

Yeah, I found out about the Pro Bowl. Thanks EA. What the hell is the goddamn point of even having the Pro Bowl in the game if all you can do is simulate past the entire week without doing anything? Yet another thing removed from the game or taken out of the hands of gamers "in the name of the almighty savior" CCM.

For the draft, is it just me or is there an ungodly number of WRs or CBs that go undrafted? I get to round 7, and there are always about 15 WRs and CBs listed at the top of the draft board, all still on the board with draft projections of 3rd and 4th rounds. Christ, I was able to draft one guy projected to go in the middle 2nd round, with my pick in the middle of the 6th round. :fp: I know players fall and some plummet in the draft every year, but a projected 2nd round player falling all the way to middle of the 6th round, yeah, SOMEONE is going to take him as a "why not" draft pick in the 4th or even 5th rounds.

I hate the trade shit in the draft. You never know a trade is about to happen until either the clock runs out or you simulate to the next pick, and then afterwards, you have no damn clue what happened in the trade. I think someone else said this earlier, but thanks for removing any hint of a trade block. I'd rather just see who is on the trade block around the league instead of waiting for someone to show up in my checklist or waiting for a tweet to show up. Thanks EA, yet another thing completely removed and taken out of the gamer's hands, that does nothing but impede on the experience and ruin the mode.

The draft picks are 2 minutes for both CPU and Users. I only had two minutes to pick playing as a coach. Better have your shit in order in regards to who you want to pick. By the time you actually get into the draft board menus and change it from scouted to un-scouted, you already have 15-20 seconds left to choose and pick.

I did like the draft commentary. It did add a nice bit of depth to the draft instead of just sitting there simming picks and making your picks.

The tweets are alright, but much like the tweets on the main CCM menus, the tweets during the draft get repetitive and you start seeing the same damn ones about every 10-15 picks. If they are going to keep that Twitter stuff in there, for the love of god, flesh that bitch out like there's no tomorrow. I shouldn't see McShay or someone else saying the same goddamn thing every 5 minutes, ESPECIALLY with a Twitter emulation. McShay is not going to sit there on Twitter repeating the same shit just with a different team or player name listed.


Just read over at OS that EA has indicated that sliders do NOT work properly in offline CCMs and that everyone should play their CCM online. Not a biggie for me I suppose but WTF? Perhaps, I'm just over-angry recently but the shit that slips past EA just amazes me. I honestly wonder wtf QA people do. If they pay is decent sign me up to just play video games w/o having to worry if things work properly. :nod:

No wonder my defense was like a bunch of retards trying to fuck a single doorknob during the brief time I was actually willing to play each individual game. :fp:


Something is wrong with the sliders. I've been in touch with Markus Frieske to have them look into the pass reactions slider. Others are claiming the cpu running game was nerfed on retail and a lot better on the demo. Sliders aren't helping. Josh Looman seems to have acknowledged there is a problem with offline CCM. But other guys are saying sliders in CCM are screwed up no matter what.

I've also read that the cpu runs WAY too much on retail. Brady threw 11 passes vs 39 runs in one Patriot game. Anyone with season ticket seeing this nonsense? I thought they said they focused on teams running the right plays in the right situations? Brady or Brees throwing less than 20 times a game is brutal.

Yeah, the CPU was always happy to run it over and over on my defense. And of course because my defense played like they had their heads up their ass, running was usually all the offense had to do to move the ball. :smh:


Yeah I have an offline dynasty and a player online dynasty and the sliders DO NOTHING!!! The running game is actually too easy on retail.. McFADDEN AVGS 8.1 YPC, WHILE MY 3RD STRINGER JONES AVERAGES 10.3 YPC. As for cpu running, as I said earlier, unless they are trailing it is run, run, pass for a typical drive . The cpu AI in this game is dreadful!

Yeah, both User and CPU rushing is almost too easy. CPU rushing was all most impossible to defend, whether I let my CPU defenders try to tackle, or tried to do it myself. And of course, because of that glorious addition called Infinity Engine, good luck trying to make a good tackle when your player would rather flop on the ground like a fucking idiot.


The accountability has really been lacking in NCAA. I thought M12 released very polished but this sounds like a debacle for the Madden team. I'm going to hope I can find fixes for things are all this crap is fixed with the first patch out in mid September. As a slider guy I'm very upset with what I'm reading about the sliders. I have also harped on NCAA for not utilizing their personel properly and now Madden seems to call plays with the IQ of a 2 year old. I can't even cancel my pre-order as I traded games in on special Madden offer.

It does seem like the offline gamer is getting bent over completely now. So sick of taking a back seat to the online crowd.

Skip, someone, talk me down from the Madden 13 disappointment ledge!

Yeah, it's only going to be a matter of time before there is no more offline mode. Honestly, I believe by Madden 15 or Madden 16, there won't be options for an offline CCM. You're going to have no choice but to create an online CCM.

I'd try to talk you down from the ledge, but I'm probably the last person to do that. :D It's no secret I am not even remotely thrilled with Madden 13 and have no intentions of buying or renting it or even considering doing so before next spring at the earliest, so I could get it for cheap as hell.

ram29jackson
08-27-2012, 10:46 PM
anyone get a hard copy of game tonight ?

I get it tomorrow

gigemaggs99
08-27-2012, 11:07 PM
anyone get a hard copy of game tonight ?

I get it tomorrow

I plan on loading up and leaving here in a bit. Gamestop is supposed to have food and games. I went last time for the NCAA release night and got free chicken out of the deal. It was actually really good chicken, hopefully they'll have it again :-)

gigemaggs99
08-27-2012, 11:11 PM
I totally and completely agree with you Rudy but EA is moving to the 100% online direction and I think they would love to see no such thing as offline. Then they would not need to develop sliders and they could turn the servers off after a year forcing people to re-up for a new game. The future is in front of us and I fear "offline" may go the way of the dinosaur. I hate to sound negative but that is really the way I feel. Madden 13 has such much positive to it but at the same time it feels like a slap in the face to LOYAL OFFLINE CUSTOMERS such as myself.

I really HOPE this is not where they intend on going. I'm an old school offline gamer myself. The online stuff is fun, but here's my problem with online, they only support it for so long...then the servers no longer work...making the game useless if it's a 100% online game.

In the last few days I've picked up some great used EA titles, NCAA 09 = AWESOME, Madden 10 & 12, both AWESOME!, Madden 12 is the only one that still works online. If all of these games "were" online only I'd only be able to play 1 out of 3, that's not cool!

It was funny when I went in and picked up NCAA 09 the young kid behind the register said, "why in the world would you want an older game like this?" I said, well I like it, it was a great year for the game AND it's only $1.99, there was another older gentleman in there like myself, he said, "Now there's a TRUE GAMER" I smiled and said thank you sir! :up:

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 11:17 PM
I thought it was just me but I guess it's not. Every couple games my depth chart is slightly changed but I wasn't doing it. Now other have reported this issue as well. It seems as though the cpu may adjust depth chart randomly. There doesn't seem to be a pattern I ahve seen as of yet though. Also, my 2nd string FB was missing when I went to sub him in the game. Turns out he was cut.... when??? by whom??? I never cut him...???? Weird.

As a sidenote there are some real concerns with cpu depth charts as well. A number of starters are no longer due to F/A pickups (eg like starting QB's)

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 11:20 PM
Smooth, the pro bowl omission really ticks me off. Why can we not playu the pro bowl??? What is the point of even having it mentioned then. Plus when a team wins the SB it's like an adventure novel trying to find out who won. Also, DPP isn't working properly IMO. Way to many players have cold streaks for no reason at all. Just look around the league and you will be amazed with all the cold streaks.

jaymo76
08-27-2012, 11:34 PM
Another pet peeve... what is going on with auto-subs in CCM??? I don't understand it. The numbers adding and subtracting don't add up and even then the players don't sub when I think they should. I guess this is another bug? Madden is absolutely plagued with bugs this year... it's making NCAA 12 look polished!

steelerfan
08-27-2012, 11:50 PM
Smooth, the pro bowl omission really ticks me off. Why can we not playu the pro bowl??? What is the point of even having it mentioned then. Plus when a team wins the SB it's like an adventure novel trying to find out who won. Also, DPP isn't working properly IMO. Way to many players have cold streaks for no reason at all. Just look around the league and you will be amazed with all the cold streaks.

You actually played the Pro Bowl? Or is it just something else to be mad about? :)

Personally, I'm not interested in Madden this year, but the Pro Bowl is a waste of time, IMO.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

ram29jackson
08-28-2012, 12:00 AM
i loved the pro bowl in the ps2 days..once they started showing every player in his helmet and you saw the helmets of the teams you created also..its just the pro bowl but it was fantastic from a graphics point of view

gigemaggs99
08-28-2012, 12:27 AM
well this time they (Gamestop) had fried pies. I was the last one in so I picked up 4 of them, they had 3 full boxes of those things. I've never had one, picked up 2 apple and 2 chocolate. They look kinda like turnovers.

The Gamestop guy was kinda "funny". I left the house at 11:58, hit green lights the whole way. Gamestop is about 2 miles from my house. As I was going in, there was a steady stream of people coming out... I walked in, walked straight up to the counter and gave him my pre-paid receipt. He asked me if I'd ever been to one of their midnight releases before, I said yeah a few. He said next time it would help them out if I showed up around 11:30 and stood in line to get a "highlighted receipt" then they would be able to get me my game faster. I told him, well it's 12:02 now, I just walked in the door and you gave me the game within 10 seconds of me being in the store, I figured this thing starts at 12:01 so that's pretty FAST if you ask me. He said, we it lets us get out of here faster...I thought SILLY MAN, if you want me to save you some time I can come by in the daytime next time and you can give it to me WAY early. People will complain everywhere I guess.

Anyways, I took the game, 4 fried pies and was home by 12:12, seemed like FAST to me LOL. :up:

Old man has to get to bed, will fire up the game in the manana and see how it plays.

ram29jackson
08-28-2012, 01:37 AM
fried pies ?

Rudy
08-28-2012, 04:56 AM
My experience with NCAA has suggested to me that it ties in with the ratings. That is to say, if something normally triggers at 90 at a certain rating, with sliders it might trigger at 88 or 92.


I would hope sliders don't kick in at certain thresholds. I'd like to think sliders apply all across the board but it wouldn't surprise me if it's something weird. If I boost pass coverage up 20 points, everyone should get a boost in coverage. Not just the super defender or the really dumb defender. Man would I like to see their slider logic.

Playmakers
08-28-2012, 05:40 AM
LOL!

I doubt anyone at EA even knows how to adjust sliders....

For them to say something is broke or doesn't work mean they would have to actually have someone who spends productive hours studying the sliders and tweaking them during actual gameplay. I just don't believe there is anyone over at EA who has the patience and discipline to spend that type of time observing sliders.

I highly doubt they give a darn if the sliders work or not because Online gameplay is really their main focus.....why would they be concerned if the CPU AI QB's played like Forrest Gump offline?

IMO the best gameplay you'll be able to salvage as a offline player this year is to basically play the game on All-Madden level and utilize and equal slider setting where both the Human and CPU sliders are identical accross the boards. Keep everything as low as possible and you'll get the most organic gameplay on the field.

I OU a Beatn
08-28-2012, 10:45 AM
Ah, I love retail Madden day. It's not quite as good as NCAA day was on '04-'07, but it's pretty good(the day, not the game). Whole bunch of noobs who haven't played the game yet and are wanting to get online and play. It's like the Christmas Call of Duty noobs. There's no better time. :D

gigemaggs99
08-28-2012, 10:48 AM
First impressions, like all football games I have a HARD time finding a playbook. I've been messing with different ones on the practice field.

I like the John Madden PB as it seems to be a really nice balance of the old school formations, pro, near, far and just enough SG. Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs PBs are really nice. I'm also happy to see the Colts PB has included the Spider 2 Y Banana play to go along w/ the Power O. I guess they taylor made that for Andrew Luck.

I haven't played any games or CCM stuff yet just been on the practice field, it's taking some getting used to for the hot route system but I like how the QBs are accurate (compared to NCAA).

Compared to Madden 10 and 12 it's nice to be able to pump fake to a particular WR, thus drawing the coverage away.

Time will tell w/ the IE, but it's cool to see the HB tripping over guys at the LOS, in the past (again my main experience is with NCAA) the HB would get caught up in the LOS, even if I didn't press the sprint button, the HB would seem to get stuck in the fray and eventually get tackled. It's nice that the HB will trip if he doesn't get a clear lane through the line. Hitting smaller CBs with my TE seems to work in his favor as the TE will fall forward. I like how it seems to have them fall in the proper direction with regards to size. There are some silly trips and falls after the whistle blows, not a big deal to me, it's better than seeing older versions of the players magically bounce up to their feet while previously laying on their back. There have been a few pile-ups where the guy on the bottom waits until the others get off of him before he gets up, that's kinda cool.

So far I like it! I'm sure I need a lot more time w/ the game but it seems good so far.

skipwondah33
08-28-2012, 12:56 PM
Ah, I love retail Madden day. It's not quite as good as NCAA day was on '04-'07, but it's pretty good(the day, not the game). Whole bunch of noobs who haven't played the game yet and are wanting to get online and play. It's like the Christmas Call of Duty noobs. There's no better time. :DHahaha even though I don't play Online ranked games I know the feeling.

I love COD around Christmas time

I OU a Beatn
08-28-2012, 01:41 PM
Just for the record, I really don't like that I have to fuck with the AI to get some decent pressure. Come on, EA. This is the one thing that is completely broken with all your football games every year.

jaymo76
08-28-2012, 02:08 PM
Josh Looman's twitter account:

@Josh_Looman: "If you're playing a single player career, play online. You'll get the benefit of up to date tuning that you won't get offline until a patch."

It seems as clear as day that the number one goal of the developers is to keep us online 100% of our gaming time. Offline wo't get tuning updates, offline sliders don't work, etc. We were told the game was built to have offline and online as equal. I'm sorry but that just does not seem to be true at all.

gschwendt
08-28-2012, 02:31 PM
jaymo, take a look at this thread on the EA forums
http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/8925121.page

There is a coder there that is answering questions about CCM and doing a bang-up job if I do say so... well worth a read and I'm only on page 6 of 9. One of the big benefits for playing an online CCM is that they don't have to rely on patches for fixes etc. He states in there specifically that there have been several bug fixes that they took care of server-side but for offline they'll have to wait for a patch. One example is a bug that if you trade a player with the same jersey number as one of your existing players, he wouldn't change numbers. Now, online, the new player will get a new number.

That type of thing is fairly impressive IMO that they can change that in days rather than weeks/months. So in that regard, yes, I say push full steam ahead with putting a focus on the online version. It sucks as someone that may not have 100% online connectivity but at the same time, I can certainly see more & more games going that direction, sports or otherwise.

skipwondah33
08-28-2012, 02:32 PM
Just for the record, I really don't like that I have to fuck with the AI to get some decent pressure. Come on, EA. This is the one thing that is completely broken with all your football games every year.I'm taking 3-4 sacks a game at the very least...WITHOUT my opponent even blitzing. This is with 3 and 4 man rushes. I'm also getting 3-5 sacks myself. 5 minute quarters, no acc clock at the moment

I've counted the time I've had and they have been anywhere from 1.5 - 2.5 seconds.

Again this is Online, All-Madden.

Mismatches really seem to matter as when I am in LB Rush Package in Dime, Harrison and Woodley destroy most OT. Same for when playing the Giants and Falcons. Their DE's get up field quickly fighting off blocks. And I 98% of time leave my RB in to block.

So I am seeing and getting consistent pressure.

Unrelated Note: I love how you can place the ball on opposite shoulders, over the shoulder, etc. This along with Trajectories are what Hardcore Madden players have been wanting. That back shoulder throw that Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings expose CB's with?...yep I've already done it in a game. Most beautiful pass I've seen in a video game in a while. Fitting a ball into a tight space without a Defender magically intercepting it or batting it down. A pass you can legitimately see as a completion? Yep I've been seeing those as well.

I OU a Beatn
08-28-2012, 02:38 PM
I've been sacked 3 times in 7 games and that's throwing 70% of the time. I'm beginning to think that's why my offense has been so successful. I have all day to throw against mediocre coverage. It's especially infuriating on the defensive side when I'm bringing all these exotic blitzes and the only way I can get pressure it by putting one of my lineman as a Contain to mess with the AI.

skipwondah33
08-28-2012, 02:56 PM
I've been sacked 3 times in 7 games and that's throwing 70% of the time. I'm beginning to think that's why my offense has been so successful. I have all day to throw against mediocre coverage. It's especially infuriating on the defensive side when I'm bringing all these exotic blitzes and the only way I can get pressure it by putting one of my lineman as a Contain to mess with the AI.
Hmm I've only played with the Jets, Steelers and Chargers thus far and I'm getting nice pressure. Not playing against bum teams either (Broncos, Giants, Buccaneers, 49ers, Falcons, Patriots, Lions, Cowboys, etc). All I've been getting consistent pressure. This is with my experimenting with blitzes. At times I get sacks so fast I don't even get to key on a certain player to cover because the QB never had a chance. It's not nano like pressure but it isn't the 5+ seconds you had at times on Madden 12.

We are all familiar with the game because we all have been playing the Season Pass religiously since Friday night.

I've also had alot of hits while throwing.

Another unrelated note I noticed:

When you call certain plays on Defense your CB's will react or play differently. What I mean is that when I call for example Man Under 2. The CB's play up closer like they would when they have help over top. I called Cover 1 Man and the CB with help on his side played up tight, but the opposite CB played off. The CB's up tight didn't press each time, but they were up close to the WR WITHOUT me doing anything at all. When I called plays with both Safeties blitzing...the CB's played off the WR's again WITHOUT me doing anything.

If this is the case....WOW!. When I noted this in the Demo I believe I just thought it was just in regards to which side they played the WR to.

SmoothPancakes
08-28-2012, 03:12 PM
jaymo, take a look at this thread on the EA forums
http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/8925121.page

There is a coder there that is answering questions about CCM and doing a bang-up job if I do say so... well worth a read and I'm only on page 6 of 9. One of the big benefits for playing an online CCM is that they don't have to rely on patches for fixes etc. He states in there specifically that there have been several bug fixes that they took care of server-side but for offline they'll have to wait for a patch. One example is a bug that if you trade a player with the same jersey number as one of your existing players, he wouldn't change numbers. Now, online, the new player will get a new number.

That type of thing is fairly impressive IMO that they can change that in days rather than weeks/months. So in that regard, yes, I say push full steam ahead with putting a focus on the online version. It sucks as someone that may not have 100% online connectivity but at the same time, I can certainly see more & more games going that direction, sports or otherwise.

It's great ONLY if online is stable. Look at the problems the past two years that people have had with ODs in NCAA. I have never once had a problem of advancing the week or even just plain loading up and getting into my offline dynasty. If I start up a single player OD, the hell if I know if I'll even be able to advance the week when I'm done or even be able to load up and get into the dynasty tomorrow. That is why I still prefer offline over online, regardless of whatever changes and fixes they can do server-side without having to release a patch. I'm not starting my dynasty or franchise over 2, 3, 5 times, just because their stuff isn't stable.

gschwendt
08-28-2012, 03:16 PM
It's great ONLY if online is stable. Look at the problems the past two years that people have had with ODs in NCAA. I have never once had a problem of advancing the week or even just plain loading up and getting into my offline dynasty. If I start up a single player OD, the hell if I know if I'll even be able to advance the week when I'm done or even be able to load up and get into the dynasty tomorrow. That is why I still prefer offline over online, regardless of whatever changes and fixes they can do server-side without having to release a patch. I'm not starting my dynasty or franchise over 2, 3, 5 times, just because their stuff isn't stable.
I wholeheartedly agree but where that will come in is having proficient support... I'm not talking about tier 1 customer service but rather have an escalation process that if someone does have a complaint, it is addressed and corrected quickly. That and have tools that help alert you to potential problems so that you can prevent them.

The issue with NCAA though is that while the information is stored online for an OD, the processing, etc. is still done through your console. So, if there is a disconnect or an issue, it's more difficult to correct. Whereas if everything is server-side, it's much easier to repair since you don't have to worry about factors outside of your reach.

CLW
08-28-2012, 03:22 PM
I really don't get all the "buzz"/positive opinions re: CCM. Assuming it worked 100% correctly (which it clearly does not) basically all they did was combine all the previous modes into the game and add an RPG aspect to the game that is tedious as hell to mess with and most have said eventually they just ignore it alltogether.

That = the best Madden eva!?

I can at least understand the argument re: infinity engine but I'm just unimpressed with it as a whole as I don't think it really affects how the game plays just how it looks (which is a mixed bag).

JBHuskers
08-28-2012, 03:37 PM
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm gonna play randoms online :D to get the points scored trophies.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

skipwondah33
08-28-2012, 03:40 PM
I really don't get all the "buzz"/positive opinions re: CCM. Assuming it worked 100% correctly (which it clearly does not) basically all they did was combine all the previous modes into the game and add an RPG aspect to the game that is tedious as hell to mess with and most have said eventually they just ignore it alltogether.

That = the best Madden eva!?

I can at least understand the argument re: infinity engine but I'm just unimpressed with it as a whole as I don't think it really affects how the game plays just how it looks (which is a mixed bag).As I said I play this game ALOT and notice the little details about it and understand how those little details make A HUGE difference. I have been looking for and wanting certain aspects of the game to become better, be put BACK into the game for it to play a certain way for quite sometime.

Physics has been huge to those who play Madden. It doesn't work right, looks terrible or whichever people may say could be fine and all but there is no denying if you have played this game as much as I have over the last so many years that it doesn't have an impact on the game. Just no way IMO. Has its issues fine, but to say the impact is very minimal isn't true.

Something as simple as Man Lock. Again is a HUGE benefit. Your casual Play Now gamer may not care about that. I've been wanting that back since who knows how long since they took it out.

Trajectories? Madden has needed this for a long time. People complain of Super LB's...no the Trajectories were just awful. Being able to throw a pass down field and not have a LB or Safety bat it down for a WR 15-20...even just 10 yards down field is GREAT!.

Placing the ball where you want (opposite shoulder, backside shoulder, etc. Another thing that has been much needed for the longest.

CB's being aware that they have help over top and playing accordingly.

Shading actually working

This is the best version they have put out thus far...especially on the Next-Gen

gigemaggs99
08-28-2012, 03:48 PM
I just hope they don't go 100% online...what happens to your $60 game once the EA servers no longer support the game? Do you use it as a coaster?

Today when I fired up Madden 13 it asked me to complete an online survey...all the questions were pertaining to what are the reasons I play online....so yes it seems like they are really heading in the ONLINE direction. There where 0 questions about anything that had to do with offline content.

Rudy
08-28-2012, 03:55 PM
It's great ONLY if online is stable. Look at the problems the past two years that people have had with ODs in NCAA. I have never once had a problem of advancing the week or even just plain loading up and getting into my offline dynasty. If I start up a single player OD, the hell if I know if I'll even be able to advance the week when I'm done or even be able to load up and get into the dynasty tomorrow. That is why I still prefer offline over online, regardless of whatever changes and fixes they can do server-side without having to release a patch. I'm not starting my dynasty or franchise over 2, 3, 5 times, just because their stuff isn't stable.

I totally agree but I like the idea of getting updated tuner files quicker. That's the only reason I would go online since it will only be me. I may try online and if it sucks, quit and go back to an offline one.

gschwendt
08-28-2012, 03:57 PM
I just hope they don't go 100% online...what happens to your $60 game once the EA servers no longer support the game? Do you use it as a coaster?

Today when I fired up Madden 13 it asked me to complete an online survey...all the questions were pertaining to what are the reasons I play online....so yes it seems like they are really heading in the ONLINE direction. There where 0 questions about anything that had to do with offline content.
I understand that aspect as well, though I'm a person that will buy NCAA every year and in the future I imagine at worst it would be every other year. I think there are two viable options... A) state that they'll support each title for at least 3 years or B) allow you to download the server software and run it on your own console/PC after such a time they decide they are done with it.

I imagine the second is very unlikely (no one wants to share their proprietary code with the outside world) but would be huge if you could do that and then mod it for your own experience.

Rudy
08-28-2012, 04:04 PM
I started working on finding the formula for the overalls by position. Awareness is still very key for many positions. LT along with both guard spots value pass blocking over run blocking. Center is balanced while RT values run blocking more. I do find it funny the both DEs are rated very similarly. If you grade the RT higher for run blocking why wouldn't you grade the LE higher for run stopping? I'm not done yet. Still have to do the LBs, DBs and kickers.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArB9QSYxv2ZGdDFadUZlZkJBREt4ZXFjVzNXTVVFQ mc#gid=0

CLW
08-28-2012, 05:03 PM
LOL anyone think Madden is worth $45. Love me some GameFly get a "used" game 2 days after release and then "keep it" for $45.

gigemaggs99
08-28-2012, 05:36 PM
I understand that aspect as well, though I'm a person that will buy NCAA every year and in the future I imagine at worst it would be every other year. I think there are two viable options... A) state that they'll support each title for at least 3 years or B) allow you to download the server software and run it on your own console/PC after such a time they decide they are done with it.

I imagine the second is very unlikely (no one wants to share their proprietary code with the outside world) but would be huge if you could do that and then mod it for your own experience.

Well I guess I see your point too, people pay a lot for gym memberships, cable tv, etc...I guess in the end $60 isn't that bad if it's a 1 time per year fee. Like everything, it just takes TIME to adjust to the changes. Stubborn as we all can be, change is usually good.

That being said, it sure is a nice trip down memory lane to bust out the NES and play excitebike with my 4 year old. Or Dr. Mario with my wife, we used to play that game when we started dating, get drunk and play Dr. Mario...the point is, it STILL works.

jaymo76
08-28-2012, 06:44 PM
I really don't get all the "buzz"/positive opinions re: CCM. Assuming it worked 100% correctly (which it clearly does not) basically all they did was combine all the previous modes into the game and add an RPG aspect to the game that is tedious as hell to mess with and most have said eventually they just ignore it alltogether.

That = the best Madden eva!?

I can at least understand the argument re: infinity engine but I'm just unimpressed with it as a whole as I don't think it really affects how the game plays just how it looks (which is a mixed bag).

I'm actually surprised how mixed the response has been to this game. We went from game of the year talk to some pretty nasty comments at other sites overnight. There are two parts to this game. INFINITY is a major step in the right direction, regardless of its flaws. However, the fatal flaw is how truly limiting CCM has turned out to be. CCM IS ALSO SEVERELY PLAGUED BY GLITCHES.

What kills this game for me and many other die hards is the lack of customization. My wife has been on me all day to buy the game because I can't stop talking about it but I told her I'm not going to break based on the principle of it all. So I just played franchise madden 12 to take my mind off CCM. Here is why CCM fails in a nutshell.

1. Firstly I checked the transaction news to see who was injured or signed or released
2. I then went to edit rosters and changed Pryor from 2 to 6 like in madden 13
3. Just for fun I changed Pryors helmet... Because I can
4. I then began my game versus the Colts... I loaded my custom play book
5. Mental note... My game plan based on my custom play book brought out my key plays for the week
6. I decided to put the colts in all white... Because I can
At the end of the game I played and super simmed some of the Seahawks vs Rams game. Even though the Hawks aren't my team, sometimes I like to play with them.

Yes I have to accept that the weekly franchise is far less exciting than some of CCM and I have to accept that the gameplay is weaker but at least I get to control the game the way I like.

jaymo76
08-28-2012, 06:49 PM
Side note... Madden 13 superior audio and presentation. Madden 12 superior player visuals.

JeffHCross
08-28-2012, 07:00 PM
I would hope sliders don't kick in at certain thresholds. I'd like to think sliders apply all across the board but it wouldn't surprise me if it's something weird. If I boost pass coverage up 20 points, everyone should get a boost in coverage. Not just the super defender or the really dumb defender.Yeah, you didn't really go where I meant ....

I mean like a special catch animation or a special juke animation, that is normally only available to players with a certain rating at, say, 90. With sliders they might be available at 88, or not be available until 92. There's obviously other impacts of sliders beyond special animations, but that's an example of what I meant.

In short, I believe what sliders do is make a rating that is normally X, they make it X + Y or X - Y. How exactly it affects it is beyond my knowledge, but that's the gist of what I've seen.

JeffHCross
08-28-2012, 07:08 PM
For them to say something is broke or doesn't work mean they would have to actually have someone who spends productive hours studying the sliders and tweaking them during actual gameplay.First of all, long time no talk.

Secondly, not really. If I had a debug console I could tell you whether or not sliders are working in a few minutes, just by looking at the values of dice rolls and what variables the sliders are changing.


@Josh_Looman: "If you're playing a single player career, play online. You'll get the benefit of up to date tuning that you won't get offline until a patch."

It seems as clear as day that the number one goal of the developers is to keep us online 100% of our gaming time. Offline wo't get tuning updates, offline sliders don't work, etc. We were told the game was built to have offline and online as equal. I'm sorry but that just does not seem to be true at all.As G said in his response, I think you took this the wrong way. It's easier, faster, and costs significantly less to deploy server-side fixes versus client-side fixes. Now, tuning updates shouldn't be an online-only thing, but if it's something that they can do server-side versus patching (for offline), then obviously it's easier to fix it server-side versus a patch. A patch takes weeks of internal testing, plus weeks of MS/Sony testing, and they can only have a certain amount of patches (from what I've been told over the years) before it costs them money. So they're going to be more likely to hold back fixes until they get a bunch in one patch.


I just hope they don't go 100% online...what happens to your $60 game once the EA servers no longer support the game? Do you use it as a coaster?Pretty much.

Though, to be fair, how many people are playing any of those former year games today? You are, obviously, but how many others? Not that many. So, for many, that game either becomes a trade-back or a coaster LONG before EA turns off the servers.

jaymo76
08-28-2012, 09:23 PM
I totally agree but I like the idea of getting updated tuner files quicker. That's the only reason I would go online since it will only be me. I may try online and if it sucks, quit and go back to an offline one.

So Rudy, have you had a chance to play around with CCM yet? If so, what are your thoughts? After my pass expired I did not purchase the game but it's been on my mind like a bad hangover. A part of me wants the wife to come home with a surpirse from best buy... CCM has A LOT of flaws but I still found the games to be very enjoyable.

ram29jackson
08-28-2012, 10:38 PM
played 2 cpu MUT games..too much menu searching first hours LOL

havent played human yet..set up a single player off-line CCM, FS with my game face.
gotta cool down ps3 and start up later tonight again.

for MUT, what ever team uni you get...you can change the default home and away externally in the menu where you can change the order of the uni's you want for online games. So instead of Denvers default uni, I have the 60s-70s uni's for home in MUT without needing the card of that uni.

but if you cant change rosters in CCM those old school helmets cant get their due. They need to add forarm length sleeves with those. and i'm surprised I dont see 70s-80s style facemasks.

steelerfan
08-28-2012, 11:05 PM
with my game face.

This one?

525

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

ram29jackson
08-28-2012, 11:22 PM
This one?

525

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

yep, until I can get/find other pics that are big enough to draw from

ram29jackson
08-29-2012, 12:46 AM
my first online game..I'm Jax, he's 49ers, i'm up 20-0 first qtr, he quits, I get +13 LOL..but i dont know if i get tokens when that happens and thats what i want dangit

Playmakers
08-29-2012, 04:39 AM
LOL anyone think Madden is worth $45. Love me some GameFly get a "used" game 2 days after release and then "keep it" for $45.

The only thing about this game that upsets me is the inability to edit players/ratings/teams and also play any game on the schedule outside of your own. I'm a huge fan of created old school rosters and with the legends EA included this year i wish they would have given us the ability to edit and create classic teams. Outside of that I love the game play....it's the best Madden ever IMO. It has a few warps but nothing that frustrates me like NCAA 13 does on the field. I've settled on some All-Madden sliders and the game plays incredible for me.

I'd say getting this game for $45 is a flat out STEAL.

Rudy
08-29-2012, 04:46 AM
So Rudy, have you had a chance to play around with CCM yet? If so, what are your thoughts? After my pass expired I did not purchase the game but it's been on my mind like a bad hangover. A part of me wants the wife to come home with a surpirse from best buy... CCM has A LOT of flaws but I still found the games to be very enjoyable.

Haven't looked at franchise mode at all. Just want to play some exhibition games in and a feel for the game. After reading about some problems I don't want to start one until the game gets patched (if that's necessary for franchise). And for the record I'm going to start calling it franchise mode again. I think it was dumb to change the name. A guy at work says his kid calls him and is panicking saying "They took out franchise mode!" I told him they just changed the name to confuse everyone. So I'm going to go back to calling it franchise mode instead of CCM which is a lame marketing attempt at calling it the same thing.

Rudy
08-29-2012, 04:47 AM
I played three games last night in Madden 13. Took my Dolphins at home against the Jets and it was a pretty low scoring, ugly game until Sanchez threw three picks. They did get an onside kick late but I still won 30-21. Then I got my butt kicked by the Lions against the Cowboys and by the Giants against the 49ers. The Giants beat me 31-17 or 38-17 but Ahmad Bradshaw had just over 300 yards rushing against me. He ran me over as Patrick Willis twice for huge runs. They had three long TD runs altogether and so I tweaked my tackling slider. I had it low for the demo but they definitely were better on the disc. The game speed also changed on the retail version. I had tried Very Slow for the first time on the demo and liked it but Very Slow feels like molasses on the retail version. Now playing on Slow but it’s a touch fast for my tastes.

PRESENTATION AND COMMENTARY

I really like the commentary team. Simms does a really nice job, doesn’t sit on the fence and has a lot of specific commentary. He will let you have it if he’s not happy. He’s a little obsessed with first downs and while he misses the mark occasionally I think this is a big improvement. I do worry that there aren’t enough lines in their first year and that they will get repetitive over time but right now it’s a plus.

I still can’t stand the slow motion replays and constant switching of angles. Definitely a big downgrade in the presentation this year as M12 had it right. They would show you a replay angle and let it play all the way through. Then they might show you a different angle and let it play all the way through. That’s the way it’s done on TV and it’s a lot better. I’m skipping through all the presentation elements in M13 already. I’m sick of this garbage. Terrible downgrade in the automatic replay department.

Another downgrade was the halftime show as they show NO highlights from the game. I don’t understand this. The postgame show uses real highlights but the halftime show just uses scripted cut scenes. Last year’s halftime show was half real and I wanted more. Now they move the other way. Whoever was in charge of presentation in EA needs to step aside for M14. Really disappointed in this area.

One final thing, the down and distance, play clock and score should ALWAYS be shown while picking my play. Often this information is not on the screen and I shouldn’t have to pause the game to see it.

GRAPHICS

I think the graphics took a step back from last year. I do like the grass better and I really like the zoomed in camera on running plays better but the colours make the graphics look too cartoony. The lighting really hurts this look at times. Playing with the Cowboys in their dome and the graphics didn’t look good. With the 49ers in SF the game looks great but I don’t think the lighting effects work well. In certain stadiums at certain times the game just doesn’t look nearly as good as it could.

INFINITY ENGINE

I’ve been a bit disappointed with IE. I was expecting more in the demo and it’s really a subtle change from M12 for me. It does appear toned down from the demo as well and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. I still see too many NFL Blitz type tackles with players blowing each other up. The one great thing is the gang tackling. No more forcefields around players as you clean them up. Running up the middle is nice when a RB gets tripped by an arm. I’m sure this will be tweaked over time but I really don’t see IE as a selling feature or huge improvement.


RUNNING AND PASSING GAMES

I was worried after reading other impressions that the cpu would be running 80% of the time and that they would suck as well. Not the case last night. The cpu is a bit run heavy but threw the ball quite a bit and was effective at both. This was a sigh of relief. I still think they need to get the ball to their playmakers more. When I played against the Lions they targeted Calvin Johnson only once in the first half. I will say I’m annoyed with the shading feature on defense. It seems to take forever to highlight a WR on defense. Not even sure I’m doing it right and the playbooks seem to have dropped the double team WR options. What the heck? Why did EA do this?

The game does seem to be missing some personality. Last year I would see more individual characteristics and cut scenes. Right now everything feels a bit generic. Maybe I’m not playing with the right guys but I miss seeing certain defensive player celebrations and other things I was seeing in M12.

Overall I did have fun running the ball. With Miami I broke some longer runs with Bush and finding the cut back lanes is fun. There is movement out there and you have to read your blocks. The cpu running game on a tweaked All-Pro was pretty good so that doesn’t worry me as much.

The cpu passing game was good too. My favourite thing about this year’s Madden is the passing game. The new trajectories allowing me to get the ball over people is great. Throwing guys open, throwing to the back shoulder, etc are all really good too. You used to always get frustrated with throws in the past where you could see a guy wide open but couldn’t quite put the ball where you wanted and it got broken up. Not anymore. Timing is also a lot better. The icons lighting up also helps you complete those comeback routes much better. The comeback and curl routes are a lot easier to hit this year. Really happy with that. My slot receivers used to always lead my team in catches but the new passing engine makes it a lot easier to get the ball in the hands of your outside WRs and better players.

OVERALL

In terms of gameplay I think this is the best Madden to date and best football game this gen. The commentary is good but the lousy presentation with horrible replays that I am already skipping through certainly hurts the experience. There is also a bit of a generic feeling to the game that I can’t shake right now. While I wasn’t blown away last night but I did have fun. Hopefully that continues.

Current sliders I'm using on All-Pro: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArB9QSYxv2ZGdHZCTWIzLWRidVVfQmdiNVpMTDlVS 2c#gid=1

CLW
08-29-2012, 06:40 AM
The only thing about this game that upsets me is the inability to edit players/ratings/teams and also play any game on the schedule outside of your own. I'm a huge fan of created old school rosters and with the legends EA included this year i wish they would have given us the ability to edit and create classic teams. Outside of that I love the game play....it's the best Madden ever IMO. It has a few warps but nothing that frustrates me like NCAA 13 does on the field. I've settled on some All-Madden sliders and the game plays incredible for me.

I'd say getting this game for $45 is a flat out STEAL.

Maybe I've been grouchy or something lately but I was not impressed with either the Demo or Season Ticket (perhaps it was because I was playing too many random onliners which is not my thing). Care to share the sliders - I'd like to give them a try once my GameFly rental gets here to see if maybe I should just take the game for $45.

GatorBait06NC
08-29-2012, 05:49 PM
I literally threw my copy of Madden 13 in the trash. Rather than rip someone off by selling it on ebay for more than the $2 that its worth.

As i predicted, Connected Careers killed the series and is totally full of bugs and glitches. Stuff that would have been caught if the game had been tested for 5 minutes.

Want my honest impressions, here you go:

-Last year the Madden team talked about how big of a must it was for us to have complete control over editing so franchise mode could be ours. Then they remove editing all together.
-The fact that Connected Careers is scripted doesnt allow for editing.
-So you end up with 2 or 3 of the same number players on your team. You cant edit and change it. Stupid crap like Donovon McNabb being signed to the Browns or Vikings every year is crap.
-Changing of sliders, skill level, etc doesnt work at all in CC.
-I simmed on season and had 30, repeat 30, 1,000 yard rushers.
-Preseason is still broken. Starters show back up late in the game at other positions.
-Game face is broken.
-The XP system is really stupid.
-You have to have a constant connection to the EA servers for games to count.
-Having fake rookies and fake draft classes is one, I dont care to be told that the heisman winner is planning on being a hollywood actor. CC is full of childish, cheesy, retarded storylines. Makes me want to puke.

EA is basically catering to online players. PERIOD. Thats it. I can no longer play my franchise mode with me as a created player in the mode. I'm forced to either be a coach or player AKA superstar mode.

Not being able to edit rosters, create players, or create or edit draft classes is a killer. I knew it would be from the start. Fans want realism and this Madden offers 0 realism. Just a bunch of hype, broken features, broken promises, and the most stupid game mode ever in Connected Careers.

Connected Careers will be the final nail in the Madden coffin. EA no longer has the long exclusive deals. My hope is that Sony or 2k step in and offer us another NFL, NCAA Football and Basketball games. EA has had their shot and they just cant get the job done. Every year the games are getting worse and worse, more patches are needed to make each game playable.

FANS WANT REALISM AND TOTAL CONTROL. WE WANT AS MUCH EDITING ABILITY AS POSSIBLE. That is a very simple statement that EA cannot figure out. No one asked for Connected Careers.

NCAA Football 13 is acutally pretty good this year, but if they input connected Careers into NCAA, that game will fry too.

EA needs to actually listen to the fans and give us our old franchise mode w/ edibility back. I'm tired of not having an NFL game to play.

Please Sony, Please 2k, do something about this.

I know that no game is released in perfect shape, but why do EA titles always have so many issues. I'm just fed up with waiting for patches.

gigemaggs99
08-29-2012, 07:28 PM
Does it ever feel like some fantasy land? I mean I don't play the other big name games out there....so when I go to Gamestop at midnight for NCAA or Madden I'm really surprised how many people are there. There were A LOT more people there for Madden than there were for NCAA but like GaitorBait is saying, it is...."discouraging" to see how many patches are needed for the recent releases of EA titles. It seems like in the last couple of releases you mainly hear about how bad the games are, or how they have removed this or that, or how the "new improved feature(s)" just don't simply work.

It's almost like they have a "soft" deadline of July something for NCAA 14 but not really, there's always room for a patch...what about having the mentality of having it READY for release day? EA made a big deal this year about the NCAA 13 demo being release early, like for the E3 deal or whatever it was, well if they were able to release it "early" one would "assume" they were ahead of schedule...maybe they started working on NCAA 14 instead, maybe they took the days off to play golf...who knows. Just makes you wonder why the older versions worked for the most part, didn't require patches or maybe use the patches as a crutch to smudge the release deadline.

Others that play the big name titles, COD, Gears of War, etc...do they require patches after patches? Is there a shooter game out there that has glaring issues i.e. the gun/trigger just doesn't work? Then the fans write in, numerous obvious issues and the developers are blind to the fact that it's an issue or seem to dance around the issues? Is it just EA?

I've never played these other titles like people always seem to bring up 2K, Blitz, etc....I have tried winning 11, but prefer EA's Fifa. So I guess when it comes to football games I really only have brand to pick from, I guess in the end this is the definition of a monopoly. Maybe someday another brand will enter the market and we'll see improvement, until then...it seems like we are at the mercy of whoever the sole brand is.

Gotmadskillzson
08-29-2012, 07:47 PM
This game and NCAA 13 share the same problem. And that is the CPU offense can't sustain a drive for an entire game. It is as though once you intercept the CPU just ONE time, they lose their will to live and can't do nothing right for the rest of the game.

Other then that, best Madden in about a decade. Infinity engine is nice, HOWEVER, I don't like my RB falling backwards on his back just because he ran into the back of an offensive lineman. He should automatically push off with his hand. Kind of disappointed I haven't seen any helicopter hits yet on a WR jumping for a pass over the middle.

Yeah I was upset over no coach mode in CCM when they have legendary coaches in the game. Kind of defeats the point of having a legendary coach in the game if YOU CAN'T COACH MODE WITH THEM.

IMO the right stick needs to be tuned better. It isn't sensitive enough when you try to shield the ball away from a hit. Juking.....I want quick jukes not that hopping juke. And when I want to lower my shoulder to bowl somebody over, it should happen instantly and not take 2 or 3 yards for it to come out.

And my final problem is the strategy guide. Guide is 351 pages long, but yet they don't even talk about Connected Career mode other then 5 bullet points with 3 of those bullet points being useless. So to me yeah EA dropped the ball on the strategy guide.

You add this super deep new feature to the game called Connected Career and you don't go into depth about it in the strategy guide ?? Really ? But yet they go in depth about fantasy football in the guide, 10 pages on it....SMH.

GatorBait06NC
08-29-2012, 08:08 PM
Dont get me wrong, Connected Careers is a great idea. It's big flaw is that EA is the company producing it. It's just completely bug filled.

Call me petty, but I was absolutely disgusted when I saw three #85s on one team inside a coaching connected career. They wont let us edit anything while in CC mode, yet they will allow three #85s to play on one time. That is just disgusting, piss poor development.

That is just basically a slap in the face to everyone who tried to point out how important the ability to edit players was to EA before the game's release.

To me, EA is know for slapping it's consumers in the face. They have been getting away with it because of exclusive licenses. But now they no longer have those.

I dont expect EA Sports to be in business in 10 years. Look at their NBA title. 2k kills it. If another company were to make an NFL and NCAA football game, it would put EA out of business. College Hoops 2k8 is still the best next gen college hoops games despite the fact that EA released newer games.

It really sickened to me to see EA getting a deal with the UFC. Dana White is an idiot. EA MMA was terrible.

GatorBait06NC
08-29-2012, 08:12 PM
Franchise Mode in Madden peaked on last gen. It was finally getting to be decent on next gen and then EA comes up with this big plan to just remove it. And replace with an online bias piece of crap mode like Connected Careers. Pretty soon "Play Now" wont be available, it will be replaced with online games. EA Sports wont make a game for people who dont play online.

I OU a Beatn
08-29-2012, 08:17 PM
No offense, but the online crowd has been ignored this entire generation. If you ask me, it's about time they served us up something worthwhile. NCAA could take note and do the same considering we're still dealing with the exact same interface that we've had since it was first developed for 360/PS3.

JeffHCross
08-29-2012, 08:22 PM
It's almost like they have a "soft" deadline of July something for NCAA 14 but not really, there's always room for a patch...what about having the mentality of having it READY for release day?I think practically every game plans on there being at least one patch. Especially games that can't / don't want to move their release date.


I dont expect EA Sports to be in business in 10 years. Look at their NBA title. 2k kills it. If another company were to make an NFL and NCAA football game, it would put EA out of business. College Hoops 2k8 is still the best next gen college hoops games despite the fact that EA released newer games.You have heard of the MLB 2k series, right? That "killed" in another way. NCAA College Football 2k sucked. The NHL series drove the NHL 2k series into submission too. 2k has consistently gotten only one sport right: basketball. Now, maybe if they went all in, assembled the greatest football staff ever, and put every penny they could into making a football game, then they could knock Madden or NCAA off their respective pedestals. But 2k hasn't shown an ability to compete, over the long-term, with EA Sports in anything other than basketball.

EA Sports might not be in business ten years from now. But it won't be because of 2k. Or probably competition at all.

oweb26
08-29-2012, 08:25 PM
No offense, but the online crowd has been ignored this entire generation. If you ask me, it's about time they served us up something worthwhile. NCAA could take note and do the same considering we're still dealing with the exact same interface that we've had since it was first developed for 360/PS3.

Didnt they give you gamepad? or whatever it was called. lol :)

Playmakers
08-29-2012, 10:14 PM
Maybe I've been grouchy or something lately but I was not impressed with either the Demo or Season Ticket (perhaps it was because I was playing too many random onliners which is not my thing). Care to share the sliders - I'd like to give them a try once my GameFly rental gets here to see if maybe I should just take the game for $45.

I'm playing on All-Madden here's a link to the sliders I'm testing.
http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?124338-Playmakers-Madden-13-(All-Madden-Level)-Sliders&p=2117557#post2117557

GatorBait06NC
08-29-2012, 11:33 PM
I would like to be able to create myself to a team, play franchise mode, and control the entire team just like I have done every year since Madden introduced franchise mode back around 2000.

This year I cannot do it anymore. EA just says no. I'm forced to play superstar mode or NFL head coach. I can't play Madden the way I have for over 10 years.

I see no way that Madden 14 stays with connected careers without at least giving users the ability to edit players, equipment, appearance, and ratings at any time like we should be able to. Using created rosters is a must in CC.

I just cant get used to the fake players incoming in the drafts. I wish they would steal a line from 2k and let us create our own draft classes or edit current ones.

I just pray that NCAA doesnt go in the direction of connected careers. Sports gaming would be dead for me. And that would suck.

jaymo76
08-29-2012, 11:46 PM
A bunch of interesting tweets from Mr. Looman:

The GM‏@theGMsuite
@Josh_Looman I'm sure youve been asked this a million times, but how the hell do I change my team scheme in CCM, not position scheme?



2hJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@theGMsuite We're looking into that. There's currently no way to do it.

@Josh_Looman any chance of allowing users to play other games from the "weekly schedule" not just their own, like M12?

8hJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@EP_AudioVideo Probably not. We base everything around your character and how much XP they earn in game.


@Josh_Looman Why can't I control more than 1 team in connected career mode? I've done it every year in franchise. Where's this feature?


8hJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@leechaolan26 Connected Careers is based around controlling one character and taking them to the HOF.


7hJustin Adkins‏@leechaolan26

@Josh_Looman but you removed the option to play as multiple teams a feature you've had for years. Why?


@Josh_Looman Are you going to patch it where if you retire a created player, they stay in the game (like any real player)?


9hJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@RedGoldBleeder We're not going to change that for Madden 13 as of right now since it could introduce a ton of griefing and bugs.


WFF‏@steve_wff

@Josh_Looman great job! One question: how do you extend/restructure contracts for players not in contract year?

11hJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@steve_wff We tried to not overwhelm you this year and only ask you to deal with the contracts that are expiring.


@Josh_Looman Would u happen to know if we start a "franchise" online now will the patch that is coming out update it or do we have to wait?

11hJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@Chris_Pollack Not sure yet. Some things will automatically update and others may require a restart. We'll know more once we have more info.

Josh Looman‏@Josh_Looman Playing as a coach in Connected Careers is the same experience that franchise mode was last year. Outside of a few features, it's identical.



@Josh_Looman Are fantasy drafts going to be an update?


12hJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@yankeesman999 Nope. See my response yesterday. Fantasy Drafts will not be added to Madden13. They aren't possible in a patch.


We will not be adding fantasy drafts to #Madden13, but we do appreciate your feedback. We realize how important this feature is to you.



@Josh_Looman I'm guessing that goes for player editing as well? (The other big thing I keep hearing from die-hards)


28 AugJosh Looman‏@Josh_Looman

@ntonioChristian We're looking into that.

jaymo76
08-29-2012, 11:50 PM
Based on the last tweet I get the feeling that the Tiburon team is feeling tremendous pressure to return editing at least in some way shape or form. This issue has become a lightning rod for offline and online gamers. Tiburon blew it on this one and I think they are trying to correct this huge oversight.

ram29jackson
08-30-2012, 12:29 AM
thats 2 years in a row of not being able to fully edit a player in a dynasty

GatorBait06NC
08-30-2012, 12:35 AM
I think practically every game plans on there being at least one patch. Especially games that can't / don't want to move their release date.

You have heard of the MLB 2k series, right? That "killed" in another way. NCAA College Football 2k sucked. The NHL series drove the NHL 2k series into submission too. 2k has consistently gotten only one sport right: basketball. Now, maybe if they went all in, assembled the greatest football staff ever, and put every penny they could into making a football game, then they could knock Madden or NCAA off their respective pedestals. But 2k hasn't shown an ability to compete, over the long-term, with EA Sports in anything other than basketball.

EA Sports might not be in business ten years from now. But it won't be because of 2k. Or probably competition at all.

EA is going to put themselves out of business if they keep on releasing crap like Madden 13. Sales are down for NCAA, wonder why? People are just tired of the same ol issues. Competition from 2k or Sony would make EA put out a better product IMO, just like last gen.

EA has good ideas, they just suck at implementing them. EA DOES NOT test their product. There's no way they do. There's no way they would miss this stuff that consumers are finding in 15 minutes of gameplay. Madden and NCAA were both great games when EA had competition. Now the door is open again for someone to compete with them.

Im tired of buying EA Sports games and having to wait 3 months and multiple patches later to play it. It's disheartening. I saw right through Connected Careers from day 1 and knew exactly what it was going to be. A complete bugfest built to cater to the online era of gaming. It makes me sick. They should have left offline franchise alone. Not everyone plays online. Football games are the worst to play online anyway.

People at community days were begging for more editing options and created/edited draft classes. Instead we got what control we did have in the game ripped from us and are forced to play some cheesy BS called Connected Careers.

CONNECTED CAREERS, newsflash, I dont care about seeing some fake tweets from Skip Bayless about some BS trade that the computer made. I dont care to scout and draft a bunch of fake rookies and the cheesy, CHEESY, CHEESY, storylines that come with them like the Heisman Trophy winner thinking of pursuing an acting career. This is just pure ignorance and I have no idea why the guys at EA think this is cool. Its not. I'd much rather create my players, edit players, and even control all 32 teams in a regular franchise mode like I have done for 10+ years. Next gen still hasnt even given us something as simple as a restricted FA signing period that last gen Madden titles have.

To me, it's like Madden as died. And now we are forced to play some mixture of NFL head coach and the retarded superstar modes from previous Maddens. Only good idea is that you can do it online with buddies. That is until you get kicked from EA servers and your game doesnt count and you say F*CK IT.

They need to get away from this online kick that they are on and remember that the game made its name offline with offline modes. Madden 13 looks good visually and presentation is great too. But I can't enjoy it, because of issues like the sliders not working, several players wearing the same numbers. And all these fake storylines, tweets, etc actually make me less interested.

Connected Careers isnt cool at all. Its just one more cheesy gimmick feature that EA thinks is golden, THAT IS NOT. That no one asked for.

SmoothPancakes
08-30-2012, 12:53 AM
Based on the last tweet I get the feeling that the Tiburon team is feeling tremendous pressure to return editing at least in some way shape or form. This issue has become a lightning rod for offline and online gamers. Tiburon blew it on this one and I think they are trying to correct this huge oversight.

Tiburon blew it on a LOT of things this year.

WolverineJay
08-30-2012, 01:15 AM
People at community days were begging for more editing options and created/edited draft classes. Instead we got what control we did have in the game ripped from us and are forced to play some cheesy BS called Connected Careers.

CONNECTED CAREERS, newsflash, I dont care about seeing some fake tweets from Skip Bayless about some BS trade that the computer made. I dont care to scout and draft a bunch of fake rookies and the cheesy, CHEESY, CHEESY, storylines that come with them like the Heisman Trophy winner thinking of pursuing an acting career. This is just pure ignorance and I have no idea why the guys at EA think this is cool. Its not. I'd much rather create my players, edit players, and even control all 32 teams in a regular franchise mode like I have done for 10+ years. Next gen still hasnt even given us something as simple as a restricted FA signing period that last gen Madden titles have.

To me, it's like Madden as died. And now we are forced to play some mixture of NFL head coach and the retarded superstar modes from previous Maddens. Only good idea is that you can do it online with buddies. That is until you get kicked from EA servers and your game doesnt count and you say F*CK IT.

They need to get away from this online kick that they are on and remember that the game made its name offline with offline modes. Madden 13 looks good visually and presentation is great too. But I can't enjoy it, because of issues like the sliders not working, several players wearing the same numbers. And all these fake storylines, tweets, etc actually make me less interested.

Connected Careers isnt cool at all. Its just one more cheesy gimmick feature that EA thinks is golden, THAT IS NOT. That no one asked for.

I agree nobody outside of EA Tiburon's offices or executive's homes said hey can I get a mode that allows me to play my friend in online franchise, with me playing regularly and him in superstar mode. Lol, still sounds idiotic even after all this time since its unveiling. No not a seperate mode for the extreme minority it was targeted at, but it is the only way you can play a franchise. HUGE blunder and that is why I believe they pushed the Infinity Engine into Madden this year because without it the Madden faithful would have said to hell with this garbage. Fake players after 4 years of importing NCAA draft classes is acceptable not right off the bat. I mean you get a jumbled mess of real players and fake nobodies by year 3 of a franchise. EA Tiburon totally missed the boat on immersion within this mode. Where is the weekly highlight show? Where is the in-game live score ticker (great addition NCAA 13) to show you a living breathing league? Where are the in-game studio updates with important scores (again good job NCAA 13) and real highlights? The total generic feel to the CCM or new franchise mode is what turned me off from buying Madden for the first time in years.

Nobody is asking for a lot of things EA Tiburon decides to put into their games well at least in the manner that they decide to implement them. We as hardcore gamers are at the mercy of the non-hardcore gamers who just see that a new Madden or NCAA is available so they run out and buy it without any clue to what has been added or removed from the game. Just the way it is unfortunately.

SmoothPancakes
08-30-2012, 01:21 AM
EA is going to put themselves out of business if they keep on releasing crap like Madden 13. Sales are down for NCAA, wonder why? People are just tired of the same ol issues. Competition from 2k or Sony would make EA put out a better product IMO, just like last gen.

EA has good ideas, they just suck at implementing them. EA DOES NOT test their product. There's no way they do. There's no way they would miss this stuff that consumers are finding in 15 minutes of gameplay. Madden and NCAA were both great games when EA had competition. Now the door is open again for someone to compete with them.

Not that I disagree with you, but sales for all video games are down. Saying that sales for NCAA are down solely because of issues that have been in the game may not be completely true. I used to buy NCAA and Madden every year. Past couple years, I have only bought NCAA and skipped Madden, partly because Franchise in Madden had been stale and because paying $120 for two football games when the money to spend on games was getting less and less over time, something had to get chopped. Because I felt Franchise in Madden was stale, that was the one to get the axe over NCAA.

Also, while Madden would potentially get competition, I just don't see anyone stepping up to the plate and trying to challenge or make a NCAA football game. No company, 2K, EA or anyone else out there has been willing to shell out the money to make a NCAA Basketball game since 2K8 and NCAA BB 10. Regardless of how piss poor or great the game is, the sales numbers just aren't there to justify the costs to produce. I just can't see some other company trying to jump in from scratch with a NCAA football game after looking at what it would cost.


People at community days were begging for more editing options and created/edited draft classes. Instead we got what control we did have in the game ripped from us and are forced to play some cheesy BS called Connected Careers.

CONNECTED CAREERS, newsflash, I dont care about seeing some fake tweets from Skip Bayless about some BS trade that the computer made. I dont care to scout and draft a bunch of fake rookies and the cheesy, CHEESY, CHEESY, storylines that come with them like the Heisman Trophy winner thinking of pursuing an acting career. This is just pure ignorance and I have no idea why the guys at EA think this is cool. Its not. I'd much rather create my players, edit players, and even control all 32 teams in a regular franchise mode like I have done for 10+ years. Next gen still hasnt even given us something as simple as a restricted FA signing period that last gen Madden titles have.

Agreed.


To me, it's like Madden as died. And now we are forced to play some mixture of NFL head coach and the retarded superstar modes from previous Maddens. Only good idea is that you can do it online with buddies. That is until you get kicked from EA servers and your game doesnt count and you say F*CK IT.

I said the exact same thing a day or two ago. Playing it from a GM standpoint (simming the games, doing the drafting, trading, signing free agents, etc), I was able to at least mildly enjoy CCM. But everything else, I honestly couldn't care less about.

The tweets might by "nice" for the first 5 minutes, but after that, who cares. It's the same repetitive, regurgitated shit every 20-30 tweets. And in the process, now I have no clue what the fuck is going on around the league (trades, players dropped, retirements) that I used to be able to go to a simple menu and look, and now have to sort through dozens of tweets and stories in the hopes that just maybe it will be mentioned.

Other than that, as I said a day or two ago, for all intents and purposes, between CCM and Infinity Engine, Madden is dead to me right now. If they add either one to NCAA next year, it might just be the death of football games for me, as sad as that makes me.


They need to get away from this online kick that they are on and remember that the game made its name offline with offline modes. Madden 13 looks good visually and presentation is great too. But I can't enjoy it, because of issues like the sliders not working, several players wearing the same numbers. And all these fake storylines, tweets, etc actually make me less interested.

Connected Careers isnt cool at all. Its just one more cheesy gimmick feature that EA thinks is golden, THAT IS NOT. That no one asked for.

Agreed again.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 04:26 AM
Based on the last tweet I get the feeling that the Tiburon team is feeling tremendous pressure to return editing at least in some way shape or form. This issue has become a lightning rod for offline and online gamers. Tiburon blew it on this one and I think they are trying to correct this huge oversight.

This issue has actually bothered me more with time, especially seeing how bad the Dolphins roster was on release. They had at least 3-4 starters in the wrong positions. Ratings for guys like Matt Moore were terrible - he's not a West Coast QB. He throws a good deep ball but is weak on short accuracy and Donny Moore has it backwards. Just looking at the ratings in general there are no bell curves on the ratings. It's like he just sticks numbers everywhere. I still have to test whether the NBA Live 10 roster trick will work on M13 but hopefully they patch in editing.



IMO the right stick needs to be tuned better. It isn't sensitive enough when you try to shield the ball away from a hit. Juking.....I want quick jukes not that hopping juke. And when I want to lower my shoulder to bowl somebody over, it should happen instantly and not take 2 or 3 yards for it to come out.


I've complained about the juke before but I really feel the dual stick system was one of the worst things EA implemented. Nobody cares about leaning our upper body a little to avoid a hit. Nobody uses it for that and EA knows it. But to add the stupid thing they removed the truck feature which I used to love. I can never lower my shoulder anymore to dish out a hit. I will say the stiff arm is a lot better in M13. I've been able to use it pretty good.

Still don't know why the double team WR/TE features got dropped from all the playbooks. Maybe because they were implemented very unrealistically?

Rudy
08-30-2012, 04:38 AM
Reading people say the ball hawk feature is too easy to intercept passes. I haven't come close to one lol and I'm trying to use it. Not even sure if it's working for me.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 06:13 AM
This game just feels generic and stale for me. I wish it didn't but it does. I'm bored after 4 games and some of the games have been close.

Every team has Tony Sparano's ground and pound philosophy attached to them. In Madden 12 I would see teams mirror their philosophy a lot better. M12 just seemed to have more personality. Late game cpu AI is terrible in M13. It's as though they forgot to program AI for teams and situations and the game was rushed out the door. M13 has Infinity and the new passing system which I really like but there is no personality. It doesn't help that the presentation with their terrible replays took such a big step back.

Hopefully EA releases some patch notes soon about what is getting fixed in September. As an offline gamer this game will not hold my interest if some of these things aren't fixed. I'm actually going to rent Madden 12 again to see if I'm going crazy. I don't think I can go back with some of the improvements but the downgrades are hurting my enjoyment.

The menus are slow as hell too.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 06:20 AM
Ask Madden is far inferior to Ask Coach in NCAA. I really like how you can cycle through other suggestions. Madden gives you three max (sometimes less) and if they are all running plays you have to go looking for passing plays.

The menus are quite slow in Madden and the highlights are pretty rough in quality.

I OU a Beatn
08-30-2012, 06:36 AM
Reading people say the ball hawk feature is too easy to intercept passes..

It is. Hold Y as soon as you switch to the player and it'll get picked. It takes no timing whatsoever. I love almost everything EA did with Madden this year, but that certainly is not one of them.

But if you're having trouble, as soon as the deep ball is thrown(or any throw, it's just more obvious on deep ball), switch to defender, start holding Y, and then just run to the ball. The animation for the interception is automatically triggered.

SmoothPancakes
08-30-2012, 07:01 AM
This game just feels generic and stale for me. I wish it didn't but it does. I'm bored after 4 games and some of the games have been close.

Yep. I played through about 8-10 games or so in my first season of CCM while playing on Season Ticket. After that, I just didn't care to actually play anymore. I simply would simulate every game and treat my coaching CCM like a GM mode, trading players, signing free agents, doing the draft, setting depth charts and resigning players. I ended up getting about 4 or 5 seasons into a coaching CCM with every single game after season 1 being 100% simulated. I just had absolutely no interest anymore in even playing a single game.

JeffHCross
08-30-2012, 10:09 AM
/Agree with everything you said, GatorBait.

psuexv
08-30-2012, 10:31 AM
It is. Hold Y as soon as you switch to the player and it'll get picked. It takes no timing whatsoever. I love almost everything EA did with Madden this year, but that certainly is not one of them.

But if you're having trouble, as soon as the deep ball is thrown(or any throw, it's just more obvious on deep ball), switch to defender, start holding Y, and then just run to the ball. The animation for the interception is automatically triggered.

Yep, it stinks because it takes no skill. Before it used to be about timing and how good you were at positioning yourself and actually hitting Y at the right moment. Now with Ball Hawk it basically disabled the ability to do it on your own and makes it too easy.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 01:26 PM
Just beat the Patriots 27-26 at home with Green Bay. I did see the Lambeau Leap. Rodgers is awesome. Brady was great against me when they actually threw it. New England ran 19 out of the first 25 plays. They did have two long drives that ended in FGs but you are New England! Pass the ball! I scored a TD late to go up by one. New England had no time outs left and got the ball on their own 20 yard line with 25 seconds left. They ran a draw. Then they spiked it. Then they ran a sweep for a first down with a 1 WR package before they spiked it again with one second left on their own 32 yard line. What the heck is going on EA? Team tendencies and late game logic both on offense and defense are retarded. I will not be playing a franchise mode any time soon until team tendencies are patched. I know it wasn't like this in Madden 12. What happened?

JeffHCross
08-30-2012, 01:30 PM
Yep, it stinks because it takes no skill. Before it used to be about timing and how good you were at positioning yourself and actually hitting Y at the right moment. Now with Ball Hawk it basically disabled the ability to do it on your own and makes it too easy.Though it was supposedly patched into NCAA and ... well, doesn't seem to have changed anything.

Unless I just suck.

JBHuskers
08-30-2012, 01:36 PM
Though it was supposedly patched into NCAA and ... well, doesn't seem to have changed anything.

Unless I just suck.

:whistle:

CLW
08-30-2012, 01:57 PM
I'm playing on All-Madden here's a link to the sliders I'm testing.
http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?124338-Playmakers-Madden-13-(All-Madden-Level)-Sliders&p=2117557#post2117557

Thanks man I'll give these a try.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 04:05 PM
It seems like all the team specific sounds like the Lions roar are gone. I haven't noticed any so I don't know if I haven't been paying attention or they were just removed. If these were removed it just adds to the generic feeling of the game. I think the Dolphins fight song used to be in before but it's not in right now.

gigemaggs99
08-30-2012, 04:07 PM
I've always been an NCAA guy, mainly b/c I enjoy the college game in real life a little better, perhaps b/c I was under the influence that college isn't all about the money and I am a psycho Aggie Football fan...the NFL has always been about money, but they have always been upfront about it. In the last years I've come to see the NCAA is more about money, it's just not cool the "spin" they put on it to make it sound like it's not all about the money.

That being said, I want to play a good football game that to me is more about the strategy of football. I've always enjoyed the NCAA series and I still enjoy playing NCAA 13. I like that it has the options to use different play styles, much more than Madden does. I enjoy being able to use the Flexbone, WCO, Spread, Air Raid, Pro, One back, and others.

Madden is more about the pro style, some WCO but little to no option running, no flexbone. wishbone, etc.... So I would give the nod to NCAA with regards to different playing styles.

I like that NCAA has a great disparity in teams but then it also seems overpowering at times. Kent St vs USC should be a no brainer in real life, but it IS supposed to be a game and you are suppose to have a chance. When your receivers are falling all over the field and your QB decides to chunk the ball like he's trying out for the javelin throw it gets to be a bit much. I guess what I'm saying is there is no strategy involved when your players become inept. I can still try to make the proper reads and call a good game plan but if the players just fall off the face of the planet, well there is little I can do about this.

Madden, atleast so far has not done this to me. I think in the older version i.e. ps2 days where you could play as European NFL teams you would have seen this disparity like you see in the NCAA game. This version '13 you just do see it, so even though it takes something away from the game it also leaves those issues out. The Pats vs the Lions, is not like playing USC vs Kent St.

I like the Madden game as far as a strategy football game vs NCAA. I have only played my pre-season games and the first 2 regular season games with my offline CCM/dynasty/franchise mode but I haven't seen any of those slipping WRs, or players just forgetting how to play like they do in NCAA (atleast not yet...).

I like that I can call a seams attacking play vs cover 2 in Madden and it works. NCAA I have to worry if the WR will fall down, if the QB will decide to throw the ball out of bounds instead...I just figure if NCAA is going to be that off kilter they should make me use the PS3 Move controller and make ME throw the ball, then I would throw bad passes, but when I press the triangle one time and hits him in the numbers then next time he throws the ball out of bounds...well it shouldn't be that big of a difference. In Madden '13 I haven't seen this.

In Madden 13 on defense if I pick a nickel cover 3 vs a 3rd and 15 offense I can usually shut them down and force a punt. For years in NCAA it seems like you're better off with a 3rd and 15+ than you are with a 3rd and 1. 3rd and long or even 4th down in the NCAA game is like GAME ON for the offense. All of a sudden you can throw deep and your WRs make double coverage catches all sorts of wild "WHAT THE HECK just happened?" plays. In madden if I throw into double coverage it gets picked, to me that's how it should be. If I make a mistake I should be punished, in NCAA it seems like you're constantly able to roll the dice.

So, I still have a lot of games to play but strictly saying football vs football, not all the sub menus and other differences, I think Madden 13 is a better football game than NCAA. I guess it comes down to control. I feel like when I win/lose in Madden it's because of what I did with the controller and play calling. In NCAA it is less so, more of me scratching my head saying...ummm yeah right....

Gotmadskillzson
08-30-2012, 04:07 PM
I hate the new ball hawk and super swat feature. Yes people, they added a new super swat feature as well. Just hold down the swat button and you will be deflecting passes like dikembo mutombo. To me it is just more features EA has added to make online play more fair to the masses.

Kind of like auto strafe, auto sprint, tackle assist. Too much automatic and assisted stuff. If I want the CPU to do everything for me, I would play coach mode. Oh wait, Madden doesn't have a REAL coach mode, they only have auto pass from broadcast cam view.

Every year they make Madden easier and easier. No skill required, just hold the button down and the CPU will do it for you. I guess next year they will add auto hit stick. You suck at hit sticking people ? We got you covered with our new hit stick assist feature in Madden 14.

I understand they want to appeal to the masses and make the game pick up and play. But EA goes too far with it. Some where they have to draw the line.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 05:48 PM
Great mythbuster thread on Madden over at OS: http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/571082-madden-mythbusting-faq-please-read-before-posting-question.html


Okay, so I see a lot of the same questions popping up on the boards, so I decided to make a thread where you can get all the answers you need in one place. Feel free to add others.

1) YOU CANNOT EDIT ANYTHING IN CCM. This includes numbers, equipment, positions, and ratings. Nothing. Yes, duplicate numbers are an issue that they are looking into according to Josh Looman's twitter account. No, you cannot control all 32 teams, and there is no coach mode or spectator (cpu v cpu) in CCM. Not sure if this can be patched. *UPDATE* Duplicate Numbers are fixed in online CCMs. *Update 2* Team is "looking into" patching in player editing. Nothing confirmed yet.

2) SEASON TICKET AND RETAIL ARE THE SAME CODE. THEY ARE THE EXACT SAME GAME. ALWAYS. There is no difference between the season ticket version of Madden and the disc version. This goes for all EA releases.

3) The menus in CCM are confusing. If you are looking for depth charts, team salary info, etc, go to the "More" tab and start exploring.

4) There is a patch coming out soon, most likely in September. There's nothing confirmed, but the first release should include some gameplay tuning and some bugfixes, namely...

5) the weird issues with depth charts in preseason is a bug. The team knows about it and are working on it. *Update* fixed in online CCMs only.

6) Man coverage has a bug wherein defenders will approach the LOS before retreating into coverage. They are aware of this. Try to avoid hitting the right stick right after a play starts.

7) Assisted tackles and half sacks are in the game but not registering. They are aware of this, too.

8) Connected Career is not scripted. The things that play out in the first offseason are more or less consistent for people because everyone is starting from the same base, and the CPU is governed by specific AI logic. So it's not that TO getting cut is always going to happen, it's that he's not a good fit (and old), so more often than not the Seahawks will cut him.

9) Changing playcalling options in CCM is also bugged. It will revert back to game flow between weeks regardless of what you set it to.

10) "Coach Mode" and being a coach in CCM are 2 different things. Being a coach in CCM is just like traditional franchise, and "Coach Mode" is a gameplay style wherein the CPU executes the plays that you call. You cannot use "Coach Mode" in CCMs this year.

11) Just because your CCM is online does not mean it's open to online players. You can play a singleplayer online CC and have the benefits of tuning and using maddencareer.com without allowing people into your league. Just set the league settings to private, max users to 1, and use a password. Online CCM is exactly the same as offline CCM.

12) The inability to change schemes is a bug that the team is aware of. This was confirmed by Josh Looman on twitter about an hour ago. *Update* This is fixed in online CCM. Not sure about overall coaching schemes, though.

13) You can be in more than one CCM. I don't think it's unlimited for online (somebody said a max of 5), but offline is unlimited to the best of my knowledge.

14) Yes, backups in simmed preseason games get no plays in. I've reached out to my contacts to see if they're aware of this. Maybe using supersim will help with this issue.

15) There will be regular updates to the CCM roster. There was one that came out with the roster update on Friday. In order to use it with your CCM, you will need to start a new CCM after restarting your system. You will be prompted to download the new career rosters, which correspond only to CCM.

Here's a video showing it working...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81zNn...e_gdata_player

16) Playing as a solo player in an online CCM will allow you to get some updates to CCM due to online tuning patches. These may be small hotfixes. Offline CCM's will have to wait until the official patches come out to get any updates. UPDATE: So it looks like this works by pushing out server side updates to the code present in online CCM. You won't notice when things are updated (there's no "downloading tuner") but some issues should be fixed and will continue to be.

17) Confirmed via Josh Looman's twitter that there will be no fantasy draft patched into CCM this year. He did say though that they are "looking into" allowing some editing of players.

18) If you click through an instant replay, the UI does not load completely, only the playcalling screen. This is why you don't see the down, distance, and score. Pause the game and unpause to fix.

19) Accelerated clock doesn't work in user vs user games in online CCM's. I've tested this with a half dozen people now in every configuration possible, it simply doesn't work. Your cpu games it will work fine but if you're in a league with a few other guys when you go to play a human vs human game no accelerated clock

20) There's a bug that prevents you from signing free agents in preseason week 1. This has been fixed for online CCMs but will need to be patched for offline ccm.

21) There is a bug in CCM where your auto subs will be set to 51-49 for every position. Not sure of the gameplay implications. Haven't heard anything about a fix yet.

22) Overalls are different in CCM than they are in Play Now due to schemes. The game takes into account the type of player on the roster and the type of player the coach wants in that spot, and rates them up or down accordingly.

If there are any others that you can think of, feel free. Maybe this will help keep the same threads from being made over and over.

gigemaggs99
08-30-2012, 05:56 PM
I hate the new ball hawk and super swat feature. Yes people, they added a new super swat feature as well. Just hold down the swat button and you will be deflecting passes like dikembo mutombo. To me it is just more features EA has added to make online play more fair to the masses.

Kind of like auto strafe, auto sprint, tackle assist. Too much automatic and assisted stuff. If I want the CPU to do everything for me, I would play coach mode. Oh wait, Madden doesn't have a REAL coach mode, they only have auto pass from broadcast cam view.

Every year they make Madden easier and easier. No skill required, just hold the button down and the CPU will do it for you. I guess next year they will add auto hit stick. You suck at hit sticking people ? We got you covered with our new hit stick assist feature in Madden 14.

I understand they want to appeal to the masses and make the game pick up and play. But EA goes too far with it. Some where they have to draw the line.

I don't play many random lobby games for the obvious reasons. I like a good game of football, not a hope match that I don't get paired up with a cheezer. So I play my buddies or in leagues where people play realistic football.

I like that they give us the option to turn those features off, you can turn off auto-strafing, auto-sprint, etc...I guess you can't do that in the lobby but I've never EVER heard raving reviews about lobby play. It really seems like the lobby isn't the place to go if you want a good game, it's more a place to a) practice your gameplan, b) find people that cheat and make you pissed off, both seem like a waste of time to me. I'd rather practice against the CPU or my buddies that I know aren't going to play silly.

In the end it's all up to you (I'm speaking to everyone in general, not the OP). If you like playing the game online only with RANKED games then you have to understand that it has it's pros and cons. If you want fun realistic football play your buddies, unranked if need-be. I could care less if someone tells me they have a super high lobby rank, they will also be the first ones to complain about cheezers and glitchers and how much it sucks when someone quits on them and messes up their record or wastes their time. I say, don't play them if you are worried about that, it's only going to happen and you'll be the one getting upset.

Play the CPU and play your friends, have fun it's a game.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 06:20 PM
Game planning is broken in Madden resulting in cpu running way too much. It can be fixed through editing but that only works for Play Now. It will not fix anything in franchise mode. Ugh. This is a game killer if not patched.

http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/570743-i-have-one-issue-game-why-cpu-running-ball-so-much-7.html#post2044088300

jaymo76
08-30-2012, 06:28 PM
Game planning is broken in Madden resulting in cpu running way too much. It can be fixed through editing but that only works for Play Now. It will not fix anything in franchise mode. Ugh. This is a game killer if not patched.

http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/570743-i-have-one-issue-game-why-cpu-running-ball-so-much-7.html#post2044088300

So bascially half of the features are bugged and half don't work correctly. Combine this with all the missing features... sports game of the year winner??? Honestly I like the gameplay in Madden 13 but this CCM mode is fundamentally broken.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 06:39 PM
The gameplay is nice. I really enjoy the passing changes the running game is pretty decent too. This Madden has the potential to be the best Madden ever. But way too much crap is broken. If I have to wait for an October patch so that the teams run/pass ratios are correct I will be beyond pissed. How did anyone miss this? Oh yeah. They spent all their time playing against other users and not testing the game for us offline guys against the cpu. This is why the cpu remains stupid and sliders don't always work. All of the focus has shifted to offline play, DLC and MUT to make more money. I feel completely bent over right now.

jaymo76
08-30-2012, 07:17 PM
The gameplay is nice. I really enjoy the passing changes the running game is pretty decent too. This Madden has the potential to be the best Madden ever. But way too much crap is broken. If I have to wait for an October patch so that the teams run/pass ratios are correct I will be beyond pissed. How did anyone miss this? Oh yeah. They spent all their time playing against other users and not testing the game for us offline guys against the cpu. This is why the cpu remains stupid and sliders don't always work. All of the focus has shifted to offline play, DLC and MUT to make more money. I feel completely bent over right now.

Rudy my friend, you are a better man than I. Every years since 05 I have purchsed Madden. However, this year I have not. Trust me, a huge part of me wants to... BUT... I just can't. Now I can overlook all the bugs; I can overlook all the glitches, I can even deal with losing custom playbooks, import NCAA classes, etc. but regardless of gameplay I just cannot get over losing editing and picking the cpu uniforms. I agree that the gameplay is superior to NCAA. It's just too bad that CCM... an awesome idea, at this point is a total distaster.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 07:31 PM
Rudy my friend, you are a better man than I.

I am not better. I am weak! I thought the demo was pretty good despite the lousy presentation replays. I read some bad things before release and I shouldn't have gone through with my purchase I guess. I did get a good trade in offer and didn't spend any money renting.

But if the cpu gameplan of calling far too many run plays isn't fixed soon (ie first patch in two weeks, not the second patch) I will be selling this and re-buying a cheap copy of Madden 12 or passing on football altogether. Madden 13 is a coaster for me with how teams don't behave like they do in real life. It was one of my biggest pet peeves about NCAA - that teams felt way too similar. Madden 13 is even worse now.

Rudy
08-30-2012, 07:58 PM
Just for reference, only Oakland ran more than they passed last year and 15 out of 32 teams passed at least 60% of the time. Definitely not in the game EA.

http://pick256.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/quick-hit-passrun-ratios-2010-vs-2011/

Rudy
08-31-2012, 06:32 AM
It looks like player progression may be broken. I'm sure this can be tuned but this is an issue as much for the cpu as the user.

http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/572446-connected-careers-player-progression-broken.html

Rudy
08-31-2012, 06:39 AM
I guess the Infinity engine doesn't apply to height, weight and strength on All-Madden. This guy created a 5'0" 160 pound LT with 5 for strength and 5 in all his pass block categories. Facing 272 pound Courtney Upshaw of the Bears he stone walls him on pass protection every time. Funny but sad. EA does need to account for weight much more but this is why I stay away from All-Madden. The pass blocking starts about 2:00 in.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP86qV6rXOU&feature=plcp

skipwondah33
08-31-2012, 10:11 AM
And that doesn't happen on Rookie, All-Pro in practice mode?

I don't play practice mode so I wouldnt know but I've heard different things occur in that mode than in a game for some reason.

Playing another User it is the only way to go ill continue to say

gigemaggs99
08-31-2012, 12:19 PM
I guess the Infinity engine doesn't apply to height, weight and strength on All-Madden. This guy created a 5'0" 160 pound LT with 5 for strength and 5 in all his pass block categories. Facing 272 pound Courtney Upshaw of the Bears he stone walls him on pass protection every time. Funny but sad. EA does need to account for weight much more but this is why I stay away from All-Madden. The pass blocking starts about 2:00 in.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP86qV6rXOU&feature=plcp

Yeah but he has good technique and he's ALL HEART!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ2RikLLyfM

Rudy
08-31-2012, 01:07 PM
All heart lol!

Rudy
08-31-2012, 04:08 PM
I guess all the stadium sounds are listed in the credits but most aren't playing. Markus from EA said they are looking into it. Hopefully it's a quick fix to get those playing again.

rufusone
08-31-2012, 04:25 PM
I agree with you all, Madden and NCAA are dead, stale, and boring to me anymore. Sames stuff different year,, with a few extras thrown in, gameplay seems to matter to noone. I never play on-line in NCAA and Madden I'm about dynasty and franchise, thats it.

What will EA do with these sports titles when the new Xbox and Playstation consoles come out the Fall/Winter of 2013, how will they react and butcher the titles then, and what will be there excuse's, and will they start out totally generic for the 1st year of the console cycles. I hope not. I'm 55 years old and I'm still waiting for really good football game that runs in HD.

ram29jackson
08-31-2012, 06:08 PM
I actually wish the load/start screen you see when the game loads and you fly through that big black n blue room with the NFL logo's n stuff..I wish that was a room you actually could navigate with the menues..it just looks cool...like the year they had the madden training that looked like Tron and the year they had the ring and trophy type Madden shrine

jaymo76
08-31-2012, 07:45 PM
Over at the EA Sports/Madden forums their boards are just being clogged up with negative posts and reposts. To be fair to EA, there have been a few members who have tried to respond the best they can (As a side note, it's fine to be angry at the game but don't make it personal...). However of interest there is a poll asking who would like old franchise mode returned. Currently the vote is 197 votes (98%) to 5 (2%) ... in favour of returning to the old franchise mode. Wow!!!

http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/8935812.page

There seems to be a massive dissconenct between a number of the madden game changers and the a typical madden fan. Most people say the same thing... IE has improved the game while CCM is fairly shallow and lacking of previous features with a number of new buggy features thrown in the mix. It will be fascinating to see how the Madden team proceeds. What will they return via a patch (what can they return via a patch?) and how long will it take? I highly doubt too much can be done but only time will tell. This is the chance for them to show that they do truly value the consumers. I hope they respond in kind.

ram29jackson
08-31-2012, 07:55 PM
Over at the EA Sports/Madden forums their boards are just being clogged up with negative posts and reposts. To be fair to EA, there have been a few members who have tried to respond the best they can (As a side note, it's fine to be angry at the game but don't make it personal...). However of interest there is a poll asking who would like old franchise mode returned. Currently the vote is 197 votes (98%) to 5 (2%) ... in favour of returning to the old franchise mode. Wow!!!

http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/8935812.page

There seems to be a massive dissconenct between a number of the madden game changers and the a typical madden fan. Most people say the same thing... IE has improved the game while CCM is fairly shallow and lacking of previous features with a number of new buggy features thrown in the mix. It will be fascinating to see how the Madden team proceeds. What will they return via a patch (what can they return via a patch?) and how long will it take? I highly doubt too much can be done but only time will tell. This is the chance for them to show that they do truly value the consumers. I hope they respond in kind.

the only thing they arent in favor of is the not working part/s...whats not to like when you can still control a whole team?...they dont like that things altered because EA cant keep what they had while altering it. I am sure they intend to put original coach mode back in ( which i dont get?..must be the lazy-est people in the world who want a mode where you just pick a play and watch AI who cant even execute it right for a decade)..whats to be upset about/ the game does what it always has, just with a different menu and a couple add- ons. if people want it back the way it was, that just means it will suck again next year with all the change arounds they keep doing.

get rid of motion blur, it just screws up recording your replays and makes the video crappy

Rudy
08-31-2012, 07:59 PM
However of interest there is a poll asking who would like old franchise mode returned. Currently the vote is 197 votes (98%) to 5 (2%) ... in favour of returning to the old franchise mode. Wow!!!

http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/8935812.page


Wow. 98%! You can't get 98% of the people to agree grass is green. That's a lot. They did not explain it well nor should have changed the name of the mode from franchise. You can't take that many options out either. Josh Looman is feeling the pressure!

Not sure why they felt the need to combine Superstar mode and franchise. Who will actually take advantage of that?

SmoothPancakes
08-31-2012, 08:05 PM
I am sure they intend to put original coach mode back in ( which i dont get?..must be the lazy-est people in the world who want a mode where you just pick a play and watch AI who cant even execute it right for a decade).

:fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp: :fp:

SmoothPancakes
08-31-2012, 08:07 PM
Wow. 98%! You can't get 98% of the people to agree grass is green. That's a lot. They did not explain it well nor should have changed the name of the mode from franchise. You can't take that many options out either. Josh Looman is feeling the pressure!

Not sure why they felt the need to combine Superstar mode and franchise. Who will actually take advantage of that?

Plus not to mention it's still essentially two different modes. You either create a coach or a player. Just like you did with franchise and Superstar. You either create a coach or a player. All they did was throw the two under the same menus/options on the main menu and give them different names.

Gotmadskillzson
08-31-2012, 08:58 PM
I am sure they intend to put original coach mode back in ( which i dont get?..must be the lazy-est people in the world who want a mode where you just pick a play and watch AI who cant even execute it right for a decade)..

That is such a short sided thing to say. Some people just like the strategy behind X's and O's. Pure play calling. More of a challenge. There is no challenge for me personally user controlling players because you can make the dumbest player on the game the best player on the game when you are the one controlling him. Ratings go out the window.

Coach mode, you have to rely on the ratings, rely on play calling, rely on finding the right personnel to fit your offense. User controlling players, don't matter if you get a 88 rated player or a 40 rated player because you are controlling him.

Then you have to think of all the disabled vets out there who simply can't move the sticks as quick or might even just have one hand. Coach mode was the way for them to keep playing the game they love. Since you literally can play coach mode with one hand.

gschwendt
08-31-2012, 09:33 PM
Not sure why they felt the need to combine Superstar mode and franchise. Who will actually take advantage of that?
The only logic I see behind is that now they no longer need to maintain two different modes... if you add a feature to one, it obviously works for both now. The only problem is that can also paint you into a corner where something you want to do for Coach Mode is more difficult because it also has to translate to Player mode.

jaymo76
08-31-2012, 11:01 PM
Well I'm a little surprised and dissapointed by EA. After the poll (above) hit 203 for returning franchise mode to 5 for not, the mods deleted the post. I get that they don't like negative posts towards their products but don't resort to deleting posts.

As for the game, I wish I would have seen that trades video earlier... I didn't realise you could see the teams interest simply by putting a player on the block and then scrolling through the teams.

ram29jackson
09-01-2012, 12:03 AM
Well I'm a little surprised and dissapointed by EA. After the poll (above) hit 203 for returning franchise mode to 5 for not, the mods deleted the post. I get that they don't like negative posts towards their products but don't resort to deleting posts.

As for the game, I wish I would have seen that trades video earlier... I didn't realise you could see the teams interest simply by putting a player on the block and then scrolling through the teams.



thats funny, they are as bad as OS when it comes to self promotion at times. Big Brother never sleeps

SmoothPancakes
09-01-2012, 04:08 AM
That is such a short sided thing to say. Some people just like the strategy behind X's and O's. Pure play calling. More of a challenge. There is no challenge for me personally user controlling players because you can make the dumbest player on the game the best player on the game when you are the one controlling him. Ratings go out the window.

Coach mode, you have to rely on the ratings, rely on play calling, rely on finding the right personnel to fit your offense. User controlling players, don't matter if you get a 88 rated player or a 40 rated player because you are controlling him.

Then you have to think of all the disabled vets out there who simply can't move the sticks as quick or might even just have one hand. Coach mode was the way for them to keep playing the game they love. Since you literally can play coach mode with one hand.

:clap: :clap: :clap:

I enjoyed playing some coach mode in NCAA 12. It completely changes the way you play the game because you can't just cheese the CPU with human stick skills. You have to think like an actual college coach when it comes to your play calling because it's going to be your players and their ratings that decide the outcome, not you and your stick skills. Completely changes your view of things in the game when you're trying to outsmart your opponent (CPU or human) via play calling and situationals in the game instead of trying to out-stick them.

jaymo76
09-01-2012, 11:35 AM
:clap: :clap: :clap:

I enjoyed playing some coach mode in NCAA 12. It completely changes the way you play the game because you can't just cheese the CPU with human stick skills. You have to think like an actual college coach when it comes to your play calling because it's going to be your players and their ratings that decide the outcome, not you and your stick skills. Completely changes your view of things in the game when you're trying to outsmart your opponent (CPU or human) via play calling and situationals in the game instead of trying to out-stick them.

With my kids the age they are, I am actually considering doing a coach mode franchise in the near future. It may acutally allow me to play a little during the daytime hours.

souljahbill
09-01-2012, 11:54 AM
With my kids the age they are, I am actually considering doing a coach mode franchise in the near future. It may acutally allow me to play a little during the daytime hours.

You could make it an online dynasty and play from the web also.

ram29jackson
09-01-2012, 02:32 PM
ya' know, its cool when you are using Peyton Manning and when you call audibles, its his voice you are actually hearing !

jaymo76
09-01-2012, 02:41 PM
The only logic I see behind is that now they no longer need to maintain two different modes... if you add a feature to one, it obviously works for both now. The only problem is that can also paint you into a corner where something you want to do for Coach Mode is more difficult because it also has to translate to Player mode.

I totally understand why EA/Tiburon did this; I totally understand why EA/Tiburon wants us all online. However, the problem is that I don't recall ANYONE ever saying they wanted this. This is where I take issue with a number of the MADDEN specific game changers (nobody on this site... OS/Tradition Sports primarily). It has become abundantly clear that they do NOT represent the A-typical madden customer. Many of the things they have attested to valuing are things such as online play, rpg style, etc. They have a specific agenda that many do not buy into. Also some have vested personal interests in makkng sure this game sells well(eg being a game changer AND selling a prima madden guide...???...). If EA/Tiburon wants open and honest feedback there are a heck of a lot of people who can provide it. Day after day the backlash against 13 continues to become more and more vocal. I think it would do a world of good for some of the Tiburon folks to have an open honest discussion about what they see for this game in the immediate and longterm future.

Edit: I think CCM has massive potential... IF..... they ADD BACK EVERYTHING THEY TOOK OUT.

Rudy
09-01-2012, 05:47 PM
There are guys on OS that have figured out how to get the Madden 13 rosters on both 360 and PS3 to import into Madden 12. The roster database file is exactly the same so you get all the rookies and everything else. A couple tricks to do but guys are making it work. After being so annoyed with the run/pass ratios and play calling problems due to gameflow/gameplanning incorrectly rating runs far higher than passes on 1st and 2nd down, I rented Madden 12 again to see if I could go back. It's hard.

The presentation in terms of replay systems is way better. They don't trigger after every play and they actually are interesting and not useless. Stadium sounds are done properly. But the commentary team, especially Gus Johnson, is really hard to take after Nantz and Simms. The new guys may have some problems here and there but they are a huge upgrade. The crowds are done really well in M13 as well. That's better.

The other tough thing is that M13 passing is WAY better. I love the ability to throw guys open and the timing of the comeback routes. You can't throw guys open in M12. Pushing on the stick means you throw it a bit higher or shade a WR slightly but it's nowhere near the same. Press coverage in M12 is a bit too effective and your WRs can really struggle to get off the line. The passing game is more open in M13 and more fun. M12 can't compete in this area.

While I have stated I don't think the Infinity engine is that big a deal it does make gang tackling way better. Cleaning up tackles rather than bouncing off a forcefield due to a canned animation kicking in is a significant improvement. Not something you see all the time but the feel of the game is different.

I have made my decision to stick with M13. I just hope the bugs and issues of franchise mode - making sure sliders are working right, sub sliders are working, XP is correct, etc gets fixed. My biggest beef by far is the cpu play calling. The gameplanning is simply broken as the tendencies on 1st and 2nd down rate running plays FAR higher than passing plays. This is simply wrong in today's NFL and doesn't represent the various teams properly. I hope this gets fixed in the early patch and/or tuning files.

gigemaggs99
09-02-2012, 10:57 AM
Well I'm a little surprised and dissapointed by EA. After the poll (above) hit 203 for returning franchise mode to 5 for not, the mods deleted the post. I get that they don't like negative posts towards their products but don't resort to deleting posts.

As for the game, I wish I would have seen that trades video earlier... I didn't realise you could see the teams interest simply by putting a player on the block and then scrolling through the teams.


I think they "secretly" do this so they came come out with Madden 14 or 15 and really put a hard sell on the "ALL NEW FRANCHISE MODE" :))

ram29jackson
09-02-2012, 03:09 PM
I like the new replay system..there may be mistakes in it..but it gives you a perspective of the cameras put in..and it looks like NFL Films a little haha

..there may actually be mistakes at how it plays out that they didnt intend, angles etc....but it still looks cool. And I assume everything they bragged about last year as far as all the camera angles are still in there...?

WolverineJay
09-02-2012, 04:17 PM
There are guys on OS that have figured out how to get the Madden 13 rosters on both 360 and PS3 to import into Madden 12. The roster database file is exactly the same so you get all the rookies and everything else. A couple tricks to do but guys are making it work. After being so annoyed with the run/pass ratios and play calling problems due to gameflow/gameplanning incorrectly rating runs far higher than passes on 1st and 2nd down, I rented Madden 12 again to see if I could go back. It's hard.

The presentation in terms of replay systems is way better. They don't trigger after every play and they actually are interesting and not useless. Stadium sounds are done properly. But the commentary team, especially Gus Johnson, is really hard to take after Nantz and Simms. The new guys may have some problems here and there but they are a huge upgrade. The crowds are done really well in M13 as well. That's better.

The other tough thing is that M13 passing is WAY better. I love the ability to throw guys open and the timing of the comeback routes. You can't throw guys open in M12. Pushing on the stick means you throw it a bit higher or shade a WR slightly but it's nowhere near the same. Press coverage in M12 is a bit too effective and your WRs can really struggle to get off the line. The passing game is more open in M13 and more fun. M12 can't compete in this area.

While I have stated I don't think the Infinity engine is that big a deal it does make gang tackling way better. Cleaning up tackles rather than bouncing off a forcefield due to a canned animation kicking in is a significant improvement. Not something you see all the time but the feel of the game is different.

I have made my decision to stick with M13. I just hope the bugs and issues of franchise mode - making sure sliders are working right, sub sliders are working, XP is correct, etc gets fixed. My biggest beef by far is the cpu play calling. The gameplanning is simply broken as the tendencies on 1st and 2nd down rate running plays FAR higher than passing plays. This is simply wrong in today's NFL and doesn't represent the various teams properly. I hope this gets fixed in the early patch and/or tuning files.

Thanks so much Rudy. I did this very easily today and it works. I don't mind that the rookies have no faces since the game can't load what doesn't exist, lol. I played a game with the Colts to check out Luck. My goodness 526 yards passing 37-62 5 TDs n 2 Int. I fell behind early after the 1st Qtr it was 17-0 against RGIII and the Skins'. Man he just killed me on scrambles and me being rusty playing M12. I lost a close game 45-38, but it felt all too easy too pass as usual. I mean I checked my settings and I have User Pass Accuracy at 10 and the CPU Pass Awareness at 100 and I still shredded the Skins'. That is why I haven't played much more than 3 seasons of my Lions Dynasty just way too easy to pass in M12. Might still fire up a new Franchise with Luck because I still lost which means I might have some incentive to build my team up. Plus I can import an edited NCAA draft class with Barkley to have a realistic 2013 draft with actual players. Thanks again.