Quote Originally Posted by Rudy View Post
I just beat the Aggies with Oregon 21-0 (late TD to rub it in). The demo felt nice. I like the control of the players/movement a bit more than Madden. I don't feel the game slides as much. The graphics aren't that bad either. I really like the clean and simple feel of the game. Madden has so many stinking buttons anymore with the LT/L2 modifier, DL moves and catch buttons and outside the catch buttons (which the cpu will do for you) the game doesn't suffer from not having those options at all. The presentation in some ways is better (college music, intro). I really like the defensive play calling better. The ability to change formations and find sub formations quickly is a lot better. Why Madden switched their play call box two years ago is beyond me. NCAA 14 is superior. The Madden team needs to go back and play some NCAA 14. The WR/DB interaction and contested balls is very nice in M16 though.
Sad thing is that all of the NCAA guys who were kept on were buried/relegated by the "superior" Madden team. Honestly, I have ascertained for the past 5 years at least that the Madden Tiburon team has to be the weakest link in ALL of sports gaming. They lack creativity, flair and direction with how to balance the wants and needs of football video gamers. Madden 10 gave a real glimmer of hope but then it was abandoned. The Madden team changes direction every 2 years or so and usually has a new leadership change. Gameplay improves this year and the most played mode walks off the deep end with more bugs, glitches and issues this year than any other year since David Ortiz and Madden 08. Maybe it's lack of competition? Maybe it's lack of talent? Maybe it's conflicting interests from the company/developer/NFL? Whatever the reason(s), Madden 16 still doesn't come remotely close to the quality and enjoyment of experiences offered in 2k5 and NCAA 14.

I look at FIFA 16, MLB 15, NCAA 14 and most recently 2k16... all I can say is WOW! These games get it. They understand how to make an immersive enjoyable experience that meets the needs and wants of the user. Gameplay is not sacrificed for modes and features and vice versa. With Madden it seems to be one or the other. IMO NCAA 14 struck the perfect balance. The game wasn't perfect (lack of injuries, no fcs teams, somewhat anemic cpu offense, etc.) but the game was fun and deep. Conversely, madden has wonderful gameplay and a franchise that is as much fun as watching paint dry.