Official Madden NFL 12 Thread

[T0INE]

Release Date is 8/30/11

Regular Edition - $59.99

Hall of Fame Edition - $89.99

KEY FEATURES

 

Playbooks & Gameplay

· All-New Collision System: Now maintain full control of players up to the point of impact - from tackling to blocking - providing the most authentic collisions in franchise history.  This new system uses a player's momentum and over 100 new tackle animations, including 40 gang tackles, to provide more impactful hits, stolen tackles, and consecutive hit tackling.

· Advanced Defensive AI: Over 100 defensive A.I. enhancements resulting in the smartest Madden defense ever. Players in zone and man coverage will properly recognize and react to plays, including the ability to break out of assignments when appropriate, resulting in a defensive team that truly works together. 

· Custom Playbooks: The #1 most requested feature by fans in recent years, allows you to build the ultimate game plan by modifying an existing playbook or creating your own by selecting up to 400 offensive or defensive plays from 75 different playbooks. Integrate your custom playbook into a game plan for use with the improved GameFlow system, which executes an authentic, situational game plan for you.

 

Presentation

· Broadcast Redefined:  Experience NFL Sundays like never before with completely overhauled presentation, including 32 team-specific run outs featuring mascots and cheerleaders, over 500 dynamic broadcast cameras authentic to every NFL stadium, innovative "real" on-field cameras shot by expert NFL Films cameramen, and a network inspired new broadcast graphics package.

· Unprecedented On-Field Authenticity: Hundreds of visual improvements across all areas of the game including: new player equipment, helmet stickers, pylon and ball physics, a player degradation system that affects uniforms and helmets based on weather and field surface, 3D grass, and new player specific animations that showcase the personalities of each NFL player.

 

Franchise and Superstar Modes

      · Build a Franchise - Over 100 new features and enhancements for franchise fanatics that includes expanded rosters, cut days in preseason, an all-new rookie scouting system, a free-agent bidding system, player roles, hot and cold streaks in-season, and much more.

      · Be a Superstar - Control the growth of your superstar thanks to an all-new progression system that allows you to earn skill points by participating in practice and games.  The on-field experience is also enhanced by brand new position-specific coordinator audio that coaches your growth as an NFL player.

Hall of Fame Edition Details:

Marshall Faulk will be the first Madden NFL cover athlete to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame later this year. The limited Madden NFL 12 Hall of Fame Edition will include:

 • Premium bronze, foil embossed cover featuring Marshall Faulk

• Full version of Madden NFL 12 video game

• Autographed Panini Card – Madden NFL and Panini, the world leader in published collectables, have teamed up to create the ultimate Madden NFL trading card featuring 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Marshall Faulk.  Each copy of the Hall of Fame Edition will include one of four exclusive Marshall Faulk trading cards, each hand-signed by Faulk.  One solid, 18k gold autographed card will be randomly inserted into one Xbox 360[emoji]174[/emoji] and one PlayStation[emoji]174[/emoji]3 copy of the Hall of Fame Edition.  The lucky recipients of these two cards will have one of the most valuable cards in Panini history.

• Exclusive Madden Ultimate Team Platinum Pack –The perfect combination of Madden NFL, fantasy football, and trading cards comes to life in Madden NFL Ultimate Team.  The Hall of Fame Edition provides a Madden Ultimate Team experience like never before with the most prestigious Platinum Pack yet, featuring a combination of 13 NFL Hall of Famers and former Madden NFL cover athletes, including: Marshall Faulk, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, Rod Woodson, Eddie George, Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Ray Lewis, Shaun Alexander, Vince Young, Larry Fitzgerald, Troy Polamalu and Drew Brees.  All cards feature ratings from each player’s most productive season in the NFL and are fully renewable with contract extensions, which is sure to make them some of the most sought after cards in Ultimate Team history.

Pre-Order Bonuses:

Gamestop:

• • Exclusive teams

  Reserve your copy of Madden NFL 12 and receive exclusive All-Star teams from the NFC and AFC!
  

  • NFC All Stars - A collection of the best players from the National Football Conference led by Adrian Peterson and a strong running game, this NFC All-Star team has it all. Super Bowl XLV MVP, Aaron Rodgers starts at QB and has seven fellow Green Bay teammates joining him including Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, and Jermichael Finley. Star kick returner, Devin Hester from the Chicago Bears starts at both kick returner and punt returner, while DeSean Jackson and his 99 speed rating back up Hester on the depth chart. The NFC Stars also house arguably the best crew of linebackers in all of Madden NFL 12 with Jon Beason, Patrick Willis, Brian Urlacher, and DeMarcus Ware in the starting lineup.
  • AFC All Stars - Featuring the brightest stars from the American Football Conference, the AFC offense is absolutely loaded! Tom Brady and Peyton Manning take the helm at QB, with wide receivers Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne and tight end Antonio Gates catching everything thrown their way, while the three-headed of Maurice Jones-Drew, Jamaal Charles, and Arian Foster cover the backfield attack. On the defensive side of the ball, it doesn't get any prettier for opposing teams with a lineup of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis at defensive end and James Harrison, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis at the linebacker positions.. Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed as starting safeties and Darell Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Champ Bailey cover the cornerback position. Yikes.

Amazon:

$20 Amazon Credit & Exclusive Pre-order Bonus
Order Madden NFL 12 for the PS3 or Xbox 360 and receive the Amazon exclusive All Sophomores Team[/color] as well as $20 in Amazon credit good toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com (certain exclusions apply, including Kindle books, MP3s, and video rentals and downloads). The code to access the exclusive content will be emailed to you the day your order ships. The promotional credit will be added directly to your Amazon.com account within two days after your order ships. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. This offer will be extended to all existing pre-orders. Limit one per household. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time.

 

[T0INE]

Release Date is 8/30/11

Regular Edition - $59.99

Hall of Fame Edition - $89.99

KEY FEATURES

 

Playbooks & Gameplay

· All-New Collision System: Now maintain full control of players up to the point of impact - from tackling to blocking - providing the most authentic collisions in franchise history.  This new system uses a player's momentum and over 100 new tackle animations, including 40 gang tackles, to provide more impactful hits, stolen tackles, and consecutive hit tackling.

· Advanced Defensive AI: Over 100 defensive A.I. enhancements resulting in the smartest Madden defense ever. Players in zone and man coverage will properly recognize and react to plays, including the ability to break out of assignments when appropriate, resulting in a defensive team that truly works together. 

· Custom Playbooks: The #1 most requested feature by fans in recent years, allows you to build the ultimate game plan by modifying an existing playbook or creating your own by selecting up to 400 offensive or defensive plays from 75 different playbooks. Integrate your custom playbook into a game plan for use with the improved GameFlow system, which executes an authentic, situational game plan for you.

 

Presentation

· Broadcast Redefined:  Experience NFL Sundays like never before with completely overhauled presentation, including 32 team-specific run outs featuring mascots and cheerleaders, over 500 dynamic broadcast cameras authentic to every NFL stadium, innovative "real" on-field cameras shot by expert NFL Films cameramen, and a network inspired new broadcast graphics package.

· Unprecedented On-Field Authenticity: Hundreds of visual improvements across all areas of the game including: new player equipment, helmet stickers, pylon and ball physics, a player degradation system that affects uniforms and helmets based on weather and field surface, 3D grass, and new player specific animations that showcase the personalities of each NFL player.

 

Franchise and Superstar Modes

      · Build a Franchise - Over 100 new features and enhancements for franchise fanatics that includes expanded rosters, cut days in preseason, an all-new rookie scouting system, a free-agent bidding system, player roles, hot and cold streaks in-season, and much more.

      · Be a Superstar - Control the growth of your superstar thanks to an all-new progression system that allows you to earn skill points by participating in practice and games.  The on-field experience is also enhanced by brand new position-specific coordinator audio that coaches your growth as an NFL player.

Hall of Fame Edition Details:

Marshall Faulk will be the first Madden NFL cover athlete to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame later this year. The limited Madden NFL 12 Hall of Fame Edition will include:

 • Premium bronze, foil embossed cover featuring Marshall Faulk

• Full version of Madden NFL 12 video game

• Autographed Panini Card – Madden NFL and Panini, the world leader in published collectables, have teamed up to create the ultimate Madden NFL trading card featuring 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Marshall Faulk.  Each copy of the Hall of Fame Edition will include one of four exclusive Marshall Faulk trading cards, each hand-signed by Faulk.  One solid, 18k gold autographed card will be randomly inserted into one Xbox 360[emoji]174[/emoji] and one PlayStation[emoji]174[/emoji]3 copy of the Hall of Fame Edition.  The lucky recipients of these two cards will have one of the most valuable cards in Panini history.

• Exclusive Madden Ultimate Team Platinum Pack –The perfect combination of Madden NFL, fantasy football, and trading cards comes to life in Madden NFL Ultimate Team.  The Hall of Fame Edition provides a Madden Ultimate Team experience like never before with the most prestigious Platinum Pack yet, featuring a combination of 13 NFL Hall of Famers and former Madden NFL cover athletes, including: Marshall Faulk, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, Rod Woodson, Eddie George, Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Ray Lewis, Shaun Alexander, Vince Young, Larry Fitzgerald, Troy Polamalu and Drew Brees.  All cards feature ratings from each player’s most productive season in the NFL and are fully renewable with contract extensions, which is sure to make them some of the most sought after cards in Ultimate Team history.

Pre-Order Bonuses:

Gamestop:

• • Exclusive teams

  Reserve your copy of Madden NFL 12 and receive exclusive All-Star teams from the NFC and AFC!
  

  • NFC All Stars - A collection of the best players from the National Football Conference led by Adrian Peterson and a strong running game, this NFC All-Star team has it all. Super Bowl XLV MVP, Aaron Rodgers starts at QB and has seven fellow Green Bay teammates joining him including Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, and Jermichael Finley. Star kick returner, Devin Hester from the Chicago Bears starts at both kick returner and punt returner, while DeSean Jackson and his 99 speed rating back up Hester on the depth chart. The NFC Stars also house arguably the best crew of linebackers in all of Madden NFL 12 with Jon Beason, Patrick Willis, Brian Urlacher, and DeMarcus Ware in the starting lineup.
  • AFC All Stars - Featuring the brightest stars from the American Football Conference, the AFC offense is absolutely loaded! Tom Brady and Peyton Manning take the helm at QB, with wide receivers Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne and tight end Antonio Gates catching everything thrown their way, while the three-headed of Maurice Jones-Drew, Jamaal Charles, and Arian Foster cover the backfield attack. On the defensive side of the ball, it doesn't get any prettier for opposing teams with a lineup of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis at defensive end and James Harrison, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis at the linebacker positions.. Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed as starting safeties and Darell Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Champ Bailey cover the cornerback position. Yikes.

Amazon:

$20 Amazon Credit & Exclusive Pre-order Bonus
Order Madden NFL 12 for the PS3 or Xbox 360 and receive the Amazon exclusive All Sophomores Team[/color] as well as $20 in Amazon credit good toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com (certain exclusions apply, including Kindle books, MP3s, and video rentals and downloads). The code to access the exclusive content will be emailed to you the day your order ships. The promotional credit will be added directly to your Amazon.com account within two days after your order ships. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. This offer will be extended to all existing pre-orders. Limit one per household. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time.

 

[tsx24]

*%%! madden. piece of %#%* game

 

[tsx24]

*%%! madden. piece of %#%* game

 

[jayfiend]

"Advanced Defensive AI: Over 100 defensive A.I. enhancements resulting in the smartest Madden defense ever. Players in zone and man coverage will properly recognize and react to plays, including the ability to break out of assignments when appropriate, resulting in a defensive team that truly works together."

If this is done right this will be the best Madden ever. Because you CB just sitting there while he watches somebody slant in his area is the most frustrating thing ever.

 

[jayfiend]

"Advanced Defensive AI: Over 100 defensive A.I. enhancements resulting in the smartest Madden defense ever. Players in zone and man coverage will properly recognize and react to plays, including the ability to break out of assignments when appropriate, resulting in a defensive team that truly works together."

If this is done right this will be the best Madden ever. Because you CB just sitting there while he watches somebody slant in his area is the most frustrating thing ever.

 

[T0INE]

First Look: Madden NFL 12 Presentation

It's an October Sunday in sunny Tampa, Florida. But this is no ordinary Sunday, it's game day! The clock strikes one o'clock and without warning, you hear the canons being fired from the pirate ship. That can only mean one thing. It's time for the Bucs to hit the field.

Two rows of cheerleaders form a lane and led by Captain Fear and a group of flag runners, Tampa Bay storms the field. The player introductions conclude with the face of the franchise as the PA announcer says: "Your quarterback, from Kansas State, number five, Josh Freeman!"

The crowd erupts as one final canon shot booms throughout the stadium. Raymond James Stadium has never felt so alive. The 'Madden' franchise has never felt this alive.

This emotion is exactly what you get with Madden NFL 12 and it's not exclusive to the Buccaneers. Every one of the 32 NFL franchises has a very custom, unique, and most importantly AUTHENTIC pregame introduction. I was lucky enough to sit down with art director Mike Young it didn't take long to understand the goal for this year: nail every single detail.

How detailed are we talking? Young and his team studied for hours to make sure nothing was missing during pregame introductions. "We even matched the different (shapes and sizes) boxes that teams use for their pyro" Mike said.

The presentation enhancements for Madden NFL 12 don't just stop with pregame improvements, that's just the beginning. Each game will begin with a gorgeous, over the top, exterior blimp shot of the stadium. Even the surroundings of the stadium are true to life. For example, Browns Stadium is right on the North Coast Harbor and yes, there is even a barge docked in the water.

Madden NFL 12 also brings you a customized EA SPORTS television broadcast style. What I mean by that, is that banners, overlays, and stats are presented very similarly to what you'd expect to see on a true television broadcast, but EA SPORTS has tweaked that and made it something very original. Along with that TV broadcast style, comes specific camera angles that you might recognize. Kickoffs, field goals, and a few other areas of the game all use the same camera angles that you would see on game day.

The overall graphics for the game also received a major boost. The detail that goes in to each and every player is truly remarkable. Also, very noticeable in the build I played was the field degradation and get this, helmet degradation! That's right, those beautiful, shiny, unblemished helmets you see in pregame are quickly replaced by marks and scuffs the players get during each collision. Very impressive to see.

Well that's all for this time. There's still plenty more information to come in the weeks and months going forward. I would love to hear your thoughts and impressions. Please feel  free to comment or shoot me an @ mention to www.twitter.com/JStein2469. Madden NFL 12 comes out August 30th.

 

First Look: Madden NFL 12 Gameplay

Hey Madden fans! My name is Jake Stein. I'm a member of the EA SPORTS Game Changers program and recently was invited out to Tiburon for a hands on look at Madden NFL 12. The hardest part of this blog might be where to begin, but here we go!

The very first thing that jumps out to me when playing Madden NFL 12 is the enhanced tackling system. The central gameplay team gave themselves a goal at the beginning of the development cycle: eliminate suctioning, warping, and sliding. The way this goal was achieved can be summed up in one sentence; collision doesn't take place until contact is actually made between ball carrier and defender. This can be felt in multiple aspects of the game from how the O-line and D-line interact, to wide receivers diving for balls that they would normally just speed up to catch, but most of all, you feel this with tackling.

Call it Pro-Tak 2.0, call it whatever you want. The point is this; you aren't down, until you're down! Let me provide a few examples that I was able to see in only a few short hours of playing. LeGarrette Blount, running back for the Bucs, is running up the middle. He receives a tackle that would normally have begun a canned animation of the ball carrier losing his footing, putting his arm down, and picking up a few extra yards. What happens now in Madden NFL 12 is I broke the tackle, started to lose my balance, but this time after a few yards (and no other defender around to finish me off), Blount regained himself, giving me complete control over him once again. Amazing!

This next example still brings a smile to my face. I was on defense, playing as the defensive tackle. Ball is snapped and I start my rush by swimming over the right guard. I now have a clear path to the quarterback. He tries to escape but it's too late, my quick penetration and speed has resulted in a sack, but the play isn't quite over. Before I can completely bring the QB down, a fellow defensive lineman comes in and triggers yet another tackle animation, this one jars the ball loose and I recovered the fumble.

What I can't stress enough with this new tackling system is the smoothness that it operates with. Everything seems so fluid, so natural. One thing that I know frustrated gamers in the past was not being to re-engage in a ball carrier who you could tell was about to break out of a gang tackle. I can assure you, those days are gone come August 30th.

The next big leap in Madden this year is the improved AI, specifically zone defense. Players no longer are restricted to playing just a certain part of the field, regardless of the routes being run. They now can adapt on the fly. The best way I can showcase this is with another example. I called Cover 2 and my opponent came out in a spread formation with one running back. The back was running a wheel route behind the two receivers on the left that were clearing him out. Ronde Barber bumps the running back coming out of the backfield but instead of just turning him loose after that, starts running with the back and makes an over-the-shoulder interception. Barber knew he had no other offensive threat to account for and stuck with his man and made a play on the ball.

Tuned up defenses and better tackling does not automatically equate to offenses being at a disadvantage. Defenses playing true to form allows the offense to take what the defense is giving them. I can't tell you how many times I said to Justin Dewiel, Senior Community Manager for EA SPORTS, "That's where the ball should go. That guy should be open against that defense." Routes such as the 'deep in' and 'comeback' were two routes that I had a lot of success with and that wasn't the case in the past.  Another thing that sticks out and makes a huge impact on the game is the addition of dive catches. Nothing makes the receiving game feel more realistic than seeing your guy lay it all out for a ball and sometimes make the catch, and other times just miss it!

Lastly, I want to throw out some props to the Madden team. They have already updated the game to include rule changes for the upcoming 2011 NFL season. Kickoffs were appropriately moved up to the 35 yard line and all scoring plays are subject to a booth review. After I scored a nice, tip toe along the sideline, touchdown, the booth review cut scene triggered. I looked at Justin and asked, "Did you challenge that?" And that's when I remembered the rule change. Attention to detail and it's only April can only be a good thing!

May I throw in one last quick tidbit? A long-time community requests has finally made its way into Madden NFL 12: custom playbooks. You will be able to go through every playbook in the game and pick out the plays that best fits you and combine those all into one playbook of your own. And better yet, you can take custom book online!

Thanks so much for reading my impressions on gameplay. Even more details will be emerging as the weeks and months go by. Feel free to leave a comment or even shoot me an @ mention to www.twitter.com/JStein2469. Madden NFL 12 comes out August 30th.

 

Major presentation and graphical upgrades

Hi, I’m Mike Young, Art Director of Madden NFL 12.  In this blog I’m going to outline Madden’s major presentation and graphical upgrades.  In reading reviews of Madden NFL 11, we weren't satisfied with "Madden looks good as ever

 

[T0INE]

First Look: Madden NFL 12 Presentation

It's an October Sunday in sunny Tampa, Florida. But this is no ordinary Sunday, it's game day! The clock strikes one o'clock and without warning, you hear the canons being fired from the pirate ship. That can only mean one thing. It's time for the Bucs to hit the field.

Two rows of cheerleaders form a lane and led by Captain Fear and a group of flag runners, Tampa Bay storms the field. The player introductions conclude with the face of the franchise as the PA announcer says: "Your quarterback, from Kansas State, number five, Josh Freeman!"

The crowd erupts as one final canon shot booms throughout the stadium. Raymond James Stadium has never felt so alive. The 'Madden' franchise has never felt this alive.

This emotion is exactly what you get with Madden NFL 12 and it's not exclusive to the Buccaneers. Every one of the 32 NFL franchises has a very custom, unique, and most importantly AUTHENTIC pregame introduction. I was lucky enough to sit down with art director Mike Young it didn't take long to understand the goal for this year: nail every single detail.

How detailed are we talking? Young and his team studied for hours to make sure nothing was missing during pregame introductions. "We even matched the different (shapes and sizes) boxes that teams use for their pyro" Mike said.

The presentation enhancements for Madden NFL 12 don't just stop with pregame improvements, that's just the beginning. Each game will begin with a gorgeous, over the top, exterior blimp shot of the stadium. Even the surroundings of the stadium are true to life. For example, Browns Stadium is right on the North Coast Harbor and yes, there is even a barge docked in the water.

Madden NFL 12 also brings you a customized EA SPORTS television broadcast style. What I mean by that, is that banners, overlays, and stats are presented very similarly to what you'd expect to see on a true television broadcast, but EA SPORTS has tweaked that and made it something very original. Along with that TV broadcast style, comes specific camera angles that you might recognize. Kickoffs, field goals, and a few other areas of the game all use the same camera angles that you would see on game day.

The overall graphics for the game also received a major boost. The detail that goes in to each and every player is truly remarkable. Also, very noticeable in the build I played was the field degradation and get this, helmet degradation! That's right, those beautiful, shiny, unblemished helmets you see in pregame are quickly replaced by marks and scuffs the players get during each collision. Very impressive to see.

Well that's all for this time. There's still plenty more information to come in the weeks and months going forward. I would love to hear your thoughts and impressions. Please feel  free to comment or shoot me an @ mention to www.twitter.com/JStein2469. Madden NFL 12 comes out August 30th.

 

First Look: Madden NFL 12 Gameplay

Hey Madden fans! My name is Jake Stein. I'm a member of the EA SPORTS Game Changers program and recently was invited out to Tiburon for a hands on look at Madden NFL 12. The hardest part of this blog might be where to begin, but here we go!

The very first thing that jumps out to me when playing Madden NFL 12 is the enhanced tackling system. The central gameplay team gave themselves a goal at the beginning of the development cycle: eliminate suctioning, warping, and sliding. The way this goal was achieved can be summed up in one sentence; collision doesn't take place until contact is actually made between ball carrier and defender. This can be felt in multiple aspects of the game from how the O-line and D-line interact, to wide receivers diving for balls that they would normally just speed up to catch, but most of all, you feel this with tackling.

Call it Pro-Tak 2.0, call it whatever you want. The point is this; you aren't down, until you're down! Let me provide a few examples that I was able to see in only a few short hours of playing. LeGarrette Blount, running back for the Bucs, is running up the middle. He receives a tackle that would normally have begun a canned animation of the ball carrier losing his footing, putting his arm down, and picking up a few extra yards. What happens now in Madden NFL 12 is I broke the tackle, started to lose my balance, but this time after a few yards (and no other defender around to finish me off), Blount regained himself, giving me complete control over him once again. Amazing!

This next example still brings a smile to my face. I was on defense, playing as the defensive tackle. Ball is snapped and I start my rush by swimming over the right guard. I now have a clear path to the quarterback. He tries to escape but it's too late, my quick penetration and speed has resulted in a sack, but the play isn't quite over. Before I can completely bring the QB down, a fellow defensive lineman comes in and triggers yet another tackle animation, this one jars the ball loose and I recovered the fumble.

What I can't stress enough with this new tackling system is the smoothness that it operates with. Everything seems so fluid, so natural. One thing that I know frustrated gamers in the past was not being to re-engage in a ball carrier who you could tell was about to break out of a gang tackle. I can assure you, those days are gone come August 30th.

The next big leap in Madden this year is the improved AI, specifically zone defense. Players no longer are restricted to playing just a certain part of the field, regardless of the routes being run. They now can adapt on the fly. The best way I can showcase this is with another example. I called Cover 2 and my opponent came out in a spread formation with one running back. The back was running a wheel route behind the two receivers on the left that were clearing him out. Ronde Barber bumps the running back coming out of the backfield but instead of just turning him loose after that, starts running with the back and makes an over-the-shoulder interception. Barber knew he had no other offensive threat to account for and stuck with his man and made a play on the ball.

Tuned up defenses and better tackling does not automatically equate to offenses being at a disadvantage. Defenses playing true to form allows the offense to take what the defense is giving them. I can't tell you how many times I said to Justin Dewiel, Senior Community Manager for EA SPORTS, "That's where the ball should go. That guy should be open against that defense." Routes such as the 'deep in' and 'comeback' were two routes that I had a lot of success with and that wasn't the case in the past.  Another thing that sticks out and makes a huge impact on the game is the addition of dive catches. Nothing makes the receiving game feel more realistic than seeing your guy lay it all out for a ball and sometimes make the catch, and other times just miss it!

Lastly, I want to throw out some props to the Madden team. They have already updated the game to include rule changes for the upcoming 2011 NFL season. Kickoffs were appropriately moved up to the 35 yard line and all scoring plays are subject to a booth review. After I scored a nice, tip toe along the sideline, touchdown, the booth review cut scene triggered. I looked at Justin and asked, "Did you challenge that?" And that's when I remembered the rule change. Attention to detail and it's only April can only be a good thing!

May I throw in one last quick tidbit? A long-time community requests has finally made its way into Madden NFL 12: custom playbooks. You will be able to go through every playbook in the game and pick out the plays that best fits you and combine those all into one playbook of your own. And better yet, you can take custom book online!

Thanks so much for reading my impressions on gameplay. Even more details will be emerging as the weeks and months go by. Feel free to leave a comment or even shoot me an @ mention to www.twitter.com/JStein2469. Madden NFL 12 comes out August 30th.

 

Major presentation and graphical upgrades

Hi, I’m Mike Young, Art Director of Madden NFL 12.  In this blog I’m going to outline Madden’s major presentation and graphical upgrades.  In reading reviews of Madden NFL 11, we weren't satisfied with "Madden looks good as ever

 

[ed2trey]

the last madden i bought was madden 02 on gamecube, so it's been 10 years for me, and i don't miss

it at all

 

[ed2trey]

the last madden i bought was madden 02 on gamecube, so it's been 10 years for me, and i don't miss

it at all

 

[dmxgod]

Looks good..was into Madden 11 heavy in the online mode for a minute until NBA 2k11 dropped..

 

[dmxgod]

Looks good..was into Madden 11 heavy in the online mode for a minute until NBA 2k11 dropped..

 

[dmxgod]

Looks good..was into Madden 11 heavy in the online mode for a minute until NBA 2k11 dropped..

 

[dmxgod]

Looks good..was into Madden 11 heavy in the online mode for a minute until NBA 2k11 dropped..

 

[T0INE]

�

 

[T0INE]

�

 

[gregzzy23]

I can't wait but that HOF edition is such a rip off, who cares about some cards

Is it going to have the new OT rule?

 

[gregzzy23]

I can't wait but that HOF edition is such a rip off, who cares about some cards

Is it going to have the new OT rule?

 

[jayfiend]

"The next big leap in Madden this year is the improved AI, specifically zone defense. Players no longer are restricted to playing just a certain part of the field, regardless of the routes being run. They now can adapt on the fly. The best way I can showcase this is with another example. I called Cover 2 and my opponent came out in a spread formation with one running back. The back was running a wheel route behind the two receivers on the left that were clearing him out. Ronde Barber bumps the running back coming out of the backfield but instead of just turning him loose after that, starts running with the back and makes an over-the-shoulder interception. Barber knew he had no other offensive threat to account for and stuck with his man and made a play on the ball."

going to reserve after work.

 

[jayfiend]

"The next big leap in Madden this year is the improved AI, specifically zone defense. Players no longer are restricted to playing just a certain part of the field, regardless of the routes being run. They now can adapt on the fly. The best way I can showcase this is with another example. I called Cover 2 and my opponent came out in a spread formation with one running back. The back was running a wheel route behind the two receivers on the left that were clearing him out. Ronde Barber bumps the running back coming out of the backfield but instead of just turning him loose after that, starts running with the back and makes an over-the-shoulder interception. Barber knew he had no other offensive threat to account for and stuck with his man and made a play on the ball."

going to reserve after work.

 

[The_Isomotion31]

yup. buying it. Have too. This fall is going to be a great gaming season.

 

[The_Isomotion31]

yup. buying it. Have too. This fall is going to be a great gaming season.

 

[BranchLifestyle]

This game looks horrible...Madden does not disappoint!

 

[BranchLifestyle]

This game looks horrible...Madden does not disappoint!

 

[T0INE]

First Look: Dynamic Player Performance

Hey Madden fans! EA SPORTS Game Changer Jake Stein here again and in this blog I'm going to be touching on a brand new addition to the Madden franchise, Dynamic Player Performance (DPP). Now at first glance when you hear the term "Dynamic Player Performance" you might be led to believe that is just a fancy marketing term that does not serve much of a purpose in Madden NFL 12. Well you would be wrong about that in every sense of the word. Let me explain...

DPP brings something that has been lacking in every Madden title up until this year: an identity—an identity to both your team and the AI you will face each and every time you play a game of Madden NFL 12. And just as the focus has been clear this year, authenticity is paramount. Here's how it breaks down:

First off, almost every player on the field is affected by Dynamic Player Performance. It affects how players play in the game based on a number of ratings and tendencies. For instance, everyone knows about the great Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Although he was much more efficient last year, Peterson is still known as a fumbler. Well in Madden NFL 12, if you can force an early fumble on AP, he will instinctively switch his running style to protect the ball and thus, break fewer tackles.

That was just one example but let me really explain what goes into making these ratings go up and down. Consistency and confidence are the big ingredients in determining DPP. Read closely here: consistency defines how MUCH a player’s ratings are affected, while confidence describes the DIRECTION (positive or negative) of the change to the base ratings.

So for another example, Peyton Manning is known for being one of the most consistent QB's in the league. He may have a subpar performance one week, but that won't carry over to the next week as bad as it would for Jay Cutler, a very inconsistent QB.

Now let's take a look at some of the different trait or tendency categories. This is what allows players to play like you are accustomed to seeing on Sundays. These will vary based on position but today I'm going to focus solely on quarterbacks, specifically the captain of my favorite team, Josh Freeman.

The QB trait categories are as follows: Tucks and Runs, Senses Pressure, Forces Passes, Throws Balls Away, Throws Tight Spiral, Clutch, and just as each player has, Confidence and Consistency. Now although Freeman just completed his second year in the league, he is viewed as an up-and-coming prospect with huge upside. He has already established that he is clutch late in games. In just a year and a half of starting, Josh already has seven 4th quarter comebacks. Clutch is what it's all about in the NFL, and it's no different in Madden. QB's that are clutch will make not just himself, but everyone on the team step up and play at a higher level.

Well that's just a taste of what Dynamic Player Performance brings to Madden NFL 12. Be sure to check out the official DPP blog and post me your thoughts or questions to Twitter at www.twitter.com/Jstein2469. Stay tuned for more information including the online feature set in the weeks to come!

 

Dynamic Player Performance Features

Welcome back fellow Maddenites!

Wes Reinhart here, designer and engineer, overseeing the Dynamic Player Performance feature for Madden NFL 12. I have been at Tiburon since '07 working on various Maddens as well as Head Coach 09. Like you, I am a huge NFL fan and I love any feature that blurs the line between the NFL and Madden, which is why this is one of the most exciting features I have ever worked on. It adds a whole new level of intrigue and strategy to each and every game mode.

Believe me, I already know what you're thinking; "...just another gimmick..." or "Haven't they tried this before (weapons of Madden NFL 0?" Let me set your mind at ease; this is NOT a marketing ploy and this is like nothing we have ever done before. Dynamic Player Performance is an in-depth, yet subtle, new system that will capture the real essence of NFL players, resulting in the most realistic Madden ever. With this new technology we are able to manipulate many different aspects of gameplay, ranging from player specific AI to consistency or even being able to dynamically affect player performance throughout the course of a game.

Each and every player in Madden NFL 12 will have a genuine and noticeable gameplay style, resulting in more divergent AI and skill sets. Mike Vick will no longer just stand in the pocket waiting for a receiver to get open as you continuously rush three and drop eight. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis will no longer react to a pass in the same way. Ed Reed will seek every opportunity to cut in front of the receiver and pull down that big interception, while Ray Lewis will look to punish those receivers who dare run routes over the middle.

Overall, across all positions, there are a total of 18 new traits that will define each player's style of play. Let's go over each one and I'll explain how they work.

I'll start with the universal traits that affect all the players on the field. Most of these traits were designed to capture the intangibles of the game. These are the traits that will attract the attention of perennial winners like the Patriots, Colts, or Steelers on draft day, in addition to raw talent.

Consistency/Confidence

Confidence and Consistency are two traits that work together to produce a single result. Consistency defines how MUCH players are affected, while confidence describes the DIRECTION (positive or negative) of the change in comparison to his base ratings.

We will ship Madden NFL 12 with every player having a confidence level of 3 out of 5 stars. This means the consistent players will play right at their expected level, while inconsistent guys will have random variance. An inconsistent player will have a noticeably different skill level from game to game, even when he is at an average confidence, and the variance will only increase as his confidence reaches the extremes.

As the NFL season goes on, Donny Moore's weekly roster updates will adjust the confidence level of all the players in the league based on real life performance. Similarly, Franchise mode will have dynamic confidence adjustments after each game based on the stats of the game. Players with a 1 or 2 star confidence rating will play at a lower level and those with a 4 or 5 star rating will play above their expected level. Since the affect confidence has is drastically lower for consistent players, you might choose to focus on building a consistent team rather than having to roll the dice that your 85 overall rated QB isn't playing more like a 75 for week 17 when you need a win to get into the playoffs.

Clutch

The Clutch trait will be a coveted attribute for a player. This rare trait is reserved for the likes of Peyton Manning and Troy Polamalu, who are known to step their game up when the game is on the line.

High Motor

The High Motor trait determines how hard the player will work throughout the play, even when they seem to be out of it.

Example – Dwight Freeney vs. Albert Haynesworth: Freeney will continue to chase and attack on every play sometimes making tackles 10 yards downfield, while Haynesworth was seen watching a play from the ground after being knocked down by an offensive lineman. And did I mention that was during a Monday night game against the division rival Eagles?

Next I'll go over the QB traits that will help define the different styles around the league.

Throws a Tight Spiral

The Throws Tight Spiral trait determines if the QB throws a tight spiral and will help separate out the guys like Aaron Rodgers, who are known for throwing tight, accurate passes, compared to Tim Tebow, who has thrown some of the ugliest passes you'll ever see.

Senses Pressure

The Senses Pressure trait allows us to fine tune a quarterback's internal clock. There are five different levels for this trait: Paranoid (Alex Smith), Trigger Happy (Tony Romo), Ideal (Tom Brady), Average (David Garrard), and Oblivious (Ben Roethlisberger).

• Paranoid & Trigger Happy will feel pressure early. Blitzing these guys may not result in a lot of sacks, but it could force some bad throws.
• Average & Oblivious are for those guys who hold on to the ball too long as they wait for the perfect pass to present itself. Blitzing these guys could lead to some big sacks.

Tuck & Run

The Tuck & Run trait defines how often the QB will scramble for yards when the receivers are covered or the defense leaves running lanes open. You will notice a difference between playing against Mike Vick versus Peyton Manning. Peyton will almost always stay in the pocket and let his receivers find holes in the zone, while Vick will take advantage of a cover 4 defense by using his legs.

Throw Ball Away

This Throw Ball Away trait determines whether or not the QB will be more likely to throw the ball away or hold on to it. Players like Brady or Manning are all about self preservation and ball security, so they would much rather lose a down instead of taking a hit or risking a throw into coverage. Other guys like Cutler or Big Ben will rarely waste a pass.

Forces Passes

The Forces Passes trait has three levels and is very much a risk/reward type of trait. The more conservative quarterbacks, like Alex Smith, will shy away from longer throws, even if their receiver has an advantage. Aggressive QBs, like Jay Cutler, won't hesitate to throw that deep post route even if there is safety help over the top.

Your defense will now need to adjust to each quarterback's strengths and weaknesses. Let's go over the rest of the offensive traits.

Covers the Ball

The Covers the Ball trait defines what decision a ball carrier will make when coming head to head against a defender. Some guys will try to truck or evade all but those really hard hitting linebackers, while other guys will make ball security a priority, even if it is a skinny cornerback waiting to be run over.

Fights for Extra Yards

The Fights for Extra Yards trait will define how a ball carrier reacts to an attempted tackle. Does he accept his fate and get on the ground to avoid that costly fumble, or does he try anything he has in his arsenal to break it for a big play?

Makes Sideline Catches

The Makes Sideline Catches trait determines if a player has the skill to make those tough sideline catches. While most veteran receivers have mastered the art of making that catch and getting both feet down, some running backs or less experienced receivers will be susceptible to dropping those passes. It will be pivotal to know what type of players you have when throwing to the sidelines late in the game.

Drops Open Passes

We could have just called the Drops Open Passes trait the Terrell Owens or Braylon Edwards trait. Receivers who have this trait will have an increased chance to drop those wide open passes. It's been enough of a reason for plenty of teams to pass on guys like this in the draft or free-agency; will it be enough for you to spend a little extra time scouting receivers to make sure they don't end up on your team?

That wraps up the traits for the offensive side of the ball, but we also have some traits that will differentiate players on the defensive side as well.

Pass Rush Moves (Swim, Spin, & Bull Rush)

The Swim, Spin & Bull Rush traits are for special pass rush moves that DL or LB use to beat the offensive line and get pressure on the QB. Some players, like Dwight Freeney, will have the ability to perform all three of these moves, while others aren't as well rounded and will only attempt the moves they know.

Big Hitter

The Big Hitter trait is for those players who love to put those bone jarring hits on unsuspecting receivers. Players with this trait will use hit stick tackles much more often. This could lead to more fumbles and dropped passes, but deciding not to perform a safe wrap tackle could spring the ball carrier, resulting in a huge play.

Plays Ball in Air

The Plays Ball in Air trait has three levels and defines how the defender will react to a pass that is thrown in his direction. Conservative defenders that aren't really known for getting lots of interceptions will take a route that sets them up to lay a big hit on the receiver, potentially knocking the ball loose. On the other end of the spectrum are the ball-hawking DBs who love to jump routes and cut in front of the receiver to get that momentum changing interception. Neither of those approaches come without risk, however, as an over aggressive CB can get burned and give up a big play while a conservative LB could get his zone picked apart by an accurate passer.

And with that, you have the complete list of the 18 new player traits that will be in Madden NFL 12. But traits aren't the only thing that makes up Dynamic Player Performance! NFL players are not robots, and Madden NFL 12 will mimic both the conscious and subconscious adjustments they make over the course of a game. We all remember that infamous dropped ball by Bills WR Steve Johnson in OT against the Steelers. (see it again here). But how many of you remember the hit Troy Polamalu laid on him with under a minute to go in the 4th quarter? Do you think he might have been hearing footsteps as the 55 yard pass sailed through the air? The Steelers are known for their bruising hits and receivers throughout the league are known to have more drops against them. Those drops are a direct repercussion of the enormous amount of big hitters on the Steelers' defense.

Even NFL players are susceptible to getting rattled and thinking a little too much. QBs react to consistent pressure. Some scramble more. Others might force more passes, or just throw the ball into the third row instead of waiting for a receiver to get open. How does a running back adjust to a fumble? All of that and more will be a factor in adjusting players' traits on the fly during the game. Aggressive DBs might need to tone it down a notch after getting burned trying to jump a route. Big Hitting LBs might need to do the same after a broken hit stick leads to a big play for the offense. Oh, and one more helpful tip, you might want to consider getting those receivers known for mental lapses, like Terrell Owens, involved in the gameplan early or you might find out that they won't be there for you late.

All of these things combine to create a whole new level of strategy in Madden NFL 12. There might be games where you will need to adjust your play calling because your inconsistent QB just didn't to show up for that game. Franchise mode will feel more authentic than ever when you when you have to adjust your game plan each week based on your opponent's personnel. That win in your online ranked match will be more rewarding when that hit stick you laid on Garcon in the first quarter causes a key drop in the forth. It's all here - from the ball hawking, sometimes too aggressive, Troy Polamalu, to the wild and radical Jay Cutler.

 

Dynamic Player Performance Examined

“In the NFL, no player performs the same in the fourth quarter, as he does in the first.