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Why I'm Excited About 09
 Wednesday, July 30th 2008, 3:27 PM  Viewed 124 times  Number of replies 4
I sit here, a mere 48 hours before the demo of Madden 09 drops, I cant wait. Why am I so amped for this years entry? Well, first of all I havent owned a next-gen Madden. I got my PS3 in January and decided to pass on Madden 08, for several reasons. I had played it at my buddies house and was extremely disappointed, I didnt come away with that feeling of "lets play another". The gameplay seemed lacking and the product felt incomplete and rushed. After following Madden's progress this year and playing the NCAA 09 demo I have to say... again... I havent been this excited for Madde since 05. Why am I so sure this will be the best Madden to date? Why am I, WarMachine, so amped to get my hands on Madden 09? I've decided to compile a list.
1. Gameplay Improvements
Of course gameplay is most important. Total control animation, slide protection, smart routes, wrap tackling engine, catch system, bobble catches, bluff play art, adaptive gameplay, ball carrier combo moves and break tackles, improved footplants, return missed field goals, tip toe sidelines, substantial difference for player attributes. Im missing alot more but all these things and more will help to make 09 one of the best in recent memory.
2. Division Games- A Different Feel
In my opinion this feature isnt getting enough attention. For so many years I have wanted my games vs the Browns to be different, alike the atmosphere in real life when these two teams play, now Madden has done it. Specific comentary for these games, different/exclusive camera angles, different atmosphere. Yea, Im pumped to experience these games in a new light. I have one question, will this be exclusive to franchise mode, offline play, online play, all three or a combination of two?
3. Chris Collinsworth In the Booth
I know what many of you may be thinking, new commentary is great but is it really your third most anticipated thing of 09. Yes, yes it is. Why? Aside from the radio guy being a thing of the past Im a huge fan of Chris Collinsworth. In my opinion there isnt a better man in the business than Colinsworth. Furthermore Collinsworth adlibed his lines after watching the Madden play, rather than reading from a script giving us some authentic Collinsworth commentary. A little of this Collinsworth stuff can be found in the first part of this video. http://www.gametrailers.com/player/37683.html
4. Online Leagues
If this were online franchise with drafts, free-agency, etc than I'd be hard pressed not to place this at the top of the list. However this isnt the case, leagues will be only one season. On the plus side at least we now have leagues and the flex scheduling is a phenominal move.
5. Beyond Broadcast Presentation
A big part of the NFL is the atmosphere of it. While past Madden entries have ignored this it seems as though Madden 09 is taking a big step in the right direction. Strong presentation helps to immerse the player into the game. From the looks of it Madden 09 is taking their presentation to a place where its never been.
6. Developer Interaction
The madden team stepped up bigtime this year. I havent seen community involvement like that ever by a games developers. These guys were answering questions everyone and in timely fashion. They wanted feedback and they used feedback. They really reached out to the consumer this year and showed pride and commitment. Im not sure of the reason for this, be it new staff or something else, but they should be applauded for this.
7. New Weather System and Art Design
Madden will look a whole lot better this year. Snow will be more prevalent, more on the field, plied up on the sidelines, the lines cleared from snow, a blue tint improving the feel of the weather. Weather will certainly be more immersive this year. Furthermore the new Lead Art guy is already making his presence felt. Not only does weather look better but so to do the domes, skies, clouds, stadiums, dusk, etc. Its hard to deny Madden's style looks different.
8. Improved Player Models
Players are slimer, more athletic and more alike their real life counter parts. For far to many years players have looked block like and stout.
9. Play Call Screen
Another great improvemnt that is deserving of more attention. Each play has an icon on it alike last-gen to choose from, or you can stick with one button and choose your play that way. In the end how you choose a play will likley be determined by if your playing single player or offline-multiplayer. On top of that you can check replays, stats, almost everything from the play-call screen; In addition you can sub-players. Now theres no need to pause the game to make adjustments or check stats, you can do it all in game.
10. TD Celebrations
Call it unnecessary, corny, whatever, I like it. I think the being able to do TD celebration is a welcome addition and I for sure will enjoy it. I'm impressed by the variety and depth EA has included to this first year feature. I know this will be alot of fun when playing your buddy in the same room, I love it.
There you have it, those are the reasons Im excited about Madden 09. See you on the field.
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