Madden 08 (360)

[Winnow]

I'm the first to call out EA and the Madden franchise as being dull with inferior graphics in the past to its rival 2K sports.

Madden 2008 has improved on a few of the bad things.

The game looks amazing. Best looking foorball game yet (as it should be). The character animations and AI is outstanding IMO.

Right off the bat, one bad thing...it still doesn't support full CPU play for both sides. Fucking stupid not to include this option. You can't simulate a game visually and can't replay a simulated franchise game visually if you want to see it. Bunch of fucking idiots. This is a major let down as it was last year as well.

The menu system in Madden 2008 is very good. I think most people will like. It's like the PS3's tree system only 1000 Xs better looking and works better. ( I don't think they could possibly have made a more boring and dull menu dashboard for a "next gen" console than what they came up with for the PS3...horrid.

As for game play...I blow big time at team sports simulations...but!...I selected the Cardinals to play at home and chose the Packers as my opponent. The stadium visual, etc are all excellent.

Without playing a tutorial, I was able to walk the ball right down the field on easy mode, completing every pass and getting a good run in from Edge. The visual aids are excelent IMO and I was able to execute the play and select my targets easily. I still don't know how to do special moves etc...but it didn't take anything special to steamroll over the Packer D to score 6! I was then able to hold Green Bay to a field goal. Leinart's QB rating: 158. Favres: 118 (didn't throw any interceptions though : (

As for the extra point, I got penalized three or four times because I couldn't figure out how to kick it even with the help screen. I finally missed it from like 40 yards out.

The graphics in general are very impressive, but EA put a lot of time into the subtle movement of the players. Looks fantastic IMO. The Football sim nerds will have to comment on gameplay but from what I saw, I think they'll be very happy with this year's Madden.

Besides no way to simulate a game with CPU on both sides, there is a Franchise mode that looks similar to what it's always looked like and inferior to the 2K Sports version where you could actually watch any game you wanted to. (can't watch any in Madden...NONE!) lame.

There is a "Superstar" mode I didn't check out where you follow a single player's career I guess. Sounds interesting. You can make quite a few physical appearance adjustments to your player (name on back of jersey is cool for in game play)

The intro video is a mix between game footage and computer game graphics...not bad at all.

soundtrack seems ok. The announcers sound a bit "canny" meaning a little distantand echoing. The play by play commentary seems ok but this is another area that 2K Sports would still win even today.

Overall, I think peeps are going to really like this game for head to head action and player vs CPU. You'll be disappointed if you like to simulate games fully like me.

8.2/10

---
There are previews fro NBA 08, Nascar 08 and Tiger Woods 08

NBA didn't show game footage so don't know.

Tiger Woods 08 looks interesting. It has a more "artsy" look to it...kinda getting away from the razor sharp HD look of most games today...interested in seeing this one.

Nascar looks stupid (keep making a left hand turn?) but the graphics look extremely good.


Edit:

Playing more of the Superstar mode...kinda cool. YOu actually participate in predraft drills etc. I ran a 5.58 40. lol

Going to do the bench press now.

Kinda fun stuff (Superstar Mode)

[Boogahz]

Right off the bat, one bad thing...it still doesn't support full CPU play for both sides. Fucking stupid not to include this option. You can't simulate a game visually and can't replay a simulated franchise game visually if you want to see it. Bunch of fucking idiots. This is a major let down as it was last year as well.

I guess it's a good thing that I have zero interest in this kind of simulation. Maybe if I only played the game for a week, but I don't.

[Mr Bacon]

Couple comments to Winnow:

Sounds like you didn't play the 07 version. Usually I wouldn't buy the next year's but from what I've heard, 08 has a lot of great fixes that makes 07 look like shit.

My copy doesn't come til later today via UPS, but here's what I've heard:

-In 07 there was a distinct (and annoying as hell) freeze/stutter between every play that has been removed.
-Graphics aren't much better but the animations are supposedly stunningly superior.
-Each star on your team gets a special skill.. won't go into it, read the wikipedia page
-Tons of controls before a play
-Superstar mode was crippled in 07. They had TERRIBLE camera angles which, for me personally, made it unplayable. In 08 they have specific angles for each position making it a lot more fun/playable. Also, you can now be a real rookie from the last draft (I assume it only goes as far as round 1) and play as them. Want to be a snobby little brat like Brady Quinn? Here's your chance!
-Better menu system
-Better scouting system (no longer off-season only)
-Overall the game is much smoother in gameplay..
-More realistic fatigue... Someone playing Vick can't run 10 times in a row anymore without any consequences.
-New ownership stuff.. Control the stadium, pricing, shit like that. Supposedly Marshall Faulk talks before and after each game.. i heard it was lame though.
-Replays of the biggest plays are automatically presented to you at the half and end of games, letting you choose what you want to see if you wish to at full screen.

Also if you're on the fence about ps3 or 360 version.. get 360. 360 Version runs at 60fps, and ps3 runs at 30.

[Kilmoll the Sexy]

Winnow is just upset that his Cardinals were out of playoff contention 7 minutes after he loaded the game.

[Winnow]

Also if you're on the fence about ps3 or 360 version.. get 360. 360 Version runs at 60fps, and ps3 runs at 30.

Good lord, is it possible for the PS3 to suck any worse than it does? 30/60 frames make a huge difference.

I notices from brief freezes in between plays but nothing too bad on the 360. The 60 frame rate makes the motion of the players very believable.

...

I plan to keep playing Madden 08 until I get the Cardinals to win the Superbowl!

[Winnow]

From USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/200 ... l-08_N.htm

Xbox 360 version of 'Madden NFL 08' sticks it to PS3

By Brett Molina, USA TODAY

It took a couple of next-gen tries, but Madden has finally punched one across the pylons.

Electronic Arts' cash cow, Madden NFL 08, returns with a fresh arsenal of weapons and gameplay as silky smooth as a LaDainian Tomlinson scamper into the end zone.

The release of Madden 08 marks the first time owners of Xbox 360 have a truly complete version of the NFL franchise. The 06 iteration, released with the console's launch, was horribly thin on all fronts. Last year's release, while markedly improved, still felt liked a neutered version of older-generation versions because of little options.

On the surface, the releases on 360 and PlayStation 3 look identical. However, when you stack them head-to-head, it's clear which is better. Madden on 360 is fast and fluid, thanks to a sharp jump in frame rate that allows the game to move twice as fast.

PS3 owners, unfortunately, are greeted with a Madden that is sluggish in comparison. Action stutters far too often, particularly on injuries, penalties and turnovers. There's also a half-second delay between pressing the hike button and receiving the ball in your hands. Even close-ups between play look dull when lined up against the 360's sleeker cut scenes.

Overall presentation hasn't changed much since last year. Textures in uniforms look sharper, although they don't flap and flutter as fabric should. Facial details on some players is improved, although very few pixellated pros look like their real-life counterpart. And could EA please sit John Madden and play-by-play sidekick Al Michaels back in the booth? The radio announcer just doesn't feel authentic enough.

Madden 08's latest features brush aside notions that the franchise has turned into an NFL roster update for the first time in a couple years. The Hit Stick has been tweaked so defenders can aim high and low to deliver crushing hits. And the improved animations make those shots well worth it. You never get tired sending a receiver into a 360-degree flip after a low hit with your safety.

Madden's read and react system further pushes the ability to fine-tune your offensive and defensive gameplan on the fly. Pull the left trigger and view on-field mismatches to determine your best point of attack. You can also spotlight specific offensive opponents for tighter coverage. The audible system has migrated onto the right analog to really mix up defensive schemes.

Perhaps the game's most notable addition is the player weapon system, a gauge of player strengths separating the stars from average Joes. Each strength is represented by a player icon. For example, a giant hammer represents big hitters, while a lightning bolt represents elusive running backs. Players can also have multiple icons depending on their skills.

Eager to throw the deep ball? Aim for Randy Moss or another Spectacular Receiver who can lunge into the air making one-handed grabs. Need to move the chains an extra yard for that first down? Plug in your Power Back who steamrolls defenders in his path.

Game modes have broadened as well. Franchise mode adds a little more depth, and a much-needed fantasy draft option. Superstar mode allows you to not only create your own stud, but control one of this season's top rookies. EA imports the Supersim option from NCAA Football 08 onto Madden, letting you simulate portions of a game. The online offering remains solid, although a season mode involving multiple online players would have made it mode more robust.

[Canelek]

Damn, they always make enough improvements to make me buy it year after year. Need to find a used store to off my last 2 versions from 360. It isn't about cost--it is about clutter.

Damn Winnow, did you get screwed on Sony stock options or something?

[Winnow]

Damn Winnow, did you get screwed on Sony stock options or something?

No, but I want people to buy the best system so the developers will continue to focus their efforts on creating games for the easiest to develop for, yet smartest system. The long delays for the VERY few games eventually (FF XIII) worth playing on the PS3 blow. I want the publishers to clearly recognize that the money lies with developing games for the 360 so we don't have to wait extra years for games and have delays for co-released games due to PS3's crappy SDK. There are still a few slow people out there (kyoukan) that think Sony will rule simply because they ruled the last generation which causes the game developers to have to make adjustments to compensate for stupid people.

[Canelek]

No, but I want people to buy the best system so the developers will continue to focus their efforts on creating games for the easiest to develop for, yet smartest system.

I understand that line of thinking and am impressed by the looks of the 360 upcoming releases.

Also, it is time for the annual 'Is the Madden Cover Curse for Real?' ticker.

[Boogahz]

This is definitely not just a remake of 07. The graphics are less "realistic," and I think that is how the art became more "functional." The Superstar abilities grant additional controls to those players (in some cases), and the defensive read options will take some getting used to. I exported my Legend from NCAA 08, but I haven't played Madden beyond one "play now" game to see what it is like. I blew out the Raiders 62-10 with the Titans. I just hope the other teams aren't as vulnerable to a passing game, or this one could get shelved quickly.

[Boogahz]

I spent more time playing over the weekend in Superstar mode, and I am not sure how they managed to put Brett Favre into Tom Brady. My player was drafted by the Patriots, and I was starting right away at HB. The QB AI is so bad that many games end with the highlights being something like: Tom Brady was sackedx2, and Tom Brady throws an interceptionx3.

Superstar frustrations: Maybe I am missing something about Superstar mode, but I can only get 7 influence per regular season practice which leads to a limit of 21 going into each game. This gave me very little to work with (at the start of a game) to influence the stats of myself or anyone else. The idea that I can choose which role to play on most drives was cool, but it was frustrating when working with an AI quarterback like Brady. I was consistently watching passes get picked off and driving my influence down on each drive. The 21 points from practice can be quickly erased in the opening drive by him. Maybe I should just start going to the agent's office and demanding a trade. Maybe other QB's are not using Favre as a role-model.

The ring builder and trophy cabinets: wtf are these for? Why would I build it up? Why don't they show what the actual goals for them are before you accomplish it? I can wipe out my opponent in multiple categories, and the trophy count can be in favor of the other team 9-6. This makes no sense, and I just click through those screens now. The game documentation offers very little info on...well, anything.

Player "Specialties:" Once I figured out how to actually GET specialties for my Superstar player, these are pretty cool. They have basically taken away skills which every player had in the past, and given them to specific types of players. I have gone through the drills to make my HB a Power Back, Speedster, Stiff Arm specialist, and Possession Receiver (may not be the actual names). This helped my running game a lot...now if only Brady would stop throwing interceptions >< The power back is probably my favorite so far, but there is something satisfying about stiff-arming a linebacker as I cut around the end of the line.


Overall, I am not sure that I will play this game much longer. I am thinking about creating a QB in NCAA 08 to export to Madden just to see if actually controlling the passing game will be more effective.

will post more later, break is over

[Fash]

I checked out the demo on this and within a few minutes I was very disappointed.... Is it just me or did they slow down gameplay to a crawl?... I played Blitz:The League and it runs so fast (like actual football). I was immediately taken back with how slow madden appeared... Also, in the demo, the sound levels seemed fucked up.

[Mr Bacon]

madden broke my 360, RROD

[Canelek]

Just playing in Pro mode, but it seems that fumbles and interceptions increased like 800x. Anyone else notice that? Otherwise, it seems just like the previous 3 or so, as far as gameplay...have not looked into any other shit, like playing different position, special features, etc... I keep buying these damn things hoping for a product that just ain't gonna happen.

[Sabek]

Just playing in Pro mode, but it seems that fumbles and interceptions increased like 800x. Anyone else notice that? Otherwise, it seems just like the previous 3 or so, as far as gameplay...have not looked into any other shit, like playing different position, special features, etc... I keep buying these damn things hoping for a product that just ain't gonna happen.

Haven't played Madden 08 but NCAA 08 seems to have an over abundance of turnovers.

[Canelek]

Does seem a bit over the top. However, I played tonight, same mode, and did better. Basically, I laid out a more conservative gameplan--ran down their throats and worked playaction off of that. MUCH improved on turnover rate. Can't just wing it out like previous versions...still not sure how to play as anything other than QB though!

[Boogahz]

They definitely made the button for covering up the ball much more important!