Madden 10 Demo Impressions

[Joey P]

my question, when did Madden & NCAA change the kicking method from pushing X to moving the sticks?

Where have you been?

[SHOGUN]

Here are my impressions. I had to spent the first night trying to re-learn Madden after playing AFP 2K8 for so long....

• After adjusting to the slow setting, I really like it. It allows you to see the holes better while running the ball. It's most likely the Steelers defense, but I can't get a consistent run game going.
• Man coverage is improved in comparison to last year. Bump M2M might be problematic with lesser receivers. Fitz would tend to get off press fine regularly, but I remember seeing Boldin being thrown to the ground by Deshea Townsend and he's no slouch in the release department. I can't imagine what it'll be like with a group of corners like Green Bay.
• I was a tad concerned with the pass rush from linemen, but then I remember that this was before the Weapon Curves fix. Even still, I was able to get pressure. If you love blitzing like I do, you'll probably be in for a treat this year. You can really create pressure with the linebackers if you Hot Route right. With the 3-4 and the aforementioned BNR, defense will be fun online.
• Speed can kill if you lack speed on defense, but ratings like Pursuit and Awareness matter much more than before. But having fast linebackers help, too.
• Speaking of speed, it is really easy to get successful yards on pitches, especially with Willie Parker. IMO, it's easier to run outside than inside.
• On the Wildcat, it was actually fun with Boldin and Wells from the snap. Calling the play at the right time helps A LOT with success. It won't be effective to where it could be broken from what I've seen, but we haven't seen any passes from there. Speed helps here a lot, I was more successful overall in it with Holmes and Parker than Boldin and Wells.
• When throwing, you have to adjust when you throw to the receiver. I'm too used to throwing when they're open, that some plays end up broken up because the DB had more time to react.
• Presentation is nice. HUGE upgrade from last year. Nitpicking, I didn't like how the TD/big play celebrations often didn't involve the player who scored or made said play.
• I like the improved line play, much better than NCAA's. Saw one or two hiccups, but all in all dope.
• Players feel different and the tiered system works. You can feel the difference between Willie Parker and Beanie Wells running, and the different in releases on Ben and Kurt. After getting used to Warner's quick release, there were times I was hit mid-throw with Big Ben because of his wind-up when I switched. I played around with Matt Leinart and tried to play with him as I would Warner and got varying results. Defensive studs like Polamalu, Casey Hampton, Darnell Dockett, Karlos Dansby, and Antrel Rolle really made their presence felt.

I really like this game and could be special.

[DNEUM]

Got my impressions put up on the home page. Check 'em out:

http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/madden-nfl-10-demo-impressions/

[SHOGUN]

Holy shit and balls! Hit Fitzgerald on a fade route perfectly for the TD. That shit just doesn't happen in previous Maddens.

I've hit Fitzgerald on several fades today and goddamn is it satisfying every time.

[Point Blank]

I finally got the chance to play this game human vs human and it's fun as well. I was able to do much more shit that was I able to do vs the cpu. I was playing against decent Madden players btw. I'm loving this game.

[mobbdeep1122]

I liked the demo. The game speed wasn't too hard to get adjusted too, and I actually don't mind it at all. All Madden was tough, but it always is when you first get the game (especially vs. the CPU). I played a game on All Pro and was able to move the ball with ease and I could actually run the ball successfully.

The player control is on point, just the camera sucks so it's difficult to make a play on streaks.

Speaking of the camera, it's the only thing I didn't like about the demo. I was told we can change it when we get the final version of the game, so that was good to hear.

I'm going to try and play more on All Madden to determine if there is a slight learning curve or if all the players are supermen. I'm going to go with the former and think that AP will become too easy for the hardcore players out there. I still think it'll be the way to go for online play.

[Helicopter]

I just played another game on AM and got fucking killed by the Steelers. I think the score was like 34-6. Polamalu had 3 picks, Kurt Warner got injured for the season (torn pec), Matt Leinart was throwing his "soft" balls up for grab, Beanie Wells broke his leg, lol.....I got pounded in that one!

[Tengo Juego]

hate it.. too cartoonish.. hope the game is better then the demo.

Cartoonish?

[Boss AZ]

Seen refs get knocked down a couple times but on one kick return that I took back I ran right through one down the sidelines.

[mgoblue2290]

I put the difficulty between all pro and all madden like a couple of you suggested. That seems like the way to go, the cpu isn't to cheap but you will pay if you try and force the ball or call the wrong type of defense. I got picked off twice trying to force a pass and I learned my lesson.

One thing I don't like is it seemed Willie Parker was to dominant on that difficulty. One play he literally broke 7 tackles on a HB dive. I can see fighting through a couple but at one point he just threw 3 or 4 defenders off of him. It seems like that might have to be lowered but other than that the game was realistic.

Also, starting to get some sacks now by using the r stick and creating holes for my blitzers.


One more thing, I thought the tug of war fumble mini game thing only happened once in awhile? So far it has happened on all of my fumbles.

[GridironWarrior]

I lost the pile on fumble mini game. I didn't realize you have to press different buttons lol.

[Tengo Juego]

How does this game look on standard definition TVs? On my own HD the text appeared small and hard to read at times, I can't imagine what older TVs are like

Its not that bad. Not having Widescreen sucks. I played the demo in mostly HD yesterday and now going back its difficult. Always is.

[MVP1991]

Seen refs get knocked down a couple times but on one kick return that I took back I ran right through one down the sidelines.

That was done on purpose.

[Derrville]

Man, is passing timing based? Cause i get sacked a SHIT LOAD of times. I like playing Defense better on Madden 10 but i like playing offense more on NCAA, i at least have time, less than 2 secs im hit. I use line adjustments and it makes it worse.

Any suggestions?

[Aso]

Well remember both the Cardinals and Steelers offensive lines aren't that good.