Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madden_2009]Madden NFL 09 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]

Finally that dumb radio guy wont be the announcer anymore, and I kind of like the telestraitor thing

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

It's pretty cool that Brett Favre will be a free agent, I might make a team and sign him.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

So all these new features will be on the PS2 as well? Cuz I was extremely disappointed with Madden 08 for the PS2 last year, they had almost no new features, and almost everything was disappointing, especially franchise mode. I had a bunch of posts about gripes I have with last year's franchise mode, like the 2000 yard running backs (especially LT gaining 2500 rushing yards in one season), not to mention how 3 years down the road in franchise mode there were only 2 players or 3-4 max on each team that had a deal longer than 3 years lol. Rosters were seeing turnover at like 75% every year and I hated that.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Today I Won the Madden 09 Tournament, now i move on to the July 26th game, i went throught 24 other guys, and beat the guy who won it last year.......my goal is to get to the tournament in in Cali. and ball against some of the best......wish me luck.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

I am looking forward to the mulligan feature for one player. Last year's game had so many absurd interceptions on the highest difficulty level it made it no fun to play. You know when you've made a bad throw that deserved to be intercepted, but a lot of that stuff on all-Madden was just cheap - nothing worse than the plays where the ball would change direction in mid-air, away from your open receiver and into the hands of a trailing DB.

Anyway, I hope they fix that, but being able to just do those plays over again would ease a lot of my frustration.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Has anyone played NFL Head Coach? If so, what's it like?

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=Daseal;457705]Has anyone played NFL Head Coach? If so, what's it like?[/quote]

I'm going to guess it's boring [URL="http://www.amazon.com/EA-NFL-Head-Coach/dp/B000E1B2SO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1216526559&sr=8-1"]just like the last one[/URL] unless you have wet dreams about being an NFL head coach. I have to ask though, why the hell is it a standalone game rather than a Madden play modes?

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=Daseal;457705]Has anyone played NFL Head Coach? If so, what's it like?[/quote]
The original was AWFUL and very boring (and I like to work through all the off-season stuff in Madden). I rented it and was very glad I didn't waste money buying it. It's supposed to be included in the special edition of Madden 09, about $ 80 for the package on NG, I think. It will also be released as a stand alone game in Sept. $ 20 is not a huge risk on the game and they claim to have made significant improvements, but you know how EA is.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Im just a big fan of the Madden offseason stuff so I was wondering if it was like that only better. Maybe Ill do the package you mentioned.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

head coach (the first one) was one of the worst "games" i've ever played. beyond terrible, and any of the thousands of free flash games would have killed more time and left me feeling better about the whole thing.

i mean, it's fixable, they just need to start over and follow "normal" madden doctrine (as far as ratings, progressions, drills, etc).

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szbCKBxqxhA]YouTube - Madden 09 Video Review[/url]

Here is a really good video review. Sounds like this one is a winner. Madden 08 was close to being really good imo, but had a few problems that just got more annoying the more I played. But it sounds like this one fixes a lot of those. I love the IQ feature and the fact that the camera shifts to make sure all of your receivers are visible at all times. I also love the mulligan feature, because as long as you use it honestly it effectively kills defensive cheatin' on the All-Madden level, which I have complained about a lot here.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=djnemo65;462669][URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szbCKBxqxhA"]YouTube - Madden 09 Video Review[/URL]

Here is a really good video review. Sounds like this one is a winner. Madden 08 was close to being really good imo, but had a few problems that just got more annoying the more I played. But it sounds like this one fixes a lot of those. I love the IQ feature and the fact that the camera shifts to make sure all of your receivers are visible at all times. I also love the mulligan feature, because as long as you use it honestly it effectively kills defensive cheatin' on the All-Madden level, which I have complained about a lot here.[/quote]

looks good! I'm really looking forward to the online leagues.

The Madden IQ seems interesting too.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/videogames/news/story?id=3524296]ESPN - Twenty-four hours of Madden 09 - Videogames[/url]

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

I really hope this game rocks. It's been a long time since I was totally addicted to Madden. I miss those days of plowing through season after season and just being totally caught up in it.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

no pc version... i hope it's awful and kicks puppies.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=SmootSmack;463497][URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/videogames/news/story?id=3524296"]ESPN - Twenty-four hours of Madden 09 - Videogames[/URL][/quote]


That was a great read! Sounds like it is going to be fun this time around. I think Imay wait until Sept to get it on eBay for like $35.00.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

So not one review???? Everyone must be to busy playing.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

oh yeah

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[QUOTE=mredskins;463785]So not one review???? Everyone must be to busy playing.[/QUOTE]

[url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/maddennfl09/review.html]Madden NFL 09 for Xbox 360 Review - Xbox 360 Madden NFL 09 Review[/url]

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Pretty good review here:

[url=http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/firstcuts/entry/view/10828]SportingNews.com - FirstCuts - Madden NFL 09 Review (Xbox 360)[/url]

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

I think he meant from fellow players. I was "busy ;)" last night so I didnmt go get my copy. I'm going after work today. This day is dragging on and on so slowly.

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=EternalEnigma21;463807]I think he meant from fellow players. I was "busy ;)" last night so I didnmt go get my copy. I'm going after work today. This day is dragging on and on so slowly.[/quote]

Yeah I know, in the absence of that I thought I would post a good one I read since our fellow members who already have it are [B]bastards[/B] and won't share the info. ;)

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

I picked it up last night and have played it a little.

First impressions: Pass defense and pass rush are much more difficult this year. So is running the football. Overall, I've been frustrated so far, but I've won the majority of my games. Passing also seems like it is effective and Devin Thomas is an absolute beast on the deep ball.

Beyond that, the weather and player models look much better, IMO

re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Is Jason Taylor on the team?

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[QUOTE=Riggo44;463829]Is Jason Taylor on the team?[/QUOTE]

If you upload the updated rosters he is on the team.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Here's my review. I got the game last nite at midnite. It has taken me a while to learn the buttons and to get to know the different menu options. Since my last Madden game was for the regular x-box, it has taken me a while to adapt to the button configurations and whatnot. I took the Madden IQ test...and played for a while with that as my skill level, then I switched to skill level All-Pro. I like the All-Pro level, it is just enough of a challenge for me without me getting killed. I'm having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the defense controls, so far I've done ok with the offensive controls. I do like the online gaming, I just hope to get more practices as I go against people.

I hate to say this but I do miss the newspaper feature and the e-mails you'd get in franchise mode. I am having trouble fielding punts, I don't know what's going on with that (just like the Eagles at the beginning of last season).

In general it is a good game, I think I will enjoy more as I learn about it more.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=Ruhskins;463846]Here's my review. I got the game last nite at midnite. It has taken me a while to learn the buttons and to get to know the different menu options. Since my last Madden game was for the regular x-box, it has taken me a while to adapt to the button configurations and whatnot. I took the Madden IQ test...and played for a while with that as my skill level, then I switched to skill level All-Pro. I like the All-Pro level, it is just enough of a challenge for me without me getting killed. I'm having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the defense controls, so far I've done ok with the offensive controls. I do like the online gaming, I just hope to get more practices as I go against people.

[B]I hate to say this but I do miss the newspaper feature and the e-mails you'd get in franchise mode. [/B]I am having trouble fielding punts, I don't know what's going on with that (just like the Eagles at the beginning of last season).

In general it is a good game, I think I will enjoy more as I learn about it more.[/quote]

OMG! You seriously have not played in a long time! Good for you! You probably have saved ourself $500.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

I went and got mine at lunch and I'm ready to rock. A friend of mine (a diehard Ravens fan...BOOO) gets home from wrk around the same time as me, and we're gonna test it out against one another. Redskins vs Ravens. Headsets and all. I can't wait! Redskins are 88 and Ravens are 81. Boo the Ravens.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Got mine today too. I haven't been this pumped about Madden in a while.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

I picked it up last night, started playing a few this morning. I havent played Madden since PS2. So, Im a bit rusty. I messed around a bit, did okay on all-pro vs shitty teams. Made a character in super-star mode, went through all the bullshit, got drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, turned off my 360 in a huff and will play more tonight.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=Daseal;463896]I picked it up last night, started playing a few this morning. I havent played Madden since PS2. So, Im a bit rusty. I messed around a bit, did okay on all-pro vs shitty teams. Made a character in super-star mode, went through all the bullshit, [B]got drafted by the Dallas Cowboys[/B], turned off my 360 in a huff and will play more tonight.[/quote]

You should holdout until next year and re-enter the draft!

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=Riggo44;463829]Is Jason Taylor on the team?[/quote]

Yes and no. When you put the game in Taylor is not on the team. When you go online to play and download the roster then a lot of things get fixed. For starters Farve on the Jets, Taylor on the Skins, and Reed playing SS not FS.

I decided to take the plunge this year as I had never owned or really played a 360 version of the game and was pretty discouraged a few years ago watching the Madden Challenge where the players were establishing a running game by using their starting RB at FB not to mention the contestants acting like total douchebags.

I was even happier to see that the game is more like an updated version of NFL2K5. Who knows, when I get caught up to speed I might end up playing some of you guys.

Some other notes

- The ratings are bullshit Colt Brennan should be 100 in everything except in name coolness where he gets 101

- The announcers are definately a step up from the radio guy that I was somewhat familiar with but they're still annoying from time to time. However the analysis and play breakdowns are really cool.

- Apparently a lot has changed on the next generation, DB's don't have eyes in the back of their heads and if I anticipate and time a pass properly the pass will be completed.

- The rewind system is awesome when you're learning the game. The chance to retry a play after you mess up really seems like it will help with my learning curve. Good thing it's not available on online mode though.

- I wish that it was a little easier to select plays. It's cool that they have a great interface that allows you to sort plays in different ways but it's a little slow sometimes.

- Maybe I'm one of the 3 people that care but I wish they had more players availble. For example from the Redskins prospective I wish that we had Matt Sinclair, Kareem Moore, and Marcus Mason. I know they're fringe roster players but they should at least be in the game.

- The fact that the rocket catch is still there kind of scares me and I feel like I have to learn it again if I'm going to compete online. Apparently though its a lot harder to complete this time around.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[QUOTE=Dirtbag359;463912]Yes and no. When you put the game in Taylor is not on the team. When you go online to play and download the roster then a lot of things get fixed. For starters Farve on the Jets, Taylor on the Skins, and Reed playing SS not FS.

I decided to take the plunge this year as I had never owned or really played a 360 version of the game and was pretty discouraged a few years ago watching the Madden Challenge where the players were establishing a running game by using their starting RB at FB not to mention the contestants acting like total douchebags.

I was even happier to see that the game is more like an updated version of NFL2K5. Who knows, when I get caught up to speed I might end up playing some of you guys.

Some other notes

- The ratings are bullshit Colt Brennan should be 100 in everything except in name coolness where he gets 101

- The announcers are definately a step up from the radio guy that I was somewhat familiar with but they're still annoying from time to time. However the analysis and play breakdowns are really cool.

- Apparently a lot has changed on the next generation, DB's don't have eyes in the back of their heads and if I anticipate and time a pass properly the pass will be completed.

[B]- The rewind system is awesome when you're learning the game. The chance to retry a play after you mess up really seems like it will help with my learning curve. Good thing it's not available on online mode though. [/B]

- I wish that it was a little easier to select plays. It's cool that they have a great interface that allows you to sort plays in different ways but it's a little slow sometimes.

- Maybe I'm one of the 3 people that care but I wish they had more players availble. For example from the Redskins prospective I wish that we had Matt Sinclair, Kareem Moore, and Marcus Mason. I know they're fringe roster players but they should at least be in the game.

- The fact that the rocket catch is still there kind of scares me and I feel like I have to learn it again if I'm going to compete online. Apparently though its a lot harder to complete this time around.[/QUOTE]


F the rewind. I thought it was instant replay and hit it after i ran an interception back for a touchdown. John Madden just pwned my ass.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Very solid game, I'm about to start my 2nd game of the season against the Saints. Graphics are pretty nice and so far I like how it plays over '08.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[quote=Smooter;463924]F the rewind. I thought it was instant replay and hit it after i ran an interception back for a touchdown. John Madden just pwned my ass.[/quote]

Well like I said before, for someone like me who's trying to learn the game again it's golden, so long as I'm just getting a game or two in against the computer. As my friend and I learned last night it's not the best for 1 on 1 games. The instant feedback though is priceless.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[QUOTE=mredskins;463847]OMG! You seriously have not played in a long time! Good for you! You probably have saved ourself $500.[/QUOTE]

I had Madden '08 for the regular xbox...so I never played the xbox 360 version of '08. Now I have '09 for the 360 and it is pretty sweet.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

I've played 2 games so far, Mixed reviews.

I hate the reply option after every play, I just want to get to the next play it should be an option out of timeout if needed.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

NCAA is still head and shoulders above, it feel's more like Madden than Madden 09.....its going to take some use to but.....i might be able to swing it.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

Where do I begin? Well, lets start from where I did. While identifying my Madden IQ, which I am not going to disclose to you at the juncture, I found it absurdly easy to achieve All Pro and All Madden status in the 4 different areas that you are evaluated in. Then once you get into an actual game it seems as if it is 10 times more difficult than the IQ simutator. Where is the balance? Needless to say, I got my ass handed to me a couple of times by the computer. This is a Madden 1st in my house.....beaten......by the CPU!!!!!????? More on this later.

Obviously before I handed myself and the G-Men ammunition to go to war, I set up the Skins in a franchise mode the way I saw fit. After this past years offseason aquisition I felt as if I would be cheated if I didn't have Jason Taylor. So I try and trade a 2nd round pick for him; NO GO. So I try a 2nd and a 4th; NO GO. Eventually I ended up having to trade Philip Daniels, a 3rd, and a 4th round pick for JT. 3 for 1 huh? Madden still lacks the AI to understand the value of players.

Next, I wanted to get rid of Schweigert and change the positions of Landry and Doughty. Well, I should have kept Schweigert just until that operation was done. I had to resign him just so that I still had enough FS's on the roster to make Doughty a Strong Safety and Laron a Free Safety. The good news was that afterward I traded Schweigert to Miami for a 4th rounder, so at least I got one of my picks back from the Jason Taylor fiasco. Once I had the intricacies of my Roster taken care of, I headed off to face the Giants.

In the first game against the Giants there was a defensive battle, but the Skins took an early 13-0 lead thanks to great field position and two int's (one of them was a pick 6 by Landry). After the half, the Giants found their jock straps and started putting it on me. Thanks to the lack of a solid running game (how does that sound familiar?) I was unable to keep my defense off of the field. Eventually they (my defense) got wore down and allowed the Giants to come rolling back to a 1 point lead. With less than a minute left in the game the Skins take the field and begin moving the ball with a purpose. The skins are about 5-6 yards out of Suisham's optimum field goal range. The play is called to get the necessary yardage, call timeout, and kick the game winning field goal. Campbell drops back and sees a streaking Devin Thomas comming across the middle of the field (he is wide open). Campbell unloads the ball right at Thomas. All of a sudden out of nowhere, Antonio Pierce closes the gap and bats the ball in the air. When the ball comes down it lands in the arms of Ross, who takes it all the way to the endzone. I was crushed and demoralized. I immediately pressed the start button and went to quit game.

I would tell you about the next two encounters with the G-Men, but they were all a similar result. I lost. What I decided to do was take this game in stages using the crawl, walk, run method. Translation: I am starting out on rookie and working my way up. Because the Madden IQ, while challenging, makes for a hard uphill fight until you get the hang of 2009. I dont know about everone else, but I need a little "cupcake" type action to get warmed up before I go out and lay it all on the line. Maybe I shouldn't have simulated the preseason.

Overall, it is a good buy. It is challenging with better graphics and more colorfull commentary (no more Madden). I just wish that they would make the hit stick more sensitive. Everytime I use it I feel like I am watching one of Leftwich's wind ups before he lets go of the ball. You have to anticipate way too much to lay somebody out. Other than that the feel is good as well.

Recomendation: Pick up this game on your way to the store to buy some Aleve and a 12 pack; you might need them both just to play it.

Re: Madden '09 Info and Reviews
 

[QUOTE=Angry;463987]I would tell you about the next two encounters with the G-Men, but they were all a similar result. I lost. What I decided to do was take this game in stages using the crawl, walk, run method. Translation: I am starting out on rookie and working my way up. Because the Madden IQ, while challenging, makes for a hard uphill fight until you get the hang of 2009. I dont know about everone else, but I need a little "cupcake" type action to get warmed up before I go out and lay it all on the line. Maybe I shouldn't have simulated the preseason.[\QUOTE]

This is the approach I've decided that I'm going to have to take too