Madden 11 Highlight Video Test/Day 1 thoughts
By blah37 2 Comments
I'm testing out the feature to upload video highlights in Madden 11 and all the fancy editor doodads on GiantBomb. The video quality is mediocre but I guess I can't really expect HD. It seems like a pretty neat feature that more console games should incorporate.
Here's one of Peyton Manning throwing the ball 30 yards while running to the left. I'm not sure how realistic this play is but I was playing as the Colts and it was in my favor so I'm not complaining.
And here's one of a sweet 93 yard punt return for a TD:
I just saw the option in the menus to upload videos so I wanted to give it a whirl. Nothing mind blowing here. I'm planning on participating in the GiantBomb online franchise and thought it might be fun to blog game highlights and chronicle my season.
Now for some quick thoughts on this year's Madden. There are some nice improvements in things like graphics, animations, and interface tweaks. The running and passing game feel a lot better to me than last year's game. The removal of the turbo button feels pretty good even though I still find myself instinctively hitting the trigger. Luckily, the former turbo button is now unmapped. It would suck, for example, if they moved the lateral button there.
Overall, I like the idea of "Gameflow" for cutting down on playcalling time but I do think it needs to be more intelligent. It calls some questionable plays in some situations (most frustratingly calling a blitz when I'm up by 7 and there is less 30 seconds left in the game). Sure, you can audible out to another play but it could use some improvement. I haven't yet customized my own gameplan so perhaps that could improve it more to my liking.
Playing defense still kind of sucks and the "defense assist" button seems like an inelegant solution. It does save me from allowing huge plays due to my stupidity but it feels like it removes a huge element of skill from the game. I don't think it makes the game unfair by any means as you can still get burned badly. However, playing defense is still nowhere near satisfying as playing offense. In real life, I play(ed) defense in hockey and lacrosse so it's not like I don't have an appreciation for the art of defense. Maybe simulation football defense is just something that doesn't translate well to video games.
I haven't yet tried any online but I'll get around to it.
For better or for worse, this years Madden game feels like a newer, slightly improved Madden game. People who expect they might like a Madden game will probably like this one. People who don't like football/sports video games probably will still dislike Madden 11. Life goes on, dog bites man, etc.
One last thought. I know the system wars are played out but I downloaded the demo for the both the 360 and PS3 before I decided on the 360 version. I have 09 on 360 and 10 on PS3. Is it just me or does the PS3 version look blurrier, have more frame rate dips, and longer loading times? I play on a 32" 1080p TV and sit a few feet away so that probably contributes to my observations. I'm not looking to start any crap and I am platform agnostic as I have a 360, PS3, and an okay PC. I just thought it was interesting since it seems it is now generally accepted the there is parity between the two versions and I want to make sure I'm not imagining things.
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