MADDEN 13 (so far...amazing!)

[Xman95]

If you're a fan of the Madden franchise or just of football video games, I think you're going to want to drop the $60 on this one. It's not just the same old "we put a new pair of shoes on a couple players" update to Madden. This SOB is deep! Connected Careers is quite extensive and gives you a lot of freedom. You'll even have access to your leagues via website. I can't go into details because of a media embargo on releasing that stuff (and I don't want the EA Sports police busting down my door) but I really do think this is the most complete version yet. I haven't been able to get into everything on it yet as I've only had it since Thursday, but hopefully everything I will encounter is as good as everything I have already seen. If not, well, I'll be disappointed.

FYI - we did an interview with Mike Young, the Creative Director for Madden 13, and it's on our station's website. If you want to hear about some of the new features directly from someone that played a huge role in the creation of this game, go to the ESPN 970 WFUN (http://espn970wfun.com/) website. Look for the Mike Young "Instant Replay" on the lower left of the homepage.

And maybe we can get a Xavier Hoops Madden league set up this year. (Should we stress the "maybe" in that sentence?)

[Xman95]

Ok, seriously, who will be getting Madden? After fiddling around with the game tonight I really think a Xavier Hoops league will be great with Connected Careers. Let's make this thing happen this year!!

[MaurerHigh]

I'd be down.

[Jumpy]

I'm not doubting your take on the game, Xman, but it surprises me that there are still people out there that still haven't completely given up on Madden yet. Their complete lack of innovation throughout the entirety of this generation of consoles coupled with (and likely due to) the lack of competition has completely turned me off football video games. I don't think I've played one since around 2008 or so.

[BiggieXU]

The new collision system on NCAA implemented a couple of years ago was a pretty big step, I assume Madden has it too.

I was actually thinking about getting Madden due to Connected Careers, I haven't gotten it since '06. I just buy NCAA almost every year now. Connected Careers sounds very similar to what FIFA '12 has, and that's pretty cool.

[Xman95]

I'm not doubting your take on the game, Xman, but it surprises me that there are still people out there that still haven't completely given up on Madden yet. Their complete lack of innovation throughout the entirety of this generation of consoles coupled with (and likely due to) the lack of competition has completely turned me off football video games. I don't think I've played one since around 2008 or so.

I totally get it, Jumpy. And, though my initial reaction is that this game is different than Maddens of the past, there will be some that find it too familiar. I will say that the basics of the gameplay are similar to what we have seen. However, there are many, many adjustments that seem to make it a better gaming experience. QBs have a quicker release, routes of WRs develop sooner, robo-LB isn't as much of a factor, DBs have to see a pass before picking it off, etc. It just seems smoother and more realistic.

You'll always find people who don't like it and, after playing it for a longer period of time, I'm sure I'll find things that I would like to see adjusted. That's just the nature of the beast. Look at the Call of Duty franchise...it's a great game with a huge following, but there are still things that can be better. I'm not really sure they have made the perfect video game yet (although "Arkham City" might be close!).

I can tell you that, without a doubt, this is the deepest Madden game yet when it comes to off-field stuff. The options and extras are insane. One drawback is that you can't import draft classes from NCAA, but I understand why the decision was made and just hope it comes back next year when they can work on it a little more. Seriously, my initial impression is that this game has everything that a football gamer could want. I'm trying to get as much time in with it as I can before posting a true review on 8/24 and maybe my thoughts will change. But right now this seems like the best Madden ever and one that gamers won't be disappointed with. Will it be perfect? Probably not. Outstanding and worth getting if you're a gamer and football fan? Absolutely.

I'll keep you posted...

[nuts4xu]

I pre-ordered FIFA 2013 and can't wait to pick it up on September 26. I have never been a fan of soccer but this is my new favorite. I bought 2012 for my first ever soccer game last December and now I am hooked. Don't know if I will get Madden this year, want to hear more opinions before I commit.

[DC Muskie]

I haven't played a video game series in over four years. I got sick and tired of how expensive the games were getting and my PS3 broke within like a year. Of course I didn't get a warranty.

What's the motivation of getting the same game year after year? I found when I got one of the games I'd play it for a few years with the franchise mode because I wasn't going to play it everyday.

What do you do with the old games?

[XULucho27]

I'm not really sure they have made the perfect video game yet (although "Arkham City" might be close!)

A million times, yes. I just wish it were a longer game.

I won't be picking up Madden. I too have given up on the repetitive nature of the franchise. I also get smoked playing online making the multiplayer not much fun. I will be picking up FIFA though. I LOVE the FIFA series and I'm pretty decent at it.

[Xman95]

I should be able to post a review on Friday (when the embargo is lifted). I'll post a link here when the review is up. I can tell you this much, the complaints I have with the game have nothing to do with the actual gameplay. It's more with the bells & whistles that come with it.

[Xman95]

OK, so I forgot to post a review up here, but I'm sure you've already checked out a few if you're Madden fans. Anyway, once the regular season kicks off and those roster updates are released, I'll start up a league for any XHers interested. If you want to play, let me know here and I'll invite you. Just make sure you list your gamertag (this is for Xbox).

Also, if you absolutely want to read a couple reviews, you can go here. (http://www.wfunam97.com/2012/content/show_news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1346088232&archive=&template=TopNews)

[Porkopolis]

I bought Madden last night after a few trusted gamers said how much they love it. So far I am very happy. I don't know how to explain it, but you have to feel the gameplay improvements. They don't come across very well in videos but man oh man they are there. Solid effort from EA.

[Xman95]

I bought Madden last night after a few trusted gamers said how much they love it. So far I am very happy. I don't know how to explain it, but you have to feel the gameplay improvements. They don't come across very well in videos but man oh man they are there. Solid effort from EA.

Now go get your ass some Xbox Live Gold and we'll get you in a league!!!

[Porkopolis]

Now go get your ass some Xbox Live Gold and we'll get you in a league!!!

Ha ha, will do. I really hope to join the fun. Unfortunately I'll also be without the internet from the 25th-30th when I move. Is there any kind of "autopilot" feature in online CC?

[Xman95]

Ha ha, will do. I really hope to join the fun. Unfortunately I'll also be without the internet from the 25th-30th when I move. Is there any kind of "autopilot" feature in online CC?

Yep...essentially if the commish advances a week of the season, all unplayed games will be simulated. Of course, if there are a few games that people haven't gotten to, we would probably just wait it out a few days.

[Muskie]

Was thinking about getting this... (to join a league with you guys)... but i've got hockey coming in a week.... (Ialso have no time to play as Xman95 can vouch for as I'm never on).

[paulxu]

to play as Xman95 can couch for

This is not necessarily a good image.

[Muskie]

vouch... oopsie.

[xu95]

I love the same team co-op. They started that last year with the NBA game and have continued it through the college and the Madden. It is so much more fun to play the game with my son instead of against him.

[Xman95]

Was thinking about getting this... (to join a league with you guys)... but i've got hockey coming in a week.... (Ialso have no time to play as Xman95 can vouch for as I'm never on).

Liar! That's all you do! (BTW, I think EA might be sending me NHL too so maybe we can get something going with that as well.)

[Muskie]

Liar! That's all you do! (BTW, I think EA might be sending me NHL too so maybe we can get something going with that as well.)
I've got the hockey on pre-order.

[Backyard Champ]

I'm a huge fan of the EA NHL series. Can't wait to pick it up when it comes out. I love playing HUT, however I wish they didn't sell the higher value player packs so much. When they start doing that, I usually will just start playing the regular mode. It is fun trying to build your team though.

[Muskie]

I have a hut question. Once i assemble my team inaction cards do i then actually play with them on the ice?

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[Backyard Champ]

If your asking if you actually get to play with the teams that you have "assembled" then the answer is yes. They have changed it around a bit, where as last year there was a game limit, or career limit for each player, apparently this year once you have a player you can use him as much as you want. I liked the strategy of determining when to use a player or not, however that is not important anymore.

[Muskie]

If your asking if you actually get to play with the teams that you have "assembled" then the answer is yes. They have changed it around a bit, where as last year there was a game limit, or career limit for each player, apparently this year once you have a player you can use him as much as you want. I liked the strategy of determining when to use a player or not, however that is not important anymore.

Yes that is what I was asking (also saw the new improvements). The question is do I actually have to play with the team in the mode (or can i just sim with the team- so it's more like a "card game").

[Backyard Champ]

I'm pretty sure you have to actually play with the team in the mode. I don't think it's possible to "sim" a game. Although to be honest, I have never tried to do that, so maybe you can.

[Xman95]

It would seem that, in addition to a Xavier Hoops Madden league, the XH NHL league is going to be a must! (NHL is using Connected Careers just like Madden.)

[Porkopolis]

I upgraded to Gold tonight so I'm ready to go. I have't played NHL in a few years but used to love it. Since we have so many sports gaming fans, anyone interested in a XH FIFA Connected Careers? I know we have quite a few soccer fans around here.

[Nigel Tufnel]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_GFzFqyaRc


Hehe. Just messing with you guys. I'm actually afraid to get an Xbox or PS3....thought about it often but didn't want to be up until 3:30 in the morning on weeknights playing Madden or Tiger Woods Golf, etc.....which I'm about 100% sure would happen. Hell, I stayed up all night way too much in law school playing Hot Shots golf on Nintendo...game was like crack to me....can't imagine how hooked I'd be on all these new games.

And yes, I do see the irony in me quoting Austin Powers in 2012 when (jokingly) mocking you guys.....

[XULucho27]

I upgraded to Gold tonight so I'm ready to go. I have't played NHL in a few years but used to love it. Since we have so many sports gaming fans, anyone interested in a XH FIFA Connected Careers? I know we have quite a few soccer fans around here.

Interested, yes. Available, maybe. I may be short on time for playing but I'll try my best to keep up. When does the new FIFA hit stores?

[Porkopolis]

Interested, yes. Available, maybe. I may be short on time for playing but I'll try my best to keep up. When does the new FIFA hit stores?

September 25th.

[Jumpy]

So is it true that Madden got rid of Franchise mode? I was starting to toy with the idea of actually getting it again this year after all the talk, but I heard that little tidbit and it instantly stopped me in my tracks. Playing online is great- if you're playing someone you know. Those opportunities prove to be rarer than sasquatch for me because I'm the only gamer in my group of friends. Franchise mode was always my go-to way to play Madden. With it gone, I just can't drop $60.

[nuts4xu]

Interested, yes. Available, maybe. I may be short on time for playing but I'll try my best to keep up. When does the new FIFA hit stores?

They are taking pre-orders, and I have already spent the $60 so I can pick up the new one on September 25th.

Can't wait.

[Muskie]

They are taking pre-orders, and I have already spent the $60 so I can pick up the new one on September 25th.

Can't wait.
I'm torn. I'd like to pick it up as well (but am getting Hockey on 11th).

[Porkopolis]

So is it true that Madden got rid of Franchise mode? I was starting to toy with the idea of actually getting it again this year after all the talk, but I heard that little tidbit and it instantly stopped me in my tracks. Playing online is great- if you're playing someone you know. Those opportunities prove to be rarer than sasquatch for me because I'm the only gamer in my group of friends. Franchise mode was always my go-to way to play Madden. With it gone, I just can't drop $60.

They got rid of the old franchise mode and replaced it with Connected Careers, which lets you choose a career as a coach or a player. Coach is fairly similar to the old franchise mode while player is similar to superstar mode. It is pretty different than the previous franchise mode but I like it.

[Xman95]

So is it true that Madden got rid of Franchise mode?

It has been dropped in name only. Franchise and Superstar mode have been combined to make Connected Careers. The only notable thing they wiped out completely is the ability to import draft classes from NCAA, but the set-up they have is still pretty good. And that feature should be back in the future when they can work out the details of the export/import with the NCAA devs.

[Backyard Champ]

I upgraded to Gold tonight so I'm ready to go. I have't played NHL in a few years but used to love it. Since we have so many sports gaming fans, anyone interested in a XH FIFA Connected Careers? I know we have quite a few soccer fans around here.

I just got into FIFA over the summer, although I've never played a season type mode before. What is connected careers all about?

[Muskie]

I picked up Fifa yesterday...

[XULucho27]

My Xbox RROD'd. With a newborn, I figure it'll be a bit before I get a new one. Can someone join connected careers at any point?

[Xman95]

My Xbox RROD'd. With a newborn, I figure it'll be a bit before I get a new one. Can someone join connected careers at any point?

I think so, but I'm not positive. Also, with the RROD, are you still under warranty? Happened to me a couple years ago and they took care of it rather quickly (and for free...no shipping charges, no service fees, nothing).

[Xman95]

I picked up Fifa yesterday...

The F-ers from EA didn't send me NHL. Said they had a large number of media requests and couldn't fill them all. I'm assuming same with FIFA, but I'll let you know for sure. (If I don't get it by middle of next week it's a safe bet that they're not sending!)

[Xman95]

Who is interested in a Madden Connected Careers on Xbox? I'm going to put one together soon. Also, would you like to do a "Fantasy Draft" style where you draft your entire team instead of starting with the existing NFL teams? Post here if you're interested and your thoughts on "FD" option.

[XULucho27]

Picked up FIFA yesterday. Let's connect some careers.

[Muskie]

Picked up FIFA yesterday. Let's connect some careers.
Is there a connected careers? There are so many options I honestly have no idea. (GT: xfactor9600 if you want to send me an invite).