Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

[Steve_OS]

VGRevolution has posted their hands-on impressions of Madden NFL 11.

"The first change gamers will see is the new play calling system called “Game Flow”. Game Flow is a system that takes the playbook out of your hands and gets you right to the action on the field as quick as possible. If you use Game Flow what will happen is your offensive and defensive coordinators will be calling the plays, which for the most part is what happens during a real game. If you have a headset on the coordinators will actually tell you what plays are being called, and even explain the reasoning of the call. If you don’t wear a headset there is an on-screen text pop-up with the information. While this is a great system for the rookies out there, and will cut gameplay times in half. Hardcore fans will feel letdown and will end up going back to the normal play calling. The addition of the coordinator communication is neat, but was a bit shallow. It would be nice to hear them offer suggestions as you flip through the playbook, and even better make recommendations on if you should challenge a call. I’m sure the less experience will enjoy it."

[ch46647]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

He says the sprint button has been removed! (With an option to turn it back on) That is great news IMO as it will work more like NHL 10! It seems like in NCAA the sprint button will be default with the ability to turn it off, and Madden "no sprint" will be default with the ability to turn it on.

I have been waiting for Madden to get rid of the "sprint" button for two years now. Speed, acceleration, etc should all be based on ratings and not by just jamming the sprint button as soon as you get the ball.

Edit: Can any of our CD guys comment if this is correct and how it felt? If any of you have played NHL 10 could you compare it to the feel of that? Thanks!

[NavigatorD83]

Im all for new modes as I can understand they have to sell the game to new fans every year, I just dont like when it gets in the way of adding more realistic elements.

[NavigatorD83]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J55yuSjk5u4&feature=player_embedded

[Valdarez]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Regarding GameFlow...

The first change gamers will see is the new play calling system called “Game Flow”. Game Flow is a system that takes the playbook out of your hands... While this is a great system for the rookies out there, and will cut gameplay times in half. Hardcore fans will feel letdown and will end up going back to the normal play calling.... I’m sure the less experience will enjoy it.

This is what I have been saying, and the CD guys for the most part have been denying. I just don't like having the playbook taken out of my hands. Madden 10 showed that to me as Beginner play calling was the only way to get a fair/balanced game against the AI.

[Blazelore]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Regarding GameFlow...



This is what I have been saying, and the CD guys for the most part have been denying. I just don't like having the playbook taken out of my hands. Madden 10 showed that to me as Beginner play calling was the only way to get a fair/balanced game against the AI.

Then just don't use it and keep calling plays the way you've always have. Problem solved! People are talking about this like this is the only way to call plays now. Get a grip!

[roadman]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Regarding GameFlow...



This is what I have been saying, and the CD guys for the most part have been denying. I just don't like having the playbook taken out of my hands. Madden 10 showed that to me as Beginner play calling was the only way to get a fair/balanced game against the AI.

This was also mentioned a few paragraphs below the one you quoted.

Also new this year in the play calling department is the addition of setting up your own playbook. Similar to setting your favorite audibles in the past, you can now set certain plays for different situations. If you like running a special pass play on 3rd and long, no longer will you need to flip through all the plays to get to it. Again this feature really adds to the authenticity of Madden 11.

Also, read the OS preview to get a more in depth view of GameFlow.

[brza37]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Then just don't use it and keep calling plays the way you've always have. Problem solved! People are talking about this like this is the only way to call plays now. Get a grip!

Serious. How can people be upset when they give you the option to use it or not? Personally, i think the idea of being able to actually gameplan plays based on situation sounds awesome. Its actually truer to life than the current set up of looking through 300 plays everytime.
But it all depends on how Gameflow gets executed so I'll hold back my opinion till I can actually play it.

[RGiles36]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Then just don't use it and keep calling plays the way you've always have. Problem solved! People are talking about this like this is the only way to call plays now. Get a grip!

Bingo!

[Valdarez]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Then just don't use it and keep calling plays the way you've always have. Problem solved! People are talking about this like this is the only way to call plays now. Get a grip!

Sounds like a feature for newer players, and time wasted taking away control. I still haven't seen that we are able to edit our own playbooks (only that we can edit the GamePlan for GameFlow). Nor have I seen that we can save games, which is what fans asked for (not GameFlow).

[Blazelore]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Sounds like a feature for newer players, and time wasted taking away control. I still haven't seen that we are able to edit our own playbooks (only that we can edit the GamePlan for GameFlow). Nor have I seen that we can save games, which is what fans asked for (not GameFlow).

I understand completely and your right. It does sound like it would benefit new players. Obviously you aren't one nor am I. IMHO if the franchise mode isn't up to par I'll be up here nitpicking just like you because that caters to the hardcore.

[Hova57]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

Sounds like a feature for newer players, and time wasted taking away control. I still haven't seen that we are able to edit our own playbooks (only that we can edit the GamePlan for GameFlow). Nor have I seen that we can save games, which is what fans asked for (not GameFlow).

I understand what your saying, but I think there is a bigger picture to the gameflow. it would seem as if the cpu will now have tendancies also you could gameplan around which I think would translate into the franchise.

[Boregard]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

I do not understand why anyone thinks removing the "sprint" button is a good idea. The sticks on both the current gen consoles absolutely suck, they are not stiff enough or sensitive enough and this just takes more control out of the user's hands - absolutely stupid and lazy way to deal with CPU not taking proper pursuit angles.

In football, you don't always run at full speed, there are times when you are running close to it, but holding back or setting up your feet for a move and then you turn on that top gear. This makes that more difficult for the user to replicate and is the single dumbest idea ever. This isn't hockey, this is football and the analog sticks are not done well enough for this to work properly and with "sprint" being off by default that means it probally is now a turbo button instead of full sprint which it should be - dumb, dumb, dumb!!!

The "sprint" button should work within the ACC/SPD ratings and having it gives you the user more control of the players on the field - anyone who thinks that removing control from the user is a good idea is seriously without!!!

[Valdarez]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

I understand what your saying, but I think there is a bigger picture to the gameflow. it would seem as if the cpu will now have tendancies also you could gameplan around which I think would translate into the franchise.

I can see implications for this from a franchise perspective where you go in and fix the problems with the AI's playcalling. Which is good and bad. Good that we can fix it, bad that we probably will have to fix it.

[eckology]

Re: Madden NFL 11 Hands-On Impressions (VGRevolution)

"But now with the improved Locomotion system, each player has their correct speed and acceleration ratings"

So basically, the real overhaul was last year, and after a year of tweaks, they are ready to call it "Locomotion"

They didnt want to advertise it as Locomotion in Madden 10 because it was crap compared to what it will be this year. hopefully