Madden 2005 is the best Madden ever made

[Gridiron]

I agree, Madden is best playing other humans. I'm up for a challenge, but when I'm up by 14 with less than a minute left in the game, I should worry about losing.
I have only seen the 'Comeback Code' with the PC version, so I have moved on. I have play Madden on PS1and 2, PSP, Wii, and haven't seen it before. I have gone with the Wii, since it the is the only console that I have that 13 is coming out on, and I refuse ti buy a 'Next Gen' system. I'm not saying that because of the 'Comeback Code' no one can play on the PC, but back to what I said in the first place :

Well, IMO, all the PC Madden's suck due to the comeback code. That's why I don't play Madden on the PC anymore.

Again, it's my opinion, not forcing it on anyone. But I do completely agree with you.

You are the expert about MADDEN gameplay, not I.

Thanks for agreeing with me about the playing with other people being the original reason for MADDEN.
And in that role it does a fine job.

What I focus on is the expansion of potential human opponents, both local and online, so I will more easily find someone to play virtual football with.

PCs are far more available than any specific console, and since EA in their infinite wisdom has chosen to force those who wish to play current NFL MADDEN on their PCs into modding.....
I think that your last mod is a great opportunity to open gamers eyes to alternatives, I just wish that you would authorize someone willing to do so to continue to debug it or update the roster.

Except for 2005 each year MADDEN got better.

Ergo, 2008 was the best out of the box.
Add in the abundant user mods, can there really be any question here?

I couldn't disagree more.

Gameplay leveled off in 2006, and hasn't improved since. Even on the consoles.

.. and don't even get me started on the console versions. EA should be embarrassed to have released some of that garbage. But since they're the only show in town they can get away with it.

But the biggest negative to me is the sim engine. I play deep into franchises, and the broken sim engine is too great a negative to say the late CPU versions are good. I have to use a 2nd party app to get realistic stats, or wipe/edit them myself, and that is a JOKE!.. For a company with a slogan like "It's in the Game" HA!!... guess they aren't talking about realistic stats.

I'll be back to 2004 once I have the $$ to build another CPU.

You have a good reason to be disappointed with the "comeback code" effect on your franchise results, and I laud you for doing the logical thing to try and remedy the situation. Have you considered backing down the play level to PRO or ALL-PRO, since you are simulating the NFL and not some ALL-MADDEN fantasy league?

I respect strong, well stated opinions, however asserting that gameplay leveled off in 2006 with the ongoing tweaks to the interface is not accurate. The changes that occurred before 2006 were more significant, however those changes made in 2007 and in 2008 did improve the simulation for many players.

From Wikipedia:

Code: Select all

Madden NFL 07
In Madden NFL 07, EA introduced Lead Blocker Controls which allow users to control blockers during running plays. In addition, EA redefined the Truck Stick into the Highlight Stick. With the Highlight Stick, users can have their running backs perform different running moves and combos, instead of just bowling over defenders. Truck Stick features still exist for bigger backs, but not for smaller backs who would never realistically use them anyway. Instead, more agile backs perform acrobatic ducks and dodges to avoid tackles.

Madden NFL 08
In Madden NFL 08, the Weapons feature was added, allowing superstar players to be noticed. Randy Moss, for example, is a Go-To-Guy, allowing him to make amazing one-handed grabs. Peyton Manning is a Franchise QB. It also includes new skill drills, Hit Stick 2.0, and Ring of a Champion features. Madden NFL 08 was also the last Nintendo Gamecube game ever released.

I like 2004 the second best, because 2008 looks better, and has better play controls.

As long as my opponent is subjected to the same quirks and oddities in the game, then it's a fair game, and after having no bugs, that is the most important thing.

[Gridiron]

That post was getting too long.

I just want to conclude with the thought that
I doubt if most of you guys know how good that we have it with MADDEN 2004, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

It doesn't make much difference which version.

The important thing is that we can play MADDEN in the optimal configuration that it was designed for,
one player per display,
without relying on the EA servers.

That is something that no console is allowed to do.

Think about it, other console games play over a LAN, but not MADDEN???

Greed over functionality.

They got the marks coming back every year or two for the optimal experience.

Now you know my thinking as to why there is no current PC MADDEN.

It looks like MADDEN 8 4eva.

[AaronS]

I respect strong, well stated opinions, however asserting that gameplay leveled off in 2006 with the ongoing tweaks to the interface is not accurate. The changes that occurred before 2006 were more significant, however those changes made in 2007 and in 2008 did improve the simulation for many players.

2004-2005 = dramatic steps forward

2006-beyond = baby steps, even with the console versions (aside from stunning field/stadium visuals, which I would argue were inevitable due to HDTV)

I DO enjoy 2008, especially with all the customization options this community has provided. But the product overall is just stagnant to me and has been for years. It quit being elite or cutting edge, and I'm glad I am no longer funding mediocrity.

[AaronS]

[NickyJ]

....

I would point out what "EA" REALLY stands for, but then I'd be breaking the rules here.

[RedPhazon8]

As far as I know All Madden is a broken difficulty level, All-Pro is the best overall difficulty level on the PC Version based off what I've seen. All of the slider sets I have use it and I've had great results with them.

[Sidelion]

As far as I know All Madden is a broken difficulty level, All-Pro is the best overall difficulty level on the PC Version based off what I've seen. All of the slider sets I have use it and I've had great results with them.

Yeah, same. My leading rusher in AM was always my fullback. All-Madden is like playing against eleven Agent Smiths at a time: the AI always knows where you're going to throw (that is, if your offensive line can block for all of three seconds), and the AI always knows where you're going to run (that is, if your running back doesn't fumble the ball from being hit by a corner five yards behind the line).

[Gridiron]

I would point out what "EA" REALLY stands for, but then I'd be breaking the rules here.

Now you see, I thought it was Electronic Arts.

MADDEN NFL 2004 - 2008 remain quite good.

As in we don't have to hear about Papa John's Pizza good!

Their latest stuff is shall we say, somewhat crass when it comes to commercialism.

More like Farts than Arts.

EF it's in the air.

[superben21]

With all the complaining about All Madden I thought I'd post. I was injured while playing real football less than a month after 08 came out for PC. I've been playing on All Madden since day one and for about 6 months was playing 5-8 hours a day (unable to do school). I am familiar with the so called "comeback code" but rather choose to believe its a users lack of concentration that is actually the problem. Now before I'm killed for saying that, I'd like to say that I've eliminated it in all of the games I play through building super solid defenses, not turning the ball over, and disciplined play as the FS. I only play franchise however so potentially its different in other game modes but I no longer have problems with it if I just follow certain principles. Just remember: prevent defense is just preventing you from winning just like ball control offense. You must keep moderately aggressive. There's my rant

[RedPhazon8]

By all means if there's a reason for you to use it then feel free to use it. It's just the idea for me at least I want the teams who are supposed to win do just that and those who should lose should lose. Sure upsets can happen but in like a 7 game series, as a sim player I'm not looking for one of the euro teams in Madden beating a NFL team (ratings are so offset).