Friday, August 12 2005 @ 12:00 AM CDT
For years now Madden has domintated living rooms wordlwide with EA Sports number one selling franchise the Madden football series. This year 2006 brings us the life of the quarterback and also the first year of the deal between the NFLPA and EA Sports to be the exclusive game of the NFL. With this being the last Madden to appear on this generation of consoles it is exciting to see what EA has in store for us on the next platform, though it is also very frustrating.
This year comes one of the largest changes to the Madden series with the revamp of the passing system. The new QB and precision passing sounds bad ass on paper, but the real question is how do they translate to making Madden a solid football title? This is really a mixed bag. On the NFL football field the QB has to make his reads, throw the ball in 3 seconds and also calculate the best place to put the ball. There is no doubt that Madden 2006 has brought the realism of playing an NFL quarterback into the game, but why would we want it?
The system works simple enough. After snapping the ball the QB will do their three step drop. A cone will appear on the screen and will allow you to either target a receiver running a route, or scan the field hoping to find an open receiver. While pressing their button to throw the ball you are also allowed to choose if you want the ball thrown above the receiver, over their left or right shoulders and even if you want to under toss it and throw it a bit low. This sounds easy but with the amount of time you have before you get sacked and the how long it takes to make a read, this feature can be overwhelming to the casual gamer. Really where the main issues in Madden 2006 come from is the fact 2006 seems to be the hardcore football fans game, and not for the casual football fan.
With the introduction of QB Vision and Precision Passing into Madden 2006 it has established a new learning curve for the system. After some practice games and drills I thought I was ready to start my franchise. Even after an hour of practice time I was still making errors in my passing game. I found myself running to avoid having to make a mistake trying to throw the ball to an open receiver that I can see, but can’t make the game follow my read to. After 3 hours I got the hang of the new control system and I have to say I am impressed. I was able to hold safeties and use a lot of the tricks that the quarterbacks eyes could use all while using my own eyes to make the reads. Though I am still having the occasional sack because I can’t target my man, I am enjoying this new system.
Also on the offensive side of the ball is new playmaker controls. Madden 2006 gives us Smart Routes before the snap where the press of a few buttons at third and eleven in the West Coast Offense will have the receiver run the extra few yards to get past the sticks. When the ball stays on the ground the Hit Stick on the defensive side of the ball has been mimic’d for the Truck Stick. Pressing up on the stick will cause the ball carrier to put down his shoulders and drive through the ban in front. Pulling back on the stick will also cause him to stutter step in hopes that the tackler will fly right by him.
Defense is untouched in Madden 2006 beside some AI adjustments it plays exactly the same as last year. This is a good thing. Last year Madden 2005 had the best defensive football game on the market. With the slight AI adjustments this year players are reacting in a much more realistic way.
Franchise mode remains and is nearly identical to 2005’s. The newest feature to be added is Superstar mode. This is almost exactly like the Heisman chase in NCAA 2006. For the first time in a Madden NFL game, this year you'll have the chance to narrow your focus from a player to an individual. Create your own custom player or import him from NCAA Football 06 or NFL Street, and take him from struggling rookie to Hall-of-Fame talent through the season.
When you create a player, you can actually choose your parents – and their combined DNA will help determine which type of player you'll be. Each of your parents has an IQ, a profession, and certain character strengths, and by combining the two, you'll be able to help shape whether you will become a speedy wide receiver, a gigantic lineman, or a nimble quarterback. You can also control what your player looks like, from hair color to body size.
Once you've created your player, there are still a few things you'll have to take care of before the draft. For one, you'll have to show off your brainpower by taking a short IQ test that will let NFL teams know what sort of mental skills you possess. Answer most questions correctly, and you might improve your draft stock – but if you come up short on the test and struggle getting even some of the questions right, you can expect your position in the draft to drop until the late rounds.
You'll also have to hire an agent, who will help you get product endorsements and even movie roles as your career begins to ascend. If you're expected to be a high draft pick, you can hire pretty good agent right off the bat, but if you're not in demand, not as many agents will take you on as a rookie. Of course, once you've gained some notoriety, you can fire your agent and get a new one if you're not happy with the one you have.
The new Superstar mode really does add some replay value to franchise mode and is a feature I am sure we will see in future Madden’s.
In the graphics and audio department don’t look forward to any big changes. The game remains almost untouched from last year. There are a few new animations and a few lines of voice over, but Madden 2006 is clearly overlooked to focus on the next generation of Madden. Some of the presentation items in the game show EA Sports really wants to go for the immersive “just like it would on TV” feel.
Overall Madden 2006 will be viewed with mixed opinions by many. 2006 takes a dramatic turn with in gameplay with the new QB Vision that the average fan will end up turning it off. Essentially, that leaves them with Madden 2005 with updated rosters. On the other side of the ball we are seeing what to expect on the next generation systems with realistic football action on both sides of the game. I just wish Madden 2006 gave us more to enjoy now.
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