We Told You So (re: Madden 2006)

[Error]

If things were going so great, why did EA feel the need break out the checkbook for the exclusive NFL license? Obviously, selling millions of copies of Madden and having an extra few hundred million dollars in the bank is better than selling millions of copies of Madden and having to spend that cash. Companies don't spend that type of money on whim, so they must have been feeling threatened by something.

I hate to defend EA here, but they weren't the ones to break out the checkbook. The NFL went to them and said we're going exclusive. It wasn't EA.

Now then, having said that, the response you should have made to our friend here wasn't that EA got scared and bought the exclusivity, you should have pointed out that EA got scared after seeing the sales that 2k5 was getting at it's $20 price point and had to drop it's price, THUS causing the great increase in sales that he's pointing to.

[EvilMog]

Damnit, for the last fucking time. EA only bought the rights because the NFL was whoring them out to the highest bidder. EA got it obviously. Thats the last I want to see someone say it was EA's fault. They had to get it.

lol, error got to it before me

[johnk_]

You know what's really annoying about 2K fans? Not that they prefer the 2k series, that I can understand. It's how they always try to make Madden out to be total trash, unplayable and broken when anyone who's actually played it can tell you that it's a damn fine football game. They always have to start busting out the hyperbole, how Madden is "so fucking crap," and 2k, "is just flat out a million times better," when anyone remotely objective can tell they're nothing but a raving fanboy. The best part is that at least half the guys crying about how great 2k is and how terrible Madden is have never voluntarily watched a football game in their life, but that doesn't stop them from telling you just how much more realistic the 2k series it.

Doesn't the same apply to the other side?

2K has always been trash.

Why yes, yes it does!

[Joust Williams]

Slip's game of the year was DOA Volleyball. Her opinion doesn't mean anything

[PKBMax]

I just wonder how this vision cone works in multi-player games.

Seems like you're going to be throwing a lotof interceptions against good players since you have to telegraph every throw.

For the record -- ESPN 2K5 is the best simulation football game ever made.

[Joust Williams]

"The best part is that at least half the guys crying about how great 2k is and how terrible Madden is have never voluntarily watched a football game in their life"
I'm sure I watch more football than anyone here. I think 2K is a more accurate portrayal of NFL rules football than Madden. But I don't think Madden is bad, either. It just isn't quite as accurate.

[MarkRyan]

You know Madden 05 sold better than any previous version? Honestly I think they bought the license soley to piss off videogame forums.

Not trying to debate your statement, but even if Madden did sell more than any other year that's not the only number to look at. On Xbox, NFL 2K5 actually outsold Madden 05.

[gamevet]

"The best part is that at least half the guys crying about how great 2k is and how terrible Madden is have never voluntarily watched a football game in their life"
I'm sure I watch more football than anyone here. I think 2K is a more accurate portrayal of NFL rules football than Madden. But I don't think Madden is bad, either. It just isn't quite as accurate.

Excuse me?

I've been watching NFL games since I was around 11. WHen it comes to sports there's the NFL and then there are those other ones, which I take a casual interest in. I've played videogame based football games dating back to the Atari arcade football game. I've played Madden Football dating back to the first game on the Genesis. Remember when they didn't have an official NFL team license?

Madden this generation has been somewhat disappointing. When the NFL2K titles started appearing on the Dreamcast and then on to the newer consoles, it was a totally different experience. No longer could I get away with 50 yard money plays, when my opposition put up a defense to stop the pass. The running game became an art form and not just running a guy where the line opened up. Reading a defensive formation, actually had meaning now.

NFL2K made each offensive and defensive lineman's position meaningful. No longer were they just drones placed on the field. They reacted to how the quarterback, or running back moved on the field. Defensive backs actually held their positions, until the line of scrimmage was broken. In Madden, a player could scramble around in the pocket, until the defensive back stopped following the reciever, leaving a wide open reciever for the pass.

I've given Madden plenty of chances with purchases of Madden 2001 and 2004. Both titles disappointed me and I regretted wasting my cash in both instances. When the choice between Madden 2005 and NFL2K5 came about, it wasn't much of a struggle to figure out which title I preferred to own, even if they were both the same price.

[Six]

No longer could I get away with 50 yard money plays

The fact that these exist and are acceptable make Madden inferior and online play silly.

If they weren't left in on purpose it must be a massive failure in the AI routines. And that's just unacceptable. Unless you're the only game in town then it's totally understandable.

[gamevet]

Same here, which is probably why I'm having so much fun with it. The players actually get dirty and remain so if they slide in to a base or dive for a catch. The first two games I played I would dive for a ball whether the situation deemed it or not just to see if they'd have dirt on them the next time they were up in the lineup. The pitching in the game is SPOT ON. They've perfected the pitching game in their series. I can throw crap all I want to try to strike people out, but if they guess the pitch it's possible to hit it out of the park. If I throw a low fastball there's a better chance they'll pop up and get caught out.

You've just described what it's like to play MLB2K5. I've had players hit home runs, when I've pitched to a spot they are supposed to be weak at. Yet, because they knew what pitch was coming, they could manage a home run. Player's uniforms would show the dirt on them, after sliding in 2 second base or during a bad weather game. You should give MLB2K5 a rental at least.