Madden NFL 2006
Posted August 21, 2005
The Plot:
This season, EA's popular "Madden" franchise is the only game in town, as title got an exclusive license from the NFL, meaning than only "Madden" could use current footballers in its game. While that's unfortunate, as it's always nice to have options, "Madden '06" is largely a successful endeavor for EA in its first season without anyone else on the playing field.
Gameplay:
The biggest change - and the most debated one - is the new "cone of vision" for the quarterbacks. While in prior football games, your quarterback had the run of the field in terms of who to pass to, now "Madden" makes things more realistic by forcing the player to literally have the quarterback look at who he is passing to. More experienced quarterbacks will have large fields-of-vision (Payton Manning's vision is a good chunk of the field), while rookies and those who generally lack experience will have a cone that looks as if it's a few feet wide. Those playing defense can also see what you're staring at and try to adjust accordingly, as the vision lights up the area of field like a flashlight. Before the snap, you can select the reciever you want to focus on.
The nice thing about the option is that, if you don't like it (and some won't, while others may after getting used to it), you can simply turn it off. It does make the game more realistic in theory, but in terms of gameplay, it mainly succeeds in making things more difficult and forcing one to think a lot quicker (a little too quickly, when playing against really difficult opponents), as locking on a certain receiver requires using the right trigger and the appropriate button or the stick to steer vision to the appropriate player. If you try and throw to someone else, the pass isn't going to be nearly as accurate as if you threw to the person you were focusing on, often resulting in an incomplete or an interception. Furthermore, using the thumbstick when passing to those in your field of vision can allow you to precision pass exactly how you want to the receiver.
The other main new feature is the Superstar mode, which allows you to create a player and then go through the entire NFL experience. Players can also be imported from NFL Street 2 or NCAA 2006. You start off by choosing your DNA (!) as the game offers up different sets of parents (you don't chose the specific ones, but from a random pairing) for your player and, based on their skills, the best position for your player. You then select height, weight and other attributes. You have to meet with your mentor (Terrell Owens), do an interview (you are given different optional answers), sign with an agent, take an IQ test and then get drafted. You go through training camp (with points earned by playing well), play through games and even take side offers like movie roles. You can also schedule a press conference through your agent, get tattoos and hit the barbershop for a new haircut. The mode is pretty entertaining, although navigating through the options is sometimes a bit clunky and there are times when the choices you make don't seem to have a distinct enough result in the outcome. Eventually, you get an agent powerful enough to allow you entrance into a training center where your player can improve his skills.
There are other new options, as well, including using the right thumbstick ("truck stick") to try - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and it does slow you down a bit - and send some of your larger receivers steamrolling over the defense. Players can now also call formation specific audibles, as well. Additionally, players can perform a back juke by pulling back the right thumbstick as the defense comes closer. You can also shift your offensive line, which is a nice additional bit of flexibility.
Also available are the standard franchise mode, which allows you to keep track of what's going on in the league, check out team stats, salary/injury reports, and even do things like set ticket prices, concessions and more, such as checking out fan support/reaction. The "Spawn Game" feature is also available, which allows you to replay certain games and merge them back in. There's also the tournament mode, which allows the player to compete in single/double-elimination tournaments and customize details. There's also mini-games, such as mini-camp, rushing attack (more yards you gain, the more points you earn) and two-minute drill. Create-A-Team, Create-A-Player, Create-A-Playbook, and Create-a-Fan modes are also available. Tutorials are available for the QB vision/precision passing features, NFL superstar and both offense/defense.
Overall, the game's level of customization and general options are outstanding. The main difference in gameplay, QB vision, is going to take many some getting used to (and may frustrate some casual players), and the game's audience will likely be split in two as to whether the feature appeals to them or not - but if not, the feature can be turned off. Overall, it's a good idea and one that I began to get used to after a while. Hopefully though, EA will continue to be ambitious with this feature and refine it so it's a little smoother to use.
The game also includes a wealth of XBOX live features, such as downloadable contest (rosters), Quick Match, Optimatch (find the perfect opponent), Rushing Attack, Quick Tournament and Tournament modes. There is also the EA Sports Ticker, which offers real sporting event scores and finally, there is the EA messenger, which can be used to challenge an opponent or keep track of friends.
An additional bonus included on the disc is the demo version of "Burnout: Revenge", the upcoming edition of the series. The game looks and plays great, with new features like multiple routes. After enjoying "Burnout 3" immensely, I'm definitely looking forward to this new release. Additionally, the game offers promos for other titles, such as Arena Football, a brief promo for "Madden '06 XBOX 360, NBA Live '06, NASCAR '06, NCAA '06, Superman Returns and the EA Sports Line-Up.
Graphics:
"Madden '06" offers graphics that are satisfactory, as player animations are generally very good, and include the occasional hit that sends a player's helmet flying off. Character models are fine, the style of the "tv-type" stats presentations is well-done, and, of course, the crowds still lack much detail at all. Replays look solid, and there's nice use of camera angles (and there are different camera angle options for regular gameplay, as well.) Overall, the game looks perfectly fine, but the "wow factor" for "Madden" will apparently have to wait until the release of the XBOX360 version later this year.
Audio:
The game is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, with a THX-Certified soundtrack. The good news is that the 5.1 presentation certainly puts you in the game, with crowd noise/environmental sounds clearly presented by the rear speakers. Commentary by the pairing of Madden and Al Michaels is fine, but I felt that the two could use a little more enthusiasm, and their lines feel pretty standard, without any added touches of humor. As with all games like this, eventually their comments start repeating. Sound effects seem well-recorded and have rather nice punch to them.
Conclusion:
Rating Issues: The game is rated "E" (Everyone).
Final Thoughts: "Madden '06" attempts some leaps with the QB vision and other tweaks. The QB vision may turn off some casual gamers, but it remains an option and can be turned off - some may enjoy the feature (once they get used to it, as there certainly is a learning curve involved) and use it to their advantage. The new Superstar mode has its faults, but it does provide a pretty enjoyable new alternative to the usual gameplay modes. Despite now being the only game in town, EA has made some attempts to tighten and enhance gameplay and, despite a few quirks and a new passing feature that may take some time to warm up to, "Madden '06" is a satisfying and enjoyable football title. Recommended.
This season, EA's popular "Madden" franchise is the only game in town, as title got an exclusive license from the NFL, meaning than only "Madden" could use current footballers in its game. While that's unfortunate, as it's always nice to have options, "Madden '06" is largely a successful endeavor for EA in its first season without anyone else on the playing field.
Gameplay:
The biggest change - and the most debated one - is the new "cone of vision" for the quarterbacks. While in prior football games, your quarterback had the run of the field in terms of who to pass to, now "Madden" makes things more realistic by forcing the player to literally have the quarterback look at who he is passing to. More experienced quarterbacks will have large fields-of-vision (Payton Manning's vision is a good chunk of the field), while rookies and those who generally lack experience will have a cone that looks as if it's a few feet wide. Those playing defense can also see what you're staring at and try to adjust accordingly, as the vision lights up the area of field like a flashlight. Before the snap, you can select the reciever you want to focus on.
The nice thing about the option is that, if you don't like it (and some won't, while others may after getting used to it), you can simply turn it off. It does make the game more realistic in theory, but in terms of gameplay, it mainly succeeds in making things more difficult and forcing one to think a lot quicker (a little too quickly, when playing against really difficult opponents), as locking on a certain receiver requires using the right trigger and the appropriate button or the stick to steer vision to the appropriate player. If you try and throw to someone else, the pass isn't going to be nearly as accurate as if you threw to the person you were focusing on, often resulting in an incomplete or an interception. Furthermore, using the thumbstick when passing to those in your field of vision can allow you to precision pass exactly how you want to the receiver.
The other main new feature is the Superstar mode, which allows you to create a player and then go through the entire NFL experience. Players can also be imported from NFL Street 2 or NCAA 2006. You start off by choosing your DNA (!) as the game offers up different sets of parents (you don't chose the specific ones, but from a random pairing) for your player and, based on their skills, the best position for your player. You then select height, weight and other attributes. You have to meet with your mentor (Terrell Owens), do an interview (you are given different optional answers), sign with an agent, take an IQ test and then get drafted. You go through training camp (with points earned by playing well), play through games and even take side offers like movie roles. You can also schedule a press conference through your agent, get tattoos and hit the barbershop for a new haircut. The mode is pretty entertaining, although navigating through the options is sometimes a bit clunky and there are times when the choices you make don't seem to have a distinct enough result in the outcome. Eventually, you get an agent powerful enough to allow you entrance into a training center where your player can improve his skills.
There are other new options, as well, including using the right thumbstick ("truck stick") to try - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and it does slow you down a bit - and send some of your larger receivers steamrolling over the defense. Players can now also call formation specific audibles, as well. Additionally, players can perform a back juke by pulling back the right thumbstick as the defense comes closer. You can also shift your offensive line, which is a nice additional bit of flexibility.
Also available are the standard franchise mode, which allows you to keep track of what's going on in the league, check out team stats, salary/injury reports, and even do things like set ticket prices, concessions and more, such as checking out fan support/reaction. The "Spawn Game" feature is also available, which allows you to replay certain games and merge them back in. There's also the tournament mode, which allows the player to compete in single/double-elimination tournaments and customize details. There's also mini-games, such as mini-camp, rushing attack (more yards you gain, the more points you earn) and two-minute drill. Create-A-Team, Create-A-Player, Create-A-Playbook, and Create-a-Fan modes are also available. Tutorials are available for the QB vision/precision passing features, NFL superstar and both offense/defense.
Overall, the game's level of customization and general options are outstanding. The main difference in gameplay, QB vision, is going to take many some getting used to (and may frustrate some casual players), and the game's audience will likely be split in two as to whether the feature appeals to them or not - but if not, the feature can be turned off. Overall, it's a good idea and one that I began to get used to after a while. Hopefully though, EA will continue to be ambitious with this feature and refine it so it's a little smoother to use.
The game also includes a wealth of XBOX live features, such as downloadable contest (rosters), Quick Match, Optimatch (find the perfect opponent), Rushing Attack, Quick Tournament and Tournament modes. There is also the EA Sports Ticker, which offers real sporting event scores and finally, there is the EA messenger, which can be used to challenge an opponent or keep track of friends.
An additional bonus included on the disc is the demo version of "Burnout: Revenge", the upcoming edition of the series. The game looks and plays great, with new features like multiple routes. After enjoying "Burnout 3" immensely, I'm definitely looking forward to this new release. Additionally, the game offers promos for other titles, such as Arena Football, a brief promo for "Madden '06 XBOX 360, NBA Live '06, NASCAR '06, NCAA '06, Superman Returns and the EA Sports Line-Up.
Graphics:
"Madden '06" offers graphics that are satisfactory, as player animations are generally very good, and include the occasional hit that sends a player's helmet flying off. Character models are fine, the style of the "tv-type" stats presentations is well-done, and, of course, the crowds still lack much detail at all. Replays look solid, and there's nice use of camera angles (and there are different camera angle options for regular gameplay, as well.) Overall, the game looks perfectly fine, but the "wow factor" for "Madden" will apparently have to wait until the release of the XBOX360 version later this year.
Audio:
The game is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, with a THX-Certified soundtrack. The good news is that the 5.1 presentation certainly puts you in the game, with crowd noise/environmental sounds clearly presented by the rear speakers. Commentary by the pairing of Madden and Al Michaels is fine, but I felt that the two could use a little more enthusiasm, and their lines feel pretty standard, without any added touches of humor. As with all games like this, eventually their comments start repeating. Sound effects seem well-recorded and have rather nice punch to them.
Conclusion:
Rating Issues: The game is rated "E" (Everyone).
Final Thoughts: "Madden '06" attempts some leaps with the QB vision and other tweaks. The QB vision may turn off some casual gamers, but it remains an option and can be turned off - some may enjoy the feature (once they get used to it, as there certainly is a learning curve involved) and use it to their advantage. The new Superstar mode has its faults, but it does provide a pretty enjoyable new alternative to the usual gameplay modes. Despite now being the only game in town, EA has made some attempts to tighten and enhance gameplay and, despite a few quirks and a new passing feature that may take some time to warm up to, "Madden '06" is a satisfying and enjoyable football title. Recommended.