I don't know who else is a big Madden fan like myself, but every year around this time, I hop on the current entry in the sports series, and get hyped. This time around, by looking at videos and information, I am pretty more hyped than usual because they are focusing on the connected careers, which I love. Heres a source from maddeneliteevolution that describes all the new improvements and modes coming this year:
TRAILER NOTES
I liked a lot of what I saw in the trailer. There are seemingly a lot of little extra animations. Player interactions seem to have a few more looks. I am hoping it’s simply not just for the trailer.
The quarterback throwing motions actually look like they are actually putting an effort behind their throws. This is a good thing for immersion, especially when Eli Manning threw off of his back foot and took a few steps that really didn’t look robotic at all.
ODB has tattoos. Perhaps there are more players with tattoos in the game? Unless it’s just ODB and Squidward.
A good look at their new WR/DB interactions actually look very good. Just looking at it, it looks great.
The ODB one-handed catch is in the game. Of course it is for the cover-boy. I have a feeling that animation will happen frequently and I am going to hate it and the game and my life for the rest of the game.
WIDE RECEIVER AI TRAITS
“Each WR has a new series of traits that determine which types of catches they look for when under AI control. This includes the RAC, Aggressive, and Possession traits. Throwing the right route to the right receiver and using catch mechanics linked to traits is a critical strategic component in Madden NFL 16.”
If this is true, maybe finally understanding route concepts will help you instead of just trying to throw money combos.
MULTIPLAYER CATCH SYSTEM
“The Multiplayer Catch System is based on technology in development for more than two years, and allows receivers and defenders to go up for a catch simultaneously and battle for the ball in the air while using ratings, mechanics and positioning to deliver the appropriate outcome
The team added more than 400 new multiplayer catch outcomes, which includes knockouts, tip ball, simultaneous possession catches, offensive/defensive PI, interceptions and more.
The system also account for double coverage situations. We have spent countless hours tuning and balancing this system extensively to ensure players cannot exploit the system.”
This is one of the most requested features I think by the Madden community. The key word that kind of scares me is the “added more than 400 new..catch outcomes” which still leads me to believe that it will be random results over player skill. I’m probably wrong, but I still worry about it.
ADDITIONAL WR/DB INTERACTIONS
“The team also added hundreds of new receiver/defender interaction animations, including new press interactions, zone chuck interactions and hand fighting during route running.
This includes a complete overhaul to our defensive pre-play alignment system, as defenders now align to the inside or outside of the receiver based on the coverage and where they want to force them.”
More animations will lead to more immersion and more realistic plays. Hopefully the defensive alignment will force routes off just a bit. It could potentially lead to better cat and mouse games between the offense and defense
CATCHING PASSES IN MADDEN 16
“1. RAC CATCH
A RAC (run after catch) is a catch where the receiver turns up field during the catch with the intent to gain yards. RAC catches drive the receiver up field, to catch the ball in stride.
Players perform the RAC catch by holding X/Square once the pass is released. RAC’s have a higher drop and knockout chance, and are susceptible to interceptions when the pass is thrown into traffic.
RAC’s are primarily used when a receiver is open in space or has several steps on a DB with a vertical route.
2. AGGRESSIVE CATCH
The aggressive catch, or high-point catch, drives the receiver back to the ball to go up and catch it at the highest point possible. They can be used to fight back to the ball and challenge a defensive back going for an interception.
Players perform aggressive catches by holding the Y/Triangle button once the pass is thrown. Aggressive Catches are best utilized in combination with the high throw mechanic.
Aggressive catches have lower catch chances and higher knockout chances, but can be a formidable weapon when thrown to an elite high point receiver like Dez Bryant or Calvin Johnson.
3. POSSESSION CATCH
The possession catch is where the receiver protects the ball with his body and secures the catch at the expense of looking to gain yards after the catch. Possession catches are best utilized in traffic, and can also be used to force receivers to perform “get the feet down” catches near the sideline or back of end zone.
You can perform a possession catch by holding the A/X button once the pass is thrown. They are most effective with the low throw mechanic, and when thrown to slot/possession trait receivers.
They come at the expense of RAC yards, as receivers frequently go down immediately after the catch.”
Gone are the days of your stupid WR just standing there after catching the ball? This I will gladly welcome, however, I think the efficiency of these types of catches should be attributed to their awareness rating. For example, a player with low awareness who runs over the middle and and does a possession catch to avoid getting knocked should have a lower completion percentage over someone with a higher awareness.
I also worry about teams who are playing the quick slant game and do possession catches all day. Could be quite annoying. Time should tell. But I really do like the introduction of the different types of catches that the players can determine.
PASSING MECHANICS
“One of the big additions in Madden NFL 16 is the “body relative” throw, which allows players to throw a high jump ball (like on a fade or streak route) or a low throw where only the receiver can make a play on the ball.
We have also re-worked the new touch pass (now double tap receiver icon) for easier execution of dropping the ball behind linebackers and in front of safeties.”
I noted that I liked how the QB actually appeared to put an effort behind throwing the ball. The addition of a TRUE touch pass will be interesting to see if it works. It says that this is a big addition, but I am confused because we have already had the ability to lead, throw low, and other directive throws. I am curious as to how this is truly going to be implemented.
NEW PLAYBOOKS AND SHOT PLAYS
“Working in concert with Madden NFL 16’s Air Supremacy theme, we met with legendary coach Tom Moore to work on a new addition to our playbooks, authentic NFL “Shot Plays.”
In the real world, a shot play is primarily play-action based and usually keeps backs and tight ends in to block, while receivers go deep.
We have added more than 100 new shot plays (600 new plays overall), including team-specific shot plays in each team playbook.”
Oh yay. New types of plays for players to spam! But seriously, if the Packers PA Z corner-post is is in the game, I will lose my mind.
OFFENSIVE LINE IMPROVEMENTS
“The passing game isn’t the only thing that got love. We added two mechanics to help move through the line as a ball carrier. The first is “get skinny” (hold RB) when running through the line, as well as context sensitive ‘cut step’ juke (LS left/right) performed behind the LOS to cut off blocks.
Ball Carrier AI has been completely overhauled with new “hit the hole logic,” resulting in a real and tangible running game from the CPU. Ball carrier locomotion and True Step have also been revisited to ensure responsive controls that are still grounded in the realm of authenticity.”
How many times have EA teams “completely overhauled” the blocking AI? How many times have they “improved the offensive line”? I won’t believe it until I see it. O linemen STILL slide across the ground, let go of blocks immediately as RB runs past the line. I won’t hold my breath.
MORE OFFENSE IMPROVEMENTS
“The passing game isn’t the only thing that got love. We added two mechanics to help move through the line as a ball carrier. The first is “get skinny” (hold RB) when running through the line, as well as context sensitive ‘cut step’ juke (LS left/right) performed behind the LOS to cut off blocks.
Ball Carrier AI has been completely overhauled with new “hit the hole logic,” resulting in a real and tangible running game from the CPU. Ball carrier locomotion and True Step have also been revisited to ensure responsive controls that are still grounded in the realm of authenticity.”
I like these additions. The problem I personally always have is when I try to run through a hole with Eddie Lacy, I am caught up with him bouncing off O linemen and right into a defensive player. Lacy is good at getting skinny (for a fat guy) through the hole.
ORGANIC GANG TACKLES
“Forget everything you remember about Pro-Tak. Madden NFL 16 delivers the most dramatic tackles in franchise history with a fully organic, physics-based gang tackling system. We now have fully realized momentum-based organic interactions on tackles that support a limitless number of defenders attaching to the ball carrier.
The system is complemented by new dynamic gang tackle animations that can “go organic” based on additional defenders in proximity.
We also worked on the stat-tracking side – Assisted Tackles and Half-sacks are now being tracked appropriately in the stats screen. It all adds up to the most authentic tackles ever seen in Madden NFL. Gang tackling is back!”
Yet another “feature” that should have been there for years, not to mention that they have technically had it for a while. And while I have seen assisted tackles in game, it will be great to have half sacks and half tackles recorded.
MORE TACKLING IMPROVEMENTS
“While most players raved about the changes to tackling in Madden NFL 15, some users complained about feeling too much “suction” in the conservative tackle system. The team took this feedback to heart and tuned both the tackle cone and match distance to eliminate warping (or suction) from the tackling system without sacrificing control or responsiveness.
Aggressive tackles were also improved so that defenders always dive towards the ball carrier instead of just at his facing direction.”
“Some users complained about suction?” Most people did. It is annoying and awful. It is a game breaking “feature” that just takes so much fun out of the game. Aggressive tackles that won’t dive in a general direction will be a nice addition.
PLAY THE WIDE RECEIVER INSTEAD OF THE BALL
“New this year is the Play Receiver DB mechanic. Hold the A/X button once the pass is thrown to play the receiver. This drives you towards the receiver as opposed to driving you to a catch point. Hit receiver can be used to dislodge the ball during the catch, but comes at the expense of not being able to trigger interceptions.”
Very nice addition. To be honest, it’s not something I would have thought about, but it will be a tool that I will surely be using often in the next game.
OTHER DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN MADDEN 16
Spy logic has been very sub par, so any improvements are welcome. Containment is a huge flaw in the current game so this will be a welcome adjustment. The mechanic to have the player break QB spy is HUGE. Excellent addition that will be welcomed by myself. No huddle fix for offsides isn’t a feature. Should have been a patch.
- “QB Spy logic has been updated to be more effective at stopping rushing QB’s
- Contain Defenses and logic have been improved to help counter the new rollout and scramble mechanics
- New mechanic where users can now make their defenders in spy assignment abandon the spy and chase the QB at any point in the play. This is done by clicking in R3 once he ball has been snapped.
- Resolved an issue where users would not have time to audible to onside kick recovery when their opponents caught them in normal return vs. onside kick.
- The offense can no longer use no huddle to consistently cause AI defenders to be called offsides.”
ISSUES FROM MADDEN NFL 15 FIXED
Thanks for fixing QB spy. The admitted to rocket catching still in the game here. Nano blitzes too? They will always just find more.
- QB Spy logic updated (QB swerves the spy exploit)
- Flip the Play to speed up huddle break issue has been addressed
- Out of position subs causing exploitable routes has been addressed
- Rocket Catching / Mossing / DB Glitches have been significantly reduced and/or eliminated
- A large percentage of the known “nano-blitzes” have been removed
- The PA End Around exploit play has been addressed.
- Route swapping exploits have also been resolved.
- A variety of ‘money plays’ have been revised or altered.
- Resolved the friendly quit glitch for Madden NFL 16
At the end of the day, it seems that EA and Madden are making steps towards being a more accurate football simulator. That being said, I have fallen victim to the EA promises before and have been let down. I hope you all enjoyed my little tidbits. If not… then too bad. Write your own damn article.
Reply With Quote
