Official Vision & Precision Impressions Thread

[VG_Bert]

Your thoughts....

[JPar]

I like it. A lot. And I suck at it right now.

I like it because I'm HUGE on realism in my sports games. I get very angry when something happens that is completely unrealistic, even though it happens on occasion in real life. Why? Because it happens too consistently in video games.

For instance, last year, people could drop their icons and sprint backwards, and without looking at a WR, chuck it deep to them, simply because they had learned to manipulate the DB AI to rocket catch. And the justification was that it took "skill," and not repititive motions to execute it.

Or, someone could roll out with a speedy QB to buy time, then chuck it ALL the way across the field against a zone defense and complete a pass, without penalty for making what is normally a boneheaded pass.

No, this year, it's real. Passing is HARD, just like in real life. People have to RESPECT the position of QB now and practice it, just like every other facet of the game. So now it is TRULY a test of skill and not of repetition. You not only have to master the controls, but also the nuances of the position, from checking down WRs, reading defenses pre AND post snap (last year, you could read pre-snap and be 99% certain of what route and timing would work), looking off defenders and navigating the pocket.

Will some people hate it? Yes, because it is far from an arcade game now. Now it's about reading. Now, defenses can play defense and not worry about AI exploits (for now) because it's going to take some REAL skill to execute any sort of glitch, in my opinion. Now, blitzes work because the QB has to recognize where the pressure is coming and make the appropriate throws.

I'm really loving it, even though I went 7-17 passing for a meager 117 yards in my first game. Why? Because my opponent went 4-23 for just 40 yards and 2 INTs, and he could only chuck it deep to Moss once all game. And that pass got picked off because he was double covered. :D

[tikyle]

I think they kind of set it up perfectly. Using the R trigger (or R2 for the lesser system) you get more precise passing for lesser QBs but it definitely takes longer. Using the R analog stick you can pass and scan quicker and for better QBs that see the whole field there is really no need for the direct method. I just have to get used to it. When I use the Colts there is no need to look directly at the receiver. But when I use the Ravens I must look directly at the receiver.

Sidenote: Kyle Boller even when locked on makes some real bad throws. That guy is killing me.

[TrickyDyk]

I absolutely love it. I was kind of surprised at how quickly I felt somewhat comfortable with it. I had trouble with the lock on feature for a game, so I was using the right analog to control the cone. I felt very comfortable with that, and now I feel pretty good with the lock on features as well. Overall I think it was a lot easier than I thought. My friend was having a bunch of problems with it, though he still really liked it.

I love how you have to make quicker decisions, and I feel like this feature almost makes you play more like a real QB. You have to be poised in the pocket and make quick reads or your probably going to be toast. Big thumbs up from me. I am a sim baller and this feature is one more thing that has drastically taken this game from arcade to sim. Good job EA, I dig it.

[jerseyjay14]

I like it. A lot. And I suck at it right now.

I like it because I'm HUGE on realism in my sports games. I get very angry when something happens that is completely unrealistic, even though it happens on occasion in real life. Why? Because it happens too consistently in video games.

For instance, last year, people could drop their icons and sprint backwards, and without looking at a WR, chuck it deep to them, simply because they had learned to manipulate the DB AI to rocket catch. And the justification was that it took "skill," and not repititive motions to execute it.

Or, someone could roll out with a speedy QB to buy time, then chuck it ALL the way across the field against a zone defense and complete a pass, without penalty for making what is normally a boneheaded pass.

No, this year, it's real. Passing is HARD, just like in real life. People have to RESPECT the position of QB now and practice it, just like every other facet of the game. So now it is TRULY a test of skill and not of repetition. You not only have to master the controls, but also the nuances of the position, from checking down WRs, reading defenses pre AND post snap (last year, you could read pre-snap and be 99% certain of what route and timing would work), looking off defenders and navigating the pocket.

Will some people hate it? Yes, because it is far from an arcade game now. Now it's about reading. Now, defenses can play defense and not worry about AI exploits (for now) because it's going to take some REAL skill to execute any sort of glitch, in my opinion. Now, blitzes work because the QB has to recognize where the pressure is coming and make the appropriate throws.

I'm really loving it, even though I went 7-17 passing for a meager 117 yards in my first game. Why? Because my opponent went 4-23 for just 40 yards and 2 INTs, and he could only chuck it deep to Moss once all game. And that pass got picked off because he was double covered. :D


sums up my thoughts exactly

[mystkh]

This has taken gameplay to a whole new level. Right now I am pathetic at it. I have success locking onto one player but I know to be successful online you are going to have to develop the stick skills. I use the Bears and Grossman's cone isn't the widest. The problem I have is that when I manually use the cone, Grossman's cone is so narrow that my guys run out of his field of vision by the time he throws the ball. This leads to a incomplete pass or a pick.

This is going to take the game to a whole new level. I have bought your guide for the past 3 years and the one area I have always half a$$ed on was creating a game plan. Not this year. I realize that with the personnell I have it is going to be imperative to create a solid plan.

[warren123]

some games im on fire im like throwin mad tds other games my guys are stupid and it sucks when ppl play cover 0 and u cant deep lob wow

[ThaRide]

I agree with some of the posts above...kind of. I agree that it is harder to pass the ball and that is ultimately better for the game. I think the 'concept' is great, Im just not sure I like how it was executed. The main thing I am currently not a fan of is having to hold down the R2 button to switch the selected receiver. I typically like to hold the PS2 controller with my pointer (or trigger) finger pressing the R buttons. Now, if you want to change to the R2 receiver, you need to hold the R2 button while pressing the R1 button twice. Not exactly achieveable with one finger. You know either have to change your grip for the whole game (two fingers on the Right R buttons) or when you are going to throw to that receiver (I know there is always the R3 way to switch receivers). I would have preferred that you press and release the R2, then press and release the button of the receiver to change the target and select the receiver again to throw the ball. Utilizing the button structure allows the user (using the PS2 controller) to still only use 1 finger for the right R buttons.

I assume this is not a problem on the X-Box controller because the black and white buttons (corresponding to the R1 & L1 buttons) are within thumbs reach.

One other thing I am currently not happy with is that you cant throw the dart pass to the receiver. Pressing up on the stick now throws a high ball to the receiver so he turns around to catch the ball.

Just my initial thoughts...they may change over time..

[TRUEVisionDC]

I like it. A lot. And I suck at it right now
This is probably why Im not feeling it. Im not good at it......yet


I like it because I'm HUGE on realism in my sports games. I get very angry when something happens that is completely unrealistic, even though it happens on occasion in real life. Why? Because it happens too consistently in video games.

For instance, last year, people could drop their icons and sprint backwards, and without looking at a WR, chuck it deep to them, simply because they had learned to manipulate the DB AI to rocket catch. And the justification was that it took "skill," and not repititive motions to execute it.

Or, someone could roll out with a speedy QB to buy time, then chuck it ALL the way across the field against a zone defense and complete a pass, without penalty for making what is normally a boneheaded pass.

No, this year, it's real. Passing is HARD, just like in real life. People have to RESPECT the position of QB now and practice it, just like every other facet of the game. So now it is TRULY a test of skill and not of repetition. You not only have to master the controls, but also the nuances of the position, from checking down WRs, reading defenses pre AND post snap (last year, you could read pre-snap and be 99% certain of what route and timing would work), looking off defenders and navigating the pocket.

Will some people hate it? Yes, because it is far from an arcade game now. Now it's about reading. Now, defenses can play defense and not worry about AI exploits (for now) because it's going to take some REAL skill to execute any sort of glitch, in my opinion. Now, blitzes work because the QB has to recognize where the pressure is coming and make the appropriate throws.

I'm really loving it, even though I went 7-17 passing for a meager 117 yards in my first game. Why? Because my opponent went 4-23 for just 40 yards and 2 INTs, and he could only chuck it deep to Moss once all game. And that pass got picked off because he was double covered.
Go ahead JPar, very well put....

I still dont like the fact that I have to hit the WR icon TWICE to throw the ball. I did the first glitch....I held R2 and hit different WRs icons continously, I just went in a circle. Held R2, hit square, x, circle triangle, square, x, circle, triangle (all while holding R2). All the defenders fell b/c they tried to read where I was throwing...

[JPar]

This is probably why Im not feeling it. Im not good at it......yet


Go ahead JPar, very well put....

I still dont like the fact that I have to hit the WR icon TWICE to throw the ball. I did the first glitch....I held R2 and hit different WRs icons continously, I just went in a circle. Held R2, hit square, x, circle triangle, square, x, circle, triangle (all while holding R2). All the defenders fell b/c they tried to read where I was throwing...

... and then you got sacked. LOL

[VG_Bert]

I assume this is not a problem on the X-Box controller because the black and white buttons (corresponding to the R1 & L1 buttons) are within thumbs reach.

That's one of the reason we were all so high on the Xbox version of the game when we got to play out at EA San Fran.

It makes a big difference.

[levdgg]

I agree with some of the posts above...kind of. I agree that it is harder to pass the ball and that is ultimately better for the game. I think the 'concept' is great, Im just not sure I like how it was executed. The main thing I am currently not a fan of is having to hold down the R2 button to switch the selected receiver. I typically like to hold the PS2 controller with my pointer (or trigger) finger pressing the R buttons. Now, if you want to change to the R2 receiver, you need to hold the R2 button while pressing the R1 button twice. Not exactly achieveable with one finger. You know either have to change your grip for the whole game (two fingers on the Right R buttons) or when you are going to throw to that receiver (I know there is always the R3 way to switch receivers). I would have preferred that you press and release the R2, then press and release the button of the receiver to change the target and select the receiver again to throw the ball. Utilizing the button structure allows the user (using the PS2 controller) to still only use 1 finger for the right R buttons.

I assume this is not a problem on the X-Box controller because the black and white buttons (corresponding to the R1 & L1 buttons) are within thumbs reach.

One other thing I am currently not happy with is that you cant throw the dart pass to the receiver. Pressing up on the stick now throws a high ball to the receiver so he turns around to catch the ball.

Just my initial thoughts...they may change over time..

I agree here. Like the concept, dont liek the exectuion.my two eraly gripes....

1) just too many buttons for a simple action... reallytakes away from t he smothness of gameplay

2) When using r3, i think its a little flawed. I feel like when you go left to right it should lock on to the receivers in progression, otherwise its really inexact and you completely miss your target.

[TRUEVisionDC]

... and then you got sacked. LOL
lol...14 times my first game 11 my 2nd...

[JPar]

I agree here. Like the concept, dont liek the exectuion.my two eraly gripes....

1) just too many buttons for a simple action... reallytakes away from t he smothness of gameplay

2) When using r3, i think its a little flawed. I feel like when you go left to right it should lock on to the receivers in progression, otherwise its really inexact and you completely miss your target.

This is entirely realistic, though.

Think about it... if you've ever played QB, even in flag football....

1) you have to know the routes before hand
2) you have to know the timing of each pattern, and the sequence of your reads.
3) you have to have a primary WR, and a secondary, etc.
4) You have to read the defense pre snap.
5) You have to read post snap.
6) You have to avoid the pass rush while checking down your WRs.
7) You have to look defenses off as not to telegraph the pass.
8) You have to make the right throw at the right time.

There is a crap load more that goes into passing the ball, including throwing on the run, knowing when to tuck it and take off, dump offs, taking the sack, throwing it away...

QB is not SUPPOSED to be easy. It always has been in previous years. Last year, against soft man, I could throw a hook route over and over and over with 95% efficiency.

This year, if I try that garbage, it gets picked. As it should be.

[VG_Bert]

CRITICAL TIP

Here's one that will save you a ton of grief and get those sack numbers against you back down.

Use the backs in the flats as your hot read/safety valve. You don't have to switch the cone to them to complete the pass.

Watch the NFL. Those QBs have a clock in their heads.

1...2....3 Nobody open, dump it off to the backs.

It's not sexy, but it keeps the ball moving forward.

[JPar]

CRITICAL TIP

Here's one that will save you a ton of grief and get those sack numbers against you back down.

Use the backs in the flats as your hot read/safety valve. You don't have to switch the cone to them to complete the pass.

Watch the NFL. Those QBs have a clock in their heads.

1...2....3 Nobody open, dump it off to the backs.

It's not sexy, but it keeps the ball moving forward.

Good tip. I was having issues getting the cone on them in the appropriate amount of time. :p

[TRUEVisionDC]

1...2....3 Nobody open, dump it off to the backs.
Unless your Michael Vick, then it goes 1...Crumpler not open...Run

I couldnt resist.

Seriously, Bert, Kobra. Whats your experience with precision passing to those RBs in the flats. If I throw to the backs in the flats and would "pass lead" in '05. This year when I did it with Manning a couple weeks back (which is now precision passing and not pass lead) every pass went into the sidelines...every pass. You cant/shouldnt precision pass to RBs in the flat??

[VG_Bert]

Typically when I throw to the backs, I have the cone locked onto somebody else. When the cone is not on the receiver, you can't use precision pass.

So, I guess I'm not pass leading to the backs at all when I use them as a release valve.

[braveheart1]

Are you able to click off and scrammble wit the QB?...cause i dontknow how to do it

[levdgg]

This is entirely realistic, though.

Think about it... if you've ever played QB, even in flag football....

1) you have to know the routes before hand
2) you have to know the timing of each pattern, and the sequence of your reads.
3) you have to have a primary WR, and a secondary, etc.
4) You have to read the defense pre snap.
5) You have to read post snap.
6) You have to avoid the pass rush while checking down your WRs.
7) You have to look defenses off as not to telegraph the pass.
8) You have to make the right throw at the right time.

There is a crap load more that goes into passing the ball, including throwing on the run, knowing when to tuck it and take off, dump offs, taking the sack, throwing it away...

QB is not SUPPOSED to be easy. It always has been in previous years. Last year, against soft man, I could throw a hook route over and over and over with 95% efficiency.

This year, if I try that garbage, it gets picked. As it should be.

I agree on all counts...And il get used to it... But from a sheer hand comfort point of view there's too much going on with my fingers and the controller. Like I said, I agree with the idea, Im just not liking its execution

Everything you listed SHOUKD be difficult, but the easy part in reallife is the action of swiveling your head... I feel like there's a little too much to do just to cock your head one way or another

[Highlander]

and I still have to wait 5 more hours to pik mine up I got both versions. This passing thing sounds COMPLEX. So Truevisiondc should I stay in the lab hours prior to even thinking about playing a human?

[VG_Bert]

You don't click off the QB to run. Just hit the sprint button any time and you can ramble.

[TRUEVisionDC]

and I still have to wait 5 more hours to pik mine up I got both versions. This passing thing sounds COMPLEX. So Truevisiondc should I stay in the lab hours prior to even thinking about playing a human?
Im taking Bert and Kobras advice. Yes thats what Im doing. Ive played the CPU twice and my buddy for a half...NO ONLINE as of yet...

[evad04]

I love the Vision Passing... it truly adds another dimension to the game... one that can be mastered with lots of practice. What else would you want in a game? I went into practice mode with the Steelers and gave them a shot. Big Ben's cone isn't terrible but not great... and it was a real challenge completing passes (especially when I selected the Pitt D to run a 6 man blitz... I hot block some extra guys and utilized the slide protection... but it was funny because the CPU actually kind of "nano"d me... they busted through the line in a nanosecond a couple of times).

The truck stick is pretty cool... it is mainly just useful in the open field... but overall a nice feature for big backs.

The slide protection and the smart routes, and the playbook specific audibles are TIGHT!

I only have two comments that aren't really positive: 1.) I don't really like the precision passing... because it basically takes away leading the receiver. Like on deep routes or on slants where you want to lead to one side... and I find myself out of habit always throwing a high catch because in last years game I would bullet rifle a lot of throws. Not a big deal... will take some time to get used to it.
#2.) This may sound strange... but a few times it felt like I was playing NCAA more than Madden. Especially in the run game... I dont know it just didn't feel like last year as much as it did NCAA 06.

And what is with the Madden Classic camera??? Last year it was more elevated and gave a better view of the field. This year it isn't any different than default Madden camera. IDK if it is just me that noticed this... maybe it has to do with me only being in practice mode. Anyway... those are my thoughts. This years game will be a lot of fun.

[Peytonkhan]

what can i say...
okay my impressions Bert.
The R3 button is way better to use than the trigger..as i think you mentioned. the trigger was frustrating to use b/c my man was wide open but the qb does this retarded fake and before u know it, sack! i switched to R3 by accident and i like it better. even with vick, i prefer the R3 method. utilizing the divide and conquer the field method you outlined in the book, it makes passing better now. first game passing stats for me- 61yards, 25percent, 3ints. it's getting better :)
about the back routes and slants, bert that is a savior as you wrote.
i've been playing on the allmadden level to get accustomed to the heat.
i think the cone is tough..and i like it.
as for the precision passing..it is responsive. i like the way you can direct your pass pretty much anywhich way you desire.
the truck stick works well- stephen davis knocked over rodney harrison- i was like what! but it is nice.
Bert, you were absolutely right about centering the cone as well. Man you guys really researched this stuff.
GREAT JOB. :)

[SamL0270]

The vision cone isn't as hard as everyone says it is unless your using a QB that has no awareness. I love the precision passing though.. I was testing out some comeback routes and i would throw the ball low and out everytime it was perfectly placed so the CB had no chance at it.. and if a lineback split off to cover it i would either throw it high and out or look at a different route..

[TRUEVisionDC]

This is all the way on page 4. Bert, can we make this a sticky?

Riddle me this...If I use the R2 to lock on a WR, why then if I hit it twice (once to lock on once to throw, like Banks said) doesnt the QB throw on the second tap. I find my self continuously hitting the WR icon. Even then he doesnt throw and I get sacked..

[bassmutt]

i like it alot as well. everything is a little crazy right now but im getting the hang of it for some reason i go for the stick sometimes and the trigger sometimes seems to be working for me though.

[bassmutt]

i think you have to let go of r2 before you throw?

[ShutDwnCB]

I like the passing, it makes it more challenging. I use the analog. I use a nice trick, since I know where my receivers are going it makes it alot easier to move the cone where they will be instead of following them and pressing multiple buttons, also starting in the middle means you really only have to move it a fourth of the field which makes for a quick deilivery

[TRUEVisionDC]

i think you have to let go of r2 before you throw?
Let it go... :eek:

[GoCOLTS]

Ask my 7% completed passes 14 sacks and 32 interceptions in a 5minute quesrters game aginst rokkie level how I like the vision cone. Although with my superstar QB named Ron Mexico who is a double threat back with his 88 spd 90 acc and 90 agi and 86 thp and 78 tha. Now comes the whammie...


Against the 49ers using the raiders and Collins injured. I ran 3 pass plays the next game and got 890 running yards with Jordan, 200 with Fargas, 175 with Mexico and 150 with Crockett. And i lost, all three of my pass plays were interceptions 1 was taken back all the way within the last 22 seconds and I lost 27 to 28.

[Nevada_Ballin]

I like it. my son and i picked it up at gamespot last night and here's pretty much how it's gone for me:

popped it in the ps2, read the controls in the manual as it loads. - "would you like to watch the video on cone vision & precision passing?" - damn right i do. lol. because of all the info gathered from the guys at VG here, i was pretty familiar with what i was watching. ok son, game on, let's play.

set to all-pro mode. 5 min qtrs. don't ask me why, but we both chose the eagles. we didn't care, we just wanted to play.

i kick off. first thing i see i have to adjust to is the circle button being the change player button. i get the ball on a punt and here we go.... I form whatever pass, i'm playmakering T.O. on a streak... hike! ... ok, the cone automatically sets for the primary receiver if you don't change it before the play... right analog stick .. whoa nelly! that sucker panned FAST... threw the ball 10 yds over his head and 5 yds out of bounds...

not to go thru the whole game, my son wins 19-13. freaking 2:30 am, pick up where i left off tomorrow after i take the g/f to the airport.

i get back from the airport, it's off to check out mini camp and precision pass drill. wow, michael vick, cool. it took me till the 3rd try to realize i didn't need to rotate the cone to get the points.... ok, let's go to create-a-playbook so i can look at all the playbooks without going in and out of practice mode.... settle on the Rams playbook for now.

first thing i noticed was they changed the hard slant in singleback empty 5 wide/slot fly play to a quick slant... dammit, i loved that route. after running a lot of pass plays i became comfortable with the cone and what i can do with it. and the truck stick is nice.

my son and i play again, this time to a 14-14 tie... spent this game thinking more about the defense and used the Cover 2 book. Love the adaptive AI, especially when shading the receiver, nice coverage. back to the create-a-playbook to look though all the defenses.

play the CPU this time, Eagles (me) vs Giants. Win easily 28-10. ran the ball well, passing was "ok", 7-15, 128 yds, 2 tds, 2 ints. but i'm going nuts on defense because of the configuration change. keep telling myself it's "X" to sprint dumbass, its "X"!

i wasn't going to get online for a day or so but wanted to see if there were any roster updates and damn, there was, and Ty Law was on the Jets (i checked them to see how up to date it was and it is very up to date).

i decide to play a game, what the hell, just about everyone else is in the same boat i am anyway.

My opponent uses Tampa and i kickoff. My first play on defense, hit stick, fumble, my ball on the TB 32. First play on offense - td to T.O. Next play on defense - user pick. I'm up 21-0 by halftime.

Then TB starts playing cheap... kickoff to me to start the 2nd half, he short kicks it, but i get it... inside my 5. couldn't do much, he ends up with a FG, short kicks it again to me.. inside my 10 cuz i couldn't pick up the ball until he was practically on top of me, i was lucky to get it. but threw a pick.

cutting the story short, i won 27-25, but the clown kept short kicking me which killed any field position i could work with.

I like the vision and precision, it's ill. But it's going to take awhile to get used to the controller config change on defense, it's actually driving me out of my freakin' mind at this point. but i'll adapt soon and it will be second nature.

i did come up with a semi-solution for the R1 receiver since it's difficult to R1/R2 at the same time... I set the cone to the middle of the field before the snap, if the R1 receiver is one of my reads on the play i found it easier to pan the cone to him with the analog stick than to try to switch to him... sometimes, and this is with all receivers, i'll wait til they come to the cone instead of making the cone come to them... pocket time permitting... lol.. but i haven't been sacked much, maybe 6 times total in the 4 games i played so far.

[SUPDOGG]

I am very impressed with the Cone passing. I love how you can read a defense and look off the safeties. I am finding that passing is becoming much easier. I had stated earlier that using the R3 button was the way to go. I was wrong for sure. I have really become accustom to reading the defense and then looking all the way to left sied of the field whil therowing to right side. It really opiens up routes to the opposite side of the field. Then all you do is keep R2 held down and hit the recievers button twice. It is really smooth. Best game i've played by far.

[Blitz716]

sums up my thoughts exactly
Ditto here...The game is going more Sim like, its gonna take a little time to get all the new features you can do on offense and defense..Im Happy :)Im a Die hard Bills fan and the cone on Losman is Like M.Vicks so its harder, but I think every one should practice with this type of cone..and the palybooks are nice some new stuff, love it and to put the Cherry on it all ,Having PB and Filmroom will Tie it all together :)

[Hiatus666]

I'm loving the vision and precision. You have to be poised and focused back in that pocket like a real NFL QB or else you're in for a long day. I like the balance between using the right analog and using R2. I like to use R2 for the deep routes, and use the right analog for shorter passes over the middle because I can switch to another receiver quickly. I think you need to learn both to be successful. I still am not comfortable after one day of playing but I can feel it getting easier.

[JPar]

I'v been using Kyle Boller and the Ravens. It's a good mix because it is harder to pass with a QB like that, which is what I need to practice, and I have just enough defense to make up for my anemic offense. :p

[duo]

I've been playing since tuesday morning and my thoughts on it is I think its a nic addition to madden but its gonna take alot of time to get used to.You dont have all day to sit in the pocket and wait for a man to get open as in the nfl..its just friggin hard righ now :mad:.The big big problem I have with it is the control set-up.hold R2 and the icon...then press the icon again..wtf :mad: They could have come up with a better control setup .. :mad:

[MadCityPack]

Hey just thought I'd chime in with my first impressions. I play on a PS2 with a pelican (mini I think) controller. The R/L 1/2 buttons are one separate tiers on the back of the controller making it easy to put middle fingers on the R/L 2 buttons. I find it to be very comfortable even compared to having six buttons (4 color plus black and white) on the xbox controller to worry about with just one thumb. I would wonder when dishing to the flat without looking if its not a big deal anyway to look to that reciever first as Bert was suggesting.
Anyway I love the pelican controller and just wondered if anybody else found it to cancel out any difficulty with the PS2 precision passing layout.

[RelaxedMomentum]

over all the game is more fun.....new animations make the game better as well

[TRUEVisionDC]

This is all the way on page 4. Bert, can we make this a sticky?

Riddle me this...If I use the R2 to lock on a WR, why then if I hit it twice (once to lock on once to throw, like Banks said) doesnt the QB throw on the second tap. I find my self continuously hitting the WR icon. Even then he doesnt throw and I get sacked..
Can someone answer this??

[dbscott1]

I am feeling the precision passing thing. Yep it is tough as hell without a nano so with a nano you will have to have a sure fire way to get rid of the rock.

I have played with some good QB's like Brett Favre and some with Cateracts like Rex Grossman lol.

Online I thik you will only see good qb's when everyone gets to really playing the game.

Currently I have not practice what slide protection will do against an all out blitz and me leaving everyone in to block and only sending out 2 receivers.

I have been playing with Detroit/Carolina/Falcons/Chiefs and looking at the Ravens. Wont pick a team till I get a feel on what I can do with this passing thing.

[SGW Thunder]

Can someone answer this??

Ok...I'm assuming you mean using the R2 to LOCK on a reciever OTHER than the primary....

If that's the case, it does take 2 taps....The first tap locks the cone onto the intended reciever...the 2nd tap throws the pass.

If your talking about pre-snap, then it's only 1 tap on the reciever icon to throw the pass. (BTW, be careful, with this because if you press X and your using the DEFAULT controller option it will set it to middle. With the default controller option, the TE/Slot WR who in the past would have been X is now Triangle)

Hope this helps.

[Eighty84Four]

i love the the cone. it is incredible..it is amaizing to use the stick to move it around..i never tryed to use the R trigger and i refuse to..my first gm me and my friend played i got like sacked about 11 times and through around 6 pics with a qb rating of about 9.6..but iam on around my 20th gm and i have it down pat now..i probly get sacked about 3 times a game with 0 maby 1 pic for about 375-400yds..with a qb rating of around 130..once u get use to it , it is mad fun.

[justncredible79]

Can you turn the vision cone off while playing online??

[yankblan]

I just keep reading and reading; cant wait to get my copy... The thing that I find amusing though: the first time I put my hands on a PS controller about what, 7 or so years ago, I put my thumbs on buttons and pad/analog and index on R1 L1 and middle fingers on R2 L2 and never looked back. It fitted like a glove! I've kept playing that way, no matter the game since.

I can't stop laughing with you guys struggling to switch between the two r and l buttons :p

[TRUEVisionDC]

Ok...I'm assuming you mean using the R2 to LOCK on a reciever OTHER than the primary....

If that's the case, it does take 2 taps....The first tap locks the cone onto the intended reciever...the 2nd tap throws the pass.

If your talking about pre-snap, then it's only 1 tap on the reciever icon to throw the pass. (BTW, be careful, with this because if you press X and your using the DEFAULT controller option it will set it to middle. With the default controller option, the TE/Slot WR who in the past would have been X is now Triangle)

Hope this helps.
Indeed it does..thanks

[FAME]

I like it. A lot. And I suck at it right now.

I like it because I'm HUGE on realism in my sports games. I get very angry when something happens that is completely unrealistic, even though it happens on occasion in real life. Why? Because it happens too consistently in video games.

For instance, last year, people could drop their icons and sprint backwards, and without looking at a WR, chuck it deep to them, simply because they had learned to manipulate the DB AI to rocket catch. And the justification was that it took "skill," and not repititive motions to execute it.

Or, someone could roll out with a speedy QB to buy time, then chuck it ALL the way across the field against a zone defense and complete a pass, without penalty for making what is normally a boneheaded pass.

No, this year, it's real. Passing is HARD, just like in real life. People have to RESPECT the position of QB now and practice it, just like every other facet of the game. So now it is TRULY a test of skill and not of repetition. You not only have to master the controls, but also the nuances of the position, from checking down WRs, reading defenses pre AND post snap (last year, you could read pre-snap and be 99% certain of what route and timing would work), looking off defenders and navigating the pocket.

Will some people hate it? Yes, because it is far from an arcade game now. Now it's about reading. Now, defenses can play defense and not worry about AI exploits (for now) because it's going to take some REAL skill to execute any sort of glitch, in my opinion. Now, blitzes work because the QB has to recognize where the pressure is coming and make the appropriate throws.

I'm really loving it, even though I went 7-17 passing for a meager 117 yards in my first game. Why? Because my opponent went 4-23 for just 40 yards and 2 INTs, and he could only chuck it deep to Moss once all game. And that pass got picked off because he was double covered. :D


My thoughts.

[TRUEVisionDC]

I dont know what the deal is but every time I use the R2 to lock on to a WR it will not let me throw when I want to throw. I find myself continuously hit the WR icon. WTH? :mad:

[ATL BOYZ 404]

I just got the game yesterday. My problem isnt the cone. Its just finding open receivers. I was very comfortable using Vick in practice. And this was on All Madden. Then I tried teams like the Vikings, Titans, and even the Browns and felt better. Then I used Brady and it was crazy. I really love the cone and vision passing. Its not as hard as people say it is. Its pretty easy.

[dbscott1]

I just keep reading and reading; cant wait to get my copy... The thing that I find amusing though: the first time I put my hands on a PS controller about what, 7 or so years ago, I put my thumbs on buttons and pad/analog and index on R1 L1 and middle fingers on R2 L2 and never looked back. It fitted like a glove! I've kept playing that way, no matter the game since.

I can't stop laughing with you guys struggling to switch between the two r and l buttons :p


I am like you. I have both a copy for xbox and and PS2. THe ps2 version are for my folk that seem to hate the xbox controller and for some online play with my PS2 buddies.

Last night I opended ps2 version and grabbed a controller and had absolutely no problem hitting the R1 receiver. I chuckled to my self, played a 1/2 and shut that thing off. The XBOX Graphics looks too good.

[mystkh]

I dont know what the deal is but every time I use the R2 to lock on to a WR it will not let me throw when I want to throw. I find myself continuously hit the WR icon. WTH? :mad:

You are not alone!!! I was playing online last night. Ran a PA....My WR was wide the f*ck open...I kept hitting "B" and the Qb kept pumping like he was going to throw it. Finally he throws the ball and overshoots my WR by a mile. That play cost me the game...we went into overtime.....my opponent heaves up a long ball....I get called for Pass Interference on my 30...then I get another PI call on my 8 :mad: He kicks the ball to win in overtime 10-7 :mad:

[SCDrJ]

I dont know what the deal is but every time I use the R2 to lock on to a WR it will not let me throw when I want to throw. I find myself continuously hit the WR icon. WTH? :mad:

Are you letting go of R2 before you make the throw? It seems like you're not and the QB is pumping in that WR's direction. R2+WR button to switch cone, then let go of R2 and throw to the WR.

[JPar]

No, letting go makes it pump... you gotta hold it and throw.

[TRUEVisionDC]

See. Again. Two different ways. One has to work and one has to be wrong.

Heres what Im doing. I usually put the cone in the middle (R2 and X) to start cuz I know Im going to use R2 anyway. When I see my WR open and want to get it to him I hold R2 + WR icon, then (right away) I press the WR icon again. So its like Hold R2 squaresquare, IE.

So you are telling me, SCDrj, Hold R2 + WR icon, let go R2, hit WR icon again?

JPar, says NO, hold R2 throughout the passing motion?

Um, dont know what else to say....

[jbmagic]

Has anyone else notice that this new passing cone feature it seems like the cpu teams holds on to the ball longer and actually gives the user a chance to use Dlinemen and get there in time. I just feel like the game is more realistic with this new cone feature, because it finally feels like if I dont get through the line and get held up, I can keep trying and still have a shot at a sack, where as in previous years if you didnt have a clean hole to come through forget it the qb released the ball in 1 second. Anyone else agree?

[SCDrJ]

See. Again. Two different ways. One has to work and one has to be wrong.

Heres what Im doing. I usually put the cone in the middle (R2 and X) to start cuz I know Im going to use R2 anyway. When I see my WR open and want to get it to him I hold R2 + WR icon, then (right away) I press the WR icon again. So its like Hold R2 squaresquare, IE.

So you are telling me, SCDrj, Hold R2 + WR icon, let go R2, hit WR icon again?

JPar, says NO, hold R2 throughout the passing motion?

Um, dont know what else to say....

I'm going to have to look at this again tonight... I have had the "pump" happen to me too, and I thought it was when I was holding R2 too long, but I will check it out.

[isamuelson]

At first, I felt that it was something tacked on to try and sell the game with not much thought into it. However, after getting my butt waxed on-line, I finally broke down and purchased this years guide (I bought last year's guide which gave me numerous tips, but I still got my butt waxed! :p )

In any case, after reading the entire section on the vision cone, it has now given me a totally new outlook on it and has really made the game MUCH more realistic. Plus, now it makes it more difficult for those who pick Michael Vick to scramble and chuck it long.

So, I'm a converted enthusiast of the stick and I've been practicing like mad to get good at it, using the Madden Guide from VG Sports.

Thanks Bert! It was worth the $20!

[Bahamaboy20]

I Jjust got madden and to tell the truth the timing of this vision & presician thing is killing me


HELP

[TRUEVisionDC]

It is clear as day in the virtual playbook. Its actually one of the tips. You hold R2 (like Jpar, Imonebigmofo, etc were saying) and then you hit your WR icon to lock in and then again to throw.

The tip is explaining the benefits of holding R2 after the snap. And that is to switch between WRs quicker...

[TRUEVisionDC]

I STILL cant figure out for the life of me why my QB wont throw when I tell him to. I hold R2 and the WR icon (great! it locks on) then I hit it again AND HE WONT THROW THE DAMN BALL.. :confused: I keep hitting it 3 or 4 more times until I throw my controller in the ground then he throws the ball...

[isamuelson]

I STILL cant figure out for the life of me why my QB wont throw when I tell him to. I hold R2 and the WR icon (great! it locks on) then I hit it again AND HE WONT THROW THE DAMN BALL.. :confused: I keep hitting it 3 or 4 more times until I throw my controller in the ground then he throws the ball...

Once you've locked on to your receiver, release the R2 trigger. Then, hit the button to pass. As long as you hold onto the R2 trigger, you'll only switch between receivers.

What you really should get used to doing is using the R3 stick to move the cone. Unforunately, if you have a QB with a narrow cone, that makes it tougher.

Your best bet is go to the QB Pocket Presence drill in mini-camp and practice there. You don't HAVE to use the cone, but at least, it gives you practice in being able to react quickly in pressure situations. It has helped me out quite a bit that I forego using the right trigger/button press and instead us the right analog stick to move the cone around.

[crisco]

I STILL cant figure out for the life of me why my QB wont throw when I tell him to. I hold R2 and the WR icon (great! it locks on) then I hit it again AND HE WONT THROW THE DAMN BALL.. :confused: I keep hitting it 3 or 4 more times until I throw my controller in the ground then he throws the ball...


truevision, I have 2 methods that work for me when I'm using r2, even though it sounds like one would be wrong because they are total opposites.

Sometimes I hold the r2 the whole way through, never letting go unless I need to switch my cone to another reciever after the first cone switch.

Sometimes I let the r2 go right after I switch the cone and give a lil time(very short, but still a lil pause) before I press the icon to pass the ball.

I seem to get problems with the pump fake when I let go of the r2 and pass the ball almost at the same time which is weird.

Does anyone even really use the pump fake?

[TRUEVisionDC]

Once you've locked on to your receiver, release the R2 trigger. Then, hit the button to pass. As long as you hold onto the R2 trigger, you'll only switch between receivers.

What you really should get used to doing is using the R3 stick to move the cone. Unforunately, if you have a QB with a narrow cone, that makes it tougher.

Your best bet is go to the QB Pocket Presence drill in mini-camp and practice there. You don't HAVE to use the cone, but at least, it gives you practice in being able to react quickly in pressure situations. It has helped me out quite a bit that I forego using the right trigger/button press and instead us the right analog stick to move the cone around.
See Im being told the opposite. That you SHOULDNT let go b/c that causes a pump fake... :confused:

[JPar]

I used the pump fake a couple of times by accident and it WORKED! Once, a safety bit HARD on it and Todd Heap went wide open to the end zone for a TD.

As for passing, practice this Truevision:

Start out with your cone in the middle of the field to disguise who you're going to throw to and to disguise when you run draws.

Practice clicking onto the WR you wanna throw to at the last possible moment to keep coverage at bay.

When you click on, make sure you hit the button once to switch, and WHILE HOLDING R2, click it again in succession, with the appropriate throwing power and pass lead.

That seems to work well for me.

Just takes a lot of reps.

I find that with play action, it's easier to use R3 to move the cone and throw...

[STICKTHEVICKTIM]

peep, if you snap the ball with the cone in the middle, and hit R2, you will pump fake. if you hit R2 + X you will lock on to the X receiver, ALL YOU have to do NOW is push the X button, no R2. its like if you pre-determine you primary before the snap, as soon as you snap the ball you hit the corresponding button. hope i helped

[JPar]

peep, if you snap the ball with the cone in the middle, and hit R2, you will pump fake. if you hit R2 + X you will lock on to the X receiver, ALL YOU have to do NOW is push the X button, no R2. its like if you pre-determine you primary before the snap, as soon as you snap the ball you hit the corresponding button. hope i helped

There is no X receiver. LOL

You won't pump fake if you hit R2 after you snap the ball.

Trust me.

And if you lock into a WR before the snap, you better hope he's blitzing, else the defense will pick it off.

[isamuelson]

peep, if you snap the ball with the cone in the middle, and hit R2, you will pump fake. if you hit R2 + X you will lock on to the X receiver, ALL YOU have to do NOW is push the X button, no R2. its like if you pre-determine you primary before the snap, as soon as you snap the ball you hit the corresponding button. hope i helped

If he pulls R2 and doesn't let go, it won't pump fake. Only when you let go of R2 does it do that.

I was under the impression that if you hit R-trigger (Xbox) and then X, you had to let go of the R-trigger in order to throw. I'll have to go back and try it again tonight to see if holding on the R-trigger and selecting your receiver (X for example), you still hold on R and hit X again to pass. This will work great for the QBs that have a small cone, but I still use the R stick instead and move the cone myself.

Thanks for the correction!

[STICKTHEVICKTIM]

i have pre-snapped randy moss, and the pass was not picked off-you are wrong there.

i was using x-button for instructional purposes only- lol

if you hit R2 after the snap you will pump fake. try this pre-select the O WR reciever, when you snap the ball, hit R2 you WILL pump fake, now hit R2 + square your cone will switch now throw, you just looked off the WR.- so you are wrong there.

Seriously, are you even playing the game?

[JPar]

i have pre-snapped randy moss, and the pass was not picked off-you are wrong there.

i was using x-button for instructional purposes only- lol

if you hit R2 after the snap you will pump fake. try this pre-select the O WR reciever, when you snap the ball, hit R2 you WILL pump fake, now hit R2 + square your cone will switch now throw, you just looked off the WR.- so you are wrong there.

Seriously, are you even playing the game?

I am playing the game, and doing well with it, thanks.

You hit R2 when not locked into a WR then it will not pump fake.

I don't lock into WRs.

And did you ever think that maybe you didn't get picked off because it was RANDY MOSS?

[d_neum80]

So far, I think its a great improvement on the game. Although, as most probably are, I'm kinda struggling with it so far (I've only been using small cones until I get used to it, Boller and Harrington), I actually like it a lot. I find myself pump faking A LOT though when using the R2/R Trigger method. I wish that EA would've just taken the pump fake out of the game as its pretty much useless anyway and I've really never seen anyone use it in previous games. But overall, I think it is definately a big improvement to the game and adds a lot of realism. Just wish I'd hurry up and get used to it lol :D .

[isamuelson]

See Im being told the opposite. That you SHOULDNT let go b/c that causes a pump fake... :confused:

Yup. That's right. I was wrong. I tested it out and sure enough, press and hold the R trigger and then select (press and release) the receiver you want to move your cone to. Without letting go of the right trigger, you can then pass to the receiver you just moved to the cone to by pressing the button again.

Releasing the right trigger before you press the button to pass will cause a pump fake, so that was my bad. Still, your best bet is definitely to go to the pocket precense drill and practice until you can reliably hit the correct targets.

[MaddenPlayer]

My QB, J.P. Losman, has a small cone and can barely complete his pass other than when the people are wide open or they are locked onto the vision cone. I would appreciate Help

[sspunisher]

I hope EA reads this forum because this vision and precision thing definitely needs some fine tuning.

Don't get me wrong, it's great, just a few problems here and there.

Problem #1 Releasing R2 = Pump Fakes. This is so amazingly frustrating. Why can't it be simple, if you tap R2, it pump fakes. If you hold it, then it wont result in a pump fake if you let go.

Problem #2 Hitting Receivers who are very close after you rollout- This is where I get frustrated the most. You do not have to focus when passing to the backs in the flats, or even quick passes to receivers. But if you rollout and your RB is only a couple of yards in front you, all of a sudden your QB can't throw because his vision isn't on the player.

Exp: I have this play where I roll out with McNabb while Westbrook runs the flats. Westbrook acts as a blocker sometimes, and if my opponent cheats up too quick to hit McNabb, I lob it to Westbrook. I can't even begin to do this anymore. The damn running back is just 3 or 4 yards in front of McNabb, but I'm sitting here trying to fumble between R2 and L1 and I accidently click L2 and the hell with it.

I think the vision and precision should be exclusively for routes deeper than 5 yards, or unrealistic throws across the field. The rollout with a back inches away from you should be treated as a flats pass, without the need of the vision being locked on.

Problem #3- Hitting Wide Open Receivers. I rollout with McNabb, Owens is WIDE open 40 yards down the field....and I throw a medium speed pass to him. A perfect pass, but Owens doesn't even turn around because the precision Icon wasn't on him.

Maybe this can be fixed by slightly adjusting where the QB automatically looks while rolling out. I know for a fact that anyone rolling out to the right wouldn't be looking exactly in a horizontal line of vision straight to the sideline. Maybe adjust the vision icon to slowly pan left to the sideline and up the field while you round the corner as your rolling out.

Yea we want the game realisitc, but not to the point where someone playing Madden for years has to have a near heart attack when a wide receiver is wide open.

"Ok ok let go of X....uh, hold R2...Circle and Up...huh? Oh ****, circle again! Damnit a freagin sack!"

I know much of this can be fixed by using the right analog stick, but please. This is a football game, not a 1st Person shooter. Moving with the left dpad and using the right stick to look over the field, thats ridiclous.

I love the lead passes. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but I think the low pass needs a little fine tuning. Seems that it hits the ground way too much so I don't even bother using it anymore, on All-Madden anyway.

[Black Night]

I've played 06 for about a week now. I must say that I like the passing on 05 better. I've been playing on All-Pro and have been winng by at least 3 touchdown. I hate the cone . . . well I hate that you have to push so many buttons to do what you want to do. I think they should have improved the defense's awareness and made the quarterback's accuracy a little tougher. In the real NFL, even rookie QB's can see more than just 10 - 25% of the field. what seperates the good QB's from the average ones is their decision making and their accuracy. Sure, vision has some to do with it but when you're playing a video game, you're the QB. Your vision is what counts. I watched Brett Farve the other day and he threw a pass where he looked to the right first and just turned and through it to the left. he knew the route his receiever was running and he knew that the CB didn't have safety help. In all, it took him 2 sec. get the ball, ready the defense and through it. try that on 06 and you either have to use the R3 receiver lock hit the stick real quick. Basically, you become more concerned about buttons and you lose focus on reading the defense.

[DirtyNate]

Black knight, I could not have said it better! how does a guy make it to the NFL with the ability to only see 15% of the field? realism is compromised absolutely. If only the vision of the game was seen from the view of the qb helmet maybe it would make a little more sense to me.I guess that's what we'll see next year, we'll just need two tv's to play friends at home. The cone is a nice try, but it doesn't feel any more "realistic" like I was watching the game. QB's see the open man and release the ball, you CANNOT do this with the cone. Repeat: In the "REAL" game, the qb sees the open man and releases the ball. The cone has compromised the quick pass to one target. no good qb sticks to one target. That is not an improvement, or a technique to bring more realism, it's limiting the qb.
I love the r3 audibles, the precision passing(about time), the many ways to disguise D, but what qb runs and only focuses on the sideline? it completely takes away the plus side of being able to run and throw. and the way the qb gets stuck once you stand still for a moment? Priceless.
Here's the way cone vision would have made sense(EA i hope you ar reading this) passing in the cone would be the only way to throw a precision pass, but you could still throw accurate passes outside the cone, not passes that get thrown 20yds off target. NO QB, even flag football throws 20yds off target. Now the beatuy of the cone would now be that GREAT qb's with huge cones(no pun intended) could make precision passes all over the field. Just like in "REAL" life. because there is not a qb in real life that throws as terrible as the one's in 06 when they throw outside the cone. Nice try EA, but you got my email adress, i've been playing since b4 you guys had an nfl license.(remeber geneisis) I think it's time you made me a tester.
and p.s. for those that hate when guys run back 20yds and throw(I am one of them) guess what, through all this, they can still do it! so you all tell me how the realism has been improved.
If there is one plus to the cone, it will definately build your stick skills.

[Kobe]

The cone is a nice try, but it doesn't feel any more "realistic" like I was watching the game. QB's see the open man and release the ball, you CANNOT do this with the cone. Repeat: In the "REAL" game, the qb sees the open man and releases the ball. The cone has compromised the quick pass to one target. no good qb sticks to one target. That is not an improvement, or a technique to bring more realism, it's limiting the qb.

And the way the qb gets stuck once you stand still for a moment? Priceless.
Here's the way cone vision would have made sense(EA i hope you ar reading this) passing in the cone would be the only way to throw a precision pass, but you could still throw accurate passes outside the cone, not passes that get thrown 20yds off target. NO QB, even flag football throws 20yds off target. Now the beatuy of the cone would now be that GREAT qb's with huge cones(no pun intended) could make precision passes all over the field. Just like in "REAL" life. because there is not a qb in real life that throws as terrible


You need to practice BRO, watch the tutorials over and over again. I sure you were a 05 stud, but you sound like many of the 2005 studs who are not that coordinated with this game yet. After a week of messing with the game, it has finaly come together for me.

Try pressing the "A" button (ONLY) to hike and let the QB take its 3-5 step drop then use the direction button to manuever him. Also learn to read the defense and adjust to who your primary receiver (or first read) will be.

Also, your anologies are garbage.

NO QB, even flag football throws 20yds off target. Now the beatuy of the cone would now be that GREAT qb's with huge cones(no pun intended) could make precision passes all over the field. Just like in "REAL" life. because there is not a qb in real life that throws as terrible

There is no QB I know of that can look right, pass across his body and throw deep down the left field side, which you can do all day long in 05.

HIT THE LAB. It really works.. LOL

[isamuelson]

You need to practice BRO, watch the tutorials over and over again.


There is no QB I know of that can look right, pass across his body and throw deep down the left field side, which you can do all day long in 05.

HIT THE LAB. It really works.. LOL

I completely concur with you. It takes a lot to get used to, but to me, it makes the game MUCH more exciting. It almost levels the playing field for those of us that were terrible with previous editions, but now, it's making me a better player by forcing me to read the defense (which I still cannot quite do on a consistent basis), but it has made me more aware of what my receiver is doing rather than just chucking the ball down the field and hoping I make a completed pass.

[DirtyNate]

first off, you are right I was top 50 online in 05, but you obviously don't comprehend what I am saying about the cone vision. I'm not doing bad in o6, I think i'm something like 22 and 10. My biggest plus since playing the game is reading the safeties to read the defense. plain and simple, I can still play this game. I comprehend what i gotta do to make plays in 06. What I'm saying is this cone does not truly bring MORE realism to the game, IMO, because like I said you can stil run 20yds back and throw completions accross your body. yes running right and throwing left is garbage, but that doesn't concern me, cause I know how to d that garbage up. In 05 I put to sleep those dogs who loved running back 20yds real quick. Just turn up the heat.
you talked isht about me, but you dont comment on the fact that there is nothing realistic about missing a wr 20yds downfield by throwing the ball 20 yds over his head. Sorry japanese ground chuck, but you don't make the cut in high school if you can't hit your second or third read 20yds downfield, more importantly, missing him by 20yds. get my point yet? these are NFL QB's, no matter how crappy they might be on sundays in real life, It might be one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. It's hard to be a qb in the nfl, and missing wr's that bad, is not realistic. not even close. and yes i know you can hit any receiver within the first 3 seconds regardless if the cone is on him or not. but the precision will NOT work if cone is not on that receiver. I'm getting it down, but I want to read and react not read and dble tap. that's my complaint. make the cone for precision ONLY. why? because only the best deserve to throw a precision pass anywhere consistently. But ANY nfl qb should be able to immediately hit an open receiver. is that clear enough for you?

[DirtyNate]

You are telling me what to do? who are you? watch the tutorials over and over? lol? LOL!!!
I play all-madden on PS2, and on all-madden on PS2 you can't let the qb go back by himself. 2nd, I read defenses just fine, so stop trying to critique my game. this forum is for discussing THE game. not MY game.
I play full control, all assists off. I heard this is a little easier on x-box, and part of me says that is because they want all of us to go out and purchase an xbox and another copy of madden. I hope that is not the case, but as always, business IS business.
Also, why do guys keep talking about what ballers in 05 are going to do in 06? i know what I'm gonna do, I'm going to keep on "truckin" the competition with these here stick skills. Did you get beat down in 05 and that's why you are so bitter? didn't have run d for the studda? instead of complaining, figure out a way to stop it. if you can't, find someone who can and LEARN from them!!! And yes, those with stick skills in 05,(as long as they are half way decent at reading defenses) will have in advantage in this game.
Also, my analogies don't suck. have you EVER thrown a football? can you get the ball within 20yds of your target? get it yet?
One more thing, if you don't think there is a qb in the game that can roll left and thow the ball deep and accurately to his right without so much as looking until the last second than I think you need to watch the Green Bay PACKERS. they have this little unknown QB named Brett Favre. He might suprise you.
P.S. on a positive note that clip of hall is awesome. one of the greatest plays IMO in recent memory, good choice.

[yankblan]

One more thing, if you don't think there is a qb in the game that can roll left and thow the ball deep and accurately to his right without so much as looking until the last second than I think you need to watch the Green Bay PACKERS. they have this little unknown QB named Brett Favre.


Yeah, he got a reputation of trying the impossible throw, but we only remember the one or two lucky results he has per season. First reason GB won't see a SB in next couple of years: defense. Second: Favre forcing the ball in stupid plays like that.

Don't get me wrong, he's going straight to Canton, and deservedly so, but in the last couple of years, he's made boneheaded decisions in bunches.

[dbscott1]

The cone is not that tough if you practice with it. While I know some QB's dont have a wide path of vision, YOU DO!

When you snap the ball you see the whole field! Read the defense and learn how to recognize whom would be most open becaue of defensive alignment and the use of motion!

[Chase1974]

This is what I posted on another site...but it prett much sums up my thoughts...




Most guys online play with the traditional "Madden" teams such as the Eagles, Pats & your normal higher rated teams...

The Vision Cone has pretty much ruined this game for me. At first I was excited about it...I am so sick of chasing these 14 yr old kids around who scramble with McNabb, Vick & Culpepper ALL day & just heave the ball up to T.O. or Moss.

But all that it has done is to keep the Top 5 teams the same & make it harder for those who choose to show their skills by actually using a team that requires some sort of skill to play with. Sure...the scrambling has stopped quite a bit...but it is STILL pretty much the same BS.

People still blitz EVERY play...only now it is much more effective against the weaker teams. Last year I could hold my own against just about anyone (I use the Browns exclusively) now I literally don't have time to even swing the Vision Cone to my receiver...forget about the luxury of looking off my receiver...

To those of you who may flame me, I CHALLENGE you to use the Browns, 49'ers or any lower ranked team ONLINE for ONE game & then tell me how much you love this game...of course most of the online players wouldn't know what to do if they couldn't just heave the ball to Owens or Moss....

Just my two cents.

[dawgs18]

This is what I posted on another site...but it prett much sums up my thoughts...




Most guys online play with the traditional "Madden" teams such as the Eagles, Pats & your normal higher rated teams...

The Vision Cone has pretty much ruined this game for me. At first I was excited about it...I am so sick of chasing these 14 yr old kids around who scramble with McNabb, Vick & Culpepper ALL day & just heave the ball up to T.O. or Moss.

But all that it has done is to keep the Top 5 teams the same & make it harder for those who choose to show their skills by actually using a team that requires some sort of skill to play with. Sure...the scrambling has stopped quite a bit...but it is STILL pretty much the same BS.

People still blitz EVERY play...only now it is much more effective against the weaker teams. Last year I could hold my own against just about anyone (I use the Browns exclusively) now I literally don't have time to even swing the Vision Cone to my receiver...forget about the luxury of looking off my receiver...

To those of you who may flame me, I CHALLENGE you to use the Browns, 49'ers or any lower ranked team ONLINE for ONE game & then tell me how much you love this game...of course most of the online players wouldn't know what to do if they couldn't just heave the ball to Owens or Moss....

Just my two cents.

Not to bust your bubble about using lesser teams, but I use the Browns too. I seem to like using them better cause it causes me to focus. You have to mix up your plays and learn what plays will work. It's a learning curve this year and takes time. I lost 7-0 against the Ravens and 14-9 against the Falcons. Both good games, but I struggle moving the ball. I believe it's mostly cause I kep changing playbooks and trying to figure out the plays.

[djKianoosh]

what am I supposed to do if I'm an eagles fan? i mean, cmon, you expect me to just run with any other team? a friend of mine who runs with the bucs complained about this to me last year and so i used detroit, arizona, chicago and cleveland against him in '05 and I still spanked him. i like the eagles. sure they have an advantage over everyone else except the pats. that's fine by me and i understand i'm biased. but i'm sure tiburon put some code in the game to even things out and allow the lesser teams to at least compete with the better teams... a fumble here, a fluke there, i think you actually have to use the top teams more wisely if you want to win, or else bad things happen. you can't just choose the colts or pats, call any play you want and expect everything to work. you still have to execute right? sure it's easier if you know what you're doing. that's obvious. but i guess that's why people who play with the pats and eagles dont earn as many ranking points online, if that matters to anybody or not... anyway. i'm obviously biased but i hear you, it's tough with weaker teams.

[Chase1974]

My comments weren't directed at long time Philly & Pats fans....

But if you were to go by the teams that people use online, there are only about three to five teams in the NFL that anyone follows...

As far as using the Browns go...I can occasionally move the ball & my record is about .500 , but as I was saying...all EA did was perpetuate people using the "Power Teams" , while making the task of using a lower team even harder than it was before.

I used to rely on quick decision making last year to beat teams, which is what it took to win because the better teams always had a monster pass rush....I am still making the reads quickly, but now I have to move the damn cone as well, which makes me that much more susceptible to the blitz.

I think the IDEA of the Vision Cone is great...I'm all about looking off receivers. I also am all for anything that makes the game more realistic & gets rid of alot of the cheesy tactics. I also like the fact that it has eliminated the mad Vick scramblers from running rampant...I just don't (as of now) like the way it was implemented.

Maybe I'll change my opinion in a few months...

[FatesBlade]

I've been conditioning myself by doing 10 push-ups and 10 crunches everytime I turn the ball over with out scoring a touchdown. Everytime I do score a touchdown using the Vision Cone thingy I give myself food and water. I haven't scored a lot of touchdowns but I'm in excellent shape.

[isamuelson]

Not to bust your bubble about using lesser teams, but I use the Browns too. I seem to like using them better cause it causes me to focus. You have to mix up your plays and learn what plays will work. It's a learning curve this year and takes time. I lost 7-0 against the Ravens and 14-9 against the Falcons. Both good games, but I struggle moving the ball. I believe it's mostly cause I kep changing playbooks and trying to figure out the plays.

I concur. When I've been beaten (only 1 win so far out of 11), a lot of the games were against QBs with a narrow cone and they were lighting my D up left and right. Even Da Bears beat me! :eek:

I would suggest starting out with a QB with a huge vision (Manning, Brady or Favre) where you don't really have to move it. Work your way down to the lesser teams and then start using the Right trigger/Receiver Icon combination. I've been trying this, even with Peyton. I'll focus on a seperate receiver and then when I'm ready to pass, I quickly switch to the receiver I really want to pass to and zing it. The best place to try this is in the Pocket Presence mini-camp drill. It takes a lot of practice and you can't give up. Once you can consistently beat the mini-camp on All-Madden mode, you've got it. All-Pro should get you to the level you need, though. I can pretty much get silver on that everytime I do it. It forces you to make your reads quicker and you practice hitting the Right Trigger/Receiver Icon button and pass.

[DirtyNate]

I run ONLY the bronco's online because I am in a offline league so I'm trying to get the feel of my squad. I agree 100% that now playing with the smaller coned QB's make it alot tougher. It's funny that I'm not seeing so much vick this year. I wonder why? someone posted earlier about using the browns and how tough it is to react quickly when blitzed heavily because of the cone. you are absolutely right. it's the end of the quick read for the most part. And if you found or met real HEAT online you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Nice idea, but this cone thing is a joke. But the precision can be so sweet, I won't play with the cone off. DAMN YOU EA!!! Why can't us madden enthusiasts have our cake and eat it too? oh yeah, they want us to buy '07. LEave the cone alone! I can't beleieve I'm talking about 07 already. What's my problem?

[isamuelson]

it's the end of the quick read for the most part.

Not really. You don't have to have the cone on your receiver if he's in the flats or you're running slants towards the middle. Drags and quick ins and outs also don't need the cone on the receiver. It's how I've made many "quick reads" (of course, I still get my butt waxed, but at least, the blitz only gets me because I hold on too long rather than dumping it to my back in the flats, etc).

This makes the game much more realistic in my opinion. It's just something that takes time getting used to. My first initial reaction was negative as well, but now, I like it. I think it has made me read my receivers better, although I still resort to my old ways of just chucking it into double, heck even triple coverage. I need to get off of that and I think this has forced me to do so. In fact, I find myself less often to be reading my primary receiver and then just blindly throwing it to another one if I feel the heat due to my cone not being on the other receiver. It's forcing me to read my routes better.

[SUPDOGG]

I've been conditioning myself by doing 10 push-ups and 10 crunches everytime I turn the ball over with out scoring a touchdown. Everytime I do score a touchdown using the Vision Cone thingy I give myself food and water. I haven't scored a lot of touchdowns but I'm in excellent shape.

Its very important to be health conscience.....wow, and what a great way to go about it. Genius are you!!!!!!!!!!!1 :)

[Silvrnblk14]

I too am very bad at it...but I see myslef getting in touch with it a lot better..so when guys play online are they going to be using this feature or will some guys play w/o it...doesn't matter to me i just want to have fun...

[grape00]

I'm completely frustrated with the passing cone. I think it will take forever to be comfortable with.

[stonicus]

It's a great idea, but it's a good example of where realism detracts from gameplay. I'm all for realism, but it gets to the point where ya just need to go outside with some friends and play some real football if you want that level of realism. Sure, if I stare down TO from the moment I hike the ball, they'll know I'm throwing to him, but why does that allow the middle linebackers to jump 10 feet in the air to pick it off? A lob should go over his head, and these guys jump like olympic high jumpers. Realism is all fine and dandy, but compromises have to be made. Who plays 15 minute quarters? Noone. And if you do, you get scores like 100-90. So right there, the realism aspect of how the gameplay should be is out the window.

And I agree that no NFL quarterback should throw a ball 20 yards off a receiver, when he knows the receiver's route and where he should be. A little off is ok, but 20 yards is too much. That's 60 feet. It's like me throwing the ball to you, but instead of hitting you in the numbers, I throw it over the 5 story building behind you. Oops.

Punt returns. Here's a situation I can't stand. Kicking team calls Punt Max Protect. I call Punt Return Middle. *kick* No defenders within 30 yards of my returner. Ball will land on 10. My returner shys away from the ball and decides to let it bounce in the endzone. One of the following will happen. It takes a magic bounce and stops on the 2 or goes out of bounds there. I try to manually move my returner there, it hits my foot and fumbles, or I scoop it up after running in circles around it and get a -1 yard return. I want a button to hold down to tell my receiver, "Catch the ball no matter where it lands!!!!!!"

Defense. I hate it when my opponent kills me in the flats with his running backs. So, to stop it, I call a play where someone is in a flat zone. *hike* Running back runs to flats, my defender with the flat zone blitzes or playes a middle/deep zone. I want them to do what I tell them to do, or what the play calls for. The auto decision making of changing the zones/coverages is very annoying, and is what causes all these AI glitches. I'd like some way to tell my defense, if in a pass defense, to do their friggen routes. If you're in a middle zone, go to your zone. Don't look at the back, or if he looks like it might be a handoff, do your zone anyway! Sure, the AI is trying to help, but when the guy calls PA passes like 80% of the time, *I* know what he's doing, and I'd like to refelct that in my defense.

Also, slot receivers running deep out posts. I can call 4 deep, prevent, quarter-3-deep any play, and somehow, that slot post guy always gets a lead on everyone. That play is a pain in my butt.

All in all, yeah the game is different, but I wouldn't say it's an improvement. If the glitches stay away I'll change my rating on this vs. '05, but seeing as some are already out there, it'll prolly be just as bad as last years. At least they got rid of the fatigue glitch. =)

[ahr19]

Does anyone out there know how to prevent your QB from pump faking when you are passing. The damn pump fake costs me sacks all the time. Would it just be better if you keep holding down R2 as you are scanning the field, pick your receiver ... let go of R2 and then hold down the receivers button ... would that work???

[TRUEVisionDC]

Youre supposed to hold down R2 when passing. If you dont he WILL pump fake. After the snap, hold R2 then hit the WR icon you want to throw to (that will lock the cone on that WR) then you press the icon again to throw. All while holding R2.

[ahr19]

OK, thanks for the response. I am gonna practice when I get home from work. Another thing ... if you are on DF and you have switch the controls to Madden 2005 Control options ... does Man/Zone Lock work?? First, you don't hear the noise like last year ... and if I have Man Lock on and I am in a zone and the people go in motion, I have only seen the zone people follow them across one time in like 12 games ... I am wondering if I have to switch my controls back to 2006 for this to work ... Any thoughts?

[duo]

I didnt want to say anything about the passing cone until I had sometime to play with it.I've been playing madden since the 2nd day i bought it and i must say"ITS THE WORST NEW FEATURE TO A GAME EVER".I understand how E.A wants realism in a game thats what we all want, but the cone view is just lousy.It detracts from realism,every quaterback in the league should know how to throw a football 10yrds away right? if the qb couldnt throw a simple pass like that he wouldnt be in the league...but in madden06 if you try a 10yrd curl and the cone isnt in the field of view of the reciever the ball is thrown badly what kind of realism is this?.This "cone" gimmick is just a joke a farce.

[DCRawImage]

I didnt want to say anything about the passing cone until I had sometime to play with it.I've been playing madden since the 2nd day i bought it and i must say"ITS THE WORST NEW FEATURE TO A GAME EVER".I understand how E.A wants realism in a game thats what we all want, but the cone view is just lousy.It detracts from realism,every quaterback in the league should know how to throw a football 10yrds away right? if the qb couldnt throw a simple pass like that he wouldnt be in the league...but in madden06 if you try a 10yrd curl and the cone isnt in the field of view of the reciever the ball is thrown badly what kind of realism is this?.This "cone" gimmick is just a joke a farce.

ok do this....stand straight and turn your neck all the way to the left lookin to your left and try to hit a target to your right that you cant even see...i know your not NFL quarterback material but the point is if your not looking at the target your pass will NOT be accurate.....for any QB in the leage

[rr2418]

ok do this....stand straight and turn your neck all the way to the left lookin to your left and try to hit a target to your right that you cant even see...i know your not NFL quarterback material but the point is if your not looking at the target your pass will NOT be accurate.....for any QB in the leage

I agree with duo, the passing cone is the worst feature ever! Remember when we had to press X to hike, and then X again to bring up the icons? Then EA got smart and came up with "quick passing". That was the best thing they could've added. Now they bring this passing cone which does distract from the game. Who cares if we can see the QB looking at the receiver. Who cares if you can look off your receiver! If EA wanted to put in a feature to look off a receiver, why didn't they just include it in the playcalling screen. For example, if you wanted the QB to look at TO, but you were going to pass to another receiver, then you could indicate that in the playcalling screen by pressing the appropriate buttons. Wanting to be realistic is one thing, but leaning to the gimmicky side is another. SOMETIMES MORE IS NOT ALWAYS GOOD!

EA, if your reading this, take that freaking passing cone crap out of next years game!!!

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I depise the vision cone. If i want a hard core sim i will look elsewhere for my video game enjoyment. I go back to the first genesis version of maddens. What always was the most fun for me and my friends was the ability to bomb it deep. We put a premium on controlling the WR and playing CB.

This is a joke.. Has anyone noticed that the defense oftentimes has better awareness than the offense? I was playing my brother last week w/the rams vs the vikings. I drop back w/bulger, i have holt coming in on a 20 yard curl, no one w/in 5 yards of him. I throw the ball and pat williams who was in a zone blitz was running his fat *** back to his zone, his back to the play the whole time magically sticks his hand up while NEVER TURNING AROUND and intercepts a ball that was going 5 yards over his head. I broke the controller. That is a freaking joke.

This is not realism, this is making things difficult so it looks to the buying public that EA is doing something new. This game is about 98% the same as last year.

Finally a question: Can the vision cone be turned off in online (probably non ranked) gameplay? Anyone answer this? Bueller?

[rr2418]

A question I have is, " Can you still lead your receiver or throw behind him with the passing cone turned off? ".

[kcchiefsno1]

I havent given really all the time i need to excell at it but, my first couple weeks of playing i dont like it. For one I am trying to learn it and since the d coverage is amped i throw about 5 int a game and thats if i dont get sacked the 5 or 6 times a game.......so i have been turning it off and just experimenting with it in the practice mode.

[DAFOWL1]

I love it but check this out I was playing a friend and he tried to turn it off. When I told him he cannot do that he got pissed and quit. He said let him play his game and I play mine. What do you think is that a unfair advantage on his behalf or am I just being petty.

[dapeoplezchamp]

The vision cone is a good idea as is precision passing. The one thing about precision passing is that the QBs are a bit too accurate throwing the ball up. Anyone who says that passing is hard this year is a crackhead. its so easy. The vision cone is easy to use and i look user defenders off with it and the precision passing makes the pass unstoppable if you are any good and are paying attention.

I have an offensive gameplan that cant be stopped unless I am experimenting with it or I am not paying attention.

Denver playbook
mostly use Shotgun 5 WR (Fl Fly) this is my money play although i also call the first weak I formation to the left of base weak I. (great for run, short pass, playaction deep)

Now, heres what you do- first off make sure to use the titans although at least half of the teams work well.

now do formation subs for 5 wr shotgun from left to right
Kinney, Bennet, Calico, Troupe, Roby.

make sure to hot route bennet and calico. in addition to their base routes slants, outs, and ins are very effective. to beat a blitz with corners in bump and run just send calico deep and tap his button as soon as he stops getting jammed. to beat zone post up to troupe or do ins to slot recievers. against man to man look for troupe, slant to either slot, or if there is no pressure- Calicos normal route. if all else fails Kinney is 6'5 with hands and his route is like a slantcurl that is an easy 5 yards.

the only way to effectively cover the recievers isnt that great and leaves 0-2 blitzers depending on how well you want to cover, and mcnair has decent speed- plus a curl to any of the recievers is tough to stop against this coverage- as is an out to bennett or calico.

maker sure to mix it up and only do this when you need to because it gets boring when you just use it to score 35 points a game against someone terrible. (Another option is to do shotgun 5 WR- package normal and your opponent will see you formation as 2 wrs 1 te 2 rbs and you still get troupe in the right place. If you start kinney at FB and troupe at Te you get them both as slot recievers plus chris brown as wideout left.

this normal package works well with the chargers (although lorenzo neal is the worst reciever ever) because you get gates posting up and LT in the slot.

also- if you play with chiefs and put hall as wideout right- his streak is very effective against slower CBs and kennison and Gonzalez are beasts over middle and priest is ncie too.

Keep in mind that this defense is like my favorite NFL team- the ravens (It cant be beaten but you can beat yourself pretty easily). You have to stay alert and call audibles, playmakers, hot routes, etc. (I dont actually do it right all that often because i can slack off and it will work against almost everyone.)

FYI- besides this play and that one nice weak I formation this playbook is terrible. it has no i form twin TE which is an amazing running formation (put OTs at TE).

I dont know that much about playing shutdown D although my strategy is to hope my opponent makes mistakes or I get lucky and just make sure i give up no easy TDs. Anyone can score if they play well this year. You dont need any glitches or crazy secrets its all about hot routes and precision passing up to tall recievers.

and as for the titans- the offense is the hardest to stop in the game tied with raiders- but good luck with the defense and mcnair is horrendous about one out of ten games and gets hurt like 1 of 3 to 5 games although volek is more accurate and has a strong arm.

now go whupass or send me a friend invite (bcf1991).

i dont actually play that much anymore (school during week and party on weekends)

to actually learn how to pass send me a friend invite and a message and ill play an unranked game against you

[Raiders4life]

This is entirely realistic, though.

Think about it... if you've ever played QB, even in flag football....

1) you have to know the routes before hand
2) you have to know the timing of each pattern, and the sequence of your reads.
3) you have to have a primary WR, and a secondary, etc.
4) You have to read the defense pre snap.
5) You have to read post snap.
6) You have to avoid the pass rush while checking down your WRs.
7) You have to look defenses off as not to telegraph the pass.
8) You have to make the right throw at the right time.

There is a crap load more that goes into passing the ball, including throwing on the run, knowing when to tuck it and take off, dump offs, taking the sack, throwing it away...

QB is not SUPPOSED to be easy. It always has been in previous years. Last year, against soft man, I could throw a hook route over and over and over with 95% efficiency.

This year, if I try that garbage, it gets picked. As it should be.



Best tip of the year! I may not have the best stick out there but I like this game because it is realistic enough. Not quite there yet because until people starts to NOT play with their "one play wonder play" the online experience will be crap IMO. I had fun with my buddies because its about out coaching one another.

Well, thats it. Great tip Man, if we can give rep points I will right now :)

[AKWA6]

Not quite there yet because until people starts to NOT play with their "one play wonder play" the online experience will be crap IMO.

True...

but hey...talk about poor coaching (which is very popular in madden, always have). There were no single unstopable play in 2005 except fg/punt block glitch, doubt there will be one in 2006 either. 2006 is kinda new and there is lot of bums around who might even have decent record by running one play all game (deep lob to moss), but that is just because peeps havent yet find how to stop them. And when it happens those bums quit Madden or start glitching..:D


Great post by JPar for sure, that what its all about and should be.

One point more..I was mad nano blitzer/loop rusher in 2005 and boy I do love this new system where foolproof pass rush doesn't exists any more.

[isaiah01]

I like the concept of the Vision Cone but using the R2 trigger is overkill. I wish you could press the button of the receiver you want to throw to, QB turns, then press it again to throw the ball.

It's not true realism: A QB almost always looks exactly at his target before he throws it & doesn't use his left hand to turn his neck to the left or right. It's just natural.

Also, this wouldn't be such a big deal if there wasn't a 1/4 second delay after each button is pressed online.

For Example: Play Action Pass. Pump fake to FLanker (running a fly) to move the coverage. Then throw to my TE running a deep post.

Let's see:

First QB takes 2+ seconds to Play Action. After that I hold R2 and press (square) to highlight FL...Release R2 and press R2 again to pump fake...Then hold R2 and press L1 to highlight the TE...press L1 with the D-Pad or L3 in the direction I want to lead him...............If he's not open I might as well tuck and run because the heat is probably already on.

Take out the R2 please
If they did, the sequence of buttons in the aforementioned scenario would be as follows: press (square) to look at FL...R2 to pump fake...press L1 to look at the TE then L1 again to throw it.

I'm thinking about importing Jason Kidd into Madden since he is so good at the no look pass. LOL

With all that said...I still like it though...just harder with the Ping time delays online.

Isaiah01

[HonorTheRun77]

Most people who dont like the Cone in my opinion are probably heavier on THE cheese side of play... I HOPE EA KEEPS THE CONE, the DBs finnaly play the deep ball better than ever ...OHHH and its alot harder to run str8 back 20yrds and then lob it .... GOD PLEASE KEEP THE CONE !! :mad:

[Nijjar]

at first i didn't like it but now i cant play without it. It's so efficient because when i dont have the cone on the person i throw the ball to it usually gets intercepted or easily knocked down

[eminem2020]

Man finnaly precision passing for years the same thing kept coming until this year madden 2006 this game really challenges you with the fact that you can throw exactly where you want to instead of a 25 out of 100 chance of cathing the ball. last years version didn't have the domination you can take when passing the ball I used to do running plays all the time but now I'm allways passing seriously I might not be peyton manning at this game in passing yet but for now I'm Donovan mcnabb this feature actually made me buy this game the best feature to see in a football game yep its the best.

[CapnKill]

I like the cone, but please for the love of god ... MOVE THE PUMP FAKE!!

[Bearfanmike20]

I like the cone, but please for the love of god ... MOVE THE PUMP FAKE!!


I second that motion. It's not just a ps2 problem either.

[franchise448]

It sucks cause if your being rushed you are forced to make an inaccurate throw and probably cause a int. It would be much better if you could do the things that you can with vision without the cone.