VG Sports Newsletter Archive

VG Sports Madden Newsletter - April 22, 2008

In this issue....

1) NCAA 09 Headlines

2) Let It Snow - Madden 09 Weather

3) VG Sports Strategy Corner

4) Madden Resources

NCAA 09 Headlines

EA Sports is starting to let some info leak out about the new game. For us the most interesting things are the smart routes, formation audibles and just the general AI changes.

Wide Open and Authentic College Style Gameplay

It's Wide Open

• Bigger holes, cutback lanes, and open receivers, making the game feel more wide open than ever before
• Directional pump fake on the R stick
• New college specific tackling engine

Home Field Advantage with new mini-game components

• Pre-play confusion and difficulty making adjustments when on the road against tough teams
  
• All new toughest places to play with dynamic rankings

All-new Mascot Mode with User Controlled Celebrations

• Mascot Games
• Interactive TD celebrations

College Atmosphere & Pageantry

• All-new Dynamic Crowd System
  
• College sidelines are packed with additional players, mascots, cheerleaders, and more
  
• All-new authentic fields with new textures, lighting, and field degradation
  
• New college player models, including more than 50 alternate uniforms
  
• User Customizable Stadium Sounds & Music
  
• Breakaway crowd reactions

Depth & Innovation

• Online Dynasty is here!!!
  
• Roster file sharing online
  
• Improved recruiting system in Dynasty mode highlighting ease and accessibility
  
• New post game presentation and play by play commentary
  
• 1-4 player offline co-op
  
• Return missed field goals
  
• Bluff your play art to confuse opponents
  
• Formation audibles
  
• Smart routes
  
• Bobble catches
  
• Better passing control
  
• Post play continuation
  
• All-New Mini Games
  
• Random play selection in practice mode
  
• Quick replay
  
• CPU vs. CPU (watch mode)
  
• Smooth 60 FPS on PS3
  
• Even teams option in play now
  

Let It Snow

EA has still been pretty tight lipped about what we can expect to see in Madden 09. They have posted a little tidbit about the improved weather graphics.

See the vast visual improvements to the graphics of Madden NFL 09 in a new weather comparison screenshot. In Madden NFL 09 you'll see deeper snow on the fields, with dramatic accumulation and realistic wear from play. Player's footsteps will leave imprints, snow will be piled on the sidelines and the yardage lines will be shoveled, just like in a real game.

VG Sports Strategy Corner

by Philly Ron

Throughout the year I have to do things to make sure that I keep fresh thoughts and good strats to write for you. This week, I did that by joining a tournament league and I must say it has been a wake up call and got me to get back in the lab heavy to re-tool. Here is one of the new plays that I am running right now.

The play that I want to focus on is the Shotgun Trips SE Under. This play will allow us to attack the defense in both man and zone and will also let us stay in the set and still pressure the defense with the no huddle.

Cover 3 is starting to be the most used Zone in the game and it is also the choice of the guys in tournament play.

I like to make a few pre snap adjustments. We start off by sending the (X) receiver (outside left) on a fade and the (A) receiver (inside left) on a streak.

Next I put the HB on a slant out and move him over to the left.

The first key point of the play is the mesh here by the HB running the slant out and the slot receiver running the streak. We also benefit here with the slot receiver running the deep post.

The safety that is supposed to be protecting the deep third has turned inside and went to play the streaking (A) receiver.

Immediately I throw the deep fade to the split end.

I have the unique opportunity to have my XBOX Live friends list full and get a ton of messages a day to please add new ones. I can't stress enough, that you need to keep your gaming circle advancing. The new league I am in is by far the toughest that I have been in since head to head play with my Gametime Philly Brothers.

I encourage you to put your skills against talent that can make you look bad if you make any mistakes. This play is just the start of a new offense I am trying to get down (Pitt) and the league I am in is forcing the learning curve.

This writeup was taken from the Virtual Filmroom for Madden. For more information, go to:

http://www.maddenfilmroom.com