Thursday, August 20, 2009
On this week show, ZFarls and Sgibs break down:
The Madden Release
Online Franchise
Online Franchise Game Speed (for OS own TJ Da Sports Guy!)
Accelerated Clock
Fatigue
Tournament Scene
We also bring you Sgibs7 Tip of the Week!
http://tinyurl.com/n88dhe
If you have any questions for the show, or would like to hear your topic debated "in the trenches" just let us know! Thanks.
Next week, we are going to be talking sim players and fantasy drafts. We would love to hear the OS Community thoughts!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
"In addition to these game modifiers, players can purchase "EliteStatus" through the game's multiplayer lobby. What does it do? It'llgive you access to "exclusive VIP lobbies, leaderboards" and will grantyou access to "the all new Elite Gametype" which features "All-Maddendifficulty level and is tuned exclusively for the hardcore." Wait,what? EA, you're seriously charging money for a new difficulty mode? (IGN reports that it'll be $5.) Those looking for the ultimate Madden experience will have to prepare for sticker shock when the game ships next week."
ZFarls- Wait a tick here, So not only do I have to buy the game but now I have to pay the extra 5 dollars to hop on and play the way I want to play it? Now we aren't sure if this rumor is true but if so it will be BS.
Imagine paying 60 dollars to play at a local golf course and you line up to drive off the first tee. The ranger walks up and says hey buddy, you can only tee off from the whites, if you want to play the blue tees that will be another 5 bucks? Would you stand for that?
EA has taken unfair criticism in my mind for being a conglomerate and having the exclusive Madden license. However, if this is true then they are taking it to a whole new level. They have already started partnering with gamestop for exclusive demo codes and this will be the worst of all.
Why not make two different lobbies for online play, one for sim and one for "tourney style" for now? I mean the majority of gamers will not be affected by paying for elite status but the ones who care enough to stand for it will be. The true gamers that wait for release and play a ton will be the ones paying not little timmy who screams into the mic and whose mom buys him the game.
If you pay 60 dollars for something, you should be able to play it however you want. I am totally cool with sim players who are trying to recreate that NFL experience and they should not be affected by more hardcore players.
However, I completely understand those gamers who want to be the best at everything they do and will RC because it increases the chances of winning. When they matchup against other players using the same tactics then it creates a level playing field. I am not down with glitches, but those are banned at tourney's anyway and take no skill. Someone who is taking the quick way out for wins will never be a good player and I stand by that.
Overall, Madden 10 is a great game so far and I hope EA has a decent explanation besides money and that this may just be a rumor. Ultimately, 5 dollars isn't alot of money but the principle and standard it sets could be worth millions. Should you have to pay for a patch or should they do it for free because you expect the game to be working originally?
I think NHL 09 did the absolute best job in patching a game that I have ever seen. They took our most glaring complaints and quickly resolved them. Then they tuned the gameplay with the second update. Now EA doesn't just sell me CD Discs. They sell me a commitment and product year after year which should only be getting better. NHL 10 is an absolute MUST BUY for me because the developers truly cared about their fans and did an amazing job listening and implementing. On the other hand, NCAA 09 didn't give me this feeling or experience and I skipped out on NCAA 10.
In the end, tourney players don't want rocket catching in the game. The true guys at the top like the problem and Kstarr will be able to get "dots" no matter how the game is configured. They will play whatever game comes out in August. If its a sim style game that pleases the masses then they will still dominate and then everyone can play that style and have a chance.
I guess in the end its the question of what paying 60 dollars gets you, the disc or the overall madden 10 experience? I think in the long run EA will make more money providing the overall experience instead of nickel and diming consumers to death.
Monday, July 27, 2009
There are moments in video games that make you get up off the couch and do a little Tiger Woods fist pump. These are the reasons we play the games and they give us that rush that we couldn't pull off in real life.
Over the last generation, EA has made there controls more intuitive and allowed the user to feel as if they were actually controlling a specific part of the player. This has come along way from button pressing and will hopefully lead us into even more realistic simulations years from now when we are actually in the game.
In this article ZFarls breaks down the best uses of new controls and how they allow you to feel as if you are part of the game. These are my favorite things to control in sports games and things that get me fired up when I do them.
In reverse order:
7. NCAA 2K7- Making it rain with the stick-
The first game on the list is the only non EA game on the list. Sgibs and our college roomates had the filthiest Dynasty mode in this game. It had elements of drama, comedy, sabotage, tragedy, and greatness. We all picked average SEC teams and took them on 5 year missions. When I played one of my roomates in the NCAA Tourney and drew back that stick for a GW 3, one thing was clear, if the shot went in I was going to go NUTS! This led to one of my sober college stories.
I drilled the game winning three as time expired from the deep corner. I put my shirt over my head and ran outside in the courtyard screaming and doing the soccer like airplane celebration. I forgot that it was 3 a.m. and it was very quiet and dark outside. I went back inside and about 2 minutes later we received a knock on the door from the campus security.
Im responding to a noise complaint, sir have you been drinking?
No sir, Im dead sober but I just advanced to the final four by drilling a 3 from the corner and I got a little excited.
Although he asked me how old I was, I believe he had the spirit of a gamer and told me to be quieter next time. I invited him back for some tecmo superbowl but he never showed back up. He must have known we would shut him out.
6. FIFA - Curving one in from outside the box!
Coming down the wing and using the spin back in FIFA 06 or 07 was a great experience for me. When you use the RB and tucked it nicely, there was nothing quite like it. Properly executing a scoring play in soccer is something that get me fired up. Maybe you see one pass ahead of the defender and finishing it properly feels so natural.
5. Tiger Woods- Holing out from 75+ yards
Tiger probably has the most realistic controls seeing as how the club relates to the analog stick. I would argue that golf is probably the most difficult thing to do on the list. Everyone can golf, but so few do it well that the game is a great escape. In real golf, knowing what you want to do and completing it are rarely done.
When you play Tiger and you know that the wind is 6 mph left and the hole is 10 feet up you start to think that you have a shot at it. Then you pull back right to 87 percent with that stick and fling it forward. Alot of the times you just know that good things are going to happen. The screen goes black and the heart rate picks up. That ball make the distinctive sound of whacking the green and then just two seconds later you hear the ball holing sound.
Now its clear why tiger gets so jacked up on big putts. The anticipation is so big and when that ball finally drops a fist pump is coming. When you properly execute a shot that you lined up its is one of the best feelings in EA games, also because its so much more difficult in real life.
4. NCAA Football- Running the option and timing the pitch or cutting it up
For me this extends back to NCAA 03 with Joey Harrington on the cover. The pitch was very easy in this game and you could throw it longer and later. This led to me and the Huskers with Jamal Lord and Diedrick running the show. I would hit the outside and look to slice it or let it rip. When you fake a pitch and hang onto it everything just feels right. This has properly been slowed down in new versions but when you could hit that bumper button and pitch the ball it just feels right.
3. Madden-Throwing a TD like you drew it up
Madden is a game where things are repeat and alot of the work is done before the play. However, when you control the QB and make a proper read with the game on the line almost nothing feels better.
You are playing some chump online who has gotten a few fumbles. He keeps running the same play and finally you see how to expoit it. You need to be quick because only 13 seconds remain on the clock.
You snap the ball and drop back, his safety stays short with the curl you placed and you have a shot at the end zone. You huck the ball and user control the receiver as you get into position you SLAM down on the Y button as your WR jumps up into the air! TD and finally you have the W against some joke who shouldn't have been in the game with you in the first place.
That will get you up off the chair and pumped.
2. Fight Night Round 3-Dropping you opponent with a mean combo
The punching stick was a welcome addition and brought some of the most intuitive controls to any boxing game yet. This made it more natural feel to a match and could lead to some beautiful knockdowns. When you target an opponents weakness and hammered back on that right analog stick for a quick 1-2 combo it feels great. With the beautiful knockdown animations and realistic reactions it got you fired up no doubt about it. You felt good because you controlled the action with the right stick and there was nothing he could do to stop it. You then got up in your little brothers face and let him know about it as well.Fight Night Round 4, will not be featuring buttons which will hurt the casual gamer, however this will also lead to good stick on stick battles and not one person throwing more punches because they are just mashing buttons.
ZFarls is on a fight night podcast for Round 4 and will let people know about it when they are getting released.
1. NHL 09-Dangling and finishing upstairs in OT-
This is the game online that has made the biggest strides. Since the game is continuous with no real set up, you always find yourself in new and interesting situations. You must be creative with the sticks if you want to win some games. You have many moves at your disposal and putting one away always feels good. NHL 09 completely took a risk with adding these controls and they got a huge payoff by becoming the dominant hockey game in the market. If your friend uses classic controls let him know that he is a chump.
When you scoop up the puck in OT and get on a breakaway so many things flash into the mind, you must get that right stick and mind on the same page and finish. I would say scoring a game winning goal in this game elicits the biggest reaction. I always seem to stand up when I finish and get a little pumped. The right stick makes for such a good feel to the game and when you make a sick dangle you just gotta get excited. Thats why were on earth right, for fun?
With more realistic simulations in the future, hopefully the controls can continue to become more realistic and natural feeling. I hope users will continue to want more from their games each season and the developers have the ability to deliver. If you have a game or move that you enjoy please post in the comments section or Email ZFarls
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
5 More Tips to Own the Octagon in UFC Undisputed!
I used this pic before but can you blame me?
1) Make sure you know how many rounds are in the fight you are playing. Some people manually change it to 5 rounds prior to the match. (I've never seen a match be 2 min online, but still this is something you should know). If you are engaging in a 5 round match, just throwing hay-makers left and right in the first two rounds is probably a bad idea. Don't get me wrong, if a window to connect on someone the way that Dan Henderson did to Michael Bispings jaw, take it. However, if for some reason the fight goes into the championship rounds (rounds 4 and 5) you want some energy to play with. If you've ever watched a UFC championship fight, generally there is not a lot of action in the first round because they want to make sure they have some gas left in the tank for the later rounds. On the other hand, if you're matched up in the rare 2 round fight, you can go a little more balls to the wall, but keep in mind your stamina because you don't want to get caught in a situation where you are dominating and get caught in a submission attempt.
Yowza, how could I not repost!!!
2) Stop being predictable. Playing a person is 100x different than playing the computer. After transitioning from the ground back to a stand up position, most people try for a head kick or a superman punch/swinging hook. It works against the computer, but when you're playing another person, it usually does not. Most people, myself included, primarily defend the face rather than the body, and from playing online apparent that a lot of people try to execute head kicks or strong head punches immediately after regaining the stand up position. Meaning, you should either be ready to block this, clinch off of it, or hit the other person in the stomach! Blocking their attack with a clinch can be VERY frustrating for the opponent,and they might even stop trying that tactic all together after a couple of times. The clinch is a very underrated position in this game. If you have the right fighter, you can perform trips, tosses and slams out of this. It should cause your opponent to stop throwing wild hay-makers. If you are playing with your friends in person, watch your friends tendencies. If after every stand up Timmy is going for a high leg kick, make a mental note, expose it when you fight him, and dominate off of it.
Bald guy in the background is like mcdonalds, LOVIN IT!
3) Try to score the fight in your head. Its fairly rare online,but some fights do end up going the distance and there is a decision tobe made by the judges. When entering the third round (assuming its a three round fight), you should think about how the fight has gone so far. Who was landing more strikes? Who was in more advantageous positions on the ground? Who was controlling the flow of the fight? If you honestly feel like you're winning at that point then keep that in mind. Don't put yourself in a position to get knocked out or submitted. There is no shame in being victorious via decision. Sure knocking out the opponent or making him quit is great, however a victory is a victory. But on the other hand, if you have been knocked around like a red headed step child all fight, go for the gusto in the third round. If the fight goes the distance, then you will probably lose the decision anyways, so at this point you need to go for the home run. Go for the knockout or submission, if you end up getting caught and get knocked out, as mentioned before, you probably would have lost already, so whats the big deal? But with all of this talk about judges decisions leads me to...
4) At all costs, DO NOT leave the fight in the hands of the judges. Sure keeping track of the fight in your head and scoring it yourself is helpful, but at the end of the fight, its out of your hands. While you may or may not agree with the decision of the judges,there say is final. You may think you dominated the fight, but the judges might think otherwise. If you had the opportunity to win the fight in the middle of the last round, but held back because you thought you would grab the decision, then shame on you. Do what Master Chief did in Halo 3: Finish the Fight.
5) Not only should you know your fighters strengths, be aware of the other fighters strengths. If you are not constantly taking advantage of your opponents weaknesses you're not a fighter. One of the most popular heavyweight fighters in the game is Brock Lesnar,especially after UFC 100. If you are locking up against Lesnar, you must realize that his main strengths are power and his great wrestling. If you're squaring off against Lesnar, you should be trying to avoid the power punches, and at all costs avoid being mounted. (You should always avoid being mounted, but when fighting power fighters this is mandatory). You should NEVER pull guard against Lesnar. However, if someone is overly aggressive with Lesnar then there stamina will rapidly decline, opening a window for a very easy submission against him. Lesnar can deliver devastating punches but is extremely easy to tapout if he has low stamina. When fighting against a submission specialist make sure your stamina never goes below half. You will need some energy when trying to get out of a submission.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Podcast Recap
1.Tutorial, Tutorial, Tutorial
2. Play with the stamina bar on
3.. Select a proper fighter and style – try them all out
4. Keep proper spacing in the ring, leg kick can help with that
5. Block the face, grapple the body
6. Show no mercy, always go for the kill/submittal when its available
7. Full mount, always go for the body punch first
8. Try a muay tuay one handed clinch once a fight.
9. Learn how to block, reverese, minor/major transitions and know all the positions for each style
10. Play whatever style benefits you best. Some guys hate to go to the ground, well they can buy fight night. Others will just lay on top of you and hold. You need to work your opposition into your gameplan to be succusful. I am an average striker with above average ground game. I bang up top until I see an adventagous position to shoot. I have never once gone into a match thinking submittal but when it happens Bang, see you later.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Its not NCAA the games fault, its the release cycle
With the NCAA Football demo making its way online yesterday, many people began to hammer it on forums and twitter. They also used it to decide whether or not to purchase it. Although I run a madden site, NCAA was actually my drug of choice in the early part of the decade.
Some Quick Demo Thoughts-Overall, it didn’t seem much different, my brother is an NCAA fanatic and when I asked him how it was, his lack of enthusiasm scared me. I liked the new sideline animations and although I could still RC a curl the defender seemed to react to it better and did the same animation.
I felt the difference in the vibrating stick but didn’t enjoy it. People said it felt like Madden 09, but I didn’t fully sense that. One thing I noticed was the pop up ball on a qb hit, as I got 2 user pics that way. People have such a negative attitude towards the game this year, whether it’s the way madden overshadowed it in the community or the roster error it doesn’t seemed to be as hyped as in previous years. I used to get all jacked up for it…
NCAA 03 with Joey Harrington on the cover may be the worlds finest sports game and ranks in my all-time top 3 for games. I can specifically remember calling numerous stores to try and get it early by a few hours and even considered taking a ride to Fricken OHIO to get a copy a day early. It is not that I like Madden more or anything like that I just don’t know what happened to the series. Lets see…
NCAA 02-04 were absolutely dominant options in my mind. There is no doubt these raised the bar higher than any Madden game until…
Madden 05- This for me was the killer game in the series. NCAA got a unique speed and feel update but Madden took leaps ahead with playmakers and hit stick. I liked NCAA 05 with Larry Fitz but the running lagged and too many passes were dropped. It had a refined option which was better though.
NCAA 07- I was never excited more for a video game. I saw some sweet commercials and had my brand new xbox 360 tuned up. I was living on Cape Cod and working at a resort that summer. Any time I wasn’t working, beaching or hanging out with my GF, I wanted to be playing NCAA. I had a nice dorm room with TV and a great little xbox set up. I drove and picked up the game and couldn’t have been more disappointed with it. I wasn’t even going to buy Madden that year because I was leaving for Australia on Sept 1.
The whole next gen until 08 for EA was a complete debacle and left a bad taste in my mouth. I skipped NCAA 08 and picked up Madden 08, which started the Maddenbible.
For NCAA 09, I had skipped a few generations and was pumped about the online dynasty. I split it with my brother and by the time Madden had came out, I let him take it to school. There wasn’t enough there to keep my interest.
Spending 60 dollars is not the issue for me, its more of will I get my 60 dollars worth for this game. I have decided I will buy depending on updates and cycle of the games.
Should you purchase every cycle?
NCAA- I buy every other year for the most part. My brother is a huge fan so we may split the game, but he thought the demo was similar to last years. He is still a student so 60 dollars to him is a good chunk of money that could be spent on something else. This game has been a one month teaser until Madden comes out. I love college football in real life and enjoy the rosters which they didn’t get right. That turned me off.
Fight Night- Round 3 was amazing and captured my heart with the demo. I was pumped for round 4 until I got the UFC demo. Now I may wait a few months on fight night. This is a good thing because if it was a yearly offering I would skip it completely, however, because I know it will be around and had a long dev cycle, I will wait to pick it up no problem.
Tiger Woods- This was also a killer series in its early years. I bought yearly until 07. I skipped 07 with the next gen and ended up buying 08. I skipped 09 and while I was pumped for 10, I didn’t pick it up yet. I would ideally like to see more courses over anything else. Golf games will never change too drastically so I feel like waiting and the advent of Tiger Woods Online will be huge for the genre.
NHL - 93,94,98 were some of my favorite NHL games. The series started to feel similar and I even switched to 2k5 for a while. However, EA gambled and hit the JACKPOT with it’s right stick controls. This was the greatest move in the history of EA sports and they will be getting a yearly purchase from me until they lose this magic. Hockey is so fluid and non set up like football. You are constantly finding yourself in new places on the ice with great tools. The EAHL will only make this game grow as a community and NHL deserves all the praise it receives.
College Hoops- NCAA 2k7 is in my top 5 of all time games. I have not enjoyed a March Madness game since 90’s, but purchased one last year. As long as the game is fun and competitive, I could care less about the bells and whistles. I was taking on my bro who was Duke with Stephon Curry. The game was a back and forth battle which always adds to the experience. Just as Curry was about to heave a 3 for the game winner, it suddenly froze. This could have been a great matchup that propelled us to play more but it kind of spoiled it for me.
NBA- Dead to me.
Madden- I actually skipped 07 due to being out of the country, however this was sgibs GAME. 08 was a good offering and 09 updated despite being a down year on the tournament scene.
With Madden 10, I see transparency in the EA development cycle and am very pleased. I see a company who is often scrutinized who has done everything to get feedback from it’s community. Hopefully this will all be worked out with a game that has evolved and really hit its stride in this generation. I commend the team on their hard work and will continually be buying Madden until I see this flame die out.
Overall: I don’t feel like the yearly additions to the game are making a big enough of an impact. With two football releases coming within a month of eachother it doesn’t leave a lot of time for everything else.
At the end of the day football is just that. They can’t make huge changes because they have nailed 95% of the game for 7+ years now.The meat and potatoes will always be the gameplay which will rarely change. We might get a new camera angle or idea but in the end you will still pick a play with 11 guys on the field. Adding a new helmet or more realistic wristband just won’t do it for me. I am a big picture guy.
This will lead to non yearly release in my opinion and a different style of purchase for future generations. Will their be a Madden 19? Who can honestly say. How could they still have anything new to put in, football will still be the same game by then and they are already doing a great job emulating it.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Peterson is going to put an emphasis on the “Fight For Every Yard” this year for Vikings fans. Sgibs Breakdown:
HB Adrian Peterson- Key Stats: There was a lot of talk, last year over who was the “best” Madden 09 back. Reggie, LT, and AP were the candidates. Peterson emerged as the sole superstar and is hands down the best running back in Madden 2010. AP will be the heart and sole of this offense. 95 speed, 97 acceleration, and 96 agility compliment Petersons 97 overall ratings. Area of concern for Peterson…69 carry.
WR Harvin/Berrian- Key Stats: These two WR will compliment each other on the outside. Both are speedy and both are deep threats. Tavaris Jackson does have the arm to sling it deep but really is a red flag with his 67 overall rating. Can he deliver the ball on a consistent enough basis to his playmaking WR’s? Not many teams will possess two 97 speed WR’s on the field at the same time. If you can make T.Jack work, watch out for this offense. Can you say Brett Favre?
FS Tyrell Johnson- Key Stats: Johnson is a bit of a no name when we think “elite” Madden players. However he is certainly a game changer. With the reduced stats this year he still boasts a solid speed rating of 89, 92 jumping, and a 74 tackle. Paired with Madeau Williams, Johnson poses to be a scary USER player for all opposition. Look out for this Madden gem as we approach the upcoming season!
The Minnesota Vikings were a dark horse in Madden 09 and they again fall into that category for Madden 2010. If Brett Favre decides to lace up for another campaign he could easily bring them to elite status. They have speedy WR’s as well as height, both sides of the line are dominant, and there secondary has height. Mix that in with strong tackling linebackers and we have a very deadly team to deal with. Like a little speed at QB for situational reasons , no problem, call in T. Jack.
ZFarls: You are going to be able to do serious work running the ball to the left side of the line. If AP can keep his fumbles down this team will be dynamic.
The lack of a QB will hurt them but you will still be able to scheme short throws and play action to their blazing WR's (pun intended.)
The D-line is so strong with Allen and Williams' that the lack of good LB's wont matter. They have solid but slow CB's who will get the job done on the outside with a user safety over the top.
I think the Vikings take a hit due to the new ratings system, however, once we see how they game plays they have enough talent to continue their popularity. Favre will be a great virtual upgrade for them because they have nothing else. I love to be able to scheme with T-Jack and if you love to run and play solid defense with a good d-line this could be your team.
Stay tuned to our countdown for more teams!
Follow us on twitter for real time tips, plays and strategies!
@ZFarls
@Sgibs7
Monday, June 8, 2009
How To Find Quality Madden Online Opponents
Today’s question is from Leon in Boston, MA
ZFarls,
Love the site but I have a question about online. Do you recommend going into a play now game or into the east lobby to get a game? What are some things to look for before playing someone?
The lobby system is imperative to finding a good game of Madden. You are investing an hour of your time in playing a game so it is important to get a similar level player as well as someone who is going to play fair and give you a challenge.
With a game like NHL 09, I usually just quick ranked match and take whatever comes first as long as they aren't screaming into the mic or signing in 4 people to play with. Most games only last around 20 minutes max so even if you get an unskilled or dominant opponent, you aren't locked in to such a long tilt.
With a game like NHL a weaker player can hang with a big dog because the games go quickly and you can set up “plays”. I would say the better player wins somewhere between 75-90% still but there is a greater chance for an upset.
In Madden however, a far better player will win upwards of 95% of the time because of longer games and advanced tactics. The weaker player has to use specific strategies like creating a time of possession advantage and forcing a turnover. (good players rarely turn the ball over on purpose)
I know are concerned about there records and rank but that isn’t the most important factor. People buy Madden because they want good matches and like to spend their free time battling and getting better. You want to play good games against equally matched opponents and not spend time running it out against the cpu up 57-3. We have all played the good quality games that come down to the last play, whether we win or lose we remember those games and the little adjustments we had to make. I hardly remember any of the blowouts against someone who could barely hold a controller. Here are some tips to find a good opponent for Madden Online and get your time and moneys worth.
1. Players DNF%- This is the first element that you should take into account. Whether it is a poor connection or players quitting, this level can help you weed out some of the weaker players. I’m not saying all of these players are ill legit but why risk the fact that they haven't finished a high percent of their games. Quitting is a frustrating thing especially if you hung tough to get the win. Playing an opponent on a laggy connection to can also be frustrating and lead to errors that a smooth game would avoid. There are too many madden players out there to risk an hour getting into one of these games. Move on.
2. Opponents Record- These numbers are a good reflection of what you should expect in game. If the person is 237-195 they are most likely a solid and consistent player with a solid scheme who has seen most tactics. If the person is 95-31 they are most likely a good who does one thing extremely well but if you can lock it up, you should be in for a game. I rarely if ever play people with less than .500 record. How can they challenge you to get better?
3. Opponents Lvl- Not important? WHAT. How can you say that all people have glitched and cheated to become a level 35 are not important? They have played over 500 games and spent countless hours wasting their time for a number. Your gonna say its not important? YES I AM
4. Opponents Avg Opp Lvl- This is the key element in determining a opponent. I have demolished level 29+ players whose average opponent level is 1. They win every game by mercy against 13 year olds who want to try and knock off a "top" player. They use the same 3 plays and one blitz to frazzle the level ones. As soon as you locate one of these players get into a game and punch them in the mouth. Everyone has a plan during a game of Madden, until you get hit in the mouth. These players cant hold their own against good competition. On the other hand when someone is 23-21 with average opponent level of 13-17, bring it on. These are the best type of players out there. They don’t spend a lot of time playing but seek good competition when they do. They havent seen every offense out there yet but can adapt to anything being thrown at them. These are the types of players you want to become because playing the best competition will always make you better. What are you gonna learn from a level 1?
5. Going in for more- The statistics EA provides are very helpful and can help weed out alot of the potential problem gamers. During the beginning of the season, anyone with a TB Playbook I refused to play against. 90% of the people were using it to run the direct snap glitch rather then the solid offense it is capable of. Anyone who blitzes 95% of hurries up 95% is probably not going to get an invite either.
I don't claim to be sim or even want to be, but something is fishy about those numbers. Sometimes if I see these numbers on a lower skilled player, I will choose to play them because they clearly don't have alot of variety and if you can stop there blitz then you get the W. This screen can tell alot about a player.
Numbers to analyze- If they have high scrambles on pass play- Do you have an effective defensive to scheme against this tactic? Play them. But if you struggle against players that use this then move on to the next gamer.
Madden is one of the most popular games online and there are many "fish in the sea." If you smell something funny with one then move on and take on the next player in line. I recommend spending 2-5 minutes however, looking for a game and opponent that will help you bring out the best in the game.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Today’s article might be something that you already do and it may be something that you have never thought of. Madden is not that different then football on Sundays. There are a few basics that we ALL must follow in order to be successful. Unfortunately I think that most of us are overseeing the effectiveness of understanding what we are actually doing. Predominantly the number one thought on all our minds is, “What works, how do I do it, and tell me how to do it!” It seems no one wants to know WHY certain plays/formations work or even when to use certain plays/formation. Well no more! Today at Madden Bible we are going to resurrect your understanding of the game!
Each year when Zfarls and myself set forth to find a new offensive scheme we always look for five basic needs: a base set, a power running set, a spread set, a compressed set, and a bunched set. We scan through playbooks and search for ones that fit those needs. In Madden 2009 we came across two playbooks that fit this mold: Run N’ Gun and the Indianapolis playbook. Right away these were the two that we focused on. Zfarls took grasp of the Run N’ Gun while I worked the Indy playbook. Most playbooks can fit 3-4 of our expectations however these two specifically have all that we are looking for. There are specific reasons for each of the sets we have mentioned, let’s take a Madden Bible look!
Each one of the sets brings a certain aspect to our offense that the defense has to take particular steps in order to defend against properly. Keep in mind that we will be speaking in regards to these formations on a generic basis, we will discuss playbook specific later on. Let’s first take a look at our base set.
A base set is typically known for its ability to be able to both run and pass effectively out of. Base sets are also very balanced, which means we can attack all areas of the defense with the same success. However the effectiveness of this doesn’t 100% correlate over to Madden. The reason being is that there are specific plays and gimmicks that work more effectively then others and we have to knowingly take account of these. With this in mind we need to understand what works, we then need to dictate these basic plays into our “base” set. Curl route RC, FB dives, WR screens, and HB draws from shotgun are all overly effective in Madden 2009. Curl routes can we done in any formation and FB dives will be discussed in our running set, this leaves us with the WR screen and HB draw to focus on. What this means is that our base set should contain the ability to run a WR screen and also a HB draw. In theory this gives us the ability to “run” and “pass” to the point where the defense needs to make drastic changes to make a stop. Our base also should contain the ability to hit the defense with a “one and done” play. I also want to note that I typically like to come out in the FL screen as I can quickly hit the defense before they can make there adjustments. Each year the success in throwing deep drastically changes from the year prior. Whether it is a simple streak or a deep post route, we want to have the ability to attack the defense deep. Combine these basic steps into your base set for success in any version of Madden. Look for specifics of what works and then implement it into your offensive base set scheme. Onward to our running set!
Our running set is going to be what we audible to when we are in short yard situations/goaline situations/ball control situations. We also want to have our running set to be more compressed, (i.e. I-form Twin TE, full-house, and I-form TE Wing ) Once again we need to recognize what is effective in Madden and implement it into our running set. FB dives are the clear front runner all run plays. Running sets also need to be versatile in that they need to be able to attack but the inside A and B gaps and the outside C gaps. Our FB dive will take care of the A and B gaps while a HB toss (hb tosses work only to the left of the field, when we run them to the right our HB will take a stutter step not allowing the ball carrier to get upfield quick enough) and HB power O will allow us to attack the C gaps. It is important to understand that we want to use this formation for the above reasons. We shouldn’t be using it to complete big chunks of yards in the passing game. There is no reason we can’t sprinkle in a few plays here and there but we want to stick to a basic understanding of what we will use certain formations for and that’s to pound the rock!
***One of the reasons I love the Indy playbook so much is that there power running set ( I-form TE Wing) has a default quick audible that is the HB power O. What this means is that we can implement the FB dive from this same formation as one of our audibles and kill two birds with one stone. Using just one audible we gain the ability to attack all defensive gaps. This is HUGE in terms of scheme versatility.***
The spread offense might be the best way for a beginner to have success. The reason for this is that all the reads we make are quick and easy. If we read there are five or less in the box (area between the line of scrimmage and linebacker depth) we will run a HB dive. If there are six or more in the box we will pass. These are basic in nature and we will need to pick up certain tendencies from our opponent. Using the spread in hurry up is usually the best way to attack the defense. The spread will also cause major tells in the defense as far as pressure is concerned. In Madden when the defensive player is blitzing they move closer to the LOS when the offense is in a spread set. If we were in a compressed or balanced set the defense would look similar between a coverage defense and blitzing defense.
I like to have the ability to run the spread at any time on offense in case I am having a hard time distinguishing what the defense is exactly running. It is much easier to analyze the defense from the spread point of view. Even if our drive stalls, we will have a better understanding of how the defense is attacking us. In Madden we have the ability of running many different styles of the spread. Either in a five wide set, four wide shotgun set, or a four wide under center. I’m personally a fan of the four wide under center as we have the ability to pick up major yards on the ground when we read how many defenders are in the box. I use the spread more for an additional threat in the running game. I then work my other passing options off of the run. See the Doubles Close Singleback formation in the Indy playbook.
** Another reason I love the Indy playbook is because of the four wide doubles close formation under center set. It is both a spread and compressed set. It also has a WR screen as one of its quick audibles. We also have the ability to “flip” our play without the defense ever knowing With the ability to run effectively by reading the defenders in the box, WR screen, and the ability to attack the defense from a compressed set make this a top formation in Madden 2009.**
Compressed offensive sets are used generally to take advantage of offensive speed and lesser quality WR’s. Let’s face it not all teams have a Randy Moss, Terrell Owens etc. There big frames and speed are great in one on one matchups but not all WR can compete this way. That is where the compressed set comes into play. Compressed sets allow for the offense to use “natural” picks to get free into space and to allow confusion and mishaps by the defense. Lots of crossing routes are used in this formation to allow WR to get open. In Madden the compressed set works just as it does in real life, however it also has an added bonus! When we use compressed sets in Madden we have the ability to tell what the defense is playing. If the defense starts wide and slides in we know they are in zone. If they start in with no slide, we know they are in man. The next added bonus is that we have the ability to motion any player to create new match ups and different offensive sets by doing so. (i.e Shotgun four wide tight, motion one of the outside WR to the opposite side, we will now have a bunched tight set ). The possibilities are endless with tight sets with all the different motioning we can use.
I like to use my compressed offensive sets in big situations as I have the ability to give the defense different looks almost on every single play with different motions. Motion is also a great way to pick up on what type of coverage the defense is. This is great for our more advanced player who may pick up on your use of the compressed set to expose his defense. They may come out in zone and then audible to man, this way it gives you that initial read that they are in zone when they are really NOW playing man. However using motion is the ultimate tell. Compressed sets are a must have for any offense!
Bunched sets will be our last set we will discuss for today. On a personal level bunched sets are my favorite to run. The reason being is that it’s a pain in the neck for defenses to stop! Having three offensive threats to one side of the field bunched together creates the natural picks of a compressed set and also the ability to force the defense to cover all areas on that side of the field. All bunched sets in Madden have some combination of a flat route, curl/streak route, and corner route. We want to hit our opponent early and often in the flat as this is how we will work our other plays in this formation. This will force the defense to play some type of cover two which in return will open up our other reads. What is so great about the bunched set is that we always dictate to the defense what to play. We then move on knowingly to attack other areas.
This is type of set is almost always my bread and butter. I go to this in times of need when I have to pick up a first down. I tend to save this set for later in the game so that the offense hasn’t grown accustomed to my tendencies. This is why we want to have the ability to give the defense different looks throughout the game. We should always save our “money” formation for important times. For me this is my money formation.
**Yet another reason why I love the Indy playbook. It has the Gun Bunch TE formation. This is a bunched formation with a TE on the LOS. This means that we have a compressed set as well as a bunch. What we gain from this is everything we have from compressed sets as well as bunch. Make sure to make this your bread and butter!**
Run N’ Gun Formations
Below are the formations Zfarls uses as described in today’s article. In parentheses are some plays from each that Zfarls likes to run.
Base Set- Shotgun Normal (FL Screen, HB Draw, HB Option)
Run Set- Full house (FB dive, HB screen) *use this formation as your running set if your more pass oriented. Use FB as one of your five preset audibles*
Run Set- I-form Twin TE (FB dive, HB toss, HB off tackle) *use this formation as your running set if you’re more run oriented. Use FB dive and HB toss as two of your five audibles*
Spread Set- Shotgun 5 wide (parallel slants, WR screen) *no running threat, defense may implement a 10 man coverage*
Spread Set- Shotgun 4 Wide (HB option, HB draw, Slot outside)
Compressed Set- Shotgun 4 Wide Tight ( X option, HB draw)
Bunched Set- Trips Te ( HB Swing, Trips Attack, HB draw)
Indianapolis Formations
Below are the formations I (Sgibs) use as described in the today’s article. In parentheses are some plays from each that I like to run.
Base Set- Dice Slot ( FL screen, HB Draw, WR Drag, HB Angle)
Run Set- I Form TE Wing ( FB dive, HB power O)
Spread Set- Shotgun Deuce ( FL Cross, Curl Flats, HB sweep)
Spread Set- Singleback Doubles Close ( WR Screen, Corner Cross, HB dive) *this is both a spread and compressed set*
Compressed Set- Singleback Doubles Close ( WR Screen, Corner Cross, HB dive) *this is both a spread and compressed set*
Compressed Set- Gun Bunch TE ( Inside Cross, PA Boot Over, Curl Flat Corner, Stick, HB draw) *this is a both a compressed and bunched set*
Bunched Set- Gun Bunch TE ( Inside Cross, PA Boot Over, Curl Flat Corner, Stick, HB draw) *this is a both a compressed and bunched set*
So there you have it, whether you are experienced or just starting out, these 5 sets will no doubt help your game. If you need help establishing a solid offensive gameplan,email us here or check out our daily tips on twitter.
Zfarls & SGibs
For a more detailed breakdown of the Indy Playbook Click Here
For more on the Run N Gun Check this link
Friday, May 8, 2009
Madden fulfills this innate need we all have. There is always a game to be played at all hours of the day. While we are at work we think about it, while we are out we think about it and even when we are with that special someone we think about it. I have caught myself countless times thinking about the first thing I am going to “lab” when I get home. It simply gets me through the day. The drive to be better then the next guy is what keeps us playing year after year.
Let’s not forget the one thing that all Madden players have in common. We are ALL the best Madden gamer that we know!
What’s better then slicing open a freshly sealed newly released Madden? Other then Kim Kardashian, not much. The anticipation and the excitement of preparing for a “grueling” Madden season is like none other. There is almost more entertainment in awaiting and visualizing your new scheme then actually playing the game. The game is always evolving every time you turn on the green lights. The strategy that goes into each and every game is endless. The ability to create and re-create your own plays by implementing hot routes gives us more ways to attack our opponent then almost any other video game. Unfortunately, Madden 09 has lost some of that wind in its sails with the FB dive and rocket catch exploits. There IS light at the end of the tunnel, Madden 2010 comes out in a measly 100 some odd days.
We are ALL the best Madden player that we know, at least in our own minds. Have you ever heard anyone ever tell you that no matter what you do there will always be someone better. There can’t be a more true statement to describe the Madden Community. There really IS someone always better.
When you’re in the lab and for the first time and just found the 3-3-5 Monster Blitz, someone has already found Nickel Strong Man and when you found the Nickel Normal Fire blitz, someone has already found the Quarters 3 Deep DB Contain. There is always someone a step ahead of you in Madden. That’s what keeps us motivated to spend countless hours, sleepless nights, and dazed and confused 9 to 5’s. Madden becomes a lifestyle once you become immersed into it. It becomes who you are and your success on the virtual gridiron is a direct reflection of your dedication and drive to be a successful person.
Take this into consideration the next time you find the HB direct snap glitch because someone has already started QB walking up the field.
What good would any career, job, or aspiration be if there was no form of monetary compensation in return? Madden isn’t just a video game any longer. It is 100% turning into a way of life. Whether it be Madden Nation, the Madden Challenge, local tournaments (Harrisburg, KOTC, Players Bowl etc) or games on Bring it and Gamersaloon, there is many to be made. Winning Madden Nation alone would fatten up your pockets with a cool $100,000. All for being good at a video game. Some say that being a professional athlete is the best job in the world. You get paid freakishly amounts of money, you do what you love, and your in the public spotlight. The same can be said for Madden Gamers alike. The is a reason guys like Problem, Big Gene, Young Neph, Fool, Shayan, RG, etc are household names in the Madden Community. They ARE our professionals of our chosen field. There is one big difference between a professional video game player and a professional athlete. That difference is that each and every single one of us has the potential to become great. We don’t have to have god like athletic ability, we don’t even have to have any athletic ability! We control our own destiny in Madden. If the time is spent, we can all be great.
There is no doubt about it when watching games on Sundays in the Fall we all become victim of yelling, “How did Rodney Harrison just catch Ted Gin, he is only 86 speed.” Madden terminology has slowly been creeping into my every day life. Whether I find my self in the gym has having 86 strength or by describing a girl as having 97 elusiveness I find myself using Madden ratings in everyday life. Madden ratings may be one of the most excruciating and frustrating detail for game developers such as Ian Cummings. No one will ever be completely pleased with the ratings. We are all homers for our home town teams and get pissed when we see that Wes Welker only has 94 speed. When the ratings get announced each year they get major buzz from the community and is the first tell that the new Madden release is just around the corner.
I’m excited for Madden 2010 and with the complete attention to detail that the EA team is putting forth towards this years release I expect drastic improvements in the game. I have put full faith towards them in that this WILL be the best Madden of all time.
Friday, February 6, 2009
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