EA has released their Madden NFL 21 next-gen trailer and Gridiron Notes today, to go along with our Madden NFL 21 next-gen preview, we released earlier this morning.
More specifically, the latest Gridiron Notes gives us the nuts and bolts of next-gen stats and everything that comes with it. With RFD tags placed on the shoulder pads of the players and sensors throughout the stadium, the new tech can capture real time location data, speed and acceleration for every player in the league.
With next-gen stats, comes next-gen player movement. Together, it can gather real athlete-data, route paths and acceleration rates to deliver more realistic, authentic and fluid player movement.
Expanding on the player archetypes introduced in Madden NFL 21 on the current generation, we’ve added more animation content and nuance to each unique archetype on next generation tech so that they will move and feel even more differently on the sticks. For example, a big, bruising ball carrier will run with a heavier weight and produce more tackle outcomes where he gains extra yards, while a small, agile ball carrier will change direction efficiently and avoid tackles rather than power through them.
Route running also gets a face lift on next-gen consoles. Receivers will run the actual routes logged by Next Gen Stats. You will see authentic player differentiation, when playing against the better route runners in the league.
On the defensive side of the ball, you will see more natural animations from the defenders when backpedaling and strafing. Defenders will be much more consistent and predictable when reacting to plays, including pursuit angle improvements. The team also built a new tackle prediction and anticipation tech called “Rally”. Players will be able to engage in tackling easier with more variety in terms of tackling animations and more authenticity on impact plays.
New presentation elements are coming in instant replays as well. When big plays are made or specific statistical moments happen, the replays will show off some of its rendered cinematics, like something you’d see in a real NFL broadcast.
The playcall system has finally received an update as well. Players will have the ability to call plays for specific players and keep their favorite plays on another tab. You can also view Superstar X-Factor abilities and stats for the current game, from inside the playcall screen.
Here are some other Madden NFL 21 next-gen specific gameplay improvements:
Pass Lead
Next Gen Stats and player movement opened up the ability to lead receivers on deep routes more effectively.
Run Game
It’s easier to read running lanes and find those satisfying cutback lanes.
QB Movement
Movement in and out of the pocket is smooth and athletic. You’ll also feel the differentiation in movement all over the field when comparing pocket passers to mobile QBs.
Head Tracking
Head movement is more realistic for receivers when running routes and for ball carriers in terms of when and where they are looking, making them look more aware of the on-field action.
Tackling
We’ve already talked about our new Rally tech, but we’ve also improved gang tackles. Gang tackles will trigger more often with much more variety. We’ve also made improvements to tackle momentum and it’s now much more realistic with direction, weight, and speed of the players involved taken into account for tackle selection and post-tackle follow through. And even defensive users can now interact with gang tackles.
Improved Pass Rush Timing
With the passing game moving at a more realistic speed, the pass rush has more of an impact relative to the timing relationship between the QB dropback, the depth of the route and the speed of the incoming pass rushers.
Blazing Fast Load Times
Faster load times powered by next generation tech get you in the game quicker than ever. Never lose focus as stadium environments will load with unprecedented speed, letting you get to the kick-off in seconds.
Redesigned loading systems on next gen tech allowed us to maximize I/O bandwidth and processing by utilizing the high speed SSD and integrated I/O of the next generation consoles. Stadiums and environments will load almost instantly. The front-end experience and in-game are more connected than ever providing you more time of actual gaming and less time waiting.
Players who buy, or who have already bought, Madden NFL 21 for Xbox One and/or PlayStation 4 from now to the launch of Madden NFL 22 get the Xbox Series X|S and/or PlayStation 5 version of the game for free when the new games are released on December 4. Players can carry over their progress and content in Madden Ultimate Team, The Yard and Franchise modes. Players also have the option to buy standalone NXT LVL editions of Madden NFL 21 on the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 for $69.99, complete with additional high value Madden Ultimate Team content.
