|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
MADDEN NFL 11 XBOX 360 REVIEW |
|
| |
If you have
played enough Madden, then you have come to know
its history, evolution of features, and gameplay
refinements. Each year that EA Sports releases a
new installment, players are mostly after the
latest add-ons, revisions, and the type of
mechanics that have been improved. Now, you are
wondering what are the latest changes with
Madden NFL 11? There are a few notable additions
but we will discuss some of these changes later
in details. So far, Madden NFL is great though
not perfect. This season feels much friendlier
and more accessible to casual football audience.
Last year, it was heavy on strategizing, and not
enough playing time. The four key components
that make Madden NFL 11 great are Gameflow,
3-on-3 Cooperative Multiplayer, Running Offense,
and Improved Artificial Intelligence.
With Gameflow, the computer takes care of both
your offensive and defensive situations, using
just a single-button. The simplified calling
system gives you more time to enjoy the action
on the field by focusing on executing plays
rather than spending time strategizing them.
Going through the play calling menus is one of
the top complaints of past Madden games, where
players consistently run into “delay of games”
violation. At the very least, it can drag the
momentum of the game down. What’s good about the
3-on-3 co-op mode is not about getting more
friends to participate in the same team, it’s
about what you can contribute to your role and
stepping up to your responsibility. In Madden
NFL 11, roles are divided into three units. On
offense, one player is in charge of the
quarterback, a second player controls the
running backs, and a third player handles the
wide receivers. On defense, each player line up
as either a defensive lineman, a defensive back,
or a linebacker. You need to develop chemistry
early on. Fortunately, the game offers a
practice mode as a way to tighten up any loose
ends and to get the time of passing right. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
PRODUCT
OVERALL RATING: 9.0 OUT OF 10 |
|
| |
One of the
most exciting parts of Madden NFL 11 is the
newly revamped running offense. EA Sports is
able to rejuvenate this aspect by improving AI
and implementing an intuitive right-stick. The
right-stick controls much of your spinning and
juking maneuvers and it is fun to use because of
its precise-handling. It also helps if the
physics are balanced, providing you with better
chance of breaking through tackles or gaining
that extra yardage. The combination of Gameflow
and good running game is a football matrimony,
which keeps your interest and the momentum
going. EA Sports finally develops a formula that
withstands “true” accessibility that actually
works, particularly for those casual players. On
the downside, gone is the sprint button, which
has been a long time staple of football games.
Instead, EA Sports replaced it with the
right-stick, which functions mostly as your
fancy ankle-breakers including stiff arms and
head-chargers. While the game’s commentary is
full of color, it is a bit annoying when similar
lines are repeated way too often.
On the upside, the presentation is impressive!
Character animation is relatively smooth and
Madden uses excellent lighting effects. The
ambience in the game mimics authentic stadium
experience. There is also a “coach” style audio
where you’ll hear play suggestion for each
specific situation. Though limited in script,
it’s a nice touch that gives you that extra NFL
tone. Overall, Madden NFL 11 feels like a
completely new series thanks to the improved
running mechanics, a more balanced AI, and a
simplified play-calling system known as Gameflow.
The action is much faster now since you no
longer have to focus too much on strategy but
rather executing the plays. What makes it
particularly fun is the 3-on-3 cooperative mode,
where each player takes control of a specific
lineup whether it’s the running backs,
cornerbacks, linebackers or wide-receivers. This
gives individual some sense of responsibility to
perform his role in the team. Though, the sprint
button is gone, you can’t help but praise its
intuitive right-stick. It’s responsive and
highly functional for breaking off tackles and
gaining that extra yardage. For this season,
Madden NFL 11 is definitely worth saving. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
