Madden NFL 10

10 Review to this product

• 

  1Dub79
  August 14th, 2009 on 1:05 pm

  Rating

  Graphics/Visuals

  I know this sounds cliche’, but this year’s version of Madden is better than ever, albeit the flaws. There are many new enhanced graphics and visuals. The experience can be additionally enhanced with a HDTV, such as the LG 37LG30 37-Inch 720p LCD HDTV. Overall, the whole game is a lot more lively and vivid than the last. Many visuals seen on the game are usually seen on Sundays.

  The new player models are excellent and the uniforms look superb. On one cutscene, the texture of the uniforms can be seen. In the previous next-gen versions of Madden, many of the player models were kind of bulky looking. Now, the players are built more realistically. New uniform accessories have been added, such as towels, hand warmers, team colored gloves, and team colored cleats. They are not the same boring black and white cleats, which was on the previous versions. For the first time, uniforms can be interchanged, as well.

  Seen on Sundays

  During the game, many details and animations can be seen on the game, fan interactions, QBs talking on the phone, coaches ranting, players talking on the sidelines, kickers practicing kicks, players riding the exercise bike, referee interactions and chain gains. One of the coolest features is seeing fans leave early, if their team’s game has gotten way out of hand. It is also quite funny.

  The most exciting feature is the referees interactions on questionable TDs. The two refs will look at each other and talk. Then, they will either throw their hands up or decline the TD. Sometimes, it is a lot of suspense, while waiting to see the decided call. How many times have fans been in suspense, while waiting on the referees in a real game? Some may call some of the new visuals gimmicks, but it is what you see in real football.

  The halftime presentation is great. You’ll love the different angles, which the highlights are shown. Unlike M09, they show just about every relevant higlight. It is creative. Plus, the commentary during the halftime show is not that bad, either. This new feature is an upgrade over the dull halftime features of last year’s version of Madden.

  Game Play

  The game play is better. First off, the game speed can be adjusted. Many of you played the demo and didn’t like the speed of the game. Well, it can go from very slow, slow, normal, fast and very fast. Also, EA has added a new threshold differential. This means setting to the higher the level will give the player less of a disparity between the fast and slow players. A lower setting will increase the disparity.

  The player animations and movements are realistically fluid and not robotic, such as the previous versions.
  
  I noticed on some movements, the players use more momentum. Players can’t just break out and turn different corners, quickly, like they are on wheels. They actually bend and don’t stay upright, while turning a corner. Sometimes, the player may have to make a cut, in order to head up field. The best animations are while going through the hole. Pressing the directinal buttons will make the RB make many different cuts. Time them right and the defender can be juked. Typically, juking could only be done by spinning.

  The phyisics has improved. Players fall many different ways. Sometimes, it even seems as if they are going to break out of a tackle, then they start to fall. There have been times when I was on the edge of my seat because I thought my player was breaking the last tackle in order to “take it to the house”, but he goes down. That is very realistic.
  
  The Pro-Tak is realistic. The players pile up, when necessary. It is not an every down occurrence. Keep in mind, different modes carry different Pro-Tak results.

  The defense is improved. Controlling a player in the secondary is a lot easier. The best defensive experience is at the line of scrimmage. DTs and DEs can penetrate a whoooole lot better than ever before. This makes the players more likely to be more successful in the sack and run-stopping department. In fact, many different moves can be made by using the R3 stick, instead of the R1 button (PS3 version) on the previous Madden games. For example, on last year’s version, I could barely penetrate with the best DT in the league (Albert Haynesworth). Now, I can make more impact plays.

  The game is very competitive!!! Even this year’s version of All-Pro is a lot harder than the previous versions. Players cannot expect to just dominate the game above the Pro level. Many glitches from the previous version have been neutralized, as well. Also, the computer does not make themselves sitting ducks for hit-stick tackles, such as previous versions of Madden. They do more weaving on this game, which is fine.

  Another cool feature is the roster update. For those who like to keep REAL rosters updated, don’t bother to do it yourself! The automatic roster update does it for you. Players will be automatically added to the teams, which they actually play for. Players who aren’t even on the game are added on the roster update. For example, Michael Vick and Brett Favre were not on the original rosters. Well, in the roster update, they were added to their new teams. In addition, the player’s ratings will fluctuate, depending on the seasons, which they are having. Players gone for the year will be put on IR. It is just great.

  With all being said, you have to have an online account, so you can have access the roster updates. This also means you must have a router. I recommend the [[ASIN:B00004SB92 Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch (BEFSR41)]. Assuming you have the router, you must go to online mode on the main screen. Click on the depth chart, a sign will pop up, which prompts you to update the roster. Agree and the updated roster will load. You can save this and play with updated rosters in exhibition or other modes.

  Flaws

  There are a few things that disturb me about the game. The first issue is the new running motions of the players. It seems like they run with their heads down. They also look as if they are just struggling to try to run. In addition, every player runs in the same motion. The previous Madden had at least 3 or 4 different running motions.

  The next issue is the new “fight for the fumble” feature and the chain gang. “Fight for the fumble” is a joke. It is like a mini game, which you have to press various buttons rapidly in order for possession to be gained. There was a play, which the player fumbled and two of my team members dove on the ball. Clearly, I had possession of the football. Unfortunately, I still had to fight for the football and lost possession of the recovery. Of course, this feature can be turned off. The chain gang will drive you crazy. Every single time you have a nine yard play, the chain gang comes out. I mean, lots of times, you know that you didn’t get a first down. What is worse, this feature cannot be skipped.

  Some of the cutscenes get repetative. During the game, you will constantly see the same cutscenes, which involve the same position players. For example, when you see the QB talking on the phone, you see the FS over his left shoulder, each time. Then, you will see the triplets sitting down (QB, RB and WR). Then, when a play goes awry, the coach will be ranting at a player who had nothing to do with the play going wrong. For example, if the QB throws a pick, the coach will rant at the OL. Why not the QB? If the QB throws a pick, he yells at the OL or the FB. That makes no sense. They should have had at least 20 cutscenes, which involves different position players.

  Depending on what level you play on, you will experience some of the issues, which was on the other Madden games. You will still see makeshift tackling. This goes on during “Pro-Tak” animations. In modes other than Pro, you will NOT see double-hit tackling. In All-Madden, the AI of your teams just goes out of the window, such as OTs ignoring blocking assignments. In addition, many of the issues become more magnified. All-Madden is totally unplayable. I would suggest playing on Pro or Custom and tampering with the settings.

  The commentary is just dull and scripted. It would be nice to have a Madden, which has some loud an exciting commentary. For example, if someone makes a spectacular catch, I want the commentator to have excitement in his voice, when the play happens. I compare this to how it feels when watching Sunday Night games on ESPN. Hearing exciting commentary, while watching a game makes it more exciting. The dull commentary takes away from that experience.

  Though the half-time presentation is good, the highlights are shown out of order. When watching real football, half-time and post-game shows at least have the highlights shown in sequential. This could have made the half-time presentation more organized.

  The Verdict
  
  Everything on the game has been improved in many ways. In fact, it is a complete turnaround from the last version. If it were not for the flaws, which I mentioned, the game would be even more superior. Of course, no game is going to be perfect, no matter what. Many critics need to realize this. Therefore, if you loved M09 (2008 was horrific), you will absolutely love this latest installment of Madden. Keep in mind, this finished product is a lot better than the demo!!!
• 

  S. L. Travis
  September 3rd, 2009 on 2:04 pm

  Rating

  The graphics are much better than last years. The game play more intense. All around great game. Only thing I did not like, when you create a player, their face doesn’t show up under their stats and info during or after the games. Only thing I can find wrong w/ it. Game never freezes like last years version. Actually had many issues w/ my PS3 after playing last years game. Had to restore it to when I first bought it and never put Madden 09 in it again. Get this game! You will love it!
• 

  S. Berger
  September 14th, 2009 on 5:16 pm

  Rating

  I’ve got the PS3 version of Madden 10

  I always struggled with Madden 09, but I’m having a lot more fun playing Madden 10. I don’t know what the change is, but its easier to learn how to drive it. There’s probably a lot of functions that an expert player would know, and maybe I’ll get there, but out of the box this version is easier to play. And the graphics are stunning, similar to the reaction I had the first time I played MLB 09.

  Tiny knocks. I was trying to learn kicking. You’re stuck with one team in practice mode. I didn’t see a way to change to a team with a better kicker. The lineups were also wrong; I had to play an online game with someone before the lineups corrected themselves.

  Oh yes – amazon delivered early. I preordered this game to get a $10 off coupon, but I did it the Wednesday before release. I didn’t expect to get the game on release day, since I had ordered slow poke shipping. Yet there it was arriving on release day!
• 

  Chris Kennison
  September 15th, 2009 on 9:37 am

  Rating

  Disregard all these reviews of jaded people slamming this game because they either won’t be satisfied unless they actually GET a bloody nose when their tackled by Ray Lewis, or they’ve foolishly went out and bought this game EVERY SINGLE YEAR since its birth (no wonder this is one of the best selling series’ of all time).

  I went from Madden 2006 to 2010 and I played 2009 and decided to wait until 2010 to upgrade because… 2009 was the first ps3 version and I figured they needed a season to fully put the ps3 to use.

  Given, I have had to do some tweaking. When I say tweaking, I mean that it starts you out on the pro level and I was having WAY TOO MUCH success. It took me about an hour to get used to the controls and once I did, I was scoring 55 points a game with the KC Chiefs… who only had 1 first down on opening day. So, I decided to upgrade to All-Pro. When I did that… the game was tremendously difficult. It went from WAY TOO EASY on Pro to WAY TOO HARD on All-Pro. When I say hard… I threw 6 passes… 5 of them were intercepted. Only 1 of them was one that I knew was intercepted when I threw it.

  So, I settled on All-Pro and turned down the interception sliders and managed to find my comfort zone. That was wonderful. I like defensive oriented games. Some people may like 51-42 games between the Chiefs and Ravens, but I like that you can adjust it… cause I like realism.

  The upgraded artificial intelligence is amazing. The amount of time that went into the computer intelligence is mind-blowing… and once you find your comfort zone with the sliders… there is no better football game on the planet.

  I could care less about the added fluff around the edges… the flyovers, the national anthem, the coach belittling the Offesive lineman when the QB screws up. I don’t know what that’s about?? What I care about is what happens between the out of bounds lines and that part is spectacular.

  There’s a lot to say about this game and I’m sorry if this is long, but there’s a few more things I’d like to add. I like the time runoff on each play… makes gametime more real. I like that LATE HITS and HITS OUT OF BOUNDS are now flagged.

  As far as I’m concerned, they can get rid of all that fluff on every game and give us a truly ridiculous SUPERBOWL like we get in real life. Aerosmith, No Doubt, Janet Jackson’s boob (just kidding)… but just spectacle. Fireworks. A streaker.

  Ultimately, the low sales on this game have nothing to do with its quality. People are broke. This game is excellent.
• 

  Emil R. Griffin
  September 26th, 2009 on 4:12 am

  Rating

  I have been playing Madden since it’s inception. Madden 10 is just so realistic. The A.I. is spectacualar and the realism is not like anything else out there. For me, it is the best game of the best gaming franchise in years.
• 

  Skrilla
  October 19th, 2009 on 7:05 pm

  Rating

  I got the game [...] with a lightning deal from amazon and omg how much I love this game. I really thought it was going to be the same as 09 because I didnt think they couldnt at much more to this game. I really like that the brought the old style play picking from the madden game as in the 90′s. I’m playing mine on a 50 inch plasma and this game is absolute beauty. If you haven’t got this game yet, then I’d suggest you pick it up now.
• 

  Steven Herring
  October 31st, 2009 on 2:07 pm

  Rating

  I was a little disappointed in Madden 09. I had high hopes for Madden 10, and it has so far surpassed them. The game graphically looks amazing. The field, players, and coaches are recreated with great care. A game has never come closer to recreating the actual feel of watching TV. The game play is also refined in this installment. There are a few issues, but nothing that serious. The franchise is improved very nicely. There is a nice Extra Point show that adds to the fun of the Franchise. The online is also less glitchy, and plays a lot smoother. A great game and I agree with John Madden “This one is going to be special.”

  Presentation- The game has the great NFL Films music in the menus, and in the replays. The menus are pretty much the same as every other year. The little videos before the games are a nice touch, along with the great weather effects. I wish there were replays playing in the main menu, like in the Madden days of old. 4.5/5

  Graphics- The game looks amazing. I feel like I’m watching a real NFL game sometimes. The field, logos, players, coaches, and stadiums are very well reproduced. The turf looks fantastic with especially when the weather elements take its toll. A few of the players are a little off, but most look awesome. There is a delay sometimes in the players on the sidelines. Their textures take a few seconds to load, which is annoying. On a positive not the rain and snow on the camera is a great touch. 4.5/5

  Game play- This game has been refined and the passing game is much more accurate. You can fit the ball in the tight spots. The players don’t morph to the ball as much as other years. The long ball is still hard to pull off, but you at least have a shot. The defenders are a little stupid sometimes and instead of picking it off they let it hit them in the face. Also the fight for the fumble is a little annoying. The running game has been put back in effectively and you can run with ease this year. This game overall plays well with only a few glitches; the passing game is a blast as you can actually throw the ball into tight spots, and thread the needle. 4.5/5

  Story- The franchise is very well done. It is a blast to play. The addition of the Extra Point adds to the realism along with the challenge of trading players. It’s actually difficult to trade players, just like real life. There is the addition of nice Super Bowl uniforms, and players progress season to season which is nice. I would like them to bring back the newspapers, but overall a great franchise. I’ve already completed 4 seasons. 5/5

  Lasting Appeal- It’s hard to say right now, but I think I’ll being playing this game for a long time. It won’t lose my interest like I did in Madden 09. I have finished 4 seasons and have no intention to stop anytime soon. 5/5

  The Verdict- This game is special. It looks better than any Madden game that has come before, and the game play has been refined nicely. There are a few game play issues, but overall it plays well and looks great. Any football fan should pick up this game. I highly recommend Madden 10. Overall 4.7/5
  
• 

  Dave
  November 9th, 2009 on 6:09 am

  Rating

  I am the first person to bash the Madden series every year because of dashed expectations. But this year, they really took a giant leap forward. This is the best Madden since the Super Nintendo days. What makes it a great installment are the much improved graphics, the increased AI, the improved running game, the more realistic pass defense, and the SLIDERS!!

  Most of all the sliders. You can change any aspect of the game, on both sides of the ball. You can even change the speed of the game if you want to see each play develop more slowly, so play action passes actually have the potential to work for a change. My favorite slider is the “speed threshold”. This widens the gap between slow lineman and quick running backs. No longer will Adrian Peterson be caught from behind by a defensive end. You can really see the ratings and differences in players shine through this year. If you have your third string QB in the game, he will struggle with accuracy. Good runners break tackles, and good linebackers make tackles. You will actually notice an improved awareness on star players.

  Injuries are much improved as well this year. If your QB has a sore elbow, you make the decision to play him or not at his dimished ability. You have control over every single aspect of this game. If you don’t like it out of the box, tweak it to perfection. EA finally gave the player full control to make the game the way THEY want it. I’m in my third season of franchise mode and I the only possible complaint I can offer is that in one game I had three kickoffs run back against me. But A) it never happened again and B) my special teams is horrible. It took awhile but they nailed it this season.
• 

  Dorothy Maidens
  December 13th, 2009 on 10:19 am

  Rating

  Madden NFL is an annual purchase for my grandson regardless of the type of machine he has. Now it is playstation 3. Previously he had playstation 2 and then XBox. Always a winner.
• 

  G. Bourque
  February 18th, 2010 on 8:16 pm

  Rating

  I haven’t been impressed or bought madden football since 2005, and I am quite picky. I’ve played 06-09 and was not impressed at all and the game just didn’t have that football feel to it. I would give this game about 4 1/2 stars, but you can’t and considering I find this game very enjoyable and close to being incredible…it gets 5 stars.

  First, most of my gameplay consists of franchise mode against the computer. I don’t really play online so my opinion isn’t based on that. The game is pass-happy, but that for the most part is the way the NFL is now because of the rule changes and such. Once you get comfortable playing this game the most important thing is to adjust your settings to where the game is realistic. You will soon find out that your defensive backs don’t cover well at all and you get minimal to no pass rush. QB accuracy is way to high on the default levels. Once you lower your QB accuracy, the cpu’s QB accuracy, and help give yourself a pass rush the game is very realistic. You will also have to lower the interceptions also because there will be too much. FYI…when you get to the user’s settings you will only see 4 areas where you can adjust your settings. It will not appear that you can adjust pass rush, interceptions, etc., but just click the X button on them and it opens up a new window. I don’t know why they did this, but it took me about a month to figure it out that I needed to do this.

  Even playing the game 6 months later I am amazed at all the different tackles, catches, and movement of the players. The graphics are really good. On the negative side, some of the cut shots tend to get repetitive and like most games the announcers get boring (just listen to music when you play or something). The receivers don’t do a great job of trying to get their feet in bounds when near the sideline, but you get used to this, and just plan on not throwing the ball to them on out patterns when they are near the sideline. I turned off fight for the fumble because it seemed like I never won and was sick of hammering on the joystick to recover a fumble. The other strange thing I’ve noticed is that the cpu’s running backs are averaging around 7 yards a carry in my franchise seasons. My running backs average between 3.6 and 4.9 yards/carry. So you’ll see guys with 200 carries already well over 1,000 yards. They have definitely downgraded the franchise mode from 2005, but it isn’t a big loss for me. You can still draft players, sign players, cut players, set depth chart, and do the general functions of an organization. I had played NCAA football 09 and thought the recruiting in that game was way to much and took time away from actually playing the game. So with Madden 10 I’m glad I’m not wasting my time overanalyzing potential draft picks and worried about how many hot dogs my stadium sells.

  The key to this game is really getting your settings correct, because the game is enjoyable. It really feels like football and when I’m playing my franchise games I feel involved and into the game. I don’t play the superstar mode basically because I find it boring after about an hour and have no interest in going back and playing it. I like playing on 15 minutes with a 20 second accelerated clock. The game takes anywhere from 50 mintues to 1 hr 15 minutes with those settings. You get close to a realistic amount of plays. If you’ve been disappointed with the last few years of madden this is definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully they can continue from this point and just fix a few little things. Overall though, this game is worth it and very well balanced.