Maybe You're Just An Asshole...Maybe I'm Just An Asshole?

Oft expectation fails, and most oft where most it promises; and oft it hits where hope is coldest; and despair most sits- William Shakespeare

Madden '12 Demo Impressions

I don't like Madden.

Let me rephrase that, I don't like what Madden has become in the last few years.   It seems that EASports would put more work into their marketing, than working on improving sore spots.
  The franchise has been EA's bottom bitch for quite some time.  The fake boobs don't defy gravity as well, the sole of her hooker boots are worn & you can set your watch to her outfits.  But when the clock strikes at the Cinderella hour, there's no doubt that the stroll will come alive.  Backseat after backseat Maddenia will serve you all...as long as you're paying.

Metaphors aside, Madden's acquisition of the exclusive NFL license and lack of improvements over the years has soured myself and a lot of other gamers, as overall first week sales have dropped the past two years.

I've been burned by Madden, and I've stated to anyone who will listen that I won't Art Shell out another $60 bucks until it looks like Tiburon is actually making some effort to improve the game, instead of taking the microwave burrito route and putting "now with more beans" on the label.  I believe this is a make or break game both for EA and sports gamers. EA can't risk losing even more sales from gamers who would rather wait for the exclusive NFL contract to expire so another dev can get a turn behind center.

Disclaimer: I am an unapologetic hater.  I can admit that, but I am not a blind hater.  My opinions are not swayed by fanboy delusions. 

The demo starts, simple enough.  Options to start the demo, video features to show what's new this year.  Typical stuff.  I was slightly irked to be greeted by another loading screen to start the actual demo.  The demo showcases the Chicago Bears vs. the Green Bay Packers.  I was born in a Mike Ditka sweater vest (God forgot the mustache and I'm still waiting for it 32 years later) so it's Bears all day.  Not sure if the Goodyear blimp read "Ice Cube's a pimp," but it did display a packed Soldier Field.  From the jump it looks like the presentation is getting closer to television standards.  Taken down to the field we see Staley Da Mascot hype up the crowd as the Bears run out of the tunnel.  Player models look great., and so does the grass.  There seems to be an increase in player chatter also. The demo does not contain commentary.

Gameplay at it's core hasn't changed much.  They've moved the pre-snap adjustments to the d-pad, which is a welcome change in my opinion.  Receiving the ball first, I call a couple of run plays to check out the blocking interactions.  I'm happy to say that I didn't notice any type of suction blocking between lines.  The physics engine we've been hearing about is not a myth.  Double hit tackles are in the building.  I was able to thread the needle between two defenders for a 73 yard touchdown to Devin Hester.  "Bear Down" plays as the football splits the uprights.  Nice touch.

For a long time, being a player on the defensive side of the ball was a frustrating experience.  Especially if you like playing the defensive line.  Feeling like getting to the QB was more about luck.  Either you got around a lineman or you were caught in suction unable to move.  In the time I played defense, I was able to hurry Aaron Rodgers into some bad throws, and even a sack.  A few highlights from the first half are shown after time has run out, more presentation polish.

I was unable to complete the whole game, as I was already running late for work.  Madden 12 seems to be on the right track.