MADDEN 15:

Have you ever wanted a completely organic looking football game? You have your answer this year because this game is absolutely beautiful. From the player interactions to the lighting, the game is a fully functional piece of art. When you first turn on the game, you will notice how bright and vibrant the game looks. The layering within the lighting creates all kinds of effects and shadows. Helmets glean in ways they never have before, especially in a bright afternoon game. We all hear about 3-D rendered grass, but this seems to be a game where you actually play on 3-D rendered grass. Each key presentation feature is cohesively woven together to create a fall Sunday atmosphere. After having the privilege of spending a week with the game, I came away pretty impressed with the presentation. I can only describe it in one word: Immersion.

I thought M25 looked good but now after seeing Madden 15, I have a hard time even looking at last release. The difference is pretty remarkable. Authenticity at it's best.





PRESENTATION:

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NFL Style Broadcast:

What you will read: EA brought former NFL Films Cinematographer Brian Murphy on board to make Madden feel like a real broadcast. The players are now more fluid in their celebrations, and they react differently depending on the situation.

What it all means: Players actually end up celebrating in the right situations at the right times. There will not be anymore wrong celebrations. With the broadcast, the kickoffs actually are lifelike when the field camera is involved.
Timeouts, and breaks now actually feel like you are watching a true NFL game on Sunday.

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New Broadcast Elements:

What you will read: The development team has now put more emphasis on banners and tying new commentary back to them. A new drop down system will have consistent updates on players throughout the game. This will include CFM games.

What it means: Immersion. Finally we will see different banners that tie into what is actually happening in the game. You will now feel like you are actually a part of the game, and that you are bringing life to the moment.

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Real NFL Jumbotrons:

What you will read: There will be no more generic messages scrolling across the jumbotron in the game. Super Bowls will feel more neutral as opposed to siding with the home team.

What it means: Actual life like looking jumbotrons that will show crowd cues and when you score. “LOSE, LOSE, LOSE” or "WIN, WIN, WIN" is out. Not a big thing, but it is a nice feature if you love screenshots and instant replay. It is a step towards a living worlds atmosphere.

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Player spotlight Montages:

What you will read: Banners and stories throughout the game that will follow your top players as they make big plays. These stories will include montages and broadcast banners that will create a history of what your star has accomplished.

What it means: Another step in user immersion within Madden. One huge thing is a nice montage before your starting Quarterback comes out onto the field. Users will now be able to feel like they are building upon something in the game. The score bar at the top of the page is now cleaner and provides constant in game stat updates.

Commentary:

What you will read: Madden now has more than 80 hours of commentary that will focus on more player names. Jim Nantz has re-recorded much of his mid play commentary, which will create a smooter broadcast.

What it means: The commentary is nice, but some of you will still consider it lacking. The added player names just continue to create an immersion. (I am sensing a theme.)

Pregame and Halftime:

What you will read: Larry Ridley now leads a new intro sequence. During halftime Ridley will break down some of the games highlights with new audio recordings.

What it means: A breakdown of some key match ups before the game, but the biggest nugget is the halftime show. This is something you will not want to button through as the game shows actual highlights from the first half. A step in the right direction, and something that is truly enjoyable to watch.

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Other Presentation items:

• Coin toss is removed from the game. This will enable users to get into the game faster. (Don't worry you will select your options in the team selection screen).
• Actual "commercials" during timeout breaks. This will include quick little clips from GMC, Snickers, etc.
• New Down and distance markers are in game
• FG range lines are in game in critical situations