Madden 2008 Discussion/Questions -- Rosters, Strategies, etc.

[Bishope]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to Madden and really tired of getting killed online. I can't seem to get the game down no matter how long I play and tutorials I watch. Would anyone recommend some online resources that show how to make catches, run the ball, etc.?

How about rosters? For example, I pick the spectacular receiver weapon "Brandon Loyd" and the guy isn't on the field. Is that because the online play is using active rosters? I guess Brandon is inactive? I don't understand why I can't get him on the field. I also noticed the same thing when I tried Wes Welker on the Pats (kills me to say it).

Just trying to figure things out. Anything you all can recommend to this newbie would be much appreciated.

[#98QBKiller]

I'd recommend just playing against the computer with the difficulty setting on "Rookie" or whichever is lowest (I can't remember).

Pick a team (Skins?) and play a season in franchise mode on the easiest level and you will learn which plays work really well for that team on offense and defense.

Playing in easy mode will slow the game down and give you an idea of what works and what doesn't and teach you how to catch and run the ball.

A lot depends on what team you're using, for instance if you do use the Skins, their strong points are running, PA passes to the TE, and defense, so using CP on sweeps and outside runs will get your offense going and the opposing defense will start trying to defend the run so that's when you throw it and pick up yards.

Hope this helps

[The Sir]

You don't pick a weapon. When you see the weapons at the team select screen, it's just showing you which players on the team are weapons. If you want to use Brandon Lloyd, you'd have to sub him in.

There is no trick to madden, not if your goal is to play realistically. The only way you'll get better is through experience and by trying to apply your knowledge of football when calling plays.

[Skins4Life28]

Anyone have this game for the PC? I don't have a game system but I'm contemplating buying this for my computer so I was looking for some feedback on the game.

What I get into most about the game is the off season/draft/franchise mode.

[willmb5]

If you pick a team with a good o-line and a decent running QB, you can usually roll out with the QB. This gives the receivers more time to get open, and if no one is open take off and run it. It's very hard to defend

Like other people said though, play the computer on rookie or pro until you get a hang of all the buttons, controls, playcalling, etc. When you start doing really well on that level, bump up to the next one. Online play is difficult because most players are pretty serious and play a lot of madden

[Bishope]

I haven't figured out how to do the substitution during online play -- I can't get Brandon in there at all...any ideas? What am I missing on the online play.

Oh, does your season achievements affect online play?

[kuraitengai]

Anyone have this game for the PC? I don't have a game system but I'm contemplating buying this for my computer so I was looking for some feedback on the game.

What I get into most about the game is the off season/draft/franchise mode.ive got it. about halfway through my 4th year of the franchise

what do you want to know about it?

[Dead Money]

Anyone have this game for the PC? I don't have a game system but I'm contemplating buying this for my computer so I was looking for some feedback on the game.

What I get into most about the game is the off season/draft/franchise mode.

Playing online withe the PC version for 2006 was a nightmare and I don't think EA has changed a damn thing. Its absolutely ridiculous, the cheaters come armed and ready... Hacks, errors, quitting that allows them to win, and then YOU lose, and of course nearly unstoppable glitches-galore were the norm when I use to use MNFL2006 for PC.



As for how to play, sometimes playing along with someone who also has a headset, they can walk you through some basics. If your on 360, hit me up 'deadmunnie'. I'm sure there are plenty of others here who play as well.

All of the suggestions above are good. Success with the run game sets up the whole thing. If you can run on guys it opens all sorts of options, passing is awesome, but with most teams you will need to at least attempt to run the ball effectively.

Online play on 360 is a PIA. You have no real way to see an opponent's record and level if they invite you to a game unless you enter that invite. Guys disconnect, glitch, quit, and oh yeah... they all play with the same 5 teams...Pats, Colts, Bears, Chargers, Cowboys. I get disconnected all the time and can't tell if its my hardware or not, but I suspect it is the EA Server or cheaters.

Good luck.

[joe gibbs is back again]

this site should help....it cost 29.00 but its worth it. i have it and it helps alot http://www.maddentips.com/

[Bishope]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll look you up on Madden on the 360. My gamertag is "Bishoppe." I'd love to play with any ESers out there.

See you guys in game!

[joe gibbs is back again]

ps2 username: JoGibbsIsBac

[Enter Apotheosis]

Your best bet is to learn to master the game starting with the short stuff. Play some games against the computer at a moderate difficulty level (anything ABOVE rookie that you're comfortable with) and just try to run it all game.

The key is simply to know where you're SUPPOSED to go according to the play, follow your blockers, and do NOT turbo until you get past the line of scrimmage. That last one can be a little hard to do but you have to keep in mind that defenders get off blocks much faster when you're trying to sprint the whole time. After you've gotten the hang of it a bit, throw in the occasional play-action pass deep and start practicing screen plays to your receivers or RBs. Then the only thing left is really to work on your timing with medium to long routes.

Defensively, just try and play the middle lineback position regardless of what play you call. Eventually you should get the hang of pursuing the ball carrier and (later on)covering the middle of the field. Once you're able to run around on your own w/confidence that you can pick off a pass thrown in your general vicinity you should probably graduate to playing one of the safety positions full-time.

[mojobo]

master the screen play, that is the most dangerous play in Madden and if run correctly will get you 10-20 yards easily. On defense you should blitz often and make sure their qb doesnt have time to set up.

[HeHateIggles]

Anyone playing the Superstar career mode (or whatever it's called)?

I put myself in at corner for the skins. It's pretty neat in that you are playing from the player's perspective most of the time, as opposed to the standard "behing the offense" point of view.

[ixcuincle]

Franchise mode is great for practice and getting used to the game , but if you want to win online you have to practice there , not offline. Every time I play the Eagles fan in Madden I always get crushed because the techniques and patterns I run in Franchise don't always translate to success in the online game. The online game is more complex , they have the cones (which I voluntarily turned off because it's hard to work with) , and I can't stop anyone on defense. The more you practice online , the better you will adjust to that style of game.

So basically to succeed online

Know how the Cone works
Master basic moves such as spin and stiff arm etc (this is where Franchise comes in...although I often stiff arm defenders and they just ignore it and tackle my players in Madden)
Get to know the playbook : I always use Balanced playbook when I play because that's what I use in Franchise. I know many of the running plays and passing plays , and repeat them during the game.

[Bishope]

What drives me crazy is playing guys that seem to be able to create fumbles and interceptions at will. I've been practicing for hours and hours and have yet to even figure out how to consistently create turnovers.


The manual gives you no help whatsoever. It's a bit frustrating. I mean, I'd just like some instruction on the basics, but the game's tutorials (if you can call them that) are a joke.

[SKiNz Jus 2 sick]

ps2 username: JoGibbsIsBacps2 username

RoLL DaT Jay
U2Eazy SCRuB

[EersSkins05]

The two biggest tips to online success to me:

1) Learn how to throw directionally to your intended receiver. Tight ends and spectacular catch receivers can generally outjump defenders, so hitting up on the D pad when you pass will put the ball in the air and allow them to go get it. (Cooley is the man in this fashion.)

Beware though, b/c JC will occasionally uncork a high pass directly into the arms of a safety.

Also, screens, play action, and sweeps work pretty well. But if you've got a guy that blitzes constantly, just work on plays that give you a quick option at the snap. (Like Portis out of the backfield on a quick go route, Cooley on a fly, etc.)

2) Defensively, Learn to play either as the middle linebacker or safety on defense, and learn to catch the ball on your own for interceptions. Keep in mind that the left trigger is the strafe button, and the Y button (on 360) is the catch button. Very helpful in pass coverage as the MLB.

Try to pick a defensive play that doesn't have your defensive player matched up in man-to-man so that you can freelance and go where you think he's going with the ball. (QB spy plays are good for this, as are most zones.)

Learn the defensive options, like spreading your line, pressing the WR's (the redskins are better than most at this), and spotlighting a single WR if there's one that's just killing you.

Hope this helps.