Madden 09 review

[NoleSkin21]

Well, most of us have had a day or so to play the game. What are your thoughts? I have it for PS3 and I am dissapointed. Not happy at all with the game. I think the gameplay and the graphics didn't improve one bit.

[Vishal]

Well after the crap that was 08, I really like this game. It's challenging, the game runs smoothly, the Redskins roster is awesome and the offensive lines don't suck ass online.

[NoleSkin21]

I haven't play online, but playing a franchise, I find I get sacked 5 to 7 times a game, and the running game blows. CP has 97 yards through 2 games on 25 carries.

[tn_skin_fan_21]

yeah im talking mine back the Player Progression in Franchise Mode didnt really work and the Franchise Freezes. ive heard ppl say the online Freezes to.ill rent next years 1st

[Vishal]

I haven't play online, but playing a franchise, I find I get sacked 5 to 7 times a game, and the running game blows. CP has 97 yards through 2 games on 25 carries.

I've noticed that if you wait a second for the lines to block, you get 4-5 yards on a good play. Don't press the sprint button from the start of the play.

Also, what I do is start of passing a lot then go into spread formations and run from them. I've played three games so far and Portis average 5.7 YPC and has 230 yards or close to that :laugh:

If you use the Redskins playbook, go in the singleback 4 WR set and run the dive play. If you have a 3rd and 10 and the defense comes out in zone, it's a guaranteed first down.

[skinzwiz]

I've noticed that if you wait a second for the lines to block, you get 4-5 yards on a good play. Don't press the sprint button from the start of the play.

Also, what I do is start of passing a lot then go into spread formations and run from them. I've played three games so far and Portis average 5.7 YPC and has 230 yards or close to that :laugh:

If you use the Redskins playbook, go in the singleback 4 WR set and run the dive play. If you have a 3rd and 10 and the defense comes out in zone, it's a guaranteed first down.Guess its a matter of skill in this game...I like that!;)

[Chuong9]

Head Coach is pretty fun everyone should try it. I haven't played Madden yet, might try it when I get home from work.

[Disco Dave]

I like this years edition of Madden. The game plays smoothly and the graphics are good.

[skinzwiz]

Is franchise mode better??

[NoleSkin21]

The rewind thing is stupid, and I hate the announcing. The announcing is horrible and def sounds as if they are reading something. I do like how the players get muddy...that's about it.

[Zhouse]

Much improvement from the 08 version when playing online. I have it for Ps3 and online play for 08 was horrible. This is much better and smoother. I'm liking it so far.

[CC47TellAllYourFriends]

I haven't play online, but playing a franchise, I find I get sacked 5 to 7 times a game, and the running game blows. CP has 97 yards through 2 games on 25 carries.

So you're getting 3.88 YPC and his 2007 season avg was 3.88.

Sounds like you need to learn to play the game a tad better.... just sayin.

[NoleSkin21]

Yeah, ok. It isn't how I play the game, trust me. Its the game play that is lacking. 3.88 YPC in a video game....is poor. I see some improvements, but not many.

[isjoining]

definitely an improvement from 08, but i don't think the gameplay is quite on par with ncaa 09.

[SolidSnake84]

whats the deal with the Madden IQ thing? i got mine today at lunchtime and can't play until i get off work. Can you still select a difficulty like the old school maddens? (Pro, All-Pro, Rookie, etc)

[the burgundy and gold]

whats the deal with the Madden IQ thing? i got mine today at lunchtime and can't play until i get off work. Can you still select a difficulty like the old school maddens? (Pro, All-Pro, Rookie, etc)

yes

[CC47TellAllYourFriends]

Yeah, ok. It isn't how I play the game, trust me. Its the game play that is lacking. 3.88 YPC in a video game....is poor. I see some improvements, but not many.

So you're complaining that the game is not like NFL Blitz? It's actually based upon past performance?

Get your game up.

[NoleSkin21]

So you're complaining that the game is not like NFL Blitz? It's actually based upon past performance?

Get your game up.

Whatever dude. You are being contradictive. I never once mentioned Blitz, and I have never played Blitz. I guess you are that much better. I was stating my review of what I thought is wrong with the game. Basically, the run game is lacking. Oline is weak. My opinion! You think my game need to be upped...that's yours. Excellent review of the game CC47! I backed the game down to PRO level and it is alot easier to run.

On a site note, I found a semi glitch in the game. While playing the Giants Eli completed a long pass down the sideline On 1st and 10 from the 45 to the 10 and the WR had both feet out of bounds. I challenged the play. The ref's reversed the play and the announcers said "This one will be reversed". Yet, the ball was still spotted at the 10 yard line and it became 2nd down from there. The same thing happened against the Cards, except it went to the 1 from the 30 from Warner to Fitz. It happened to be 3rd down, and after the review of the call, the play was reversed and the ball was spotted at the 1, and it was then 4th down. Odd.

[Chuong9]

I've heard a few problems with reviews and overturning and stuff related to that. Someone had a CPU score on them and they reviewed it and the TD got overturned, but the CPU kept the points anyways.

[CC47TellAllYourFriends]

Whatever dude. You are being contradictive. I never once mentioned Blitz, and I have never played Blitz. I guess you are that much better. I was stating my review of what I thought is wrong with the game. Basically, the run game is lacking. Oline is weak. My opinion! You think my game need to be upped...that's yours. Excellent review of the game CC47! I backed the game down to PRO level and it is alot easier to run.

Not contradictive, it's called sarcasm. You're complaining that the running game is lacking, yet your numbers are identical to CP's 2007 season... hence the game is basing itself on actual performance. Play more and you'll get better on the harder level. Not a tough concept. It's not like NFL Blitz, a cheesy-unrealistic football game, but actually closer to football simulation.

I still stand by my comment: get your game up.

[ReggieBrooks2Canton]

I have madden 09 for xbox360. The grapics are certainly a step above 08. However, there are certainly some issues with the game. For one, all the instant replays just show a white flashing screen. Also, the game has frozen up on me a couple times and the announcing is rather poor. The announcing doesn't jive with the play. It might just be me but I never noticed as many bugs in the 08 version. Overall i will have to give it a 7 out of 10.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

I've hated Madden for years. I like this game though.

And yeah, there's skill involved in running the football. The patience thing that has been mentioned (not pressing sprint from the start) is the key.

[skinzwiz]

I've hated Madden for years. I like this game though.

And yeah, there's skill involved in running the football. The patience thing that has been mentioned (not pressing sprint from the start) is the key.I agree with the sprint thing. A common mistake made by...not so great players is sprinting ahead of their blocks. If you slow down a move in positions to set up your blocks, you can run all day...unless the D blitzes almost everyone, but even then, if you find a crease, there's nobody in the secondary to keep you from taking it to the house.

[RedskinPryde]

Whatever dude. You are being contradictive. I never once mentioned Blitz, and I have never played Blitz. I guess you are that much better. I was stating my review of what I thought is wrong with the game. Basically, the run game is lacking. Oline is weak. My opinion! You think my game need to be upped...that's yours. Excellent review of the game CC47! I backed the game down to PRO level and it is alot easier to run.

On a site note, I found a semi glitch in the game. While playing the Giants Eli completed a long pass down the sideline On 1st and 10 from the 45 to the 10 and the WR had both feet out of bounds. I challenged the play. The ref's reversed the play and the announcers said "This one will be reversed". Yet, the ball was still spotted at the 10 yard line and it became 2nd down from there. The same thing happened against the Cards, except it went to the 1 from the 30 from Warner to Fitz. It happened to be 3rd down, and after the review of the call, the play was reversed and the ball was spotted at the 1, and it was then 4th down. Odd.

I have experienced what you are talking about, in terms of running being more difficult. It is a lot harder to run up the middle (as reflected from real life). Because before if I wanted to run up the middle, it required a 46 Defense or a Blitz to stop me from bustin 5 YPC. Madden 09 forces you to do different run packages and I am crazy running the ball on 4 WR Sets.
You have to change and experiment with new kind of running formations.

[CM916]

Everything is great for me except franchise mode. I had hoped from the promised features that they were going to bring back some of the old features from 2005-07 but it's basically the same from last year. I actually kept playing my '07 franchise after I got 2008. It's just not the same without seeing attendence drop 25% even though it's the Cowboys game and you have a winning record just because you lost two in a row. Or better, when I only got 30% attendence with the Raiders even though I offered $1 beers. :laugh:


I ended up taking my 2007 franchise through about 12 years or so and may yet continue it at this point. Here's our coaching succession: Gibbs (1SB)-Williams(retired after 3rd straight SB and 19-0 season, after which i switched to All-Madden)-GibbsIII(he actually ran off to the Packers on me for those three years 1 SB)-Cowher:doh: (1SB, fired after going 18-1 3rd year)-Brad Johnson(promoted OC, 11-5, lost NFC Championship 1st year).


The only other issue I've noticed is that now that they have that training system, it seems that if you don't use a lot of special moves and direct control yourself, your running game is going nowhere, your receivers will drop passes, your D will need three people to make a tackle, and your DBs won't get easy INTs. It's not 100% true but it's been harder on lazy undercoordinated people like me.

[skins2victory]

I haven't played it yet, but I will get it soon. Im sure Jason Taylor isn't on are D-line, because we signed him late, maybee not. But that sucks I wish he was, so the line could tare it up!!

[RIPST21]

just like someone else said, ive had a couple issues with it freezing a couple times on me and then "My Favorite Team" changed and became the Bears for some reason?

...Other than those issues I am glad the playbook finally changed this year but I am kind of dissappointed in not having much running plays in this years playbook, I find myself throwing the ball a lot more with this years madden lol lol!!.... I still think Madden 08 is better (minus the crappy commentary) but 09 has the better graphics and a couplke positive changes...

[RIPST21]

I haven't played it yet, but I will get it soon. Im sure Jason Taylor isn't on are D-line, because we signed him late, maybee not. But that sucks I wish he was, so the line could tare it up!!

IF you have the 360 or PS3 then you can do a roster update and then J Taylor is on the skins...

Ive also substituted randel el out of the game and use kelly and thomas....Damn they catch everything I throw to them, i love it!

[CM916]

With the freeze thing, I had a game against the Bucs that was 13-3 at one point. I figured my stuff out on offense and got it to 13-10, shut the guy down on defense and forced a punt with 2:48 left. Then the age old game freeze bug came into effect and we both had to quit after nearly an hour of playing eachother.

One of three games got through all the way.

[skinzwiz]

Not contradictive, it's called sarcasm. You're complaining that the running game is lacking, yet your numbers are identical to CP's 2007 season... hence the game is basing itself on actual performance. Play more and you'll get better on the harder level. Not a tough concept. It's not like NFL Blitz, a cheesy-unrealistic football game, but actually closer to football simulation.

I still stand by my comment: get your game up.LMAO! It's fuuny when people debate about someone's gameplay.:laugh:

[JasonCampbell177]

Is there a way for your players to improve in franchise mode besides training them every week? I remember in 07 and all the others they would evaluate on week 5, 11, 17 etc.

[RIPST21]

OMG this game is pissing me off....there are tons and tons of glitches and things wrong with this game. I just went to the madden forums and they are reporting tons of freezing and glitches in the game also. Just in case i am going to return this game for a new copy...This has to be by far the worst madden with so many issues....

[NoleSkin21]

My thoughts exactly. I didn't have last years for PS3, so I don't get to compare. But comparing it to the PS2 version from last year and previous years, its def a step back!! It sucks.

[skinzwiz]

My thoughts exactly. I didn't have last years for PS3, so I don't get to compare. But comparing it to the PS2 version from last year and previous years, its def a step back!! It sucks.I said it before...Madden on 360 is better.

[NoleSkin21]

I have heard alot of good things about Madden for the 360. I wish EA would have used the engine from NCAA09 for this years PS3 version. I love NCAA09.

[Flycoach]

I just bought the game at lunch, but haven't opened it yet. Based on the varied opinions here, I'm not sure if I should keep it or take it back.

Opinions appreciated (like you really weren't going to give your opinion anyway!:laugh: )

[rellix]

I have portis on my trade block

[Redd]

My passing has improved and the screen plays have become godsend, but god my running game is still piss poor. I hate having to push R2 to sprint. Is there anyway to map the sprint button to X? How come I can never wait in the pocket like the comp does? At least the game is somewhat fair playing against a human opponent online.

Seriously I'm this close to selling my game here for $45 unless my running game improves. I kind of miss how in the old Madden games the game usually does the special moves for you sometimes when there's contact. I don't think I've seen it happen yet.

[LLandryistheshiz]

Does anyone have it for the PS2 here? How is it? I heard their are new simpler controls but can I still use the old ones?

[SkinFaninOKC]

09' is my 5th Madden game. I have a Wii. Who else is playing on the Wii? The playcalling screen is a bit odd. I am still experimenting with what control to hold in which hand. Right now I think the nunchuck in my right hand is the most comfortable. I've played 4 games right now and have won in blowout fashion, however I think Pro level is way too easy. Has anyone noticed that the playclock is not running?? Also I am having issues with motion and audibles. Not to mention the icons above the receivers.

[mikered30]

i have it for PS2, it does freeze quite a bit, and when I do a replay, I hear funny noises.

[LLandryistheshiz]

i have it for PS2, it does freeze quite a bit, and when I do a replay, I hear funny noises.

That probably because your either fast forwarding or rewinding. If you play it regular it won't be that way.

Or your game is a defective POS and you need a new one. :silly:

[isjoining]

My passing has improved and the screen plays have become godsend, but god my running game is still piss poor. I hate having to push R2 to sprint. Is there anyway to map the sprint button to X? How come I can never wait in the pocket like the comp does? At least the game is somewhat fair playing against a human opponent online.

Seriously I'm this close to selling my game here for $45 unless my running game improves. I kind of miss how in the old Madden games the game usually does the special moves for you sometimes when there's contact. I don't think I've seen it happen yet.

the running game in 09 takes some getting used to. I struggled with it the first time playing through, but you get used to it and how the computer will block for you.

[gunslinger5]

To say Madden 09 is better than 08 is like saying one piece of crap smells better than the other. The game is flawed at it's foundation - line play.

That being said, I still bought it because I'm a sap and need my NFL videogame fix.

Note: do not edit any players or they will not progress at all in franchise. I made the mistake of changing Colt's helmet, facemask and visor.

[Redd]

the running game in 09 takes some getting used to. I struggled with it the first time playing through, but you get used to it and how the computer will block for you.

Don't laugh but please help me.:( I haven't been able to run consistently since Madden 2006. My O-Line is unreliable and I'm stuck playing most of the game relying on my short-mid passing throws and screen plays.

How do you guys run so well in this version? I use heavy sets, spread formations, counters and draw plays. Nothing works and I'm man enough to ask some of you pros how I can bring my running game above my paltry 1.2 yards a carry. Did I forget to mention I never get my short yardage situations on third down when I run?

Please I need good advice and not the same tired answer of practice. I'd like to run the ball at least 35%(preferably 40%) of the time then my average or 1 run every 20 plays.:mad: Seriously I'm not joking, my copy of Madden 09 needs to be blessed by Jesus himself for a better running game.:doh:

[Runs with Scissors]

Have you tried using lead blocker? My running game has improved,when I started taking out the first guy with Sellers.

[Redd]

Have you tried using lead blocker? My running game has improved,when I started taking out the first guy with Sellers.

No. Does that mean the comp handles Portis while I'm blocking?

[Chuong9]

Has anyone beat the Madden Moment where you return a punt with Hester? I tried like 10 times last night and can't get past midfield. There's at least seven always charging at me with no blocking and I can't find a way to avoid all of them. I usually just use PR Middle if that's a problem.

[Long-Time-Fan]

I've played 2 maybe 3 games online. (For PS2)

Seems ok.
I have been able to run the ball very well in some cases.
I like the fact they did away with the passing cone,I always hated that.

Getting beat deep and not having "Good Stick " as they call it hurts me the most.

Glitches?
I havent seen any other than I thought I say the Rams pick in a sub screen in a Dolpin uniform.

[markmx]

Don't laugh but please help me.:( I haven't been able to run consistently since Madden 2006. My O-Line is unreliable and I'm stuck playing most of the game relying on my short-mid passing throws and screen plays.

How do you guys run so well in this version? I use heavy sets, spread formations, counters and draw plays. Nothing works and I'm man enough to ask some of you pros how I can bring my running game above my paltry 1.2 yards a carry. Did I forget to mention I never get my short yardage situations on third down when I run?

Please I need good advice and not the same tired answer of practice. I'd like to run the ball at least 35%(preferably 40%) of the time then my average or 1 run every 20 plays.:mad: Seriously I'm not joking, my copy of Madden 09 needs to be blessed by Jesus himself for a better running game.:doh:

Try running some pitches, and most important dont try to do a bunch of jukes ext. until you are in the open field. Just run the play straight thru the hole. I started off rough in this game too but now average at least 4.5-5 yards per run play now.

[Redd]

Try running some pitches, and most important dont try to do a bunch of jukes ext. until you are in the open field. Just run the play straight thru the hole. I started off rough in this game too but now average at least 4.5-5 yards per run play now.

See I've tried that. Even counters but either a linebacker gets free or a Defensive End hits me for a loss. Maybe it because I'm playing against the Cowboys but I can't seem to get my running game going. If it wasn't for the screen plays I doubt Betts and Portis would ever get any touches in the backfield when I'm playing.:doh:

[stp240]

come on fellas...

Redd...Press L2 or whatever button for xbox for slide protection

I usually flick the stick forward to make the line block aggressive on run plays, pinch on pass plays

[Redd]

That seems like good advice. Thanks I'll try that because I was seriously starting to thing my line thinks it's okay to let the Defensive End come off the Line free expecting me to get past him because the lead blocker doesn't seem to pick up the free guy most of the time.

[Runs with Scissors]

I've played like a dozen games so far,and not one holding penalty.Mostly facemask flags and me roughing the passer with Jason Taylor.The AI has never fumbled yet,and it often catches balls near the sideline and runs out of bounds before getting the first down,with no defender near by.
Players also go out of bounds and come back in and catch passes.No Flag.
ALready bored of Collinsworth and the other guy.Will be turning down their volume soon.

[Redd]

The AI has never fumbled yet,and it often catches balls near the sideline and runs out of bounds before getting the first down,with no defender near by.
.

LOL yeah I notice this alot. I tend to celebrate when it happens because my guys are nowhere near him to stop him from running up 8 yards for a first down. I don't know but it seems to me ever since the Madden games hit the current gen systems they have been getting worse. At least the older games last gen if they catch the ball on the sideline the AI is smart enough to turn it up on the field and try and get a first down...............................yet here I am every year buying a new version of Madden.:doh:

[NoleSkin21]

Well, so far 10 games into the season Portis has 156 carries for 398 yards. 4 TD's. 2.55 YPC. Its sad, against the Lions with CP I had 15 carries for 9 yards. I am so sick of this running game. In NCAA09 on the higher level than the default, I am using my second string RB who is a freshman and I have over 1200 in 9 games. Madden 09 sucks ass.

[TheismannQuote]

:BUMP:

Does anybody know when the players progression actually takes place? I've completed the training sessions before the games (franchise) on campbell, rocky, portis, and on and on...getting 7pts a pop, yet their overall doesn't go up. I'm in week 9 and still nothing...

Also, FYI, if anybody hasn't figured it out already...if you put Springs to safety it bumps him up to 91 and he's a ballhawk. Smoot, CR, and Tryon get it done. AND, move Randle El to 4th WR. Thomas and Kelly catch everything.

And what's up with the editing of players attributes? Can you not do this is in Franchise mode?