EA has released the overview of features for Madden 17. There are definitely some bright spots and things that are encouraging. However, there are some large questions being posed by some of the members here. What does it all mean? Let's take a look. Let us know what you think in the comments.
I like that we are making different types of backs play differently. Its refreshing to see power backs be more focused on trucking and stiff arms while shiftier backs get juke and spin focus. However, the new UI prompts scare me. It feels like we are getting inundated with on screen prompts. While I understand it for newer users and the casual fan, I hope it is a feature that can be disabled. It takes away from the presentation of the game and can make things far too easy for experienced gamers. We already saw that with aggressive catch and the defensive line. Hiding it would go along way in giving the casual gamer what they may want while catering to the hardcore user as well. We'll have to see if that is indeed an option.
I LOVE this line "Gap Play, Force Defenders and improved Zone Coverages". Gap play and force defenders have been a huge issue with this game for a long time. I'm so glad to see these areas being addressed. I think this will go a long way to containing things that tend to be exploited like toss plays and HB screens. Hopefully, blocking will be overhauled in Madden 18 and we will finally have a complete running/run defending game.
I'm encouraged by the focus on zone defense but we also heard safety play was fixed last year and it wasn't. So pardon my skepticism. I do like the inclusion of "8 new zone concepts" so that has me excited. I would expect it to be better than last year, we'll just have to see how it all works together. I am kind of reminded of NCAA 12 (I believe) when nobody could pass the ball because of the zone defense. I didn't personally mind it because you actually had to read defenses. But it was amazing how many players that considered themselves hardcore had little interest in trying to identify coverages pre-snap. I like that we are going that way though.
This scares the daylights out of me. I LOVE that there is a focus on improving special teams. Unfortunately, EA always seems to think these improvements have to be done in a gimmicky, mini-game manner. Obviously, we don't really know how its going to work until we see the game. However, I do envision a system (like defensive line) that is too easy to dominate and we see too many blocks and it gets old quick. I want to have faith in the dev team that they tuned this well. We've just seen things like this overdone for what sim guys really like, probably trying to appease the masses. I just think the cool YouTube videos wear off after a couple of weeks and then people get tired of dealing with some of this stuff in-game. We will see but color me very skeptical early on.
So what do you guys think? Are you encouraged by the features overview? Worried? Indifferent? What are you wanting to find out about next?
We’ve added a tiered system to the types of special moves different players are able to pull off – depending on their attributes, ratings and speed. So now, expect your bigger bruising backs to be more effective with truck moves and stiff arms, while smaller, shiftier backs have more effective jukes and spins. Now don't worry if you’re not a magician yet on the sticks. New Ball Carrier UI Prompts help teach moves available to you, while the new Path Assist helps you navigate and anticipate down field. Additionally on lower skill levels, you can put the work on us and we will pick the appropriate moves for you, unlocking the fun for all of our players.
I like that we are making different types of backs play differently. Its refreshing to see power backs be more focused on trucking and stiff arms while shiftier backs get juke and spin focus. However, the new UI prompts scare me. It feels like we are getting inundated with on screen prompts. While I understand it for newer users and the casual fan, I hope it is a feature that can be disabled. It takes away from the presentation of the game and can make things far too easy for experienced gamers. We already saw that with aggressive catch and the defensive line. Hiding it would go along way in giving the casual gamer what they may want while catering to the hardcore user as well. We'll have to see if that is indeed an option.
While the new tools on offense make you a better, more creative ball carrier, the New Defensive AI System is built on up to date NFL Strategies – such as Gap Play, Force Defenders and improved Zone Coverages. It’s time to force your opponents to stop being so one dimensional. New Gap Play AI brings a new level of NFL authenticity and strategy to your defensive teammates. Each of your teammates has a gap assignment on run defense that puts them in position to better defend the run. Force defenders protect the outside of the field, pushing the ball carrier back inside allowing cut back defenders to make the big play. Finally Zone Coverage has been completely overhauled, with the addition of 8 new zone concepts never before seen in Madden. Defenders have more awareness of threats to each zone and can pattern match receivers, creating defensive counters to stop virtually every passing concept. It's our most realistic AI to date and it's across the entire field.
I LOVE this line "Gap Play, Force Defenders and improved Zone Coverages". Gap play and force defenders have been a huge issue with this game for a long time. I'm so glad to see these areas being addressed. I think this will go a long way to containing things that tend to be exploited like toss plays and HB screens. Hopefully, blocking will be overhauled in Madden 18 and we will finally have a complete running/run defending game.
I'm encouraged by the focus on zone defense but we also heard safety play was fixed last year and it wasn't. So pardon my skepticism. I do like the inclusion of "8 new zone concepts" so that has me excited. I would expect it to be better than last year, we'll just have to see how it all works together. I am kind of reminded of NCAA 12 (I believe) when nobody could pass the ball because of the zone defense. I didn't personally mind it because you actually had to read defenses. But it was amazing how many players that considered themselves hardcore had little interest in trying to identify coverages pre-snap. I like that we are going that way though.
Special Teams, the 3rd phase of football, is where big games are often won and lost. For the first time years we’re bringing the excitement back to special teams. A New Kick Meter is designed to increase the challenge of the kicking game like we see in today’s NFL. Additionally, the ability to ice the kicker allows you to turn up the pressure on those late game winning field goal attempts. New trick plays and a new block kick mechanic add new elements to the risk and reward of Special Teams.
This scares the daylights out of me. I LOVE that there is a focus on improving special teams. Unfortunately, EA always seems to think these improvements have to be done in a gimmicky, mini-game manner. Obviously, we don't really know how its going to work until we see the game. However, I do envision a system (like defensive line) that is too easy to dominate and we see too many blocks and it gets old quick. I want to have faith in the dev team that they tuned this well. We've just seen things like this overdone for what sim guys really like, probably trying to appease the masses. I just think the cool YouTube videos wear off after a couple of weeks and then people get tired of dealing with some of this stuff in-game. We will see but color me very skeptical early on.
So what do you guys think? Are you encouraged by the features overview? Worried? Indifferent? What are you wanting to find out about next?
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