I found a few minutes this evening to sit down and test out the new Madden 16 on the PS4. I chose the Giants, because thats how I roll–at least it was until I played them. I think Madden got it right with the team, trading the excitement of Beckham’s energy, ability, and personality for the lack of all three emanating from the G-men’s O-line. Still, sometimes realistic is just a bit too realistic and I’m left to wonder if Madden is good or just accurate. Either way, the game is one more thing: over the top.
The Ps4 version has been rebuilt from the ground up. I spent some time in the beginning forced into a strange tutorial that picks up early in a Steelers v. Cardinals game. At key moments in the game I was directed to try to catch a pass or intercept one and other in-game promises that read like a who’s who of world class game element design. The stuff they put in isn’t only good, it feels crucial to the two plus decade old franchise that birthed it. Still, the presentation of the add on’s felt forced and non-engaging, if only for the reason that I have no desire to walkthrough with a team I’d never be playing with on my own.
I’ve barely scratched the surface of the franchise. I only had time for one regular season game, a brutal thumping courtesy of the Cowboys. I did enjoy the level of competition, though it exposes my many weaknesses in trying to move from a three to a four.
Time and practice will make perfect.