My Madden skills have deteriorated, so I can actually write this piece as though I am someone who isn’t that good at the game. I can also write this piece as someone who has lived on the verge of dumping the game altogether. As both people I can firmly say that Madden 19 is a solid addition to the Franchise Mode of games and to regular gameplay that can puts more power in the hands of the user to create whatever kind of experience they want.
Madden 19 is a good game. The graphics have improved. The sound, while not excellent, boasts a soundtrack that is in keeping with past editions which offer breakout musical songs and stars. Gameplay, the key portion of a gaming experience, is improved in some ways.
Graphically, Madden builds on previous editions to provide a visual experience that is very compelling. It has holes. The faces for created players are generally ugly and not at all interesting. They need to triple to choices at the very least for every skin tone. That being said, the interface graphics are improved and well organized, offering a better visual experience–especially in Franchise. There is room to grow here, but I like what I see.
The sound is not as good. Every hit sounds the same, resonating with the same bony crunch if you hit someone in the ankle or the head. The non-diegetic sounds are where the game constantly makes it’s mark. The score here is outstanding. It is good enough that I found myself bopping my head to a host of artists I generally don’t like (Pusha T, Cardi B, Creek Boyz). The beats fit with the game, and that makes the experience all the better. If you’ve ever been at a party or concert and felt the music was somehow better because of where it was being played, you’ll appreciate the work here.
Gameplay deserves a blog of its own and I know I will give it the attention it deserves. I’m jaded, because I have been losing a lot of games here on the tail end of 18–to the point that I deleted that junk from my PS4. More loosing with 19, but I believe there is hope, and a slew of new moves to unleash on the CPU and my kids.
I’m just cracking the shell of Madden 19 and I am having a great time so far. More info as things progress.
Some Thoughts:
- I wrote this under the digital sound of rain and my flow was much better. I need that soothing white noise. Or at least I do better with it.