For the past couple of years, I have purchased Madden wanting dramatic improvement in any way; and I was always kind of disappointed that they didn't do more. However, I can proudly say that the dramatic improvements in Madden NFL 15 are just the kind of improvement that I have wanted for years.
This year they made improvements to the defensive mechanics, the graphics/animations, Skills Trainer, play-calling, Ultimate Team, and Connected Franchise that made Madden fun again while also maintaining the realistic toughness of the NFL.
As for the defensive mechanic changes, the tackling was changed into two different buttons of the "A" button for a conservative tackle, the "X" button for an aggressive hit stick tackle that would make the ball-carrier more likely to fumble, and the "RB" button which would try. There was a cone that would accompany the defensive player to show the different levels of tackling and help people identify which player they are when tracking down the offense. Then there were the additions of the block shedding mechanics which would give you feedback on if you were late off the line, and suggested buttons to press to help with shedding the block. This system was simple to learn and was fun to utilize while in the game. Also, there were many different camera angles that could be changed on the fly; which gave you new options to better utilize these new defensive mechanics.
Still, the number one thing that I have wanted for years is improvement in the graphics/animations to make the game look and feel more like an actual football game. The colors pop from the stadiums, the sounds of players trying to fight blocks is awesome, and the players' skin looks real. I was not disappointed as all the players looked like their life-like counterparts, and there were uncanned animations that looked real. An example, such as when I would be throwing to a receiver; there would only be 3 or 4 animations that a receiver would do to try to catch the ball. But with Madden 15, I have seen animations for the catching the ball that I've never seen before in a Madden game. The ball-carrier will then be tackled in the most realistic way that I ever seen in the series.
This year they made improvements to the defensive mechanics, the graphics/animations, Skills Trainer, play-calling, Ultimate Team, and Connected Franchise that made Madden fun again while also maintaining the realistic toughness of the NFL.
As for the defensive mechanic changes, the tackling was changed into two different buttons of the "A" button for a conservative tackle, the "X" button for an aggressive hit stick tackle that would make the ball-carrier more likely to fumble, and the "RB" button which would try. There was a cone that would accompany the defensive player to show the different levels of tackling and help people identify which player they are when tracking down the offense. Then there were the additions of the block shedding mechanics which would give you feedback on if you were late off the line, and suggested buttons to press to help with shedding the block. This system was simple to learn and was fun to utilize while in the game. Also, there were many different camera angles that could be changed on the fly; which gave you new options to better utilize these new defensive mechanics.
Still, the number one thing that I have wanted for years is improvement in the graphics/animations to make the game look and feel more like an actual football game. The colors pop from the stadiums, the sounds of players trying to fight blocks is awesome, and the players' skin looks real. I was not disappointed as all the players looked like their life-like counterparts, and there were uncanned animations that looked real. An example, such as when I would be throwing to a receiver; there would only be 3 or 4 animations that a receiver would do to try to catch the ball. But with Madden 15, I have seen animations for the catching the ball that I've never seen before in a Madden game. The ball-carrier will then be tackled in the most realistic way that I ever seen in the series.
To help learn all these new additions to Madden 15, you can go to the Skills Trainer game mode to learn the new defensive controls, NFL QB read concepts, play-calling, running controls, and audibles. However, the funnest part of the Skills Trainer is the Gauntlet which takes what you've learned and forces you to do various tasks with boss battles every 5 tasks. It is an addicting part of Madden that entices you to try and beat your high score.
You still have your career/franchise mode that everyone loves, with the only additions being position-focused cameras and the ability to develop players with XP way easier than years past.
Nonetheless, the most surprising game mode that I never liked in years past was the Ultimate Team. In years past I never got into the game mode enough, and thought it was just some fantasy draft that would get old quick. Yet with Madden 15, I actually started to have fun in the game mode and see why people liked Ultimate Team in first place. Now I look forward to improving my team and collecting packs that will make my team competitive.
You still have your career/franchise mode that everyone loves, with the only additions being position-focused cameras and the ability to develop players with XP way easier than years past.
Nonetheless, the most surprising game mode that I never liked in years past was the Ultimate Team. In years past I never got into the game mode enough, and thought it was just some fantasy draft that would get old quick. Yet with Madden 15, I actually started to have fun in the game mode and see why people liked Ultimate Team in first place. Now I look forward to improving my team and collecting packs that will make my team competitive.
In conclusion, Madden 15 made improvements to the defensive mechanics, play-calling, graphics/animations, and the game modes of Skills Trainer, Ultimate Team, and Connected Franchise that made Madden fun again while also maintaining the realistic toughness of the NFL. With all these new features, I am finally satisfied with the promised improvements to the Madden franchise.
Graphics: 9.0/10
Gameplay: 9.3/10
Game Modes/Online: 9.0/10
Overall: 8.9/10
Gameplay: 9.3/10
Game Modes/Online: 9.0/10
Overall: 8.9/10
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