Changes in Madden 13 Will Make it the Most Realistic Football Game Ever

By: Kuljit Grewal  |   July 14th, 2012   |   Games, Sports

From the arcade to consoled systems and mobile devices, video games have quickly become a part of our society and one of the leaders in pushing the limits in digital technology and interactivity. The Madden video game series has been a huge factor to this industry and has gotten to the point where player ratings are discussed by NFL analysts and players alike. Rookies are often anticipated, leaving people marking their calendars for the annual August launch date.

 

Ever since I played Madden 2000 I have become addicted to this game and have been amazed at the changes that have been made from expanding the Franchise mode, to the expanded scenes and commentating to the changes in game play. Madden 13 is no exception and the main improvement that has been made in this version is in the passing game, which is becoming increasingly important in league play thanks to rule changes and evolving offensive philosophies. Whereas with previous versions there were some aspects that seemed to be unrealistic such as the receivers being able to catch the ball before making substantial eye contact with it or defensive backs swatting balls with their backs turned, this version is noticeably different.

 

It appears that the changes that Electronic Arts have made will make this the most realistic football game ever made. One area of marked improvement is how each quarterback throws the ball, as various quarterbacks employ their own unique throwing mechanics. Some quarterbacks can throw farther and add more lift to their pass. So, EA has added 25 trajectories and ball speeds which will be more realistic to the quarterback the player is using. This change will affect how a quarterback lobs the ball or if he is throwing a deep ball that needs some power to it. Another change to the quarterback position is how they play in the pocket. The 3, 5, and 7 step drop backs have become more realistic as has slowing down the speed of the quarterback while they are still in the pocket. Not to put the quarterback at a disadvantage, there are 8 new moves that will be introduced that will help the player avoid being sacked.

 

Another interesting change that might make the game harder to play for the sake of realistic, is the timing needed to make a completion with the receiver. The icon attached to each receiver will light up when that player is ready to make the catch and obviously on slants and hooks the icon will light up faster than if the receiver is running a deep post. If the gamer throws the ball to early the receiver will likely not make the reception as they are not ready. If these changes weren’t enough EA has taken the passing game a step further and has allowed defences to disguise their defense. This makes it more difficult to see if they are playing man, zone, and what the blitz package will be.

 

Last but not least, the physics related to players’ size, speed and weight have been factored into tackling and moving thanks to the new ‘Infinity Engine’. Hits will appear more realistic than ever, and someone large a la Rob Gronkowski will be tackled in a different manner than say a Maurice Jones-Drew. On the flip side, a tackle from a linebacker or defensive back will also be noticeably different.

 

With all these proposed changes and improved graphics, I am becoming more and more excited to get my hands on Madden 13. As with 2011 and 2012 versions of the game we also anticipate an improved mobile version of the game. Madden NFL 13 will be released August 28, 2012. For now, enjoy the trailer below featuring Ray Lewis and shots of the updated tackling.