This latest addition to the “Madden” franchise is rumored to be the most advanced sports game to date and is considered to be the biggest leap forward the series has ever taken in a single year. People are most likely thinking “Wow another Madden game! They all turn out the same” EA Sports has just come out with Madden 13 for both the Xbox 360 and PS3; however, this year is different because Madden 13 features a number of new technologies that enhance both presentation and game play.
EA Sports has introduced a new broadcast team to replicate the CBS televised NFL network with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms. In previous Madden games, there were complaints about the same overused phrases by the previous commentator Chris Collinsworth that began to annoy gamers after the release day. There are now more than 9,000 recorded phrases by Nantz and Simms who sound as calm and natural in the game as they do on live national television.
As far as game play goes, EA has incorporated a brand new Infinity Engine that gives Madden 13 something no sports game has ever had before; real-life physics. The engine implements physics into each collision that provides unique hits and tackles that are different each play. Players have to be careful not to run into their own blockers or else they will start tripping over each other. While “real life” physics create some awkward player movements, other parts of the game make up for this problem. For example, the pass ready system is considered as a game changer. This feature allows the receiver to catch the ball only when he is ready and looking for the pass. In other words, receivers no longer catch the ball before running their routes; instead they must actively be looking for the ball. The new defenses add realism to the game which allows the playbook to open up for the receivers. Before, defenders would jump routes before receivers even made their cuts, almost as if they knew already knew the play. Now, defenders must read the play and react to the motion of the receiver which allows out routes and curl routes to be much easier to execute.
Another new feature consists of twenty-five new pass trajectories thrown by quarterbacks. Users can choose to throw to a number of different places in attempt to put the ball where only their receiver can catch it. This skill is very difficult to master but will come in handy when there is a tight window to throw through.
“EA Sports has brought football fans closer to the field than ever before with Madden 13, undoubtedly earning the hype surrounding its release” (IGN). New factors with improved graphics and a faster paced game provide a “real life” playing experience like no other previous Madden game.
