Madden NFL 2004
EA Sports’ king of the sports-gaming industry promises to make a powerful return. What new features should we expect?
Right Analog Stick control: Change passing routes at the line, direction of running plays and direct your lead blockers when traveling downfield. You’ll be able to do all of these and more with the addition of Right Analog stick control. If you’re scrambling to your left and you need your right tackle to take out an oncoming linebacker, you can tell him to do so. This feature promises to make Madden an even more deep, realistic football experience.
Franchise Overhaul: This feature looks to be huge. In Madden 2004, you can now take your franchise to the next level. Become the owner and control your team’s budget, change concession and snack prices, hold fan-appreciation days and truly create a dynasty. Run your franchise into the ground, however, and you’ll be fired. Last year’s mini-camp mode has also been incorporated into 2004’s franchise mode. In Training Camp, you can participate in drills to boost your player’s rankings before the season starts. Try a tougher difficulty level and you’ll be risking the chance of losing points in your players’ rankings.
New animations/camera presentation: New player models and tons of new animations have been implemented. Tattoos, dreadlocks, new hair styles and 4 different kinds of helmets have been added. Tackle animations have been revamped…receivers will also adjust to make difficult catches and runners will stumble through arm tackles. Defensive players will plow through O-Lineman with more ferocity and blockers will work to keep the d-men in front of them. New draw-play and play-action sequences have been added, too. Want to sell your plays? How about on a draw play, your QB steps back, the camera pans out and the passing icons appear on screen, only to have your QB hand the ball off to the half back and have him run up field. The same goes for the play action. The QB lowers his arm, the camera zooms in, and the running icon appears, only to have the QB pull the ball away, turn and fire a pass downfield. NICE.
Online multiplayer: This PS2-only feature has been greatly improved on from last year. The new cheat-proofed system includes online tournaments, user rankings, and persistent online tournaments. Voice communication, separate lobbies for veteran and rookie Madden players, and messaging will all be included.
Stu’s outlook: EA looks to have done it again…Madden has solidified its spot as the dominant NFL football franchise. I can’t wait to try out all of the new features, and I foresee spending hours upon hours enjoying the hell out of this year’s Madden installment. August, and the upcoming NFL season, can’t come soon enough.
Credit to
IGN for the source of the info.