A couple of quick thoughts...

Just played my first game and there were a couple of things I noticed right away.

- It looks like there is no ability to change the controls. At least if there is a way I haven't found it so far.

- The playbooks are significantly larger.. maybe about twice the size of the books last year.

- There is a "real" instant replay, similar to Madden.. instead of the limited angles from last year.

- The game feels less scripted. The first game I played took a long time for a Street game, almost 20 minutes. The ball changed hands 4-5 times before someone even scored. I got down big early 26-6 and then was able to catch back up before losing 38-27. It feels like there is a lot less luck involved and it's not just a matter of who gets a Gamebreaker first.

- The player models look and control a little smoother this time around.

- Some of the blitzes bring some serious heat. There was one drive where I got sacked three times in a row because I was surprised by how effective the blitz was. It definitely makes for some serious pressure and adds a little more of a strategic element to the game.


I am going to test out some of the other modes now and see what I can find out.

Finished my first Crush the Carrier game and I must say it's about every bit as fun as it looks. You have a bunch of players on a big field and then a time limit. The idea is to carry the ball the longest and score points by doing style moves. You also get points for knocking the ball loose from someone else. There are some pretty crazy melees where the ball is bouncing all over the place and bodies are flying. Then usually someone will pick it up and break out into the open field before getting tired and coughing up the ball. About the only thing that could have made this mode better is instant replay.. but it's fun all the same.

There is another mode called jump ball battle. It's similar to a game I used to play when I was a kid called 500. I played elimination mode which sets up 3 QBs and 4 WRs. The QBs throw up 3 balls and the 4 WRs fight for them... this is a hell of a lot of fun. At the end of each round 1 WR is eliminated, until there are just 2 left to compete in the final round. Against the computer this mode was extremely easy, but playing this against human players would be pretty damn cool.

Another mini game is called Open Field Showdown. You face off one on one against another player. Each person has a certain number of chances to get into the endzone.. basically it's a test of who is good at making open field tackles.

[BossBailey]

Very awesome.

[mutiger82]

Originally Posted by RAC

There is another mode called jump ball battle. It's similar to a game I used to play when I was a kid called 500. I played elimination mode which sets up 3 QBs and 4 WRs. The QBs throw up 3 balls and the 4 WRs fight for them... this is a hell of a lot of fun. At the end of each round 1 WR is eliminated, until there are just 2 left to compete in the final round. Against the computer this mode was extremely easy, but playing this against human players would be pretty damn cool.

You said you played elimination mode. I was just wondering what other modes there are? Like a timed one?

Originally Posted by mutiger82

You said you played elimination mode. I was just wondering what other modes there are? Like a timed one?

Yes, there is a mode where all 4 players compete for a period of time and whoever has the most catches at the end of the one round wins.

[wayngo]

Played it a little last night. I wish the controls were set up like madden. I can see this giving me hell later down the road. I need to check and see if you can change the setup.

Its pretty fun. Its a novelty game that should be fun for a month or two. There are a couple mini games that were a blast.. They are also online so that will be a big plus. One is basically kill the person with the ball. 6 guys running around trying to kill or be killed. Another is just catching passes. Like Rac said, there is a jump ball game. I mistakenly took Kyle Turley as my player because I wasnt sure what was going on, lol. I didnt win, lol.

Went online but no one was on.

[Bates2]

You can't change the controls Wayngo. I can see myself playin this game to death for a month or so, then heading back to Madden. It's definitely a change of pace.

[wayngo]

I kind of figured you couldnt because of the tuturial being the way it was. I will still holding out hope though, lol.

I agree it will be fun for a while, but wont hold my attention all year like Madden does.