Topic: I think I finally may skip a year of football.

[franky005]

I think this year I will stay with Madden 03 and NCAA 03.  I just don't think that upgrade is worth the $100 for the two games.  This will be the first time in probably about 3 or 4 years, even though last year was the first NCAA I bought, anyone else doing the same?

[bootang82]

Not a chance!!!
The playmaker feature (using the right analog stick to tell other players where to run, or who to block) gives Madden a whole new gameplay aspect. This year isn't just a makeover. If anything you should've just given up last years' editions (even though I would also find that unacceptable).
Plus the new rosters, graphics and animations are always fun for me.

[Mingesium]

just wait a couple of months. you can probable get both games for $30 - $50. I got NCAA for $10.

[HolyPaladin]

How different can football be from one year to the next?  The game is still played the same, with two teams of fat guys cancelling each other out with a funny-shaped ball being tossed around in a large, empty, featureless field.  The names of the players may change from time to time, but that's about it.  "Yes, but this latest game has cool new stuff like the player dancing around naked after scoring a touchdown!  And now you can create your own player complete with details right down to the status of his hemroids and the stains in his jockstrap!"  Wow.  NFL feaver - catch it.

Nah, I don't like sports games and I pass them up every year.

[bootang82]

I thought this thread was about whether the new football games are worth getting...Not whether you like football.

[jarob]

Which game do you like best, the NFL or College game?  I am debating which to buy.  

[Infernal Monkey]

The one with the best new features? ;_;
Seriously, do they ever put any new worthwhile features into each years update? Apart from an updated roster, slightly better graphics and some new animation? It'd be nice, if for once, the likes of EA didn't rush the next version out and call the menu screen a massive update on the back of the box.

"THIS YEAR WE'VE GOT NEW MUSIC!"
"PLAYERS NOW SCREAM LIKE A GIRL WHEN THEY FALL!"

=O

[mojorizin]

This is one of the first 'seasons' in years that I've actually looked forward to the new Madden.  These 'on the fly' changes in playmaker mode sound fantastic, and the hands-on stuff I've read has all been positive.  I still think its a darned shame 2K4 won't see the Cube.

[franky005]

I don't want to buy the college one mainly because then I have to put in all the players names again, that's a pain in the ass.  Then Madden I guess it is time I take a one year break from updating and then next year will be even sweeter.  I am fine with playing the 03 models.  I am a huge NFL fan though, so probably when the prices go down I'll break down, but hopefully I am able to hold out.  A big reason is that I am going to buy the Gameboy player and then get some classic SNES games for that, and that'll cost some money.

[mattcube6412]

I personally am going to skip this year as well. Well, atleast for now. I plan on picking up the games a few months after their releases for about $30 cheaper. Is it just me, or have been games been getting discounted way sooner than they used too?  

[WhoDey]

Aren't EA's sports games coming out cheaper on the Cube anyway? I thought they were coming out at $20-$30 to begin with since they don't sell many on the Cube.

Anyway, I used to buy the new Madden game every year. For the SNES I actually have Madden, Madden 94, Madden 95, Madden 96, and Madden 97. Actually, my dad would buy me the new one every Christmas. A couple of those I barely played because they were the same as the year before. In '98 I went with Quarterback Club (big mistake) and came back to my senses the next year buying Madden 99 for the N64. I then took a big break from video game football. My next game would be Madden 2002 for the Cube. I skipped last year's game although I may pick it up very cheap when 2004 comes out.

These Madden games have become so complicated that I'm really just not that good at them. I love the NFL and understand the game, plays, etc but when it comes to having to memorize a playbook to be successful, I just don't want to do it. I guess my point is is that yesterday I fired up my SNES Tecmo Super Bowl III for the first time in years. This was from '95 and that game is just damn fun. I wish Tecmo would start making those games again. They were simple, yet full of stats, and FUN. I guarantee you Madden '95 doesn't have the same replay value today.

[greenwood]

This year's Madden is the best reason to "update", as some put it since football changed to 3D. Playmaker mode has been touched upon but not fully. Not only can you tell your blockers who to block on the fly but you can also tell a receiver to come to an open spot if you're being pressured. Plus you can shift the schemes (blocking on O, rushing on D) without visible cues like words on the screen or flip the play. There's more too but I want to move onto the part I'm most excited about...owner mode.
You can set ticket prices, move your team, build your stadium, fire the coaching staff, and you're graded on your performance.
To me it's no question that it's worth it but if you're happy with the game you have then hey, don't buy 2004. There's plenty of games you can buy if you'd rather.

HolyPaladin- It's amazing how ignorant some people can be, huh? I mean, if they even knew how foolish they sound maybe they'd shut up. Or maybe not, as you've proven.

Infernal Monkey- They've added 2 huge new features to Madden 2004. Madden 2005 may be the one to skip if you're so inclined but not 2004.