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| Posted : Wednesday, March 5 2008 / 17:40 PM |
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NFL Network and ESPN integration
Kev checks in with another feature that we'd like to see added to Madden NFL 09.
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AndyP
Managing Editor/Owner
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The obvious complaint about the presentation in Madden is the lack of NFL Network and ESPN integration into the game. Many people actually just mention the lack of ESPN integration, but having both of the networks integrated into Madden can change the franchise.
Franchise mode can get extremely repetitive in terms of graphics and announcers. One thing that would help is using four brands for four different types of games. An “EA” brand would work for regular season day games, much like what is in the game now. An “ESPN” brand should obviously be used for Monday Night games. An “NFL-Network” brand should be used for games on Thursdays and Saturdays. Than another “EA” brand should be used for Sunday Night games. All of these different brands would incorporate different graphics and different announcers. Think of NCAA Football, you know when you hear the radio announcer calling your games, that your team isn't very good. But as soon as you start to open some eyes, Brad nessler and the gang start to do the commentary. Having four networks would take a ton of time, but if done correctly it could change the way gamers look at sports video games. This would make the franchise mode less repetitive in terms of graphics and announcers. Instead of having the same announcers/layout for all 20 games, you can have a variety.
It definitely should not stop there, you should be able to earn your right to play games on that network, much like it is in real life. How often did we see the Patriots play on primetime TV this year? Too much is the answer, but they deserved it because they dominated the league for the regular season. If you play good, you should be rewarded with a primetime game. Madden 08 actually has something similar like this, after every season you get rewarded a new contract with a TV station. It would definitely be a neat feature to have our team get rewarded with one ESPN game because we had a decent season.
Honestly the possibilities are endless with the NFL Network and ESPN. Everything needs a facelift, and the NFL Network and ESPN integration could go a far way into presentation. Sports gamers are always used to have the same “everything” in terms of graphics. If EA wants to have a smashing 20th anniversary, something like this would help greatly.
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