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[GashPrex]

The preview build I took for a spin on final Xbox 360 hardware is running about 75% complete in terms of game mechanics and 90% complete in terms of visuals. And oh what magnificent visuals they are. Remember the cartoon-ish EA preview video shown back during the draft? These graphics come very close without crossing over into ‘toon territory. First, the players: wow. Over 500 faces have been scanned with details as specific as scars – even referees! Ed Hochuli is a spitting image of himself minus the huge biceps. Unfortunately the face mechanics were turned off in this build so everyone looked like a stoner with overly large eyelids but we’ve been assured animations will be included for the final release.

Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and ditch classic Formation play-calling, EA has revamped its play-calling screen to include the favorite choice as well as new options that compliment it. Ask Madden returns and has been improved upon with Madden audio explanations of each play. Ask Coach offers similar plays but the coach reads the play in “football-speak” as a quarterback would call it. Key Player lets any offensive player be selected then offers a series of plays designed specifically for said player. Play Type offers beginner football gamers the opportunity to select plays based on elementary school level descriptions like “run right”. And in case you found the ultimate play against a particular team, a Last 5 Plays option lets you quickly return to it.

EA boasts there are over 3 times as many animations as were in any previous Madden game. The effect is obvious with far more variety on the field from ludicrous celebrations to gang tackling to blocking and everything in between

NCAA, I’m sorry your reign was short but the king appears to have returned. EA has rightfully poured all their resources into ensuring every facet of Madden NFL 06 is both an improvement over its predecessors and an introduction to next generation gaming. If Tiburon can properly polish the final 25% of gameplay mechanics over the next several weeks, the king is poised to reign supreme during Xbox 360’s launch.

http://xbox360.themanroom.com/news.php?id=960

 

[PhatSaqs]

Sounds great. But I have zero faith in the game making launch.
I'd be surprised if it makes it out before christmas.

 

[Ramirez]

There would be no point in releasing it after Christmas,it will make launch.

 

[Zep]

Gang-Tackling? Hmmm...I hope they took that scripted shit out.