I didn't want to start a new thread in the gaming forum, also, the only Maddenites reside in this thread anyways so here goes...
I played the retail version of Madden at my EB for about an hour today. I used the Giants the first time (the other kid wanted the Fins) and the Fins second. First and foremost, the most notable difference that you WILL notice is that it's 30fps. Everything just moves at a slower pace and once in a while tapping juke or spin will lag between the time you tap it and you see it happen on screen. Also, the NFL2K kick thing is really lame IMO mainly cause of the lag you have to hit the button before the point you want it to stop at. Graphically, no screen or video will do this game justice. Jaggies are near impossible to see and everything just looks smooth.
Gameplay is still tight and yes the blocking is 100% better!!! (Ronnie Brown FTW bitches)
I purposely ran sweeps and was astounded to see 3 guys pull off the line and block the guys they were supposed to. Passing is still tight (although I think holding the R trigger for quick scanning with the cone is out, which means you must use the right stick to move it...SUCK TOTAL). Again, I didn't have time to make sure because I was playing someone else, so it may be in, but I couldn't get it to work. The pacing of the game is perfect and the 30fps actually helps you see plays develop, I can't explain it but I felt like I could see open guys easier. Defensively, losing presnap adjustments suck ass. This kid played with Moss and he kept chucking it deep and I couldn't double team him at all...GRRRR.
Special Teams are well balanced and because of the improved blocking you wil see bigger punt and kick returns. Oh, I did notice clipping on many plays. One time it actually affected a play. His back ran off the tackle, but instead of running to the left of him, he actually went through his leg and got a huge gain. This was once, but I did see lots of other clipping instances that didn't affect the gameplay (but it raped my eyes).
Overall from just a head to head perspective, it's Madden like we know it with a bit of a slower pace and better blocking. Missing stuff presnap on defense is more annoying than I thought it would be, but in our sim league the only person this will help is Matrix who throws the deep ball like no other. It's worth it cause in ways it feels different from 06 and it's a solid launch offering if you're looking to play football and don't care about pricing toilet paper in the handicap bathrooms of Dolphins Stadium.
