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RETAILBIZ: MADDEN NFL 11 MCV 23/07/10 33
EA’s hugely successful American football franchise touches down in the UK on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii…
by Dominic Sacco
MADDEN NFL 10 was the second biggest video game released in the US last year. And EA has improved upon almost every aspect of that title with its successor – Madden NFL 11. Although American football isn’t as big on these shores as the likes of Rooney, Gerrard and the Premier League, interest is growing (see ‘Catering for the UK’). And EA is confident it has the gameplay and presentation down to a tee in its latest Madden game. The tagline for Madden NFL 11 is
‘simpler, quicker, deeper.’ EA is using this slogan to place an emphasis on the fact that matches can now be played much faster, with players able to jump into shorter games and switch tactics at the touch of a few buttons. The publisher has also cut the traditional 60-minute game times in half to 30 minutes, and has added a brand new animation engine to bring an extra sense of realism to the series. Madden NFL 11 also features a new ‘GameFlow’ system that automatically selects the best play style for each team – based on the situation and the skill level of each player. Gamers are able to listen to instructions shouted out by their team coach for advice, or they can create their own advanced offensive and defensive strategies.
Gameplay has been simplified to allow players to take part in the action using just the two control sticks on Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers. This allows them to run faster, make tackles and curl the ball easier than before.
CHANGING THE GAME
An upgraded multiplayer mode allows three players to go head-to-head with three other users, or team up in one big six-player side. Opponents can also be analysed by ‘scouting’ their playing style throughout each match, allowing gamers to identify weaknesses in their opposition’s squad, encouraging rivalry. For single-player fans there’s a new Madden NFL ‘Ultimate Team’ mode running alongside the central campaign. This lets users participate in online auctions to collect professional player
“Last year’s Madden received a score of 85 per cent –EA hopes NFL 11 will achieve higher.”
The Madden series has seen a number of other changes over the past few years. The famous broadcaster John Madden announced retirement in April 2009, but EA pledged to retain his name in the sporting franchise, much
cards, while managing a fantasy roster of their favourite American football players. Users can also compete in matches over Xbox Live, PSN or Wii to climb the online rankings.
like other popular gaming series including the Tony Hawk and Colin McRae video games.
The publisher also released a cut- down version of Madden NFL 10 last year on Xbox Live Arcade and PSN. Titled Madden NFL Arcade, the game was made available as a digitial download only and is currently priced at around £13. However, it lacks the full range of features Madden NFL 11 offers. Last year’s Madden on Xbox 360 and PS3 received an average review score of 85 per cent on Metacritic, and EA hopes NFL 11 will achieve an even higher rating from critics. Madden NFL 11 is released for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii on August 13th, following its US release on August 10th.
CATERING FOR THE UK
The popularity of American football is rising, with EA promoting the Madden games at Wembley Stadium matches. Here’s the details:
Madden NFL 10received an increased presence on English shores last year, with marketing activities taking place during the NFL game at Wembley Stadium. This year the San Francisco 49ers
will play the Denver Broncos on Sunday, October 31st in London and EA is expected to be on hand to promote the Madden NFL 11. The National Football League says that the appeal for American football in the UK has increased rapidly over the past four years, during which an annual game has been hosted at London’s Wembley Stadium.
RELEASED: AUGUST 13 FORMATS: 360, PS3, WII PUBLISHER: EA DEVELOPER: EA SPORTS PRICE: VARIOUS DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388
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