Kyle Sommerfield

It’s that time of the year again, and this time, Calvin Johnson is in the spotlight.  Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ star wide receiver, is the cover guy for Madden 13 and one question is on everybody’s mind:  Will the “Madden curse” strike again?Only time will tell what will happen, but even though Detroit might be skeptical, this game puts the franchise back where it should be.  After EA Sports’ 2012 flop, the Madden franchise needed to produce a majorly improved game…and they did.

Gameplay

While the graphics appear to be just slightly improved, the game’s physics have been completely reinvented.  EA Sports now uses the Infinity Engine, a system that makes players move and react as they would in real life.  Sometimes, the Infinity Engine makes players stumble more than they should, but on the bright side, the game feels much more realistic.  No two plays are the same and the game becomes much more interesting.In addition to the game’s physics, EA Sports also improved in-game play.  In 2012, players found it disappointingly difficult to make explosive plays.  However, Madden 13 makes long passes and kick returns much more achievable.

Game Modes

It was shocking to find that Franchise mode and Superstar mode are no longer included. However, a new game mode, Connected Careers, replaces both.  Players can choose to play as either a player or a coach and either customize their character or choose an existing one to create a unique gaming experience. As the player’s career progresses, their ratings increase and new opportunities are offered.  If players become successful in the league, they will increase their “legacy score,” which ranks the most successful NFL players and coaches.  With enough success, the player can surpass legends such as Joe Montana and Vince Lombardi.

 EA Sports has included Madden Ultimate Team in previous years, but now it is one of the main features of the game.  When first entering the Ultimate Team menu, the player selects a captain and then gets a starter pack.  When the player wins games and completes Solo Challenges, he can purchase card packs to receive new players.  At first, the team will be pretty bad, but with good management and strategy, it can develop quickly and games will become more interesting.

 Online Play

Madden 13 brings back the classic Madden online play in which one player is matched up with another player and they each pick a team, but it also provides online components to both Connected Careers and Ultimate Team. Connected Careers’ online version offers players a chance to create a league and compete with up to 32 friends.  Online users can compare their legacy scores with their friends as well as NFL legends.  It also provides the player with access to the Connected Careers website and quicker roster updates. Ultimate Team’s online play is very similar to that of previous Madden games.  The EA servers match players up based on their skill level, so new players can avoid playing a veteran.  Wins will improve the team and earn spots on the leaderboards.

 Presentation

Each game is presented as though it is a television broadcast.  CBS broadcasters Jim Nantz and Phil Simms begin each game with an introduction that includes cutscenes specified for each stadium.  Each team’s captains then gather on the fifty-yard line to perform the coin toss. EA Sports creates specific animations and cutscenes depending on the game and teams involved.  For example, the Super Bowl will be played much differently than a preseason game.  Players can also customize the time and weather conditions of each game.

 Final Verdict

Many Madden fans have lost confidence in the franchise after disappointments in previous years, but this year, EA Sports made all the right improvements.  Infinity Engine makes each game unique and Connected Careers offers a more authentic career mode.  To anyone who wants a better football video game, Madden 13 is for you.