Madden 18: First Impressions From Early Access

On Wednesday, Xbox One users were surprised with an early release of the early release (yes, I wrote that correctly) of Madden 18. The early release was due out yesterday, but EA Access placed it in their app a day early for those that were lucky enough to notice. If you didn’t know, the early access allows you to play the full game for ten hours with EA Access (it costs $4.99 for a month and $29.99 for a year). After playing the game for a few hours, here are some quick first impressions of the newest installment of Madden. [Editors’ Note: There will be a full review of the game, likely next week when the game releases. It would be earlier if EA would have given us an early review unit of the game.]

 

Frostbite engine

The first thing that stands out about Madden 18 is the new Frostbite engine. Overall, it makes gameplay a lot smoother, and it makes the feel of the game much better. Basically, Frostbite makes it feel like you are in more control than in previous games. The player movements look more realistic (though there are some bugs and quirks). These next two points (running game and passing game) will go more into the changes likely caused by Frostbite.

 

Running game

Again, Madden 18 allows you to feel in more control than previous versions, and that includes the run game. The blocking is improved and gives a more accurate representation of real-life players following their blocks. Ratings seem to matter more and it leads to more varying running styles.

 

Passing game

Frostbite might have improved the passing game the most. Pass trajectories seem a lot better and more accurate. When using a quarterback such as Tom Brady, you can pinpoint the ball through gaps in the defense without a linebacker unrealistically making a crazy play (as happened in previous years of Madden). Also, receivers catch the ball more fluidly and run after the catch much better—this will allow you to pick apart zones easier, as guys now turn up field after making a catch more realistically. And yes, your receivers thankfully don’t just run out of bounds when leading them towards the sideline with a pass.

 

Rex Burkhead had the wrong skin color

So I go into a quick game between the Steelers and Patriots, and Patriots running back Rex Burkhead had a black torso with a white face. Things like this happen in video games, but hopefully EA sorts it out very quickly.

 

AI has more skill…

When going against the best players in the NFL, they play like the best in the NFL. For example, in past years, you could basically get near any running back and bring them down by basically getting near them, no matter what speed or angle you are going with your defender. In Madden 18, players like Le’Veon Bell will make you look foolish if you try to nonchalantly make a tackle on them. It’s a nice change and makes defense better and more challenging.

 

But is still not very smart

The AI can be flat out dumb at times, calling plays and making decisions (late in games, in particular) that NFL coaches—or any coach, for that matter—would never make. Come on, EA. This must be fixed.

 

Major no-huddle offense issue

This has been a problem for at least a few years in Madden now. When running a no-huddle offense, changing formations can get guys in the wrong position. When running a play with a tight end split out wide or in the slot then going to the hurry-up offense and switching the formation to bring the tight end in on the line, it should be the tight end that lines up at tight end—not Odell Beckham Jr. or another receiver. Same goes for the running back position. If I run a five-wide spread formation and then run the no-huddle and want to bring the running back in the backfield in a new formation, the running back should be lined up next to the quarterback—not the tight end at running back, the wide receiver at tight end, the running back in the slot, etc. This has been an issue for a while and it shouldn’t be that difficult to fix. Very disappointing.

 

Early conclusion

Overall, though, the early returns for Madden 18 are good. The Frostbite engine changed the dynamic and might make this Madden the best one in quite some time.