When the defense deciphers a bootleg pass play from an offensive formation and moves a weak-side linebacker into position to disrupt the scheme with a blitz, EA wants Madden NFL 15 gamers to embrace the era of big data and consult with the game's online community instead of asking Madden.
That's the hope as the game goes on sale today, Aug. 26, for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A dialed-down version of the game was released on last-gen console and a mobile version of the title was launched onto iOS and Android.
Yes, EA has stepped up the graphical fidelity in Madden NFL 15. But the latest entry into the Madden franchise returns the series' focus to defense with new game play mechanics and animations that bring more depth and dynamism to the war in the trenches.
EA says it wants gamers to build a better understanding of the game of football, and not just players that are new to the game. Madden NFL 15 players can take advantage of crowd-sourced data from millions of online games, allowing gamers to find plays that match their defensive or offensive philosophies.
"For example, if Madden NFL players like spreading the field with four wide receivers on third down, you'll see some of the plays that get called most often, as well as their success rates," states EA. "The improved game-flow system is not just limited to community success, but also opponent tendencies. This new data results in better suggestions than in years past, and replaces the 'Ask Madden' feature."
While good play calling puts players in position to make big stop or huge gains, it's the execution and discipline that matters between the whistles. To help balance the turf war on both sides of the ball, EA says it was important to make defense more dynamic.
"Madden NFL 15 allows players to transform into their rival's worst nightmare with a new breed of defense, built to challenge the best offenses in the NFL," states EA.
Madden NFL 15 features hundreds of new animations that impart more precision and flexibility on the defensive side of the ball, as well as new and reworked features to enable players to leverage the new abilities.
EA has reworked Madden's "Jump Snap" feature, punishing defensive players with offside calls if a player triggers a jump too early and awarding gamers with a quick first step if timed correctly.
Pass rushes in Madden NFL 15 are contextual. With the new finesse and power animations, bulkier rushers can bulldoze smaller offenders and leaner defensive players can shimmy into the quarterback's pocket of protection.
Tackle cones depict a defender's vision and his ability to block and tackle, while it's up to the player to risk giving up a big play by going for an aggressive tackle or give up a few yards with a conservative tackle.
