Madden 2005

[Relentless]

Released yesterday, I haven't bought it yet coz I want the Collector's Edition but I can't seem to find the CE anywhere to buy (all sold out).

Who else has bought it already? Are you lovin' up the Hit Stick?

[Relentless]

oho

just found out the local Future Shop has a fat stack of the Collector's Edition

booya.... gonna pick one up on the way home tonite.

[TBone4Eva]

What's the difference between the two copies?

[Relentless]

The Madden 2005 Collectors Edition is available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. It contains all the features of the regular version, plus a wealth of bonus content including playable classic versions of Madden from the 16-bit era, two versions from the PlayStation console era, and much more!

More Information
Also exclusive to the Madden NFL 2005 Collector's Edition will be bonus video content including footage of The Madden Phenomenon, The Music of Madden, and an inside look into how this legendary franchise is made each year from scratch. The Madden NFL 2005 Collector's Edition features unique collectible packaging, as well as online play which is compatible with the regular version of Madden NFL 2005.

FEATURES:

Madden Trivia Challenge: Playable trivia game for 1 or 2 players with Madden and NFL trivia with over 1,000 questions.

Madden Moments: Re-live the greatest moments of the past 15 seasons. Situations become more and more difficult until you reach the ultimate Madden Moment.

Historical Playoff Teams: Select from 15 years worth of playoff teams.

The Madden Phenomenon: How the Madden franchise has become a dominant force in American culture.

The Madden Cover Jinx: A fun, mock-umentary on the cover jinx including interviews with players and coaches.

Evolution Of Madden Art: Interviews with EA artist showing game footage from Madden versions over time.

The Music Of Madden: How Madden has broken bands and the role that music plays in the game, including interviews with artists.

Production Commentary: The producers narrate a game as its being played, describing key game design elements and commenting on strategy and tactics.

[Vido]

So what's the game like this year?

[Shane]

How about the ESPN Football game? Has anyone taken a good look comparing that with Madden?

[SalahG]

This year's madden is decent. They really didn't change it much from 04' besides that us Xbox guys can now play online. If you're a big fan of the Madden era, like me, get it, if not than get ESPN Football 2K5.

[Relentless]

tracked down a copy of the Collector's Ed at Future Shop and got hooked up last night for some action

initial thoughts:
- I don't like the interface as much as 2004... 2004 was somehow crisper and cleaner. The white theme of 2004 is superior to the black backgrounds of 2005
- the Hit Stick is cool; I tested it in Training Camp when running the Chase and Tackle drills and popped the RB for a couple of fumbles
- including cheer-babes in the game-startup cameos is nice
- I found the in-game play calling screens harder to read and understand... maybe it's just the change in interface but again this didn't seem as crisp
- the ability to change defensive assignments with more detail is really cool... although they seem to have disabled the Playmaker function from 2004 so you can't call 'Run' after the snap and crash the line with all zoned defenders.
- the new tackle animations are cool and the running seems a bit more realistic... so far I've found it a bit easier to pass and a bit harder to run
- the O-line AI seems worse... I kept getting pressured more than I thought I should have, which kinda sucked. Fortunately I was playing Dallas and using Drew Henson, who has a 60 SPD so it wasn't too bad... I miss my 2004 franch mode rookie with the 95 SPD though. His only downfall was a 35ACC and a 45 CAR. Anyway, henson threw very crisply even on the run to crossing routes, where Keyshawn looked sharp and Bryant showed some flashes of deep speed although his hands are suspect-- the roster doesn't include the Eddie George acquisiton which I will have to fix and they still had Carter on the books as well...
- I liked the radio show guy and the radio-station approach to ingame music in the admin screens; it made it feel 'realer' somehow
- soundtrack is definitely much improved; they even have Franz Ferdinand. The 2004 soundtrack was heavy on hiphop and crappy 'new metal' while the 2005 has more tunes that fit my own tastes

Interestingly I was tempted to buy GameDay 2k5 because it was on sale for $29.99... but then I realized they were just price cutting because Madden is so much better. There are also some passing problems in the ESPN game so that's probably not worth it

[Relentless]

does anyone know of a site that has a current roster update list for 2005? The default roster in 2005 is way off base, doesn't include key changes like Ricky Williams, Eddie George, Quincy Carter, etc.

[SalahG]

does anyone know of a site that has a current roster update list for 2005? The default roster in 2005 is way off base, doesn't include key changes like Ricky Williams, Eddie George, Quincy Carter, etc.

Just go online with it, it immeadiately downloads the new rosters for you.

[Relentless]

Just go online with it, it immeadiately downloads the new rosters for you.

If I *had* a network adapter for my PS2, I would *not* have needed to ask for a roster update, now would I?

[SalahG]

If I *had* a network adapter for my PS2, I would *not* have needed to ask for a roster update, now would I?

Well go get one then!