Gridiron Greatness
Like its predecessors, Madden NFL 06 comes so close to football simulation perfection that proper videogame tactics have become simply good football strategy. What works in real life works better than ever in this year's Madden, but the new features color the experience with game mechanics that must be mastered to exploit your full potential. Read on for a few classic and contemporary Madden tips to help you in your quest to master the gridiron.
Look it in!
Get a Tutor
With EA SPORTS™ now owning the NFL exclusive license, we may see an influx of gamers coming over from other franchises. Whether you're new to Madden or just new to football games in general, you need to watch the tutorial videos. I know, you don't usually mess with tutorials—but these do an excellent job of dissecting the basic gameplay elements of the series, as well as offering video concerning the major new additions to the game (such as QB Vision Control).
QB Vision Control
The new QB Vision Control system highlights the area of the field your quarterback sees. Move this vision cone with the right thumbstick as the play develops (simulating a QB's progressions) to find your open receiver and complete the pass. It's a huge addition to a game that helps even the odds between a QB with great running ability (think Michael Vick) and one with great vision (think Peyton Manning).
It also adds a great strategic element before the ball is snapped. The vision cone will automatically highlight the area around your primary receiver when the play begins, but if you see that something's amiss (an oncoming blitz or double coverage on your primary, for example), switch out your primary receiver (perhaps to the running back on a short out pattern). Use this feature often, especially against defensive-minded players who like to outguess your offense.
Come on! Go down.
Use the Momentum
Stopping on a dime with instant change in direction has been a staple of sports games for years, but Madden 06 and its immediate predecessor have done a great job of eliminating this, causing players to move with realistic momentum. What's more, you can use this to your advantage.
On defense, box a player in by running in at an angle, but not going for the direct tackle. As they attempt to stop, turn, and go the other way, their momentum change will give you the time you need to make the tackle or allow another defender to come in and do the job for you. On offense, pull back on the right thumbstick when running with the ball to throw off defenders as they streak down at a hard angle for the tackle. This causes a stutter-step, and with any luck the defender flies past you.
Defensive Audibles
No, I'm not talking about plays, I'm talking about recognition. All the defensive upgrades from last year's Madden are back, and they need the same degree of knowledge to use effectively. Make sure you have a good understanding of on-the-fly defensive audibles (e.g., make your free safety double up on the outside right receiver, put a linebacker on QB spy patrol, shift the lineman and linebackers, move up the D-backs for bump and run coverage), and use them constantly.
Strip it!
The Quick Snap
Defensive audibles are crucial, but get around them on offense by not wasting time. First and ten and you want to surprise the defense with five wide-outs? Don't let them adjust at the line. Pick your play, run up to the line of scrimmage, and snap the ball before they know what hit them. If they're too worried about proper coverage, let them waste a timeout.
Truck and Hit Sticks
Last year premiered the Hit Stick, analog control with the right thumbstick when setting up a devastating tackle. This year introduces the Truck Stick, where the ball carrier lowers his shoulder and flattens defenders. Both features call for a reasonable degree of patience. Don't use either unless you're sure of the situation.
On defense, if you don't connect with the tackle, you're going to allow a substantial gain. On offense, don't lower the shoulder if jukes and spins would better serve the situation. If you do, by the time you break the tackle, another defender jumps your position.
Everyone needs to start somewhere, and if you're new to the franchise or football games, these tips will give you a few pointers to get you going in the right direction. Look forward to a slew of situational tips for veterans of Madden a little later on. Until then, go deep!
Article by Alex McLain
