Madden has taken the Franchise back.
Well let me tell you.
I'll start with the game play.
The graphics have been improved with a new tackle feature which I think is some of the most impressive animations I've seen, and it's a lot better than when they stuck on the player when they got anywhere near them. Tackles feel that much more violent and are very satisfying.
Also new, and you've probably heard this a lot already from everyone else is the presentation. I really didn't care for watching the same scene over and over again for these teams. I don't think you will either. Also the camera shots are very well done and make it that much more real, and I think EA really nailed it this time.
Now to the Franchise options:
There is a new menu screen, it seems pretty dull at first but you get used to it. And you will notice they took out the extra point (which I'm pretty sure no one will miss).
There is a new feature called player cuts. Your given a few undraftees on your team to start pre-season and it's a long shot that you will keep any, but sometimes you will find a gem. It's a nice little feature, but it doesn't do all that much.
Now on to the scouting and draft:
At the beginning of the season your given 15 prospects to scout.
But it only allows you to scout spin move juke move and such for the season. As you move on into the off-season your given more scouting info, but it comes at a price because the number of players to scout get lower and lower. So you have to choose which ones you really want. And your going to need to scout because in the draft there is no more potential sign that helped you get all the gems. If you don't scout then you will just be taking a chance on a player you know nothing about. It's tough but it's extremely fun and it really is more like the NFL, there are always busts.
Free agency:
In this year's madden there is a new free agency period. (which I'm sure you've already heard about).
You can bid people within a one minute span, making it that much more like a race. But if you have cap off then it really doesn't matter.
Superstar:
It hasn't really changed all that much, but it has one notable feature.
Practices mean something now, you can earn points to make yourself better and get a starting job.
It's also nice that you can switch the view in game too. And that's all I have played so far, but in my playing time I noticed a lot of the little things that really stand out compared to last year.
Don't believe what the haters say, this game has changed. If you haven't tried it then at least rent it. I played madden 10 and madden 11 and I can say that this game is double what they were.