Madden demo is out.

[InsomniaKiller]

The Madden 10 demo is available for download.

You can download Cowboys vs. Giants (ewww!!) with 1 min quarters (ewww!!) or, if you have the game pre-ordered at Gamestop, get your code to download the Cardinals vs. Steelers with 5 min quarters, accelerated clock.

There is no commentary in the demo. It is a nearly-finished version of the gameplay, but NOT the final build that went gold. So take that for what it's worth.

I've always enjoyed Madden. I thought Madden '09 was a huge step in the right direction. So, take my opinion for what it's worth. This game is absolutely the most realistic representation of the sport ever made.

The first thing you will notice is that the speed is much slower. If you've played Madden recently, you will not only notice the difference in speed, you will be completely taken aback by it. Overall, it's a good thing. I will *probably* sneak up the speed of the game just a hair when I get the full game, but after the first quarter or so, I had grown to like the speed of the demo better than '09.

The next things you'll notice....

The presentation: Huge improvement. Huge. The demo doesn't have the half-time show that the game will have, but that's not a huge issue. What you will see is players on the sidelines with their helmets off, coaches yelling at players after they screw up, quarterbacks warming up to get ready to go back on the field when the other team is about to score, referees consulting with one another before making a decision on a close touchdown call, chain gangs, coaches throwing challenge flags, kickers warming up, fans reacting to the plays . . . wow. A lot of work was put into this. Long overdue, to be sure, but EA stepped up HUGE in this department.

Gameplay: Pretty important stuff here, no? As I said, the game is MUCH slower. So I'll get into the other stuff I didn't already bring up. THERE'S A POCKET. Yes, the offensive line plays like an offensive line. The running game is not as difficult as last year, but following your blockers is still the key to a good run. In the two games I played, I didn't bust off any huge running plays, but I got more than a couple 8-10 yard gains, and one or two 15 yard runs.

The tackling is fantastic. Offensive players react very realistically to hits by defenders. If you're on defense and join in a gang-tackle, it doesn't feel like some predetermined animation. You seamlessly join in and the players react accordingly to you pushing the pile.

While the ball is in the air, players turn their heads to follow the ball. When you drop a pass in over the receiver's shoulder, just out of reach of the defense, it looks SPOT ON, from the quarterback really winding up for a big throw, to the receiver twisting his body realistically to follow the ball and get in position for the catch.

I've rambled a bit here, but needless to say my initial impressions are VERY good. If you think Madden has gotten stale and doesn't make enough changes to warrant a purchase, prepare to be surprised by this year's edition. My anticipation for August 14th just shot through the roof.

Check out the demo if you feel so inclined, and share your impressions!

[InsomniaKiller]

It should be noted that I'm playing the 5 minute quarter, Cards vs. Steelers version of the demo. I haven't seen anything from the shorter demo, but don't really have any interest in checking it out. 1 minute quarters really doesn't seem like enough time to get a good look at all the changes they've made.

[CarMike]

You talked me into trying it out. I had no plans on buying it this year due to the past years of boredom while playing. Hopefully it works better than the college football game.

[tbfoster1]

Originally Posted by CarMike

You talked me into trying it out. I had no plans on buying it this year due to the past years of boredom while playing. Hopefully it works better than the college football game.

Yeah same here. I'm trying to download the demo now.

[InsomniaKiller]

One more thing I found that I like. . .

There was a lot of talk about the player ratings being redone to allow the great players to shine next to the average players. I can say that this is certainly the case. The first game I played, I injured Ben Roethlisberger. He had driven down the field a couple times on me and I was losing 10-0. Charlie Batch comes in and their offense stalled. Wild passes, balls overthrown, and I actually felt like I could focus on the run way more with the backup in there. He stayed in the rest of the game and that was it, they didn't score again.

The next game, I was the Cardinals again. I called a screen to the running back, but the defense blew it up. I threw the ball away and Warner got hurt. Roughing the passer was called, but in comes Leinart for the rest of the game. Let me just say, not only can you tell when you're playing against the backup quarterback, but you can tell the difference when you're using the backup quarterback. A big dropoff. Using a scrub for a quarterback feels like it will finally have the significant impact on the game that it should have. No more worries about Vince Young or Jemarcus Russell passing for 400 yards will be wonderful.

And fade routes to the corner of the end zone actually work! Well, at least they do with Larry Fitzgerald. There's at least a play or two in the Cardinals playbook designed specifically for fade routes near the goal line. Very nice.

Couple things I *don't* like -

The camera on field goals. It follows the ball kinda funny, I don't really like it.

And the fumble-recovery button mashing "mini-game" or whatever you want to call it. Thankfully it usually doesn't happen, but if you get a couple guys diving for the ball, be prepared to mash buttons. The good news is you'll be able to turn it off in the full game.

Hope those of you downloading it enjoy it as much as I am!

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

Wow. I'm stoked... bought it on buy.com... signed up for their credit card and got $30 off