The highly anticipated Madden 2009 was made available for purchase earlier this week, and in honor of its release, I have decided to write the ultimate Madden guide for the rules and proper etiquette much like I did for NCAA Football 2009 last month.Settings
- Quarter Length: 3 or 5 minutes
- Difficulty: All-Pro or All-Madden
- Penalty Frequency: Please keep normal. The game needs to be played the right way without holding, clipping, or other penalties. They are a part of the game whether you like it or not.
Picking Teams
- The host always gets first choice when it comes to the selection of teams, determination of the home stadium, and weather.
- You cannot play with the same teams. It’s a silly idea so you will just look like a major idiot if you even suggest such an idea.
- The Patriots are off limits. While New England is arguably the best team in the NFL, EA annualy makes them a near flawless team. Therefore, you’re pathetic if you have to use the Pats to win. In order to show that you’re the superior player, use a good but not unstoppable team like the Giants, Packers, or Steelers.
Turn Precision Passing On
- EA Sports created precision passing for a reason. They want you to use it. Therefore, if your game system allows you to use it than by all means do so.
Randy Moss Rule
- While you may have a dominant receiver like the Patriots’ Randy Moss, please don’t throw it to him on every single play. A couple of months ago, I was playing against my brother and the only play he knew was a deep route to Moss. By throwing to just your star receiver, you end up looking like a seven year old.
Other In-Game Rules
- Don’t use the same blitz package on every single down. This isn’t Madden 2000 so you do have more than one play.
- On offense, feel free to use the same play over and over, but you’re going to be beaten badly if you do. So, it’s really your choice.
- In the past, I always was a staunch proponent of no previewing your play. However, EA has now added a bluff screen, which can trick your opponent. With this now available, feel free to either check out your play or bluff.
- If you’re winning by three touchdowns than there is no need to go for a two point conversion.
- If you are winning by a touchdown with less than a minute left in the game and your opponent has no timeouts than please don’t take a kneel. You don’t have to pass but a a FB smash would be a more respectable way to finish the game.
Smack Talk
- Feel free to talk trash as long as you want, but if you start losing don’t get upset if your buddy starts talking back.
- As long as you don’t mind your buddy jumping for joy, you’re free to celebrate as much as you want.
Breaks/Timeouts
- Do you really have to use the restroom or get a quick snack? Or, is this some way for you to stop your friend’s momentum and readjust your strategy? You can only take a break if it’s okay with both parties. However, at halftime, you’re more than welcome to leave the gaming area for a trip to the john or quick stop in the kitchen.
Leaving the Game
- Are you getting killed? Down by 28 after the first quarter? You can whine all you want, but you’re in it until the other party gives up too. Expect to get routed.
- If you’re good enough to build up a 28 point lead than feel free to celebrate even after your tenth touchdown of the night.
- If you’re playing in a group and you are losing by at least 28 points in the second half, than the person winning may end the game so the next person can play.