There was a time that Madden wasn't the best video game for football on the market, or really the only game on the market. Way back when, say oh the 90's, there were a LOT of video games for Sega and the system that I have, the SNES. That also went to Playstation and PS2 for some extent but primarily going to focus on the SNES, as you can clearly see the title of the review. This is technically the fourth of six games for the SNES that deals with the Madden series (John Madden Football, followed up with Madden's 94-98.) That in mind, the games did have it's share of partners with EA Sports in their endeavors. This was with Visual Concepts. To put this modestly, it has a lot of ups and downs. So how does this game turn out? Let's see below.
Positives:
1. The running game is powerful enough to get to the Super Bowl for you in this game. Yes, there's a specific reason and yes I will highlight it below. But the running game is good for you in this facet.
2. At the end of games, you get to see a highlight of a different game if you want, with the exception of the playoffs. It's kinda neat that they have that sorta game break in there kind of like the FOX Sports thing in real life.
3. More features than most games around this time. It has sign a player (free agency sort of), trade players, create a player, combine (sort of) and more. It is only combined with Tecmo Super Bowl III about the features that come along for the games.
4. The playbook is expansive, yet simple to understand. There isn't terminology that is overtly confusing and the diagram essentially helps the player out.
Negatives:
1. The passing game is awful, minus screen plays, so you have to rely on the running game. This really isn't fixed on Madden 97 either as I play it now. It's an honest shame that they didn't get this sorted at the time or the game would be miles better.
2. Anytime you throw a pass and it isn't completed, you have a quagmire of players in a mess so this was something that hampered the game. Also about every other pass is batted down at the line of scrimmage.
3. Realism of game is very shoddy. The Cardinals didn't do better than 8-8 at this time, but they were in the divisional playoffs. The Packers easily can win the Super Bowl. So yeah, it's not a very realistic game in terms of difficulty.
4. You can get by on about 4-5 defensive plays.. in a season. Yeah.. that's not really a great thing so another negative.
In all, this game is at best average, at worst below average. It isn't terrible, but in all honesty, the three Tecmo games are better in addition to at least 2-3 other games, including both NFL QB Club games. There are some things to like but not enough to give it a good/great rating.
Final rating: 5.5/10. If I threw a number out there overall, 400th would make sense.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Lambeau Field: Always Historic
When you think Lambeau Field, you think history. You think of Lombardi and of the duels of snow and cold in November and December. Of Hornung and Taylor running through Cleveland in a mud and snow slogged field in 1965. You think of NFL Films with John Facenda and Harry Kalas. You think the Ice Bowl. The greatest block in NFL history (Jerry Kramer on Jethro Pugh in said Ice Bowl) to help Green Bay win a record three straight NFL championships. You think of massive winning streaks with Brett Favre in weather under 32 degrees (kinda ironic since he was from a warm state.) You think of Majik in 1989. Of Hail Marys that were full of grace from Aaron Rodgers in playoff games. Also, related note, they have their Hall of Fame on the premises so that's another reason for the history. I had gotten the chance a few times in the past to go to Lambeau Field and I wrote at the time about it, but this probably goes more in-depth because I like to explain everything seemingly.
Alright, so where to start? Let's start with the fact that the two games I went to were the Falcons and.. well the freaking Cardinals game (that one where Mike McCarthy was fired, yes.) Word to the wise, do not park on grass in rain/snow conditions, that pretty much blows. Save the 20 or more bucks and just park on the street somewhere for free. Aside from the absolutely god awful performance of the team against Arizona, the stadium was in okay shape given the fact that the weather really didn't match what the forecasts were saying. The only gripe I would have with the stadium is there really is no drainage in the rows so the water stands. I suspect the reasoning for that is it presents a hazard, also the stadium layout plays a role in it as well but it is something to lay out so you aren't stepping in every puddle ever. Also, it was funny to laugh at all the drunk buffoons not know how to engage a step. For the Atlanta game, there weren't many qualms but the one thing I will say is there isn't a lot of space to navigate when with about 80,000 people in the stadium. That isn't something new considering most stadiums are like that. More or less just the norm.
So what's good about Lambeau? Like I said, history. The moment you get there, you feel a part of that history. The fan shop is gigantic in the atrium with a lot of different stuff you can get. The atrium itself is actually warm (thank you for allowing us to warm up and dry out in that Arizona game) and has a ton of televisions so you can watch the games going on. Also, the bathrooms have the radio broadcast so you aren't too far behind. The food is pretty good, with plenty of choices. That same can be said for whatever drink you'd like to choose. Also, when the stadium district is finished, it'll look super awesome. So is there anything that isn't good?
If I were to throw something up and say improve these things at Lambeau it is these, make the food better quality, as while good it isn't mind-blowing good. Same goes with waiting for bathrooms. The lines can be super long really at any point it seemed when I went both times. Also, better Wi-Fi access. Yes, fans like being on their phones checking probably fantasy football and since this isn't a baseball game with batted balls to look out for in terms of safety, there's almost no reason not to combine with a internet company to have strong enough Wi-Fi for 80,000 plus people. All in all though, not too many qualms with Lambeau.
I would always, 100 percent recommend going to Lambeau. If you are around it, just take a picture of it. It's always a good time to be at the field and being around so many fans. It's a unique place, in a unique atmosphere. But always one I cherish every single time I go up to Green Bay. There is a lot to behold with it but overall, yes do visit Lambeau Field to go to a game.
Alright, so where to start? Let's start with the fact that the two games I went to were the Falcons and.. well the freaking Cardinals game (that one where Mike McCarthy was fired, yes.) Word to the wise, do not park on grass in rain/snow conditions, that pretty much blows. Save the 20 or more bucks and just park on the street somewhere for free. Aside from the absolutely god awful performance of the team against Arizona, the stadium was in okay shape given the fact that the weather really didn't match what the forecasts were saying. The only gripe I would have with the stadium is there really is no drainage in the rows so the water stands. I suspect the reasoning for that is it presents a hazard, also the stadium layout plays a role in it as well but it is something to lay out so you aren't stepping in every puddle ever. Also, it was funny to laugh at all the drunk buffoons not know how to engage a step. For the Atlanta game, there weren't many qualms but the one thing I will say is there isn't a lot of space to navigate when with about 80,000 people in the stadium. That isn't something new considering most stadiums are like that. More or less just the norm.
So what's good about Lambeau? Like I said, history. The moment you get there, you feel a part of that history. The fan shop is gigantic in the atrium with a lot of different stuff you can get. The atrium itself is actually warm (thank you for allowing us to warm up and dry out in that Arizona game) and has a ton of televisions so you can watch the games going on. Also, the bathrooms have the radio broadcast so you aren't too far behind. The food is pretty good, with plenty of choices. That same can be said for whatever drink you'd like to choose. Also, when the stadium district is finished, it'll look super awesome. So is there anything that isn't good?
If I were to throw something up and say improve these things at Lambeau it is these, make the food better quality, as while good it isn't mind-blowing good. Same goes with waiting for bathrooms. The lines can be super long really at any point it seemed when I went both times. Also, better Wi-Fi access. Yes, fans like being on their phones checking probably fantasy football and since this isn't a baseball game with batted balls to look out for in terms of safety, there's almost no reason not to combine with a internet company to have strong enough Wi-Fi for 80,000 plus people. All in all though, not too many qualms with Lambeau.
I would always, 100 percent recommend going to Lambeau. If you are around it, just take a picture of it. It's always a good time to be at the field and being around so many fans. It's a unique place, in a unique atmosphere. But always one I cherish every single time I go up to Green Bay. There is a lot to behold with it but overall, yes do visit Lambeau Field to go to a game.
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