Madden NFL 22 Beta Review
This week, EA Sports unveiled the official the official artwork for their upcoming Madden NFL 22 game. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady were revealed to grace the cover for this year’s title. The release date was also confirmed for August 20, 2021, which is just shy of two months away.
Considering this is what’s going to garner our attention, the game has been built from the ground up this year with no pressure from Microsoft or Sony to make early deadlines. This smoother transition for next-gen this time around, is noticeable, which actually had us intrigued to share early impressions so far.
The only gripe we’ve had so far, is just the ratings for rookies and some star players. Outside of that, you can do everything you want on the beta, which is at only 70GBs of storage.
Below, is our brief Madden NFL 22 Beta Demo Review, just examining the on-field play and elements of the game.
Improved Gameplay Engine
The Frostbite 3 engine has been around for quite some time, and shockingly has improved the Madden series each season over the last four years. With Battlefield upgrading to Frostbite 4, to intoroduce 120 fps in the series, we would expect the same to happen next season. However, right now, the steady 60 frame-per-second gameplay, has offered the smoothest sports experience we’ve ever seen in a team-based game to date.
New On field Play Art Visuals
Arguably the most slept on upgrade this year, is the new on-field play art visuals. So, if you’re scheming with the no huddle route or carefully examining how defenses are playing you; new graphics on the field give a more detailed breakdown for how to approach your next down. This is essential for more the more hardcore Madden heads, who want to think advanced routes they can expect wideouts to take before making a pass decision. However, if you’re offense is run game based, it’ll also provide a closer look at exact holes on the ground you can expect with the right the protection. When games get closer down the stretch, it’ll be your best friend on the game.
Smoother Movement for all players
Like we’ve said above, this game just feels really smooth. During the pandemic, EA Sports really focused on making the game really smooth, especially for simulation players and above that don’t play arcade. `We’re really impressed with how you’re able to EASILY break away from tackles with right quarterbacks in the pocket. Not everyone can do escape running, which brings the right balance to more elite quarterbacks. As far as running backs, you can feel the dynamic weight adjustments for larger players that can truck people vs. the faster athletes that can avoid pass rushers down the field.
The New Momentum Engine
Arguably the biggest innovation to Madden NFL 22, is the new momentum engine. For those that have homefield advantage, it’ll really matter if you’re trying to rally for a win or just keep your foot on opponents’ necks. The live crowd will be much apart of the game as you are, which has been teased some throughout the beta. However, for those of you who like to play on the road and plant your flag on the opps territory, having a crowd with much anxiety will have some thinking about the fulfillment on the road.
Smarter AI / Actually Takes Skill
For those of you who don’t play on rookie mode, you will find challenge from the AI on field if you’re not playing in any online modes. We tested initially on pro before going increasing the difficulty and were impressed at the updated IQ AI had on the field. If you’re running the same play over and over, or they figure out what your plan off attack, they will make adjustments. So, there’s a large skill gap for people who just pick up and play whenever vs. the more serious gamers. You’ll be surprised at your first offline game, when you find yourself down a touchdown or two at halftime. Then, making up that ground isn’t easy either, which is where the momentum engine comes into play, just mentioned above. The AI and real-life opponents will do anything to stop you from coming back or push a comeback themselves. So, you have to play smart the entire game.