I don't think madden 23 is good compared to when 2k was around and madden had to actually improve the game but I think this year was a step in the right direction in franchise mode in terms of game play.
Sure, some annoying animations and general lack of awareness for your cpu players can be maddening, lol, but im 10 games in and having an enjoyable time overall.
My main gripes is that the cpu just can have unreal plays on the ball. Hell, still have the cpu slider still on 0 and still see lbs make some unreal picks. Pretty sure Dak is leading the league in tds and ints lol.
I can tell the difference between Zeke running inside and outside compared to Pollard. Fighting for the extra yard with Zeke is noticeable. Having Tyron Smith out of the game sucks. Lol
Having Parsons switch sides to take advantage of a weak tackle makes a difference. 13 sacks in 8 games with ~11 of those being cpu sacks.
Running vs the eagles inside is hard and requires you to use Pollard more on outside runs etc. Noticed the cpu will try to adjust more if you use 1 play alot.
I agree that I'm enjoying this year's game much more than the last 5 - actually only 8-6 in my franchise. But this year you can tell "SOME" effort was made which is noticeable on the field and with the franchise mode.
Zeke is my work horse and Steele gets Dak killed (more me taking too long to make a decision, but the contrast is night and day where I get the pressure with Tyron vs Steele)
Same with Micah on the edge vs Sam Williams or an avg. player. He gets sacks on his own with realistic pass rush moves; the edge rush looks great this year, the dip and turn to the QB looks like a real pass rush move instead of a pre-determined animation. I tend to play as Hooker as a nickle Safety in the box and Micah sometimes can just steamroll the tackle 3-4 times a game.
Picks are easier to throw but much easier to make as well...Anthony Brown has something like 10 so far from me just switching and holding Triangle/Y, etc. Much better game than in years past...I rarely make it to September any more but can see that happening this year esp with improvements to Franchise mode.
Regarding your gripes is what made Madden great though. Madden 05 which was considered one of the best Madden had LBs playing like corners and cb making interceptions while not looking at the ball at all. We just learned to adapt and became better at passing.
This Madden is basically bringing back success to how the user plays and not by ratings imo.
Good point on making it hard enough to come back for more too. In a franchise where you're mainly playing the cpu, you need them to be unreasonably strong at times to make it completive; maybe not the 3rd down automatic vibe you get sometimes, but hear your point and think some unfairness is needed for cpu play to keep franchise mode interesting.
