14 DAY TRIAL // Electronic Arts seems to be pleased with the performance of Madden NFL 10, after initial reports that it was disappointed with sales, and has decided to announce a new spin off based on the same game engine, called Madden NFL Arcade, which is set to be released via the Xbox Live Marketplace and via the PlayStation Network in time for Christmas. The game will be 5 on 5, online only, and will cost 1,200 Microsoft Points or 14.99 dollars in real world money.
Players will be able to choose from 32 real-life NFL teams but only the five best players on each team will be controlled by the gamer. Penalties and field goals will not be allowed in Madden NFL Arcade, and each of the teams will have four downs in which to try and score.
The idea is to create a quicker to play and action packed version of Madden ideal for those who do not have the time or the dedication to run the bigger matches in the main game. Electronic Arts is also talking about introducing 13 so-called Game Changers that can be used as modifiers, changing the pace of play and the balance of power on the field.
Nathan Stewart, who is the marketing director for EA Sports, has said that “When you look around the office and see your whole team playing and having tons of fun with it, you know the game hit the right mark. We have diehard Madden fans who have worked on the franchise for a decade, and more casual gamers who are all playing together and enjoying it. If our productivity the past few weeks is any indication, we’ve created a game that everyone will love.”
EA's move is interesting because it expands the Madden franchise while also giving up some of the elements, like the overall simulation of the football league, which made it so interesting to gamers when launched.