5. Connected Careers
Madden NFL 13 has done away with old favorites such as Franchise Mode, Superstar Mode and others in favor of Connected Careers. This means you can still play through a season controlling a single player, coach or even a whole team, but now, you access all of these various modes from one central hub. The best part is that you are not limited to one set of game mode's rules and can switch between who you want to play as without having to start up a new season. This is a really innovative new mode that even allows you to take your Connected Career online and share with other players around the world. I personally can't wait to get some alone time with the all new Connected Careers next week.
4. New Players
This one is obvious, but it doesn't make it any less true. One of the biggest reasons to pick up the newest version of Madden NFL each year is to play with the updated rosters that add rookies and other new players to the league. Since importing draft classes from NCAA Football series has been taken out, it is more important than ever for these new players to be added to the new game, and its nice to see the addition of the new NFL jerseys added to the game as well. Madden NFL 13 will feature one of the best roster updates in recent memory, since everyone wants a chance to try out the hot new rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, and of course, you'll be allowed to play with some NFL legends as a nice new addition as well.
3. Kinect Integration
This one is exclusive to the Xbox 360 version of the game and is the single biggest reason to pick up the title for this particular platform. With new Kinect voice commands, you'll be able to literally control the game with the power of your voice. Want to call a hot route like a real NFL quarterback? Done. Want to call plays just like a coach from the sideline? No problem. You can even substitute players without ever entering a menu or call an audible while at the line of scrimmage. Just make sure you're not using this feature when your buddies are around.
2. Presentation
Madden NFL 13 has completely overhauled its presentation and will include new features that will make it the next best thing to watching the big game on Sunday afternoon. For starters, EA Sports has brought in CBS announcers Phil Simms and Jim Nantz to give the audio and announcing for the game a whole new sound and feel. Now, you'll receive fantastic reactions and play by play commentary from the best duo in the business in every game you play. The audio team also went as far as to make sure they recapture the authentic sounds of a real life NFL stadium that will be pumping into your ears throughout every game. Each game will also feature new loading screens and pre-game festivities that would match the high quality of a real life game as well. Of course, menus have been tweaked and look sleek and refined as ever to help you efficiently get into games, substitute players and more at the push of a button.
1. Infinity Engine
Each year, EA Sports attempts to introduce a revolutionary new game mechanic to the newest version of Madden NFL, and while we love every release of the series, a lot of the new features seem to fall flat after the game is released. Enter the Infinity Engine; this new physics producing program allows the game to produce the most realistic collisions ever seen in the Madden NFL series. With a seemingly infinite amount of tackling animations, big hits and ways to shrug off tackles, the Infinity Engine will truly change the way you play Madden NFL 13 and for the better. Not since the release of the Hit Stick has EA Sports introduced such an important new feature, and the Infinity Engine is reason enough to make me rush out and get this title when it releases on August 28, 2012.