Welcome back to Gaming IRL, a month-to-month segment where a number of editors talk about what they've been playing in their downtime. This month, like a lot on the world, we've been playing Destiny 2 and EA Sports' most up-to-date and greatest. Also Cuphead. Plenty of Cuphead.
Madden 18
When EA revealed a story mode for Madden 18 back at E3, I was already hooked. The limited portion with the so-called "Longshot" feature I saw in LA only cemented it. I hadn't paid focus to Madden Mobile Coins in years, but the addition of a narrative storyline that had a wholesome dose of Friday Night Lights plus a NCAA Football tease was adequate to create me take notice again. Positive, "Longshot" could be the football equivalent of "The Journey" in EA's FIFA franchise, however the story mode feels like an awesome add-on to a title that's typically all about playing games and managing rosters.
"Longshot" begins like any superior football story does: Little ones playing catch inside the yard. You initially meet the principle character, Devin Wade, pretending to win a massive game with his greatest friend Colt Cruise (How's that for a Texas football name?) and his father, Cutter. The narrative swiftly speeds ahead to Devin and Colt leaving prior to sunrise to drive to an NFL regional scouting combine -- what could be the duo's last chance to create an expert roster. Devin was a 5-star recruit at Texas but quit football completely soon after his father died. Now he's looking to make an impossible comeback.
From there, the story is told by means of a series of flashbacks to Devin's high college and college days. You are able to only play via those high school games, so don't get your hopes up to get a mini version of NCAA Football to fill that void. The little sections of Friday Night Lights-esque action are equal parts enjoyable and thrilling because the stress is on you to save games on the arm, legs and skill of Devin Wade. Due to the fact you do not have to choose cheap mut 18 coins plays or worry about other elements of the game, you may just focus on generating the throws and decisions needed to win. It might seem a bit weird for die-hard Madden fans, however the condensed action keeps the story moving at a superb clip. Additionally, it helps that Devin is fundamentally Cam Newton 2.0.
I enjoyed these sections where Devin dons the Mathis Bullfrogs' green and gold more than any other section of "Longshot." Indeed, you get a short look at what it's prefer to undergo the draft procedure, like interviews, football IQ tests and drills -- lots and plenty of drills. That stuff was all pretty exciting, but for me, those high college games stand above the rest it. There's also a reality show storyline that tends to make "Longshot" peak 2017.
Even with all of those items, telling Devin's current story by bouncing back-and-forth with flashbacks is actually a little clunky. It tends to make sense, but the pace of the story seems to sputter at occasions. There is a lot more drama surrounding that Tv show than appears important, but it does make Devin's prep for the rest in the draft process a lot more exciting than if he have been education on his own. It's just somewhat over the top rated at occasions.
I won't spoil the ending, but "Longshot" provides Madden fans one thing added this year and offers a foundation for other story modes in future releases. For me, "Longshot" is not very as compelling as FIFA's "The Journey," but it really is a solid 1st effort in a new franchise. It is good enough that I'm looking forward to seeing what EA does next with Madden 19.