I don't know if there are a lot of Madden fans around these boards, but they're doing some great write-ups and this new lead designer really seems to be putting quite some effort into the game.

You can read some updates here.

http://insideblog.easports.com/Default.aspx?game=Madden&PageIndex=1 

I'm a huge Madden fan. Well, almost huge. I'm more of a NCAA Football fan. But either way, I've always bought them yearly. Except for the past few years, due to me only having a XBox, and '08 was the last year they came out for that system (technically, they came out with Madden '09 for the XBox, but it's almost impossible to find... And it's not worth getting if you can't have your draft classes from NCAA '09).

Nice find, Rock.

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I don't know if the ratings have all been done already. Did see this though. Kampman is way higher than I expected him to be at OLB. Maybe they'll put him down a little.

Thompson, on the other hand, seems to be as low as they can get him. I hope they haven't rated him yet or something.

The scale for ratings has been stretched this year for Madden. The difference between a 97 and a 93 is supposed to be greatly different. Notice how Thompson is a 50. That should show a bit of what I mean.

Don't be shocked when you get Madden and guys look underrated. Its just the new scale in ratings.

I know that the scale has changed, but still, 50 seems to be really low when first round rookies come in the league with 85-75 skill. He might be a third rounder, but that would be quite a difference in ratings throughout the rounds. That would make a 7th rounder, what, 10?

I know that he isn't a true rookie, but the times he was on the field he has performed like a late round rookie DE would, in my eyes.

Well it is probably the unknown as to why Thompson is rated so low.

Don't know about Madden, but Thompson was drafted as an end, while he has a decent burst, to my knowledge has never played linebacker. So, if you are evaluating him as a player their is a great deal of known in how he will convert to a Linebacker.

Looking at the difference between Kampman and Thompson, I don't understand the margin... but Thompson in real life this year is a wild card for sure.

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Its a way of setting the superstars apart from the average players. It doesn't mean he will be incompetent in the game. But you will feel the difference when you have to sub out AK for JT.

I think everyone will find it better once you get the game. It'll also make development in franchise MUCH better/funner/challenging than in the past. Usually once a guy would get to mid to upper 70's it would be too easy to develop a player in a a top tier player. Now it will be a bit more of a challenge and a lengthy process.

BTW, I had a custom Madden cover made for me lol. Thought I'd share with the fellow Madden players here:

Wow, great job dude. Totally in the new style. I was very impressed by someone who made a Kampman one aswell.

If I had anything else than just regular paper, I'd print that one out for next years cover.

I can't wait to get the PS3.. my issue is WHEN. lol

Have fun with Madden 10, guys. I'll be dreaming about it.

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I have this glossy photo paper I use. Its not too expensive. Probably 5 bucks at office max/depot.

I didn't make the cover lol. A guy on another forum made it after I requested it. Still nice nonetheless.