MaddenHQ’s Take: Seems like mostly rave reviews about the changes to gameplay and visuals, but a few major knocks for ignoring franchise mode and commentary glitches.

Here is a summary

Pastapadre (n/a)
[i]The gameplay is the best it has ever been though being plagued by a few elements of frustration. The feature set is not that intriguing but I’ve still found value out of GameFlow and GamePlan. The presentation is decent, with the in-stadium experience taking a big leap forward along with vibrant commentary, but there is much more that can be done. Basically what Madden 11 does in its overall improvement is make it all the more clear what the game COULD be.[/i] [url="http://www.pastapadre.com/2010/08/08/madden-nfl-11-full-impressions"]source[/url]

cheapassgamer.com (4/5)
[i]As for Madden NFL 11, the incremental changes they’ve incorporated into this year’s game really go a long way in differentiating it from last season’s title. The running game is substantially improved and GameFlow is a wonderful addition for those who share my play style.[/i] [url="http://www.cheapassgamer.com/?f=2150"]source[/url]

gameinformer (8.75/10 and 8.75/10)
[i]I enjoy a lot of the new features in Madden NFL 11. Things like game planning in conjunction with the automated GameFlow play-calling feature (which works a lot better for offense than defense) have changed the way that I play the game. I don’t want to sound greedy or ungrateful, but I feel like adding new features isn’t the only job of the development team when there are other areas that need to be addressed. Madden NFL 11 is a clear step forward for the franchise, but as fun as the additions are, the fact that some of its glaring mistakes remain is like getting a new stud quarterback even though the offensive line still needs an upgrade. You’re going to score, but you’re still a team with weaknesses.[/i] [url="http://gameinformer.com/games/madden_nfl_11/b/xbox360/archive/2010/08/09/madden-nfl-11-review.aspx"]source[/url]

gametrailers video review (9.1/10)
[url="http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-madden-nfl/702630"]source[/url]
[i]Worthy of a release day purchase.[/i]

OperationSports (9/10)
[i]After years and years of crafting current-generation Madden games, EA Sports has finally built up a truly balanced football game. The pocket presence and drop backs of quarterbacks, the new football physics and the broadcast presentation have all been recent positive additions to the series.

The Pro-Tak of last year and the Locomotion engine of this year blend masterfully into what is Madden 11. The game captures the essence of the NFL on Sundays, and establishes Madden as a commanding presence for realistic gameplay in sports gaming.[/i] [url="http://www.operationsports.com/review.php?id=556"]source[/url]

IGN (8/10)
[i]I think it’s clear that this year’s Madden is geared toward the mainstream football fan; someone who just wants to come in after playing a game of catch outside and get their hands on some real NFL talent. For that audience Madden NFL 11 delivers. However, if you’re the type of player who sits alone in your living room combing the free agent wire for a player to add to your beloved franchise, I think this year’s Madden is going to leave something to be desired. [/i][url="http://ps3.ign.com/articles/111/1111135p1.html"]source[/url]

Others
kotaku (n/a) [url="http://kotaku.com/5608019/madden-nfl...for-your-money"]source[/url]
vgrevolution (9/10) [url="http://www.vgrevolution.com/2010/08/madden-nfl-11-review/"]source[/url]
crave (best Madden in years) [url="http://www.craveonline.com/gaming/article/madden-nfl-11-review-108825"]source[/url]
destructoid (9.5/10) [url="http://www.destructoid.com/review-madden-nfl-11-180978.phtml"]source[/url]

Take note of the talk at the opening to the Redskins-Eagles game because it is the same thing for every single game played. I even fired up a Lions-Rams game and Collinsworth went through the very same spiel about Sam Bradford and Matt Stafford being experienced QBs. I was told that there would be a ton of unique openings based on the QB matchups (DoubleT23 on Twitter mentioned there were supposed to be 900+ variations). (Update) I’ve since found one that triggered: Bears vs Packers talking about the NFC North becoming a passing division and Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers being future Hall of Famers.

MaddenHQ’s Take: Hopefully this gets addressed early in a tuning patch. Even though the information in those intros is filler at best, it still adds to the authenticity of the game.

View to source to see the rest of the article and see all of the videos.

But the other path is the path of the architect, the Bill Parcells path. To take over a team that is down and out and build them into something new. Maybe you are unlucky enough for this to also be your team, but likely this is a team that you have no connection with. Your connection with this team will come from the stamp you put on it.

1. St. Louis Rams – They had the lowest scoring offense in the NFL last year and only the Detroit Lions gave up more points. They just drafted their QB of the future so that takes a little bit away from you as the new virtual GM, but this is still the #1 project in the game.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – They lack playmakers on offense and defense and are a long way from competing. It is a team without an identity and needs a new GM to give them one.
3. Cleveland Browns – Who can turn this franchise around faster? Mike Holmgren or you? My money is on Holmgren, but this was the worst passing team in the NFL last year and Jake Delhomme likely isn’t going to change much about that.
4. Oakland Raiders – This team almost has too much talent to really be considered a rebuilding project, but its a franchise soaked in tradition and making them relevant again would be a very rewarding experience.
5. Detroit Lions – Stafford and Johnson is quite a combination to inherit so that takes away some of the shine of what was the best rebuilding project in Madden for many years running. Still, the Lions were abysmal on defense last year giving up over 4,000 yards in the air and 35 TDs. So even though the offense already has weapons, the defense is a dream.

Madden NFL 11 roster update is out! For those lucky enough to have an early copy. #madden11

We will hopefully be able to provide a list of changes soon.

Friday afternoon, NCAA Football associate producer Larry Richart posted a blog at the official NCAA Football 11 product site detailing the addition of ‘Real Assignment AI’ to the game franchise.  (Shortly thereafter, Madden NFL 11 Creative Director Ian Cummings confirmed the feature will also be in M11.)

From Richart’s blog:

So, we have made some very dramatic changes to the way the offensive linemen select their blocking targets. Last year you might see some plays where defensive linemen lined up at the point of attack would sometimes be left unblocked. This year those defenders not only get blocked but they are often double teamed by run blockers. This has improved the effectiveness of run plays exponentially.

These new blocking improvements will make the running game in NCAA Football 11 much more realistic and more fun than it has ever been. Whether you’re the one pounding the rock or defending against the ground attack, in NCAA Football 11 the run game is a whole different world.

These changes will help address areas of confusion by offensive linemen at the point of attack that were issues in Madden NFL 10 and NCAA Football 10.  To read the full blog click here and visit this link to see the accompanying video.

Originally tweeted by Madden NFL ratings & roster guru Donny Moore, ESPN Video Games’ Jon Robinson had a chance to sit down with Tim Tebow and discuss his Truck rating in the game – which will be the highest for all QBs in the game.  (Tebow will have 80 SPD and 92 ACC.  No word on what his exact TRK rating will be.)

When I tell Tim Tebow he’s going to have the highest trucking ability of any quarterback in “Madden NFL 11,” he smiles so wide it’s like I’m about to hand him another Heisman.

“hen I first heard that, I was so excited because that means my ‘Madden’ character will play like me,” Tebow told me as we scarfed down sliders at the EA Sports Draft Premiere party in New York. In other words, forget sliding feet first with Tebow in “Madden,” the Broncos new quarterback wants to lower his polygonal shoulder and run fools over.

“No matter what my overall rating will be, at least I know I can put myself in the game and run the ball,” Tebow said. “I can’t wait.”

To full the full article, visit ESPN Video Games.

In this edition of the Madden NFL 11 Developer Video Series, Phil, Michael, Ian and Anthony discuss Gameflow, Gameplanning, and Locomotion.

The Madden NFL 11 Developer Video Series, a 5-part video roundtable series, provides insight direct from the development team of the award-winning football franchise.

In this initial installment of the Madden NFL 11 Developer Series, we learn more about what “Simpler, Quicker, Deeper” means for Madden 11.  We hear from Phil Frazier, Ian Cummings, Michael Young, and Anthony Stevenson.

Continue on after the jump to see all of the changes in this update.

- Pre-orders for Madden NFL 11 are now available at ebgames.com and walmart.com.  Wal-Mart.com pre-orders receive a $20 walmart.com e-gift card.