Player Morale System

Lore & Background

Madden NFL 11 introduced 'GameFlow,' a play-calling system designed to create situational plans based on down and situation. This feature was advertised to speed up playing time by as much as one half compared to previous years. Another major addition was 'Online Team Play,' which supported 3 vs. 3 cooperative play, allowing players to scout opponents in online head-to-head games for a competitive advantage. The game also featured a new kick meter, an improved audible system, and enhanced locomotion animations. Lighting improvements and run blocking changes were implemented alongside new quarterback ratings and a unique Old Spice 'Swagger' rating. While the Superstar mode was removed from the Wii version, the game retained Cris Collinsworth as the color commentator, with Gus Johnson taking over play-by-play duties from Tom Hammond.

In Their Own Story

On July 27, 2010, fans could experience a demo featuring a matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets. Later, on January 7, 2011, 'Madden Ultimate Team' launched as a downloadable mode where users built teams by purchasing player packs with coins earned through gameplay or real money via PlayStation Network or Xbox Live. A unique dynamic existed within this mode: every purchased player card carried a ten-game contract that decreased after each game, even due to disconnection. If the contract expired, players could not be used unless replenished with a coin-purchased contract card. This mechanic made maintaining a strong team difficult without spending real money. In August 2010, Time Warner offered a free copy of the game and a 'Making of Madden NFL' DVD with a paid Sports Illustrated subscription. Drew Brees secured his spot on the cover after winning a fan vote against Alex Smith, Jared Allen, and Reggie Wayne.

Reader's Guide

To succeed in Madden NFL 11, players should utilize the new GameFlow system to manage game pace effectively. For online play, engage with the 'Online Team Play' mode for 3 vs. 3 cooperative matches. When playing on the Wii, note that the Superstar mode is absent from this installment. In 'Madden Ultimate Team,' monitor player contracts closely; ensure you have enough coins to purchase contract cards before your roster's ten-game limit expires, or risk losing access to key players. If building a team, remember that coin earnings come from winning games and scoring touchdowns. For the best experience on mobile, reviewers noted the iPhone version retained full visual fidelity despite platform limitations, while the iPad version received a score of 78 out of 100.

Did You Know?

• Madden NFL 11 was the first time fans could vote for the cover athlete, with Drew Brees winning against Alex Smith, Jared Allen, and Reggie Wayne.
• The 'GameFlow' system was designed to reduce total game playing time by up to one half compared to previous installments.
• Gus Johnson replaced Tom Hammond as the play-by-play commentator, bringing a dramatic flair that reviewers noted kept players on the edge of their seats.
• In Madden Ultimate Team, player cards have a ten-game contract that decreases even if a game ends due to disconnection, requiring coin purchases to replenish.
• A Time Warner offer in August 2010 provided a free copy of the game and a 'Making of Madden NFL' DVD with a paid Sports Illustrated subscription.