If I put it in "Rookie" mode it's too easy, if I put it in "Pro" mode it's too hard. I tried every conceivable AI tweak,and the game is still frustrating me.

I've yet to complete a game, due to the fact that I broke my last 2 PS2 controllers on this damn game.
The last straw was tonite. I started a franchise using the Bucs(cause my team, 'Skins, sucks) and I made a few free agent moves, bolstering the O Line and giving the D a boost. I put it in Pro mode, and began.

Ok, woohoo, up 14-0 its all good, too big Alstott break aways and a few Dunn carries, and it's all good.
Next possession, Cowboys QB throws a screen to Ismail, he breaks 11 tackles(I counted during the replay), and scored a TD. I was angry.

Next possession, Brad Johnson throws a 20 yard pass to Keyshawn. No one near him, he drops the damn ball. Ok,it happens.
Nest play, hand off to Dunn, Dunn gets 1 yard before the ENTIRE D LINE is on him. I've never seen 8 guys on a RB especially that quick.
Next play, sack by 4 guys(apparently my10 million dollar OLine coulndt hold up).
Ok Cowboys balls
hand off to Emmitt he runs 87 yards and scores WTF!!! WTF!!!

So I reset the PS2 and try it on Rookie mode, I smoke em 77-7, not even a contest.

Why the hell is this damn game so hard!

usually win a football team looses in the NFL, the coach and the quarter back gets the blame.
Since you are playing both......... hehe

Yeah yeah I know.

This game pisses me off worse than any sports game ever.

I had the same issues with the AI on NFL2k1...after time I got used to the game and ended up kicking butt on the medium difficulty.

Give it a few more tries.

'


That's what I thought too..but it's been about 20 games..I just can't win.

It was the same for me with NFL2k1...seriously...somewhere I just got the knack for it and started getting much better.

I haven't played an entire game of 2002 yet, but we all know that the Madden series is known for it's A.I. As long as the computer isn't cheating (unfair turbo boosts to its players and stuff like that), then I'm sure that you'll break down that A.I. soon enough -- especially since you're playing with my team, the Bucs

I AGREE!! I was thinking of posting the same type of message. I was playing last night (PRO) and the computer converted EVERY 3RD DOWN until the 4th quarter. I had a man open in the end-zone, nobody near him and he dropped the ball.. My running game only goes backwards.. And there are other subtle but quite obvious problems and ANNOYING problems. I have had the ball in the hands of my defenders countless times but they never make an interception. The computer never gets a holding or facemask penalty (well, maybe 1 time per game) but whenever I make a big play the odds of being called for holding go way up. I had a couple big punt returns called back and a couple big first down passes called back because of holding.

I can't believe that EA let this out the door.. they fixed all the problems from last year, added amazing animations and ruined the difficulty!!!

I'm currently 4 and 1 in my season on pro. It's tough, yes, but not impossible. You REALLY need to know your football. End of story. Be able to read the coverage, change the play on the fly, etc. Use your "Go-to Guy" plays, make sure you change it up, etc.
know when to lob the ball, and when to drill it in. Know how to follow your blockers on your runs, make those cuts, use your pressure sensitive jukes and spins, etc.

Thunderball, you just suck.

j/k

I don't have 2002 yet, but I'd bet that you just need a little more practice...and knowing past Madden games, you have to change up the plays...you can't keep running the same plays or else the AI will kill you.

This isn't a problem with the AI being to smart and not calling the correct plays in a certain situation.. It is a matter of receivers dropping balls over and over, the computer breaking multiple tackles when it needs the yards (it's so obvious), big plays being called back becaue of Holding (I haven't had a 3 yard running play that resulted in a holding call, but my big passes and punt returns sure get alot of them). It's just obvious that the computer is cheating in the way in manipulates the game.

I hate when the computer cheats.

try training mode -
now instead of getting my passes blocked in the 4th quarter, they just drop them outright

I had the same problem myslef at first. I love the difficulty however, it keeps me on edge and makes you strategize until the 4th quarter whistle. I made some adjustments to the game that made it a lot more enjoyable all the while keeping the difficulty at a normal range:

Try increasing you receivers' catching attributes in the
"Physical Attributes" menu.

Don't forget that the dive button is pressure sensitive and pushing harder will result in a harder tackle.

Check the other team's defensive formation, and look for the one on one matchups, try avoiding the double coverage.

When running sweeps i've been successful when sening the designated blocker in motion right before the snap. A fast RB will usually out-run the blocker and run smack dab into the intended "blockee".

Exactly my point.

I don't mind "tough" AI, but cheap AI is another story

Broke your controllers? Like, threw them into something so they broke?

This game can certainly be frustrating. Running the ball outside the tackles is a losing proposition and regardless of which team I'm facing, the LOLB seems to walk away with 5 sacks. I don't ever remember seeing an INT in the endzone before, but ithappened to me twice lst night. I will say that after about 10 games, the scores got closer and I've even managed to win a few.

I have cement floors

I noticed when I started my season with my beloved Giants on pro I couldn't do anything in the first half. Then I watched how the plays were develpoing. I saw the running lanes forming. I saw how the pocket develpoed.

This game is very close to how real football is played.

2 keys that I have picked up so far....


1. Be patient! When running the ball make sure you follow your blockers. Stay on your guards hip. If you can't cut back, then accelerate into the pile. While pressing the X button run into the back of your offensive lineman. You WILL move the pile. I did it numerous times with Tiki Barber. Do not run ahead of your blockers.

2. When passing from the pocket. Most of the time I was able to step up in the pocket. Which bought me more time to throw. Don't be so quick to scramble. After 3-4 seconds the coverage starts to break down. I hit Toomer 2 out 3 times with 50+ yards TD strikes. Hit him in stride. 1 he dropped. I had too much on it. The funny thing is Toomer broke off his pattern when he saw Collins flushed out of the pocket. This happened twice.

I love this game. I've been playing a lot of exhibition games. I got revenge for my Giants Superbowl loss to the Ravens by shredding them running the ball. I ended beating them 21-3. 163 yards rushing. 42 for Thunder. 121 for Lightning. Ravens are suseptable to the cut back run. They over persue.

Being Patient is KEY!

most of you will know these tips already from past maddens and such but jic ya didn't here ya go

http://madden2002.ea.com/tips.html