Obviously upgraded DB A.I. is the best update, with relentless defenders who rarely drop coverage. They'll always be diving and leaping to bat down a ball or pick one off. On the highest difficulties, everyone except the best players in the country will have trouble placing the ball into receiver's hands.
The running game is roughly the same, except for new right analog controls. These allow for power moves and evades, even though there were plenty of buttons (where your thumb is for everything else) to use these new moves. It's a worthy addition because of the way it can affect the game, but not for innovation.
Commentary has been improved this year, though it's still limited. The crowd is smarter, and if the home team struggles with a few three and outs, they'll begin booing their squad. Radio programs are still a fixture of the franchise menus, and it's far better than most of the music (aside from some of the NFL Film's tunes).
Those who religiously plunk down $50 every year for a new Madden have plenty to do. They'll get just as much out of this edition as they would any of the previous ones. If you're looking for a new experience, you'll be sorely disappointed.
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