Madden NFL 12

Madden gamers have been ill-served by this generation's Franchise and Superstar modes, and developer EA Tiburon hopes to revive these segments of the game with this year's changes.

Here are just some of the improvements for this year – this isn't the complete list of Franchise and Superstar mode features, however – and more details on other aspects like its online and Ultimate Team portions are coming later. For more on Madden NFL 12's gameplay and presentation, check out our previous preview, as well as the videos and screens in the media gallery below.

DYNASTY MODE

Rosters

• Larger rosters of 75 players – complete with multiple pre-season cut days where you have to trim down to your regular season roster
• A player sent to IR will open up a roster spot
• No practice squad
• Pre-season depth charts will switch from one game to another, so you'll see the backups play the entire fourth pre-season game

Scouting

• Scouting events are: the regular season, combine, pro days, and individual workouts. The number of players you can scout for each period decreases
• You will only find out a player's potential if you scout him through his pro day
• Scouting info is not about .40 times, but about unlocking specific ratings – including their traits (see more below) – and a player's overall rating will fluctuate based on how much info you have
• Ratings for rookies that you haven't fully scouted will unlock as pre-season progresses
• Draft classes (30 new ones with randomized names/numbers and new player portraits) will feature player profiles so you can find players that fit your system (3-4, power HB, etc.), and AI teams will draft according to their priorities
• Players' draft contract demands are based on where they are drafted, not their position and overall ranking

Continue reading for more on Free Agency and how individual players can change the game

Free Agency

• Uses an eBay-style bidding system where each player has a timer that starts once a team enters a bid. Players' timers vary based on their rankings. Elite players have shorter timers to reflect those initial frenzied days of free agency
• Once the player agrees in principle to sign with your team, you are offered a variety of contracts for them to sign (the player won't refuse at this stage), including back-loaded contracts
• Players signed outside of free agency from the street will sign using the old contact system where there is no back-loading of contracts
• Most players signed mid-season will ask for less money and only 1-year contracts
• No restricted free agency
• No multiple free agency periods

Player Roles

• Each player can have up to two roles from a list of 20 that encompass both positive and negative features such as Franchise QB or Fumble Prone that will affect your stats during games
• Although players may be eligible for more than two roles based on their season stats and ratings, the computer will automatically choose the roles for your players. These can change from season to season
• Some player roles will affect teams off the field. Mentors will help young players and a QB of the Future will prevent that team from picking up a QB in the draft or free agency

Player Performance

• Players' ratings will fluctuate from week to week based on various factors, including that player's overall consistency and confidence traits
• Players can go on hot and cold streaks, but after three weeks they will revert back to their baseline ratings
• Inconsistent players can become more consistent as they mature

AI Logic

• Re-tuned stats for simulated games (fewer safeties and ties)
• End-of-the-year player progression is based on the season's stats instead of being an automatic bump
• Teams will be smarter about re-signing and cutting players, including dumping dead weight and bloated contracts
• More retirements
• Better depth chart logic to keep players in their natural positions

Other

• You can trade next year's draft picks
• There is a Practice mode accessible directly through your Franchise menu so you don't have to go out to the front end and you don't have to export your franchise team
• You can change your Franchise team before the offseason starts and even control all 32 teams
• The ratings for imported draft classes from NCAA are more consistent
• You can edit any player's ratings
• Coaches will now impact players on the field positively/negatively by a small amount
• No more Extra Point weekly wrap-up show

Keep reading to find out about Superstar mode and how practice can make you perfect

SUPERSTAR MODE

• Practices and games earn you points that you can spend on building up your player
• You can now demand a trade
• Career stat tracking
• In-game commentary reminds you of your responsibilities on each play

Remember, this isn't an exhaustive list of all the modes' changes, so stay tuned for more info on the game – including extra details about Player Performance.