Over the last week or so, plenty of Madden 13 info has been released around web. Generally the news I look forward to reading the most is game play related features. One of the new game play features that got my attention was the new Zone Coverage Swapping Logic that is being added. In this Madden 13 preview breakdown, I thought I would share my thoughts and concerns on this new feature brings to the table.
Zone Coverage Swapping Logic
So what is the new Zone Coverage Swapping Logic all about? Well from what I have read and watched, it looks very similar to the Man Lock On/Off feature that was added to Madden 06 on the PS2 and Xbox. I think the main difference is I don’t think there will be a way for the human user to turn off the Zone Coverage Swapping Logic off or on like the Man Lock On/Off feature was for Madden 06. I hope that’s not the case, but I have feeling we won’t be able to turn it off and on. If that’s the case, hopefully there will be some type of unknown way the human user can by pressing different buttons once the actual game is released.
Zone Coverage Swapping Logic Example
In the image above, notice the defensive coverage called is Cover 2 zone. The LCB, who is playing the right flat, is lined up crossed from the flanker (B).
The flanker is sent in motion to the left and the LCB follows him all the way across, despite being in zone coverage. Notice the LCB now drops into a hook zone, while the LOLB plays the flat. The Cover 2 zone coverage is still being called, but who plays what zone areas has changed. To the player on controlling the offense, it looks like man coverage. If I saw this, I would be thinking man coverage, and what pre-snap adjustments I need to make to beat it. With the new Zone Coverage Swapping Logic being added to Madden 13, I can’t do that anymore. Instead I have to wait until the ball is snapped before knowing if man or zone coverage has been called. I’ll be honest, in year’s past I pretty much knew where I wanted to go with the ball before the snap. With the Zone Coverage Swapping Logic being added to the game, I am not going to know, thus making it more uncomfortable to me when it comes to passing the ball.
One thing I am wondering about the new Zone Coverage Swapping Logic is does the defenders shift automatically. For example, notice in the image above, the three linebackers have shifted to the right of the screen. The LOLB plays outside of the TE (Y). I guess I will find out, when I am able to look at more actual game footage video.
Video Breakdown
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Final Thoughts
While I am glad the Zone Coverage Swapping Logic feature is being added to Madden 13, I still have my questions and concerns about it. I really hope the EA Sports Madden 13 game team gives the ability to turn it off and on. If not, then I will deal with it. I do like the fact that it will help players on the defensive side of the ball as far disguising coverages before the snap. I just hope it don’t lead to other unforeseen coverage issues after the ball is snapped.
For more official info about the Zone Coverage Swapping Logic, please click on the following link – Madden 13 Gameplay Part 1
* the images used in this article are not actual Madden 13 game play images.
