Electronic Arts revealed the first gameplay footage of the upcoming installment of the “Madden NFL” video game franchise at their EA Play event this afternoon.
They provided a really cool demonstration of the abilities you can use when you play as Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. EA Sports Gameplay Designer Clint Oldenburg spoke on what’s coming to “Madden NFL 20.”
“We set out with a creative vision this year to make our stars feel like stars,” Oldenburg said. “So we created this ability system known as ‘Superstar X-factors.’ These abilities are going to bring authentic skills that make these guys feel unique and powerful — so that every individual game is unique and game-planned differently.”
They used Mahomes, the cover athlete, to showcase these new X-factor abilities. To unlock the abilities you need to complete objectives in the game. One of Mahomes’ abilities is called “Bazooka,” and to unlock it you need to complete multiple passes of 30 yards or more. Accomplishing that increases his maximum pass distance on deep throws by about 10 to 15 yards. He can throw further than anyone in the game, according to Oldenburg.
Mahomes has other abilities that can be activated in the game, such as “Escape Artist,” “Dashing Deadeye,” “Redzone Deadeye” and “No-Look Deadeye.” These are all designed to make playing as Mahomes in the game feel authentic.
You can check out the entire press conference in the video at the top of the page. Skip to the 30-minute mark for the conference to begin. The showcase of Mahomes’ abilities begins at the 45-minute mark.
