NCAA has its flaws, but with improved on-the-field action, recruiting, and presentation (including the option to generate custom stories on your Dynasty), for the first time in years I feel like I’m getting the college experience. I know what it feels like to be a man among boys when dodging tackles, shrugging off players, and breaking for the end zone. Saturday is no longer just a diversion before the pros take the field on Sunday. It’s a time to build dynasties, crush the competition, and bask in the glow of millions.

One of the ways we pushed for increased broadcast integrity was in the lighting of our stadiums. Previously our night and dome stadiums were lit for maximum visibility of the crowd and thus were not consistent with typical broadcast camera exposures. In Madden 11 we attempted to better emulate how stadiums appear when the exposure is set for the action on the field. Using a variety of reference material, we attempted to closely approximate the patterns of light and shadow unique to the individual stadiums.

In a marketing/advertising partnership with men's deodorant Old Spice, Madden NFL 11 features a new Old Spice Swagger rating. While not as meaningful as the clutch of other attributes that define your player, it's no less realistic of a quality. The swagger rating determines who is more likely to break out into celebration after a big play. This prevents normally stoic offensive linemen, for example, from jumping around after a TD like they were Martin Gramatica. On the other hand, it also makes sure guys like Chad Ochocinco have an opportunity to show their latest moves.