Teased earlier when other features were first announced, Madden NFL 18's "Long Shot" — the series' first ever Story Mode — will be structured similarly to the one introduced in FIFA 17 last year. It features a pre-built character who will be played through a cinematic experience that begins in his youth years and ends in the pros.
Here's the intro, via EA Sports:
"After three years away from the game, play as former five-star high school quarterback, Devin Wade as he takes one last shot to hear his name called on NFL Draft day. Your decisions guide Devin beyond his hometown of Mathis, TX on his quest to football superstardom."
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One aspect that stands out from the trailer is the appearance of licensed colleges Texas and Oregon. EA Sports has obtained the licenses for at least those two universities, going a similar route to the NBA 2K franchise, which has now included a handful of colleges in its story mode for the past two years.
The last college video game released in 2013 (NCAA Football 14), and legal hurdles have kept any from returning since. It's still going to be at least some years until that can possibly happen. The most recent development occurred when the Supreme Court turned down hearing the Ed O'Bannon vs NCAA case, which meant essentially nothing had changed as far as amateur athletes being able to be paid for their likenesses.
Any licensing of schools would almost surely be limited to just the team names, logos, and uniforms. Any players would be completely fictionalized with a focus on the main characters of the story. In fact, given that "Long Shot" apparently takes place between the NFL Scouting Combine and the NFL Draft, those scenes may end up simply being flashbacks and not have any playable elements at all to them.
"Long Shot" will include characters played by Academy Award Winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights) and Dan Marino.
Devin Wade: This forgotten college star, played by JR Lemon, returns home to pursue his dreams and find football redemption.
Cutter Wade: Played by Mahershala Ali, Cutter was once a great athlete who dedicated his life to Devin and their shared passion for football.
Colt Cruise: Played by Scott Porter, this happy-go-lucky jokester is a fiercely loyal friend who cares about Devin’s shot in the NFL as much as his own.
Dan Marino: One of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Marino serves as Devin’s mentor who doesn’t always play by the rules.
Besides "Long Shot," Madden NFL 18 will also feature new Play Styles (Arcade, Simulation, Competitive) and the return of Online Team Play which will now be under Ultimate Team and known as MUT Squads. Tom Brady appears on the cover with a special edition being sold for $80.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.