Difficulty : 2 / 10
Time to 900 : Under 5 hours
Time to full 1000 : 5-10 hours
Offline : 24
Online : Nil
Minimum Playthroughs : One (Madden Moments)
Missable achievements : None (though some achievements have criteria for minimum of maximum length quarters)
Glitched achievements : Nil
Cheats : None (teams editable and slider adjustments for settings available)
INTRODUCTION:
EA Sports have continued the tradition of easy games with this installment of Madden NFL 11. The majority of achievements are obtainable in Play Now mode except for the Madden Moments, Verizon Master Strategist and Thanks for Coming achievements and also these 885 can be obtained using two controllers if desired.
Be warned online play will not net you the achievements though you will unlikely to want to go online as this games requires the purchase of Online Pass (boo!).
If you are going to go for the full 1000 then you may want to play the Madden Moments first as you are likely to net some of the other achievements along the way and this will avoid unnecessary additional games. This game play is selected under the Game Modes menu.
In Madden Moments the settings are not changeable, however if you want to make your life easier then you can edit the teams rosters that you are playing with. I found this unnecessary if you have a basic understanding of the rules of the sport.
Madden Moments:
These are recreations of real life events from the NFL. There are 49 events you need to replay, however you do not need to complete the last few. As you complete a chunk of unlocked scenarios, a new set will unlock until you unlock the Super Bowl Sunday. Avoid the last few and skip straight to this main event which is the one that will net you the achievement. Refer below for instructions on how to beat this challenging match.
The other option that I have read out their was that you create a squad of three master players and three donkey players. What you do is trade in the master players to the side you are controlling and then the donkey players onto the opposing side. Again I didn't find this necessary, but hey you do what you need to do.
Rosters are edited under My Madden and NFL Rosters.
Things to remember:
1. If you need to stop the clock make good use of your timeouts, but use them wisely because they are limited. This also goes for the opposing side trying to run the clock down, use a timeout and this will stop the clock and force them to make a play.
2. If you need to stop the clock, try and convert and run over the side line if you can't make to the end zone, this will stop the game clock.
3. If you go into Overtime, first side to score wins, this will include field goals.
4. You can not go offside, this will result in a penalty.
5. If scores are close and you are leading, do not let the opposing side get within field goal range.
6. Find a play that works for your consistently. I used Shotgun Pass and Four Verticals, quite often I could convert or get a good yardage play.
7. After scoring a touchdown, try and go for a pass or run for a 2 point extra instead of field goal, this will make your life easier.
8. You can trick the opposing side to do a passing play (to try and pick the ball off) by going for Special Teams and Field Goal Block. Once they start re-arranging on field call an Audible (X) and then select a cover pattern Zone 3 or similar. If you are lucky enough you will get the pick and result in a turnover and possession so you can either run down the clock or score again.
Make sure to manually save your progress every now and then by clicking on the left thumb stick, just to be on the safe side, you don't want to have to do any of them again.
Verizon Master Strategist:
From the main menu select:
My Madden, Gameplanning, Create Offensive Gameplan
Press (A) to select a playbook, once it loads up Press to save changes
Press (A) and follow prompts, once saved, achievement unlocked
Play the Pro Bowl:
From the main menu select:
Game Modes, Franchise Mode
You will not need to win but you will need to see the season through to the completion of the Super bowl. Simulate all games up to the Super Bowl, I then simulated the last game up until through the fourth quarter and finish the match. Once you at the Franchise Menu the achievement will pop.
Clean-up:
After having completed the Madden Moments, Pro Bowl Franchise Mode and Verizon Master Strategist now is the time to clean up any remaining achievements you didn't get playing the Madden Moments. To help your life be easier it is recommended you do the following:
Select menu My Madden
Select menu My Settings
Select Game Options
Quarter Length change to 5 Minutes
Play Clock change to Off
Accelerated Clock change to Off
Injuries adjust slider to zero by holding left on left thumb stick or D-pad
Fatigue adjust slider to zero by holding left on left thumb stick or D-pad, press (B) to back out
Select Penalties
Change offsides to zero, hold left on the left thumb stick or D-pad to pull slider back to zero (all other penalties can remain as is), press (B) to back out
Select Player Skill
Hold left on D-Pad until Rookie is selected, press (B) to back out
Select CPU Skill
Hold the left on the left thumb stick or D-pad to to pull sliders back to zero, do this for all skills, press (B) to back out
Select Special Teams
Hold the right on the left thumb stick or D-pad to increase sliders to 100 on FG Power and FG Accuracy, press (B) to back out
Once done, click the left thumb stick to save your changes, press (A) , select Yes and press (A) again, press (B) until backed out to Starting Menu
General Tips and Tricks:
Do not use Supersim, this will void your achievements.
All achievements are do-able with two controllers or you can simply play against the CPU, your choice.
Some achievements pop after the play, others are at the end of the game. The ones that are at the end of the game it is reported that you can exit / restart the game and the if you have fulfilled the requirements the achievement will pop (this did not work with me, use it at your own risk).
Use unlimited rewinds, this will enable you to re-do the play if it doesn't go to your master plan.
You can track the statistics of your players by pressing the (Start) button and going to Game Recap and Statistics. First screen brings up team statistics and if you press right bumper you will bring up individual statistics by type including Passing, Rushing, Defensive, Blocking, Kick Returns, Punt Returns, etc. Check cumulative statistics here.
ACHIEVEMENT GUIDE
Madden Moments - 100 points
Complete the "Super Bowl Sunday" Madden Moment
You start this scenario with possession of the ball, 4th & Goal and 50 seconds on the clock and 14 points down. Here is how I got this done:
1. Select Open / Play Call and try to convert for the touchdown (6 points, 8 to go)
2. Go for glory and go for 2 points instead of the field goal (2 Points, 6 to go)
3. Instead of Normal Kick go for Onside Kick. Use power only to 40-50% and hopefully you will recover the ball and possession.
4. Once you have possession go for another touchdown (6 points, tied up).
5. Convert for field goal (1 point up).
6. Normal kick, deep into their defensive area.
7. Hold them out and do not let them get within field goal range!
Refer above for any other tips and tricks needed. You may need to re-try a few times to get the onside kick recover, but just persevere. If you are really struggling edit the team rosters to make your life easier. Remember that the settings for skills etc will not have an impact here.
Verizon Master Strategist - 5 points
Create a custom Gameplan
From the main menu select:
My Madden, Gameplanning, Create Offensive Gameplan
Press (A) to select a playbook, once it loads up Press (Start) to save changes
Press (A) and follow prompts, once saved, achievement unlocked
Thanks For Coming - 10 points
Play the Pro Bowl (Franchise Mode)
From the main menu select Game Modes and Franchise Mode. Select New Franchise. At next screen press left bumper to Select All and then press (Start) to continue. Change Quarter Length to 1 Minute and press (Start) to commence.
Press (Start) and select Sim This Game. Continue to do this until such time as you reach the Finals (simulate through the play offs leading up to the final). Simply play the Final game, win or lose you will still get the achievement.
Comeback Kids - 40 points
Win after being behind in the last 2 min of a game (no OTP, min qtr. len. 3 min)
Make sure that your quarter length is set to at least 3 minutes in length.
Using two controllers, make sure that the second controller (not the one getting the achievement scores before the 2 minute warning in the fourth quarter). Once the 2 minute warning is called, score with the first controller and remain in front to the end of the game. Achievement will unlock at the end of the game
Defensive Dominance - 75 points
Hold your opponent to under 100 yards of offense (min qtr. len. 5 min, no OTP)
Make sure that your quarter length is set to at least 5 minutes in length.
Using two controllers if the opposing team has the ball simply punt the ball back for no offensive yards. To ensure that, after you have scored use an onside kick instead of a normal kick so that the automatically controlled players do not get any yardage. Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Did I Break It? - 40 points
Win a game by at least 59 points (max qtr. len. 7 min, no OTP)
You will need a minimum of 9 touchdowns (6 points with 1 point for field goal) to get more than 59 points. Using two controllers simply hand possession of the ball back by punt returning the ball from the second controller back to your primary controller (selected under Special Teams by Play Type). Set quarter length to 1 minute and score at least twice per quarter and three in any quarter to reach your goal, do not score with the second controller at all. If you want more time set quarter length to 2 minutes to make it a little easier and go for any other achievements you can at the same time. Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
To make scoring easier set the defensive team as Field Goal Block (from Play Type Special Teams) and pass an offensive play up the field for a score.
Perfect Game - 50 points
Have a perfect passer rating in a game (no OTP)
Set quarter length to 1 minute.
Have your second controller go into a Field Goal Block (Special Teams) and use a passing play with your primary controller. Complete the play with a touchdown and greater than 15 yards passing and you should have a perfect passer rating. Check statistics in the pause menu to see you have achieved the perfect passer rating under Player Statistics and Passing and RATING (QB rating).
A perfect passer rating of 158.3 requires a completion rate of at least 77.5%, minimum 12.5 yards per completion attempt, and a touchdown on at least 11.875% attempts with no interceptions. Achievement will unlock at the end of game.
Deadly Accurate - 30 points
Have a 92% or higher completion percentage in a game (min 20 att., no OTP)
Find a passing play that you can consistently catch without being patted away or intercepted. Alternatively if using two controllers set their play so that they do not get in your way of catching the ball. You can track your progress via the pause menu under Player Statistics and Passing and COMP% / ATT (completion percentage / attempts). Once you have completed 20 pass attempts and still have a greater than 92% completion make sure to use running plays for the rest of the game.
Also make sure that you have enabled unlimited rewinds so that you can back up the play should something not go to plan. Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Winning Isn't Everything - 75 points
Catch 21 passes in a game with one player (no OTP)
Do this one in conjunction with Deadly Accurate by catching 21 plays with one player.
Using two controllers set the defense on Field Goal Block under Special Teams and select a passing play with the offense. Snap the ball, pass and complete. To hurry the play on and use the same play simply hold Y to set up scrimmage with the same play as last. Check statistics at the pause menu to check your progress under Player Statistics and Receiving and REC (receptions). Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Butterfingers - 50 points
Force 3 fumbles in a game (no OTP)
With offsides set to off in the settings, line your defensive player alongside the opposing quarterback. Once they snap the ball tackle and press left bumper to try and strip the ball from the quarterback, hopefully forcing a fumble. Repeat twice more. Statistics can be checked from the pause menu Player Statistics and Defensive and FF (forced fumbles). Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
No Offense - 50 points
Intercept 5 passes in a game (no OTP)
Using two controllers, set up as follows:
Achievement profile controller one, play as Saints.
Secondary controller play as Lions.
For secondary controller, press start and select Settings and then Player Skill, change Preset Skill Level to Custom and change all sliders to the far right to 20 for all.
Suggested plays are:
Lions (on offense) Standard Pass and Inside Cross.
Saints (on defence) Man Zone Coverage and QB Contain.
Once play starts controller two waits a couple of seconds before softly lobbing the ball (tap receiving player as opposed to holding the button down which does a bullet pass). With any luck your defender will come up with an intercept, the defender does not need to be controller by player though if you want to you press (B) to select the player near the ball and then (Y) to try and pick off the ball for the intercept. Repeat four more times. If you as Saints get the ball back simply punt back to give possession immediately back to the other team. Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Old Spice Swagger Pick 6 - 25 points
Intercept a pass and return it for a touchdown (no OTP)
Using the same setup above as No Offense. Simply return an intercepted pass for a touchdown. Achievement will unlock at completion of the play.
Sack Master - 25 points
Record 5 sacks in a game with one player (no OTP)
Simply done against either a second controller or the CPU, make sure you have turned offsides off in the settings. Once the scrimmage is set use the same player and move them adjacent to the quarterback (do not touch any players on the way through as this will result in a penalty, unless you turn that off as well). Sack the quarterback as he is intent on making a passing play for a sack. Check your statistics from the pause menu under Player Statistics and Defensive and SACK (QB sacks). Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Nano - 10 points
Tackle the QB before he can hand the ball off (no OTP)
Easiest done with two controllers, make sure you have turned offsides off in the settings. Controller two selects a running play and controller one sets up a player next to the quarterback. Once the ball is snapped and the defender tackles the quarterback before the ball can be handed off and you are done. Achievement will unlock at the completion of the play.
Very Special Teams - 100 points
Return 2 kicks for touchdowns in one game with one player (no OTP)
A Kick Return touchdown can be got either on the kickoff at match commencement or when the opposing side has managed to score a touchdown they will do a Kick Return. The idea is that you receive the ball using the same player and run it the end zone for a touchdown from the kickoff.
Using two controllers kick to the side of the pitch. Once the receiver has got the ball he needs to run up the pitch, try and pull the players away (if using a second controller) to give him a clear field to run up to the end zone for a touchdown.
Alternatively using a single controller edit the opposing side so that their speed rating is the lowest it will go (12) and play them at a match. Progress can be tracked at the pause menu to see that you have got the kick return touchdown with the same player or not. Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Old Spice Swagger Return - 45 points
Return a punt for a touchdown (no OTP)
Same principal as Very Special Teams however this time it is a Punt Return. A Punt Return is when a offensive team has failed to convert on a fourth down and is forced to punt (if they don’t choose to convert or aren’t within field goal range).
To make it simple, using two controllers simply force the second controller to do a Punt Return by using Play Type Special Teams. Pull the second controllers players away from the runner to let him get the end zone for the touchdown. Edit the speed rating of the second controllers players if needed. Achievement will unlock at the completion of the play.
Laces Out - 40 points
Kick a 60+ yard Field Goal (no OTP)
To go for a 60 yard field goal your will need to be offensively in the opposing teams half of the pitch at the 45 yard line. Make sure before attempting this that you edited the Special Teams settings to increase FG Power and FG Accuracy. Choose a team with a good Kicker or alternatively edit the line up to boost their statistics as you see fit.
You can check what distance the field goal is when you go to select the play type, it will give you the distance yardage in the heading next to the play type you are selecting. Pull down on the left thumb stick to flatten the kick and not lob it. Press (A) to start the kick, press (A) again at the top of the power bar and then press (A) again when the bar slider gets back to the beginning to select your accuracy. If you have your Player Skill setting on Rookie in the menus then the slider will move it’s slowest and give you time to hit the right points. Achievement will unlock at the end of the play.
Man Dozer - 25 points
Rush for 50 yards after the first hit in one game (no OTP)
Use the right thumb stick with the offensive ball carrier to try and shrug off a defenders tackle on a running play. Yardage after the hit is cumulative and does not have to be done in one go. Statistics can be tracked in the pause menu under Player Statistics and Rushing and 1STH (yards after first hit). Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
The Elusive Man - 25 points
Break 5 tackles in a game with one player (no OTP)
Similar to Man Dozer simply break a total of five tackles. Use the right thumb stick to try and force your way through. Statistics can be tracked in the pause menu under Player Statistics and Rushing and BTK (broken tackles). Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Home Run - 25 points
Break an 80+ yard touchdown run (no OTP)
Have the offensive team (your’s) at your defensive 20 yard line. Select a running play and go for the end zone. Easiest done using a second controller and setting them up on Special Teams and Field Goal Block to catch them snoozing. Achievement will unlock at the end of the play.
Fantasy Freak - 25 points
Rush for over 200 yards in a game with one player (no OTP)
Simplest done with two controllers. Set the second controller in a Special Teams Field Goal Block play and choose a running play with your primary controller. Simply pass off and run for the yardage. Rushing yards must be done with the same player so make sure to choose the same play type over and over till you have the cumulative 200 yards. Statistics can be checked form the pause menu under Player Statistics and Rushing and YDS (yards). Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
He's Got All Day - 20 points
Stay in the pocket for 10 seconds (no OTP)
Using two controllers set the second controller as Zone Coverage or Prevent and the primary controller as a Shotgun play and once the play has started pull the secondary controllers players away from the primary controllers quarterback who is running back from the line of scrimmage. Watch the game clock and after ten seconds have elapsed click the right thumb stick to throw the ball away. To give yourself more room to play this out start from close to your touchdown scoring zone to give you maximum room to run back. Achievement will unlock at completion of the play.
YACtastic - 35 points
Have over 100 YAC in one game (no OTP)
Easiest done with two controllers, your aim here is to have 100 yards after catch. Have the second controller setup with Special Teams Field Goal Block and a passing play with the primary controller. After the snap, pass the ball (short pass not a hail Mary pass) and run. Check your progress from the pause menu and Player Statistics. Achievement will unlock at the end of the game.
Pick Up 6 - 75 points
Win a Fight for the Fumble in the end zone for a TD (no OTP)
This took a few goes but here was the method that worked for me:
1. Two controllers, make sure you have still turned off offside penalties in the settings from the main menu.
2. Secondary controller needs to have possession of the ball so if your primary controller wins the coin toss make sure they elect to defend not receive.
3. Secondary controller runs the ball out of the side line at about the 1 or 2 yard line (defensive half of the pitch).
4. Secondary controller selects Special Teams Field Goal and the primary controller selects Special Teams Field Goal Block. Line up one of the primary controllers defenders in front of the holder and kicker but do not tackle the holder when the play starts.
5. With the secondary controller start the field goal kick.
6. If you manage to block the field goal attempt a fumble mini game should come up for the recovery of the ball. Do nothing with the secondary controller and press the screen button prompts with only the primary controller to win the mini game. Once the mini game is over you will recover the fumble in your scoring touchdown zone. Achievement will unlock at the completion of the play.
Under 5 Hours