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 Madden NFL 08
Developer: Electronic Arts
Platform: Xbox, Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Playstation 3
Reviewer: Marty Webb
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Single Player: 4.5
Learning Curve: 4.2
Presentation: 4.5
Online: 5.0
Extra Features: 3.8
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1991. In this great year, the Madden NFL series began, and boy have we
come a long way. From then-gen, to current-gen and now, truely, to
next-gen.  For all of the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 players out there,
you know that there's been some things missing from the recent versions
of Madden. Don't fret, because the guys at EA Sports finally pulled
through, and promises to make this the best Madden Next-Gen game yet!
With an introduction video that makes your skin chill, this game
immediately throws you into football mode. After the given 'Press
Start' screen, you're thrown into a showcase of blank rings and some of
the greatest NFL clips. What are those rings? They're your rating,
plain and simple. The better you do in the game, the more stuff gets
added to that ring, when it's all maxed out, you go to the next podium.
Though it's not very important, it's always nice to show off to friends
when you see that their ring doesn't even have gold plating yet.
In Madden NFL 08 there are many new features, some of them less new, and more just finally included.
Reader, meet Hit Stick v2.0. For those of you that have been bugging
out on NCAA, Hit Stick is no stranger. Hit Stick v2.0, in a nut-shell,
is a way to complete control on how you attack the opponent.  If LT is
on a bullet train to the end-zone, what are you to do but try and snap
his ankles. If Warrick Dunn is weaving around your defenders making
them look like Caution Signs; then hit him right under the chin to make
him think twice about doing it again. This new tackling technique also
allows for jaw-dropping tackles, just wait until you try and lob a pass
up in traffic. Just make sure it's not your number one reciever, or he
will be hurt.
Create-A-Team makes a return, providing almost limitless boundaries.
Make any kind of color, for any kind of jersey you can think up.
Although the team logo list is limited, you're sure to find something
to your liking. You design your stadium as well, whether you wan't the
classic Lambeau look, or want to blow the doors off the Cardinals new
stadium; it's all possible. You get to pick what kind of team you want,
and the computer gives you created players to add to your roster. Or
you can go Fantasy style, and build your dream team. Whether you want
to put LT and Peyton Manning in the same backfield, or even have Hall
of Famers like Barry Sanders or Walter Payton rack up the yardage for
you; it's possible. Why not both? Joe Montana can hand the ball off to
Larry Johnson, with Michael Irvin blocking downfield for you.
Create-A-Player is also included for those fans who've always dreamt of
playing for their favorite team.
The controls are similar to last years game, with a few pre-snap
options available. Reciever Spotlight allows you to keep an eye on that
Chad Johnson like reciever on the corner. When going up for the catch,
you can control whether you want to make a Top 10 catch, or bring it
down securely in traffic.  This option comes great with whatever
reciever you might be throwing to. The Lead Block option is also
available, and new WR Control puts you in the body of whatever reciever
you'd like, having the ability to call for the ball and bring the rock
down yourself. Either way, the controls are amazing, but for some
people might come as a challenge at first, simply from it being
different. Not everyone likes change.
Player Icons were added this year, which pinpoints a players
strength. See how Brett Favre could thread a needle from 50 yards away?
That would put him in the 'Cannon Arm QB' department. Drew Brees adding
an ever so slight touch to put it in the corner, would put him as an
'Accurate QB.' Use these keys to create mismatches for an opponent. If
you have a Route Running reciever (Larry Fitzgerald) who can make people
miss off the line of scrimmage, you'd want to counter him with a
shut-down corner to provide a challenge and throw a wrench in his
routes. These seem a bit too 'Arcade' at first, but it's nice to know
your playmakers, and it doesn't, for the most part, make it unfair for
the defense/offense.
Franchise mode returns, and boy is it nice. Your basic depth chart,
free agency, and schedule remain as always; but welcome back Front
Office Mode. What does it do? You can monitor your teams finances,
which may sound boring, but if you're into rebuilding it comes as a
nice suprise. Included is Scouting mode, which lets you scout 15
players per week; because we all know it's never to early to talk about
the Class of '09. Be careful and scout wisely, because Busts and Gems
was added for people who just think they can take the highest on the
board. If you don't scout your first round pick thoroughly; he might be
a Ryan Leaf, I mean Bust. Think that that speedy reciever might make a
killer return specialist, and will provide the deep threat? If you
scouted that thoroughly already, then he might end up being a
Gem (Marques Colston.)
When you're thrown into the game, you're met by the field, and an
introduction to each teams playmakers. Didn't know that Devin Hester
was that fast?(Duh!) Then you can prepare before the game, to make up
for your lack of knowledge. Unfortunately, you're also met by your
teams play-by-play announcer, which yes, still sounds like he's talking
into a tin-can. The playcalling is different, but whether you Ask
Madden or dig through a specific play to a specific player; it's all
possible. The game runs a very fast pace, unlike it's NCAA counterpart.
Kind of a breath of fresh air, because the best of the best play
faster, right?  Although with the added speed, it doesn't make people
impossible to catch in the open field, or even keep you from making a
play. Suprisingly, you can make adjustments on the fly, even if it's by
the seat of your pants. EA Sports new tackling engine which is also
used in NCAA is in play here. Big hits, incredible catches, and such
fluid motion that it has to be real. Whether you're pushing your
offensive linemen to create a hole, or knocking down a ball to prevent
a touchdown; all movements by your players are as close to real, as
real can get. You're guaranteed a "Holy Cow" moment, with such hard
hits and devistating tackles.
Discuss
this Review
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Single Player - 4.5
-Awesome. You can tinker to find your 'sleeper team,' you can
build the best franchise this side of the Mississippi, or work your way
to the Hall Of Fame. This game is going to take a long, long time to
get sick of.
Learning Curve - 4.2
-New
features are going to be a small hassle to learn. Watch the tutorials
and the great information this game provides, and in a weeks time
you'll look back and laugh at your former troubles.
Presentation - 4.5
-Commentary
leaves something to be desired. It almost makes you with Pat Summerall
would come back and straighten good 'ole Madden up. But including the
menus, this game is so smooth it hurts, and so realistic you'll find
yourself crying at the defeat of a rival.
Online - 5
-Tons
of ESPN options to provide you sports information puts it over the top.
As with any online community, small lag will happen, but not enough to
ruin the game you're playing. If you're not up for playing team on
team, you can take that school boy to training camp, and show him how
to bench press the hell out of some weights.
Extra Features - 3.8
-Mini-Games
are limited to the training camp drills, which are still a blast and
all, but not nearly as interesting after 10 times. ESPN sponsoring this
game makes it, and all of it's accessibilities incredible.
Overall - 4.4/5.0
-Overall,
this game is a must grab for any football fan. For those who have
already purchased the game, then why are you reading this far into it?
Go build a legend out of yourself! With realistic fluidity, tons of new
features/options and a strive to 'Play to Win the Game!' this game
delivers, point blank.
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