 "It's Still The Same Game - More EA Gimmicks" | 2008-09-29 |
| - Reviewed By vtolero3 |
| I wrote a review of Madden 08 on here last year so I'd thought I'd follow it up with a review of this years edition. Or should I say Madden 2000.9?br /br /Now before you pass this off as a Madden-bashing review let me give you my qualifications. I bought every version of Madden from the Genesis all the way to Madden 05 on the PS2 (which I happen to believe is still the best version of Madden ever made) and then Madden 08 last year on the PS3. I have been a Madden fan since the first day I could get my hands on a three button Genesis controller and threw a pass to an open receiver in the window based passing back then.br /br /So first lets start off with some nitpicking and EA's famous saying, "If it's in the game, it's in the game."br /br /Here is what is not in the game:br /br /*Once again, EA bought up the ESPN license a few years ago and they have yet to implement any ESPN presentation into the game like 2KSports did so well before EA got the exclusive license. The absence of any ESPN presentation in EA's flagship game certainly solidifies that EA's agreement with ESPN was an anti-competitive move.br /br /*No on-field referees or chain gang on the sidelines. Two staples of football once again ommitted from the game. Sure they added unnecessary security guards and even more players and non-player personell on the sidelines, but the most important staples of the game are not there, even though they were there in versions prior to the current gen systems.br /br /*Instant Replay challenges of sideline catches are still ridiculous. Every year whenever I challenge a sideline catch and a receiver has one foot clearly out, the call goes against me.br /br /*Sideline animations - Yes there is a two feet in animation when you throw to a receiver near the sideline but if a WR's route takes him towards the sideline and you throw towards that receiver his animation more often than not will take him out of bounds and result in an incompletion. Unacceptable.br /br /*Clock stopping on defensive penalties within 2 minutes of the half or 5 minutes at the end of game. I drove to my opponents 20 yard line with 20 seconds left, got an encroachment call on the defense, accepted the penalty and figuring the clock was stopped, I took my time selecting the next play, only to have the clock run out as I broke the huddle. Unless there is some new NFL rule regarding clock stoppage, this is a severe oversight.br /br /*Stable playing surface. Where did EA get the playing surface model from? The old Veterans stadium? When viewing replays from the game, you can clearly see players feet sink below the playing surface on a dry gameday.br /br /*NFL ice-capades. This is definitely still in the game, even with today's precision controllers. If you jump just a little with a DE pre-snap without encroaching, good luck getting him back even close to his original starting point. This is frustrating to say the least.br /br /This so far might sound like petty griping but here is the thing, this Madden franchise has been around for 20 years now, it is the #1 selling football game and the only game on the market. These little details should have been long since addressed, yet they continue to resurface with every version of Madden.br /br /EA is great at repackaging Madden every year with a new gimmick to make it look fresh. Anyone remember QB vision a few years ago? This year Madden IQ is the latest and greatest invention. What this IQ system does is evaluate your skill level and adjust the AI sliders accordingly to tailor the game for your set skill level. However this system completely replaces all the specific AI sliders that were available to players to adjust freely. There are some very general sliders that can still be adjusted but nothing like in years past.br /br /I would be all for this IQ system if there was a way to turn it off and adjust multiple sliders to the specific way a player wants the game to run. Look, anyone who has played Madden for any extended amount of time knows exactly where they stand as far as skills in the game they don't need the game to tell them where they stand. Other human players will be sure to remind you of that. br /br /What is the most irritating of this new system is you cannot adjust any sliders for an overcompensated AI. In the past I was able to tune down the AI QB accuracy and AI WR catching, especially when the AI's second string QB would complete 20 straight passes on me. The ability to adjust the sliders allowed for a more realistic simulation of the game.br /br /Not anymore, unless you dumb down the generic sliders all the way, be prepared for the opposing AI QB to march down the field with Joe Montanaesque accuracy against every nickel and dime coverage you have in the playbook.br /br /Now for the good:br /br /The graphics are a nice improvement from last year. The stadium models are clean and the lighting effects are top notch. Though I think the player models seem a little more "stiff" from last year and it really often looks and feels like the players are running in mud compared to last year. br /br /The branch animations have improved fairly well. Last year this feature was very impressive and this years crop of new animations improves on it. Well done!br /br /The commentary is vastly improved. Gone is the radio announcer who I felt sounded like he was yelling into a tin can. And in his place is a new broadcast crew featuring Chris Collinsworth. As much as I despise Collinsworth on TV, he does an excellent job as color commentator in this years Madden.br /br /The players models are properly proportioned for each postion.br /br /There really is not a lot of good to report over last years version and that is unfortunately how little EA has went to inmprove the overall game experience. Madden 05 was the last year that EA truly innovated their game and brought a deeper experience to it's faithful fans. Is it any coincidence that was one the last years the 2K sports NFL game was around to push the EA team?br /br /Next year, EA is going to have to show me something good in order for me to dole out any more money, paying for the same repackaged game. I've learned my lesson, 20 something years later....br /br / |
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 "madden09" | 2008-09-28 |
| - Reviewed By User: A30YSQ9G20T6VR |
| intense game online play is awesome anyone can play out of the box a real must buy!!!! |
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 "Good football game!" | 2008-09-24 |
| - Reviewed By User: A27WN0433I9D1E |
| The last Madden game I bought was Madden 2003. I just purchased Madden 2009 a couple days ago and I think it is way better than Madden 2003. The graphics are awesome and it looks very realistic. It does not take much time to learn the controls, so even people who haven't played a football game before can easily learn the basics. Some of the things I like most about this game are: The practice mode, you can practice any type of play with any team you want so you can get better and improve your skills.br /br /I also like the "My Skill" option, where the difficulty is continually changed according to how you play the game, so it's not too difficult or too easy to play. Plus, there is the "Rewind" feature, where you can re-do a play whenever you want. This is especially useful when you screw up and make a bad play. (interception, fumble). br /br /Minor complaints: br /br /The music: The music could've been better, I mostly enjoy rap so there could been more rap and hip-hop. Plus, most of the music artists are people I have never even heard of before. Couldn't they have picked some more famous artists?br /br /Online: I can't even get online. It says you have to download the upgrade first, but it freezes every time I try to download it. Maybe my internet isn't fast enough? br /br /Overall, this is a great game, and I recommend it to any video game football fan. Go Vikings! |
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| "Game is good - bottom line" | 2008-09-19 |
| - Reviewed By mnice88 |
Okay, I've played madden since the old school days of sega genesis. I hadn't played in a few years. I got back into video games this year with a PS3 over an xbox, wii, pc gamer.....
Madden is really just a fun game. I love playing another human online and it really plays like a real game would - realism is there which is all you can ask for in a sports game. NBA and NCAA 2k8 is realism....2k football i heard was realistic....this madden feels real...
Pro's:
- when you hit someone with hitstick it shakes the whole screen - feels good when you do this
- when your star player gets away its a breakaway TD - feels great to do this.
- you can't blitz too much or else QB will find receiver
- When you sack with a DE - it feels the best
- you can double team or focus on any one player to stop them as in real game
- you can outsmart the other player buy calling the right plays
- star players play like stars
Con's
- kicking field goal is not easy
- too easy to make 2 point conversions on the QB Sneak
- too many interceptions
- not enough punt return tds or kickoff tds
- too many plays to choose from in an online game
- Dallas is too strong offensively - 3 guys that are star level, owens,barber and witten - can't focus on one
i play this game almost every night online and it's great to get a win and sickening to get a loss. Fun overall , don't let the neg reviews get you...this game is fun and even though it's not perfect like COD 4 it's a great football game. |
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| "Same old problems" | 2008-09-17 |
| - Reviewed By shtank |
Same old problems that have plagued Madden for years. Biggest complaint is that the CPU never misses a field goal again. 55 yarders, no problem for the CPU. 50 yarder in 12mph wind? Right down the middle. Until this is fixed, this will never be an accurate game.
Secondly, the conveniently timed fumbles. Edgerrin has fumbled 4 times in 2 games so far. He doesn't fumble that much in 2 years.
Thirdly, they really need to allow us to set up a schedule so that we can choose who we play. I understand why, but they should still allow us to do so.
Lastly, the rush up the middle, I can never rush interior lineman what so ever. This also needs to be fixed.
Until at least these three things are fixed, this will continue to be a subpar game. |
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 "This is twenty years work?" | 2008-09-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1H65OLSOUYJAU |
| I can't believe that after twenty years, EA still produces a game with so many glitches and flaws. A linebacker should not be able to jump 3 feet and catch your bullet pass. I should not see the opposing team get called for a encroachment penalty, then have both teams refuse to go to the line then i'm called for a delay of game!! I really miss the 2K series, at least they seem to have a little pride and QA in their work. EA should be ashamed of theirselves for dropping this bat guana on the market. i'm gonna call Matlock so we can start a class action lawsuit. Since this is EA make it a "no-class" action lawsuit. |
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| "Back to Moving Forward" | 2008-09-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3119QRT9221H4 |
| After the last couple years being slightly disappointing to me. This years Madden has really brought back the excitement for me. I love the new Madden Test, it really helps make the game a fun nfl experience for me. I strongly reconmend people who like past Maddens but gave up on 07 and 08 to grab 09. |
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| "Not bad but not the greatest" | 2008-09-09 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2I9KPI5J3EV5K |
| I'm a long time Madden fan, I admit I have not played in the last 3 years or so, but I own or have owned all the others before it. The biggest concern I have is that the controls have changed so much that I find when I play I still go hitting the old buttons to do what I want and it dosn't work. I can see how this game could be great, but it's going to take me a while to get used to the new setup. |
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| "Same Madden, Great Polish, Room "4" Improvement..." | 2008-09-07 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1Q6ZEK7TC51RE |
I will try to be to the point with this review and address the things that have changed and/or are different from the last few installments of the franchise.
[Madden IQ / Virtual Trainer]
The first thing you will do when you start up Madden is get your Madden IQ. The Madden IQ is basically an overall rating and assesment of your Madden skill level. It is used primarily in the game as a way of letting the game constantly stay up to part with how good you are, but always be just tough enough to help you improve. For example, if you have a very strong running game, but lack skill in the passing game, the AI will auto adjust and have a more stout defense and give you opportunities to make plays by passing the ball. It makes these adjustments very well and it is never overly easy or overly difficult on you.
The Madden IQ is also useful for playing relatives and friends. They can obtain a Madden IQ by running through the same assesment program you did when you first started up Madden. This will make sure that even a veteran madden player can have a good game and a good time playing with somebody who is new to the game. The virtual trainer is a good way of improving specific skills that you have trouble with that are keeping your Madden IQ lower than it could be.
[Graphics Engine / Animations]
The graphics engine received a much need and well done graphical overhaul. Overall, the player models look very clean and not every player's build looks the same.
The animations in this year's installment are top notch. A new and improved branching animation system combines with a slight ragdoll system to make sure that tackles are very realistic. Being wrapped up by a tackler and attempting a dive at the same time looks very realistic and the physics work just as they should. A situation like that shows a player stretching forward and losing momentum and the tackler drags them down. This also goes for gang tackles, mid air hits, and even low tackling. The players on the field tackle, get tackled, and get smashed the way they SHOULD.
There is STILL room for improvement though. Players still occasionally get stuck in catching animations that lead them out of bounds. This is a frustrating issue that has been in the game for years now and still has not been fixed completely.
[Beefed Up Defense]
This year's defense is the toughest to run and pass against of all the years of Madden. Gone are the days of tossing the long ball all game long and rare are the games that end up looking like NBA scores. The defense is smart and learns your playstyle better than ever. Safeties are smart and will stay put and over the top when they SHOULD. It takes a good running game to set up the medium and long balls. Good running is also rewarding on the end up being able to set up the play action pass. This year, it is to your advantage to hit the practice mode to improve your running and passing games, it is the only way you will be able to consistently see the W at the end of the game.
[Online Mode]
The online mode has seen the inclusion of online leagues. The leagues work exactly as you would expect... but ONLY that way. You can get 32 people together and play through a set of games that lead up to a champion trophy but that is pretty much as complex as it gets.
Normal online games still suffer from slight lag issues and there are already a few cheap glitches that hurt the online experience when you encounter people who use these religiously.
[Madden Moments]
Madden moments take you back to some of the best moments of the 07-08 season and recreates them for you to finish and make come true. For example, you will find yourself playing with the giants with just under 2 minutes to play and are expected to put together the Super Bowl winning drive, just like Eli Manning did. This mode comes complete with special animation like the miracle catch made by David Tyree to help get a critical first down. You will see all the year's greatest moments here, but it essentially boils down to you winning the game with however much time left. There are no special requirements for you to do (you can win the super bowl without even having Tyree in the game).
[Everything Else]
Beyond this, much of Madden 2009 remains the same as the past. The controls still feel just as tight as they always have and even with Madden IQ and Virtual Trainer, newer players will still find themselves battling to stay on top of the gigantic learning curve.
The reason the game receives only 4 stars from me is because even though it is probably the best Madden game to date, it still feels very much the same and does not pull me back night after night, weekend after weekend wanting more. After a week and a half, I found myself feeling like I did in September of 07 holding a copy of Madden 08: underwhelmed.
If you are a hardcore Madden fan, you can't miss what is the best installment of the game ever. If you are new to the franchise, there is no better time to jump in and get playing. If you are a Madden fan who found himself feeling underwhelmed the past 2 seasons, this game may not be for you. It STILL feels like the same old Madden... and I don't know how much of a good or bad thing that is.
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| "Near Good is as best as I can say" | 2008-09-04 |
| - Reviewed By mfantozzi3 |
| Wow football fans another year is upon us. And here we are with another madden football game. First why do I not like it? because I don't really like Bret Farvreh. I didn't say he is a good player I just do not like him or the fact that he is on the cover in the wrong uniform. Packers is past for him. Plenty of other talent to choose from for the cover why not a bunch of players on the cover? DUH! Second too much flash and not enough substance. From the backtrack to the replay why is it even there? You know you make a mistake when you actually make a mistake. It sounds like cheating to me especially if you are playing someone else. What's with the ball jumping into the centers hands and the QB skating/floating under the center. You would think the programmers or someone in there EA quality control center would have caught this a long time ago during the pregame development stages. After I have seen this I can't help but chuckle every time I have play a game, which has only been a few games as I grew tired of this incarnation quickly. As with other reviewers it seems Madden is in love with himself and not in a good way, but in an arrogant one. As of now I suggest anyone looking to play this be beginners or little children because hardcore video game footballers might pass on this one. I sure wish I waited to spend my money on this seasons NBA LIVE boy I hope that at least a little better than the last one cause these poorly made football games are killing me. Goodluck. |
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