Next Gen Diet Madden-Lite
Graphics: So much for target videos. Although these images aren't what we were expecting, they still look good compared to the last gen games. Player models sport a lot more detail to the point of being very close to resembling actual players. Most of the Star players you'll notice right off, while some others will look a bit iffy at times. But the stars of the show are the crowds and stadiums. And lets not forget about those ultra shiny helmets. The good news is, we can expect to see a whole lot more towards that target video in the coming years.
Sound: So you mean to tell me that "Mr. stating the obvious thing that I just saw" John Madden is not doing commentary? Although he can be annoying at times, the game feels sort of odd without him and Al doing their thing. The radio guy does add a nice touch to things though, and is a nice alternative. However, it would have been nice to have the choice to choose between the new and the old. All the other things like player chatter, music, and such is good but can seem very distant at times. All in all, the sound package is descent.
Control: If you've been playing a lot of the PS2 or XBox 1 Madden, then prepare to feel a little disoriented at first. However, if you give it some time, you'll learn pretty quickly and it really won't be too much different from what you're used to. Also, if you want, you can change the controls around to fit your tastes as well.
Gameplay: Here's where Madden gets hit the hardest. Because this game was built from the ground up, a lot of features that we know and love (or hate) were left out. What you can expect are a normal Franchise mode and online mode to fool around with. What won't be here this time around are the Mini Camp games, Fantasy Draft, Owners mode, EA sports radio, and Superstar mode. If there's anything else I forgot, that's not in this game either. And don't expect to challenge that out of bounds call, because challenges are not here either. All of the defensive options that you had on the field are mostly scrap as well. To make a long story short, this is a rushed game that's light on features. You'll find fun out of it if you're a fan, but you'll definitely be dissapointed if you wanted an equal game to the other versions on the feature end. Well, there's always next year, right?
Challenge: About what you'd expect from a Madden Football. I found my biggest challenge was trying to simulate through my season with the Philadelphia Eagles with the updated roster. For some reason, a Jets vs. somebody game would never simulate and leave me stuck having to start over. But, I guess a complaint for another time.
Final Words: This is Madden, take or leave it. Although it would have been better to just port the XBox Madden 06 and add better graphics (like NBA 2k6) in this case, EA chose to take what little time they had to create an all new Madden.....that's not really all that new. But, despite the shortcomings, it still plays a good game of football. However, with what's not included and next gen price hikes, its hard to tell anyone to go out and buy this game. But if you really need next gen NFL football fun, then this is your best bet until the more superior Madden 07 comes out next Fall.