A dissapointing new addition to the series with online functtions that are lacking features but with nice graphics
Madden NFL 06
Madden at a first glance seems very impressive and is not just a straight port from the last instalment but it’s a new game in its own right. From the beginning it’s obvious that the developers have focused more time on the updated graphics than anything else like improving the gameplay elements and such. It’s very disappointing as it’s not worth paying that amount of money for a game similar to the last instalment but it is still one of the best Football games to this date due to the next generation compatibilities of the Xbox 360.
The game has had a lot of Hype lately which from my point of view did not do the game any favours. It was disappointing enough but with the hype it just made matters worse. A lot of the features you have known and loved using from the previous Madden NFL games are completely gone such as the defensive playmaker controls are now gone which is kind of a shame as it would be nice to see how updated these features were using the 360’s compatibilities. Some of the gameplay elements have been edited and slightly tweaked such as the new improved kick meter but when the game has so many problems it seems as if this should have been the least of their problems. Which makes you wonder if it really is worth the money you are going to be paying for it if you choose to buy as the replay ability is not great?
Also Xbox live does have its share of problems in this instalment as there is really not that much too it and it’s like you and your opponent playing Football and there is really no dynamic online features to take advantage of. But some fun still can be had with the online features and its great playing with other real people instead of bots. The two player game feature still remains great strong point to the series which is one of the reasons the series is successful.
The graphics are one of the best features of the latest instalment and look really crisp on a Nice HDTV setup but still look amazing on an SDTV and if you are looking for a game to buy to really see the best graphics of what the Xbox 360 has to offer this close to the original launch date this may just be the one for you. There was a lot of work that got put into making your environment all around you look great and realistic and make it feel just like the real thing or as close as you can get to that experience all the same. Though you begin to wonder if some of the features from the previous games have been removed for the developer to spend more time on the graphics but it is hard to stay mad at that whilst playing a game that looks so lifelike. Also the animations have been greatly improved and give an overall smoother and more realistic look to take in whilst playing.
If you like Football and want to see how the series has progressed you should at least rent it. But don’t buy it expecting great things just because you are a fan of the series because a lot of the previous game stuff has been removed. But graphics aside the game is a disappointment and a game I cannot recommend spending that much money on this purchase.