Although not a complete product yet, Madden NFL 07 does some things right this time around to wash away the 06 blues.
Graphics:
The graphics look really nice in most areas of the game. The stadiums are beautiful once again. Watching the field degrade over time is also a great realistic bonus. You definitely won't have any problems distinguishing this game from an XBox or PS2 game in the visuals department. Once again, most of your bigger stars look good in close ups, however there are still a lot of generic looking models for the more underappreciated players. There are a lot players to work with, so I'm sure that this will be updated in the coming years. The menus screens look nice as well.
Sound:
The stadium and game chatter is great. I always found joy from hearing the constant banter of the players on the field. It really adds to the realism that EA was going for. The radio announcer is back again, and Madden is left only for game title credits and Ask Madden play selection options. If you didn't mind this last year, you won't mind it this year. If you did, well, you get the idea. The EA Trax are always a mixed bag every year, so put in and take out what you wish to make it better for yourself. Control:
Control is pretty much the same here as it was last year with only a few tweaks and improvements. So, if you're already a vet of this game, then the learning curve will be very small to pick up on the new things here. Lead blocking controls and highlight stick options are welcome editions to this game and make running the ball more fun and strategic than before. Gameplay:
Here's where Madden games usually make their money. However, the next gen version is still playing catch up from a features standpoint. Missing once again are Owner Mode, EA Sports Radio, and Everyone's favorite Fantasy Draft. All is not lost however. Franchise is back again, and although it is as bare bones as it was last year, you are at least able to train a number of players before every game to help get their stats up a bit and rehab injured ones. Create a player has also returned, so that you can add your own creation to any roster you choose. However, instead just jacking up stats for your character, you must first play his respective mini games in order to determine his stats. Make sure that you are skilled in the mini games first, for if you are not, your stats can turn out really low in certain key areas, making your player worthless overall. Superstar mode is also new this year to the 360, and it adds a lot of depth to the game that was completely absent before. Trying to take a player from all positions to the Hall of Fame could take eons, and is definitely something to look into if you get bored with Franchise. SS Mode will be either loved or hated.
Final Words:
In a nutshell, Madden is back on the 360, and it is going forwards instead of backwards. Because of this, Madden fans can rest easy. Yes, some things are still missing, but it is getting better, and it still plays pretty well. If you're really looking for some Next gen football, this is the only place to find it right now, and buying it wouldn't be a bad idea. However, if you are still on the fence about the game due to missing features, go ahead and play it first before giving this improved game the cold shoulder.
What I like:
Looks good, plays good
Mini games are interesting
Lead blocking controls are a blessing to the running game
Superstar mode has a lot of depth possibilities
What I don't like:
AI can be hit or miss at times as usual
Zoomed in camera angle for SS works good/bad depending on position
Still No fantasy Draft
Madden lovers will live or die by this game, and 2k lovers will continue to hate it.