Madden, for the first time, has failed to deliver a top-calibre game. "HD Gaming" - I don't think so.

User Rating: 5 | Madden NFL 07 PS3
Gameplay: Gameplay is good throughout most of the game. Players movements are generally lifelike (minus some tackling animations and the awkward running animation - which is particularly noticeable when running in the open field). For the real football fan, some minor animation details look awkward. Most noteably, the position that the quarterback holds the ball outward before throwing. On the positve side, runningback styles are more realistic. For example, when Tomlinson jukes Jamal Lewis will attempt to run over opponents. In addition, the lead blocker control is an interesting, but not completely satisfying. As a blocker you will often feel slow and inefficient, and movements are commonly unrealistic. Finally in between plays, and any transitions for that matter, you will notice an undesireable skipping glitch - that is, slow rugged motions. While this is not a big deal it is yet another thing that game developers should have cleaned up. It seems far from "HD Gaming."

Graphics: Being on the PS3, graphics are good, but far from great. Player models are not realistic and sometimes unidentifiable. Football fans will notice that faces are almost always very inacurate (other than coaches). To add to this, facial expressions and mouth motions are not convincing. Bodily features are also poor. For, example, Rex Grossman's arms are large and muscucular instead of small and lacking real definition. For the most part, players bodies - specifically arms - are larger than life. When punters have the same body type as linebackers there is a serious problem. Yet again, this is a minor detail, but another to add to a compilation.

Sound: Though the soundtrack is not oustanding, in-game sound is good. For example, Peyton Manning's snap count is unique and indentifiable. Player comments on the field are enjoyeable and humorous. Defensive communication as well as player celebrations prove to be among the few positives to be noted. The new home announcer, on the other hand, is horrific and shows no sign of interesting diversification throughout the game. Superstar: While better than previous years, Superstar Mode is still shallow. It is stisfying at first, with improved personal workouts, and a more interesting training camps and practises. But as with previous editions, it is mostly the same thing over and over again. Perhaps this would not be such a dissapointment for the Xbox or Playstation 2, but with the PS3, I had expeted a much more detailed and clean-cut game. As other review seem to suggest, so did the average Madden fan.

Final Though: Madden 2007, despite expanding upon Superstar Mode and making minor adjustments to other features has been a true disappointment. For a game which seemed to have unending promise, I can describe it as no more than shallow. If you are looking for a quick game between firends, rent Madden 07, but if you are looking for a game with depth - one that will entertain you for extended peiods of time - this is not the game for you.