Madden 2007 is the kind of game that is fresh but old. New but at the same time familiar. This can cause problems.
User Rating: 7.2 | Madden NFL 07 X360
Madden 2007 returned for another smash season in August. When I first picked up this game I'll admit, I was very disappointed. Why? It just seemed to me that after 1 full year of complaints from hardcore Madden fans like me, they'd get it right. And they get a B+ from me for effort, because you can tell they at least shot for the Moon. But that doesn't mean this game was great. The graphics were top notch, almost realistic. They gameplay, for the first few hours of playing were exciting and cutting-edge. But after awhile, it begins to replay itself. There were no suprising innovations, and they dumbed down Superstar and Franchise modes. Not to mention completely wiping away Owner mode, which I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed. Quite frankly, I was appeased for a short period of time with this game, before I took a good look at this game and realised it was Madden 2006 with a few bells and whistles that didn't necessairily make the game any better, but merely made it flashy. Then there is the disappointing graphics on the menu. Yes, I enjoy watching my favorite players from my favorite team flash across the screen as I prepare to destroy another of my unsuspecting friends with the unstoppable Philadelphia Eagles. But I can't help but notice that it is a little dark. One upside to Madden 2004 that made it a ball-buster of a game was the menu, and the menus following the menus, and yes, the menus following the menus from the menu. It just seemed to leap out at you. Madden 2007 lacks that, and alot more. Also, I'd have to say that the AI in this game is disappointing on a level I can't begin to describe. I mean, I was embarrassing the New England Patriots with the lowly Arizona Cardinals on All-Madden mode! When I play on rookie mode, I rack up at least 230 points on the AI. I'll give Madden the benefit of keeping me under 150 on All-Madden, but seeing as I have yet to lose a game against the AI, I'd say that the developers need to step it up. As for the online play, it's challenging. They did an OK job at setting it up. But even online play has been ruined because of the heavy emphasis on players playing with guys like Michael Vick and completely abusing his running ability because, well, let's face it, they have no real game. Everyone knows this as "Vick-timizing" your opponent. And take from me and any other actual Madden gamer that doesn't need an advantage to win, it's annoying. All in all, I rate this game with a 7.2, classified as "Disappointing". 
