Finally
User Rating: 8.5 | Madden NFL 08 X360
EA has finally put out a decent game of football for the 360. Madden and I have had a long marriage. Since the days of the Sega Genesis. When I 1st purchased my 360 I had such high expectations for EA's sports game, especially Madden. Boy was I disappointed! Madden 06 and 07 were nothing but graphical upgrades. I was somewhat satisfied with NCAA 2007. This years 2008 Madden play even better. 2 things you really need to know about this years Madden. #1 when your running the football you must protect the ball. If your caught by a big hitter or gang tackled you might caugh up the ball. Intuitively you can hit the RB button (protect ball) to hold on to the ball. If you have a running back with a decent carry rating he will not cough it up when protecting the ball. I hear alot of people complaining about fumbling this year the RB button is a must when running the ball. A very realistic feature. If an NFL back is carrying it like a loaf of bread he's gonna caugh it up. I never used the protect ball button ever, but know I use it every run. Very cool and alot of fun tucking it in when banging up the middle. #2 Be patient and put your time in to find the right AI and setting. Make use of the AI sliders. If your using The Browns and your playing the Chargers with the All-Pro setting and you hold LT to 15 yards then you know you need to boost up the CPU running ability or try the next level,,,ect. I'm using the pre-season games to perfect my settings. I'm a hardcore guy and like games to be as realistic as possible. A few things that still annoy me to this day. #1 Why is kicking field goals and punts still to easy. Can't they make kicking exciting and realistic. Kicking needs to be revamped and more challenging. #2 Irrelevant to game play but the players on the bench look ridiculous. If your an NFL die hard you will be happy with this game. Expecially if you thought 2006 and 2007 we're terrible. 
