Finally an almost complete Madden game!!!! If any of you are as big of football fans as I am then you will be pleased.
I can't remember how many times last year I was playing 07 and 3 people would hit be but I would shake out of it as no group tackling. I was furious watching the commercials for the PS3 version that had group tackling for 07. Everyone knows that the 360 is the powerhouse of the consoles now-a-days. So why make the PS3 version more in depth? I will tell you why, EA thinks of things too late and makes too much money from Sony. Finally they have made group tackling in the 360 and boy is it tough to get the big break aways for 50-75 yards. The new weapon system is great and now with superstar mode being able to grap the weapons it's an absolutely needed addition. What is great about the weapon system is you can tell where your mismatches are on the field and adjust your plays or defense accordingly, As well as being able to keep track of how close to a weapon your superstar is and try to get him there faster by doing certain things in the game. The new hit stick is amazing and never gets boring and it's always fun to have a powerhouse running back and uses the truck stick to smash away defenders. The animations with the weapons are amazing. Seeing a runningback get nailed by a big hitter never gets old. Each weapon has some of their own animations which is surprising given EA's sports franchise in general. Who's eyes don't light up when you see a reciever reach for a one-handed catch and complete it? No matter what team you are or are cheering for it's a beautiful thing that the boys over at EA has gotten correct for a change.
Will someone please tell EA that having the same people doing the commentary in the game is getting old. Each team gets the same broadcaster with the same lame sayings, and new ones that don't make sense. For example I play as the Packers and I have never once heard them reffered to as "The Pack". WTF is this? If you are going to nickname a team make it catchy or don't do it at all. What's will the player announcements in the begining of the game? If I have a star player that is the #1 RB in the league I would expect him to be announced just like the other stars. Even if they didn't say his name or w/e it would be nice to see my star recognized once in a while. Overall sound effects are better than previous years but lacks consistency. "Just makes it back to the line" when I lose 2 yards? Are you serious EA? Sound is the easiest to get right in the game. Go back to the drawing board and I will see you next year to try the sound.
The graphics in this years game are deffinitely an improvement over last years. And as in ALL multi-platform game the 360 version takes the cake. At least EA gets it right here. Huge library of animations and no more skipping in the game like 07 had. Nice framerate overall. The game looks AMAZING on an HDTV especially if you have the Elite 360 or the Halo 3 Special Edition that both come with HDMI which makes the game one of the best looking games to date. I wish the detail on the body were better such as maybe dirt or mudd on the arms if the player gets hit alot or maybe some blood if they bounce their head off the ground. Something to show the players aren't perfect all the time. EA, next year more player detail. Yea it's nice to see the whole in a players jersey when it's up close but when it's snowing out or raining I want to see weather and field effects on the players. Overall graphics are deffinitely top of the line but as in any true fan it's the little things that makes the game great.
Gameplay deffinitely has had it's best year this year. With so many new animations and variety of mini-games and franchise mode the game doesn't get old quickly. I myself am a superstar guy that loves creating an icon. Superstar mode is much much better than last year for the 360. I had 07 for the XBOX and the 360 last year and the XBOX version was actually better. The camera angles were so much better and I am greatful that EA has fixed the camera to a point for the 360. It's still kind of annoying but nothing that ruins the game. With so much to do in the game I will most likely be playing this game up untill 09 comes out.
Overall the game is a must have for any 360. Even if you don't like football this game is fun and easy to catch on to even with the new control scheme and pre-snap additions. For any true Madden fan, this game is a pick up and play game. The new additions to the game aren't hard to learn to master but they are not needed to play the game and have fun.
The Good:
Great graphics, new animations, new weapon system, truck stick improved, better camera angles, group tackling.
The Bad:
Horrible commentary, no player detail during games(mud, dirt, blood), Same commentary for every team, Very little Madden talking during game, No emphasis on the Superbowl or Probowl.