One of the best version since Madden made it's debut on PS2
Seems like EA was just doing glorified roster updates, with features here an there. Nothing that really WOW'ed me like when I turned on my newly launched PS2 and Madden for the first time.
But this one is getting on the right track. Controls are actually doing [for the most part] what you want it to do, without that 1-2 second delay anymore.
Better animations, "shake" visuals for big hits or big runs, better commentary (although some of the audio pieces aren't as nicely produced as some other ones) and overall experience.
I was really on the fence about "renewing" my Madden roster update, but this is more than I expected. Instead of the yearly letdown, I am actually excited to see that the game is much tighter and having fun playing it. It's fresher.
Still, that's the way it should be every year, not once every 5-8 years... For a super computer, the PS3 should be able to provide much better visuals. I still see the pixelation of graphics, players running through each other like they're ghosts, stadium audience looking like animated cardboard characters...
The officials only seem to show on-screen when there's a penalty. I'd like to see them on the field and use them to be in the way of the defenders, like they do in the NFL. It'd be fun to run over them some times too... by accident of course!
The backtrack is not really working well. I passed to my running back who was double-covered. It told me I was trying to pass to my tight end. Then, it shows me a receiver that was also highly covered... but I could see the tight end was free, with no defenders around.
Overall, this is an upgrade compared to the "Same old, same old"