My Actual Rating: 9.6
Gameplay-10/10: Madden's been saying it for years, but never has a gamer really been able to get that 'BOOM!' feeling. Until, of course, this year. In addition to being allowed to audible you offensive plays at the line however you like, you can now do it with your defense. Thinking pass, and you see a running formation? Blitz your linebackers to stuff up those holes. Thinking run? Drop your linebackers and linemen into prevent coverage. Also, Madden has introduced to us the new Hit Stick. The Do Or Die of this game, this can either burn you, or cool you off like the other side of the pillow. Nothing makes me happier in this game then seeing the offense convert on fourth and long, think they're in the clear, and then take a big old bulldozer to the face and cough up the football.
Graphics-8: Here's where the game is a bit shotty. The graphics didn't convert on third and inches like they should. Herm Edwards looks like he took a roll in dust and then smoked something illegal. The cheerleaders look like if they combined great grandma and a Playboy girl. As you can imagine, they don't really go together. Sink your freethrows, EA.
Audio-9: Pretty much the same as the past couple of years, but a few new things. Nothing special though. They added some Hit Stick dialogue, and a few laughers from John, but again, nothing special.
Game modes-10: Amazing. Not only has EA brought back the Owner Mode, but it has added Storyline, which gives you the inside story on the NFL. You can read the newspaper which gives you the local stories in the local paper(yes they are the LOCAL paper. i.e. New York Post), to the big stories in USA Today. Also, coaches and players will send you E-Mails about your team. If you have a star running back that is resting their butt too much, they will ask you to give them more playing time. Or worse, demand a trade. Also, which I personally think is the best feature of the game, is EA Sports Radio. Each week, Tony Bruno will give you the happenings of the NFL. Like if Peyton Manning passes for his 25000th yard in his career, he will talk about it and tell you that he is one of the elite players of all-time. Then, usually, a caller will come in and argue with him. Also, it doesn't stop there, Bruno will give you questions with no answers. Who is the greatest QB of all time? And it's very interesting to hear some peoples ideas.
Buy or rent: I haven't convinced you already? Here goes again. If you are even the most casual of football fans and of video games, buy this game. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.