MADDEN NFL 08, Xbox 360, EA Sports, rated E-for Everyone, score: 8.5 (out of 10)
So far, "Madden" for the Xbox 360 has been an exercise in frustration. Since the 360's launch, "Madden" has been underwhelming. The question is whether "Madden NFL 08" can finally get over the next-generation console hump.
EA loves to come up with new features that surround particular players — especially good players. Either they'll put a circle under them and tell us they are great or on fire or something. Sometimes the information is logical and works, other times it's nothing but window dressing. "Madden 08" does a similar thing but gives different weapon icons for great players.
Weapons are defined depending upon position. On offense, there are many different weapons. Spectacular catch receiver, for instance, shows up for a receiver who can make extraordinary catches. Some of the more beneficial weapons are cannon arm for the quarterback, and speed, which could work for many different players. Some interesting weapon icons on defense might be brick-wall defender and press coverage corner.
But for every weapon there is a counter. Your goal is to understand what you need to do in order to counteract a player's weapon. For example, a cannon arm quarterback may overthrow his receiver. So you might want to set up a safety to get the interception.
These weapons aren't the only things that define players. This year, players perform differently depending upon their skills. Fast running backs are good at taking a pitch and hitting the corner, while a hard-nosed power runner is better hitting the defensive line and pushing through. There is a noticeable difference between Reggie Bush and Jamal Lewis.
If all this isn't enough to remember, during presnap reads there are a handful of control schemes. Defense has many different blitz and coverage schemes.
A lot has been fixed with the offense. The collision detection is fantastic. The running back is probably one of the most improved positions. Yes, you will occasionally break free for a long run, but it's no longer a dash for the end zone on every offensive drive. It's rare to take a defender alone. Gang tackling has become the norm. One major issue is the increase in fumbles. Marshawn Lynch may be a rookie, but something tells me he won't be averaging two or more fumbles a game.
Quarterbacking your favorite team can be an exercise in frustration — if they aren't great or if you are crazy enough to throw into coverage. Quarterbacks who don't have a cannon arm or aren't precise passers need to be careful because the defense has stiffened. No longer will you walk in and drop 70 points on the computer playing something other than rookie.
You can also check out owner's mode if you want to add some him to your Madden experience. You can track finances, upgrade a stadium, move a team, hire a scout and more. Too bad it's not robust enough just to play in this mode. One issue is that anyone who loves the recruiting feature in NCAA won't find as much depth to the prospects portion of Madden.
Superstar mode hasn't changed much. You can create your dream player and do all you can to get him to the Football Hall of Fame. The one really interesting addition is that you can select a rookie and be that player until the end of his career.
Finally, there are some minigames that are fun the first time around. You can create a team, stadium, etc., but you'll get a pile of no-name players. It's not exactly like adding the Houston Texans and getting a supplemental draft full of experienced players.
Graphics: The collision detection seems to have improved, and that might be directly related to the improved animation. In the past, a player would be in the middle of an animation and lose some control. Players move more realistically in the '08 version and allow for more control.
A few interesting animations were carried over to this year's version, particularly diving into the corner of the end zone. However, one quirky addition is that when a player occasionally scores a touchdown, he slides into the end zone. It doesn't seem possible to run full speed into the defensive line and then go into a slide. Another issue is the blur of players who might be standing outside of the line of view. It seems like a graphical bandage.
Audio: This is the biggest issue with "Madden 08." The ESPN radio announcer is the worst because he sounds like he is announcing in a tunnel. There is nothing unique about the commentary. After a few games, you start to hear the same things over and over. Marshall Faulk gives completely useless insight into the games. Why is this still called "Madden" if you don't get Madden on every play?
Why not add the Monday Night Football team? I'd be ecstatic to take the NCAA Football commentary team. Actually, my uncle and a few of his buddies could offer better color commentary.
Parents' take: "Madden" is good, clean fun for any child who loves football. There is a huge learning curve for kids who don't know how to play football or only grasp some of the essentials. With all of the different plays, it can be confusing to choose between a 4-3 or nickel defense. And the running plays are listed in multiplay selectors, which means they can either choose running plays or choose a category called Big, which means nothing except how your formation is set up.
The many different audibles can get confusing. On the plus side, audibles aren't vital. Actually, there are a lot of small things that enhance "Madden 08" but aren't vital to playing. So kids could play "Madden" and have fun without needing to use half of the additional items.
Final word: As good as "Madden NFL 08" is, it still isn't great. The commentary is lacking and there are some issues with the graphics engine. Game play is top-notch. It's a shame all the other features have a long way to catch up. The biggest thorn in the "Madden NFL" franchise's side is actually another EA game, "NCAA Football 08," which is a far superior product. I'd give "Madden NFL 08" up in a second to play more "NCAA Football 08."
E-MAIL: ccraine@desnews.com