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| | Difficulty: 3 | | Learning Curve: 5 | Published by:  Randwuulfe | | Date: 2007-03-12 |
| | Gameplay |    | 6
| | Graphics | | 10
| | Sound | | 8
| | Value | | 8
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If you already own EA's Madden 2007, you're aware of the ensuing review. If you were considering purchasing it, this late in the football year, consider waiting a few months.
EA has built a wall around it's franchise with it's contract of exclusivity with the NFL, NFLPA & NFLCA.
 It's counting on the fact that there is NO competition so, consumers will simply swallow what they're given if they want a football game. That doesn't mean the game isn't play worthy. It simply means that it strangles the need for creativity and improvement induced by competition. Here are the basic aspects for EA's sophmore attempt at one of their cornerstone titles for the "Next Gen" systems.
Graphics
The Good:
By comparison, GORGEOUS! Definite "EYE CANDY" Detail in the helmet paint depth, stadium recreation, grass depth (visible in HD), less "stock" faces(though still not many actual player faces), VERY CLEAN lines, field wear and tear, rain effects and puddles, though light sourcing is above average to good at best. EA's best for Madden to date.
The Ugly:
Players will morph/phase, all or in part, THROUGH other players. This can be particularly aggravating when trying to defend a pass or make a tackle. All the players are uber-sculpted and overly endowed in the arms...even the kickers and QB's. The only differential is with the O & D linemen. Same animations far too often when transitioning between huddles or plays. Should definitely invest in a bank of additional cut scenes. Players faces make very animatron-like motions for no apparent reason. What's missing is those "clock cleaning", "jaw jacking", "bell ringing" hit's that ejects the players helmet into the stands.
Motion/Movement
The Good:
There are some painful tackles and the implementation of the "TRUCK STICK" affords even more variations to tackles as well as evasions. It basically AMPS up the move desired or required for the immediate situation, which is convenient. Camera angles give you the "on the line of scrimmage" look and zooms out for convenient pass recognition.
The Bad:
Just wait for a RB to break one down the open field and you'll notice that he's running like a "Rock 'em Sock 'em Robot. The only think moving is the legs and arms in a straight forward & straight back motion. There's no implemented up and down or lean/sway to create the natural gyration of a moving athelete. The movements of the QB's behind the line of scrimmage is again, robotic and clunky. this goes for the RB as well, for he runs with a sideways cant to his body until he crosses that imaginary line, regardless of how long you had the joystick pushed straight up.
Playability
The Good:
The pure appearance of this game is infectious enough to gain your repeat attention for several months (especially for those NFL Lifers) The vivid colors of the uniforms of your favorite team on a lush green field will give you the required fix. There are the shoulder-pad clacking "TRUCK STICK" tackles and the thundering crash that signals a huge pass play that keeps your blood flowing in long sessions. Play modes available are the stock "Play Now", "Franchise", "LIVE", and the newly inserted to the new Gen version, "Superstar".
The ability to be invited online into someone else's FRANCHISE game to play the opposite team against them and vice versa is a nice addition. Of course, The "LIVE" aspect to this game is it's "bread & butter" and always will. Madden Nation will see to that.
The Bad:
Total and utter lack of control or creativity. There's no "Fantasy Draft"!!! "Create a Player" is a little OVERTHOUGHT and cripples one's desire to insert their own personal touch to the roster. No "Create a Team". No "Create a Coach" Madden "Gamer Level" stops at 50 by default. Which is way too soon. I only had half of the achievements and not completed the Franchise or Superstar modes. The "Hall of Fame" aspect offers up a bunch of heroes from the black and white days or earlier. None of which would be know or appreciated by any gamers of today, simply because of their average age. (except me) Also, if you don't poison the integrity of your "Franchise" by signing them as they are unlocked, the OTHER teams in the league WILL! And, they are all 95's or HIGHER. There's no coach negotiations or hire/fire options.
Conclusion
The Good:
This game is a beautiful representation of how the NFL, NFLPA & NFLCA "Looks". The online "LIVE" play is enough to carry this game every year with it's devout following and increasing marketing campaign every year. However, the reliable game modes for the loyal fans from yesteryear are still present. Major "EYE CANDY"
The Bad:
As good looking as this game IS, there are many things that it ISN'T. It's NOT a true representation of how the NFL "FEELS". It totally misses on the mark of creating emotion and intensity in the game. Elements that even make an NFL broadcast are missing. What you DO get is an anonymous radio announcer. There's no replay that takes over when there's a momentum making play. This used to be a reward for inspired players. There's no halftime show or even a cheap recap. There's no cheerleaders. There's no fanfare or celebration worthy of a Superbowl win. There's no SCOUTING! Draft is thin and eventless! Nothing for the Top 5! There are many things that could make this game more attractive to die hard NFL fans but, most of all...THERE'S NO JOHN MADDEN!!!
2K GAMES will be back in the ring this year with it's "ALL PRO FOOTBALL '08" despite the lack of NFL licensing. I'm certain that they will provide for more of an AUTHENTIC reproduction of the NFL than this game with the NFL titles. If EA doesn't get back on the horse in '08, I suggest you give 2K's "ALL PRO FOOTBALL 2K8 a try. I will.
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