Now maybe even the 2K fans will finally give Madden some love.
Love it or hate it, the Madden Franchise is the only NFL game in town. Since the “agreement” in regards to the NFL license a few years back, there has always been the question of whether EA did the right thing by taking out the competition, thus having no one to compare or compete with the make their game better year after year. The only feedback EA had was from the fans themselves who, in the end, only want the most authentic representation of the sport possible. Not just on the field, mind you, but all the bells and whistles that you see on TV or at the game. Broadcasts are to go along if they are to really take the fans from reality to virtual reality in video game form. Even with the acquisition of the ESPN license, gamers have felt that EA never really used the license to it’s full potential while continuously comparing the game’s realism and presentation to the late, great, NFL 2K5. Thankfully EA has taken all the right steps, and like Tim Cruise, has all the right moves. Madden NFL 10 is the real deal and arguably the most genuine representation of the sport the video game world has seen to date.
Visually the game has really stepped it up and has brought many new visual styles and concepts that hardcore fans will instantly embrace. Madden NFL 10 is pure emotion, from the chatter on the sidelines, to upset players called for a penalty, to even crowd reactions in the stands, gamers will see the best TV style presentation ever to grace the Madden franchise.
Gamers will even be happy to see their best plays come to life during the half time and post game wrap ups, and even are treated to a weekly around the league wrap up show called the Extra Point that highlights the week’s best games, players, and even previews of upcoming match ups for the next week. New presentation banners will keep gamers up to date on their favorite team’s history, current drives, and where they stand in the league during the game. While I was unhappy that a ticker of other games is not present, everything you would hope to see including player of the game is represented.
Of course all the glitz and glamour mean squat if the game itself can’t cut the mustard, and Madden NFL 10 looks as good on field as expected. One new visual notice that gamers will quickly find is superstar player faces are FINALLY in the game. No longer is it just a default create a player face that no where near resembles the player’s likeness. superstar’s mugs are digitally captured (while some more poorly than others) and even the mannerisms and techniques are duplicated as well. It is on the field where Madden NFL 10 really shines as there are tons of new animations from catches, throws, slips in the rain, up to 9 man gang tackles (thanks to a new engine called Pro Tak), jukes, spins, and injuries including being carted away are even taken into account. Lastly, the game takes a more authentic and deliberate pace that really feels like football. This of course can be sped up if you so please, but any real football fan will love the new methodical approach to the game’s realism. Sure, the uni’s don’t get quite as dirty or even progressively dirty, the fields don’t deteriorate, some of the crowds, sideline characters, and animations repeat, but these are all nitcpicky things that are just that…there to nitpick.
The game’s audio does a very good job of bringing the broadcast feel to life, but I honesty feel not enough time in the studio was taken for the two man team as you will hear many of the same phrases game in and game out to the point that your friends will feel you have the power of premonition. Otherwise, the sounds are crisp, the hits are loud, and the crowd reaction is correctly responsive and will get loud in the end zones as they should. Heck, even the game’s soundtrack for the menus is top notch with some very good songs from Black Sabbath, System of a Down, Helmet, Korn, Public Enemy, Iron Maiden, and on and on and on.
It’s not just the look of the game that is realistic; it is the play on the field and the A.I. that is also outstanding. No longer will you find money plays, single coverage on superstars, or weak spots up the middle or on toss plays, and if you are lucky to pull one off…you can guarantee you won’t pull of another like it again. The A.I. is quick to adapt to how you play, so if you are a fan of the pass, expect big changes at half time. The game really forces you to mix up your plays if you are to be successful, otherwise, you will be in for a long hour of football staring at the bad side of a blow out. This also holds true for defense as well, including tackling, which is very authentic. You can not only miss tackles, but if you misread a route, there is no chance of jumping 5 yards down the field to grab a player, you must hit your mark dead on, and of course hang on for dear life. Of course you can tailor the game’s A.I. either with the returning Madden IQ, or adjust the sliders if you feel you are being sacked or picked off too much. This is Madden your way, even to the point of choosing an accelerated clock that will take you past all the cut scenes and straight to the kickoffs and line of scrimmage plays. When the dust clears, all you can blame in this game is yourself as you can literally make the game play as intense or laid back as you prefer, so stop whining!
The game has even taken things seriously online as well by not only adding an online Franchise mode, that features scheduling, live drafts, player transactions, message boards, and even manageable changes from your iPhone. Now you can even join up with a friend online, not to just play a friend game of one on one, but join together in a Co-Op play match against the CPU. While I haven’t had the luxury to give this a run online much, I am waiting for the game to be released on Aug 14th so I can give these online features their just desserts…but I have a feeling they are just as top notch as the rest of Madden NFL 10.
So whether you’ve played Madden year after year, or have been a hold out since the 2K franchise’s demise, all fans of the pigskin will be happy to hear that this is the Madden to own no matter who you are. Not only is this the best representation of the franchise to date, but is quite possibly the best football title to date. Granted it still isn’t perfect, but is a major step in the right direction and the future looks bright as long as the developers don’t fumble the ball.
