Last year Madden NFL 07 for the Xbox 360 improved on its predecessor in many aspects. Can the newly released Madden NFL 08 better the already impressive franchise?

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The layout and game modes are similar to last year’s version. You have Franchise Mode, which lets you choose your favourite team with their current rosters and then try to stay on top for three decades. The layout has change slightly from last year, there is new an office mode where you are able to look over the costs of your stadium and players and send out scouts to locate those new hot players. There is also a new Super Sim mode where you can step back and watch the game from the sidelines, letting you join in the action whenever you like.

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Superstar mode is where you create a player from scratch and play their life from the pre-season drafts and through their entire career. You start off by designing your player and their overall look. The main screen is on a calendar, which shows up and coming events, it is up to you to train your player in the numerous mini game drill’s like 40 yard dash, weight lifting, throwing and receiving. The better you play in these areas, the better offers your player will get from teams and agents. You only control your character in the main game, so if you are a Quarterback, your job is to call the play and complete passes. When your player is not on the field, rather than watching the game you are able to active the Super Sim mode and, once your payer is back on the field, take control again.

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One of the better improvements on last year is the Read and React system. Each player on the field has an icon underneath them, there are many and you are able to bring up what each one means at the touch of a button, and can include a winged shoe, which shows speed, a brick wall which means a tough defender or a sledge hammer which means a bug hitter. This helps you adjust your play to maximise your team’s strengths against the opponent’s weaknesses, making the game even more tactical.

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With each play you are able to make your own decision, or turn to the great John Madden himself for some advise, this helps as not only do you get a good choice of play, but he will also talk through what to do to improve your chances of pulling it off.

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Another new addition is the Showcase; this is at the main screen and allows you to view all of the trophies you have won and also the ring progress. If you are feeling lucky you can also gamble some of your trophies against a friend online.

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The levels of customization is even deeper than before, you are able alter your player as before, but now you can change the look of your stadium, changing the stables, lighting and field decorations, and even design your own champion ring to show off to your friends.

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The graphics seemed to have been tweaked from last year, a lot crisper, and the player animation is a lot more fluid than before. General field chatter and hazing showboating from the players really brings you deeper into the whole gaming experience.