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MADDEN NFL 2009 Posted by Dan Pearson on Aug 30, 2008 18:46 (Aug 30, 2008 18:46) |
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EA’s Madden series celebrates it 20th Anniversary, and for the first time the wealth of consoles on the market allow EA to bring some interesting new ideas to each one.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Madden NFL 2009 resemble what we all love about the Madden games. Again we have the huge Franchise mode where you can either just play the games and let the computer do all of the hard work or you can be more involved in the managerial aspects of the game, hiring and training of players and striking new deals. The Superstar mode also has an amazing level of customization to create any kind of player. If you want a quicker play on this mode you can also go for an existing rookie from the current roster. The Superstar mode differs from the Franchise mode in that you control just the one character, your skill on the field and training will determine if you get picked for the games and if other players will listen to your commands and give you respect.
Both the top end consoles have an amazing look to them, though I have no idea what the players look like in real life, they look really impressive, you have a good mixture of body shapes on the field as well, the large meat mountains that are the blockers, the muscled quarterbacks and the speedy receivers all have their own look and feel when you are controlling them. The stadiums also have been well represented, each of the major teams home grounds are shown in their full glory and with each game you will play in front of a packed crowd, though they do look a bit like pastel ghosts. There are plenty of camera modes to choose from and to ensure you get the best view of the action.
As with all sports games, it’s the new areas that warrant you purchasing the newer version and Madden 09 has plenty to offer. To start, the Madden Test which you can take when you first turn on the game (and whenever you like through the options) is a great evolution of the training modes of old. Here you are given a Tron like VR training ground, pressing the right buttons at the right moments for attacking and defending allows the computer to rate your skill level and Madden IQ, this in turn adjusts the game to your skills. This intro to the game is great for newcomers as it gives a simplistic approach to the many buttons and moves available. As you play the main game your skill level will constantly update, and with that the games will also change to offer you the best challenge to suit your skills.
The power icons make a welcome return to the game, here you are shown on the field what a certain players special ability is, this helps you plan some better plays, for example you may be playing against a defender with a brick wall as an icon, so it would be better to play a passing ball than have you Quarterback run into him. There is also the inclusion of a rewind option, these are very limited per game but say you really mess up an opening kick, you are given the option to rewind play and try again. A good idea but you have to make sure your second attempt is better than the first.
 Other than the huge Franchise and Superstar modes there is also the Madden Moments mode. Here you can play classic games from the past, most of the time it is winning a game through adversity, but the cool thing is you play with the roster and uniforms of the old teams, 80’s Dolphins being a personal favourite.
Online mode is as great as ever allowing for leagues with other online players or just giving you the option to play a single game.
Madden NFL 09 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 is a real powerhouse of a game, quality oozes from all directions and never disappoints, even for someone like me who does not get the game and its rules 100%, I still really enjoyed every minute I played of it.
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