Well here we are again, EA have released this year’s version of NFL and we can’t compare it to any other new NFL titles due to two reasons, the first being EA tying up the NFL License and secondly, more important that it is the only NFL title for the Xbox360. So without further ado and without going into too much detail as to what American Football is all about, I will continue to take you thru my very own NFL experience.

Gameplay

I always wonder what EA will do to make their latest incarnation so much better than that of previous years and I have to say you can tell that the 360 version has been rebuilt to bring a smoother game to the masses. Straight from the main menu you will recognize that navigating around the game is a bit like manoeuvring around the xbox360 dashboard which makes this very simple to move back and forth between menus. You will also notice that certain areas of the game are missing compared with last years Xbox game. No longer are you able to train your skills via ‘Mini-Camps’ or even play ‘Mini-Games’ instead you are thrust into a 30 year franchise which incorporates everything that you, as a manager will have to complete to progress. You will have re-sign or purchase new players, work out the drafting system, play pre-season games, full season games and than the play-offs until you eventually play in the Superbowl. Of course all this in-game depth is brilliant but if you are a casual football fan with no idea on how the drafts work or just can’t be bothered except to just play the game, than you can simulate the managers work and let the Xbox do all the thinking.

The other option to the franchise is to play in an exhibition game allowing you to choose from all of the NFL teams against a friend, computer opponent or perhaps sign on to Xbox Live. The game controls are the standard settings found throughout the Madden series, so if you have played this game before, you will have no problem picking up the controls and heading for your first touchdown. Choosing a new play has never been easier; you are given the choice to listen to your coach, John Madden or perhaps go it alone and choose a play for yourself. Every year plays were classified by formation and unless you are a true football fan, this was not very helpful so instead this year all the plays can be selected by play type – running or passing. You can also choose plays according to key players and use these star players to your advantage. Once you have selected your play it’s down to the field where you are still able to shout out audible’s as well as use your quarterback vision mode (turned off as default). The action is fast and slick with every tackle feels like a juggernaut has hit you, passing is smooth with even more control over your receiver to make sure you catch that last ditch attempt for another first down or perhaps a touchdown. Speciality moves from last year’s version remain intact allowing you to still incorporate the ‘Truck Stick, Hit Stick, Vision Cone and Prescision Passing’. Throughout any sport the referee is known to sometimes make some decisive but often wrong calls and last year’s version you were able to challenge these calls, but unfortunately EA have removed this feature from the 360 version, why they have left this out I do not know but it was fun to always challenge a call and perhaps get away with it. As you can see, many of the options outside of the franchise have been removed leaving you with a game fills you up but leaves you still feeling hungry for more.

Graphics

There was never going to be any doubt that this game will look fantastic. The players are beautifully rendered with their real life counterparts and the animation is superb. Every little step has been taken to make you feel like you have overall control of the player allowing you to spin, stiff arm, jump and dive. To continue to go on about the graphics would be pointless as you can tell EA have gone to a lot of trouble to make sure this feature stands out.

Sound

Why call a game John Madden when you hardly hear him. Unlike previous versions where John was a commentator and you would be hard press to shut him up, in the 360 version, the only time you will hear John Madden is when you ask for his advice on what type of play you should choose next. The atmosphere of the stadium is ever present and hearing real life quarterbacks shout out their last minute signals is spot on.

Longevity

Each game can last up to an hour, with a full season consisting of 17 weeks and than you have the play-offs and pre season games. You will also spend some time selecting your drafts but the main area will be LIVE that will make this game last for awhile.

Round Up

I say this time and time again, if you don’t own a previous version of Madden than this game will have everything you want to play football. You will not be disappointed by the game play, graphics or Live. Of course, if you wanted football and all the side trimmings like ‘Mini-Camp’, than my advice would be for you to stick with last year’s version. Overall, this is a fantastic start for EA and football on the 360 where future attempts can only get better.

The Pros

The Cons