Madden NFL 2004

"This Is Better Than The FOX Pre-game Show...."

Graphics:
8.5/10-For the first time, I'll admit something no other GCN owner should admit. XBox graphics are usaully better the GCN's. In Madden NFL 2004 it's no different. But the GCN comes in 2nd and leaves PS2 somewhere in-between the chances of the Arizona Cardinals making the SuperBowl and DreamCast making a comeback. It's amazing that the stadiums you build in the new stadium builder (we'll get to it later) fit in with the beautiful stadiums on the game already. Also, it's great to see the upper-deck in some stadiums (cough, meadowlands, cough) not full. The player animations are also smoother than, wait, I can't think of anything to say this time. Let's just say the player animations are smooth. And you know what else, me either, the graphics are great.

Sound:
8.0/10-Have you ever had a CD that skips? Well, that's kind of like Al Michaels in this 14th edition of Madden. When you first play, you'll might think to yourself, wow, Michaels is pretty good. Then, he says that thing again, and again, and again. John Madden on the other hand is terrific, yet also al-ittle repetitive. (Get it, al-ittle, as in AL Michaels. I'm very sneaky.) I think we can live with the commentary though because of the terrific sound affects. It's always nice to hear the Raiders booed. Now, to the EA Trax this year. Something for everyone, accept they play some of the songs over and over. It's al-ittle repepitive.

Gameplay:
10/10-Too many buttons on the PS2 controller? Can't fit your XBox controller in an XL suitcase? Well, it's your lucky day, because the GCN controller is perfect! They always say its never been for sports games, but they were always wrong. The controls are used on the right buttons, and it makes playing defense fun. The new playmaker control is well done. Not only on offense, but defense too. (Does EA and Tiburon ever go wrong?)

Modes, Features, My Madden & Franchise:
10/10-The modes are great. Here's the run-down, choose from tournament, mini-camp, two-minute drill, football 101, Madden 101, practice, and situation. Some features are create-a-player, create-a-team, create-a-playbook, and historic teams. In My Madden there's EA Sports Bio, Madden Cards, and some extra video previews. But the best part of the game is the franchise mode. The best part of this is the is the new owner mode. My favorite part of this is moving a team to a different city and trying to be successful there. You can also set concession stand prices, merchandise prices, and ticket prices.

Graphics-8.5/10
Sound-8.0/10
Gameplay-10/10
Modes & Features-10/10

Buy, Rent, Or Just Run-BUY!!! I reccomend this game to the most casual gamer. If you like football, you'll like this game more. I also reccomend having NCAA Football 2004. With that you can import your draft classes. I'd like to thank EA Sports and Tiburon on the best football game ever. One more thing I reccomend is the Prima strategy guide, for in depth strategies for each team and more.

Final Score-10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/19/03