"The Best gets better...Again!"

What I was waiting for finally arrived and with a ''boom''

Graphics: 9
The graphics are awesome. All of the uniform details are very well done and the stadiums are very realistic with their surroundings. Small details like empty seats and scoreboards can be seen easily. The players are also detailed more than ever in which includes: 58 new faces, 20 new heads, and tattoos. Overall, nice graphics by EA and Tiburon. A solid 9.

Gameplay: 10
EA did more than they had to in terms of boosting gameplay, but do you see anyone complaining?. First off the new Owner Mode allows you to own your own team and control such aspects as relocating your team, determining ticket prices(even for the luxury seats), building a new stadium, upgrading your current one, and even getting a different sponsor to sponsor your team. Next, the new EA Bio tracks your success in Madden and all the other 2004 EA titles. More minor improvements like Accelerated Clock(for those who complain about their game being unrealistic), a new play-calling system. A rare thing, but I give the gameplay a 10!

Controls: 9
Can you say OH YEAH? I can and I say it because of the new Play maker Control. The control works very well and allows you to do numerous things like changing routes and flipping plays without audibles, guiding lead blockers, and even directing receivers to get open while you scramble. The rest of the controls are well done and have no real flaw, just like in the other games. The only small complaint here is that the option is not in this game, but it's not a biggie, heh, maybe it'll be in there next year... When's the last time a team actually ran the option anyway? Another Solid 9.

Sound/Music: 6
The rap music is the only part of the game in which I was disappointed, mainly because I hate rap. However, the other rock songs make up for it, not to mention you can just customize which songs play in the options so that no matter what the sound can be enjoyable. The commentary is definitely not as great as in the past(they still have some of the same sayings..and a lot of them). The sound effects are realistic and I do like the way that Broncos crowd chants ''IN-COM-PLETE'' whenever the opposing team throws am incomplete pass. Overall, good sound, but EA needs to get commentary right for this to be a 9 or 10.

Overall: 9, borderline 10
Despite the not so great music, this game is truly a great game and will be remembered in the Madden series forever. The play maker is so refined that you feel like your are QB more than before, taking your gaming to new heights. All I can say now is that I can't wait until next year when EA & Tiburon come with Madden NFL 2005, I will be a buyer guaranteed.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/16/03