Madden NFL 2004

"Madden squeezes out yet another winner..."

I work at Best Buy, and the day that Madden came out, my boss told me to run the stand promoting it. Not only did he know I am a football fanatic, I love video games. My love for Madden grew to a whole new level with this game. It has many new features such as a wider variety of music (which I might add if you like rap, is very good news for you), a Playmaker option which I will explain later, and an owner's set of options for those who would like to actually run a football team/stadium.

I'm going to break down Madden in to 4 separate categories: gameplay, music, controls, and extras. Everything there is pretty obvious except extras, which I will describe later.

Gameplay (9/10)

I'm loving every bit of Madden as far as the gameplay goes. The playbooks are the same as in Madden 2003, except updated and checked from every head coach/assistant head coach in the NFL. The cover describes how there are new animations to the game, which I have yet to see. Everything I've seen has been in Madden 2003 except one big option. Playmaker control. This baby gives you freedom out the wazoo. If you're on defense, you can commit to a simple run/pass defensive play by moving the right analog stick up or down, and even direct your blockers to block a run to the right (down and right on the right analog stick) or block a run to the left (down and left on the right analog stick). You can move your zoned LBs/Safeties to the back left or back right by using the same feature, back and left or back and right. What really amazes me about Playmaker control though, is the offensive aspect. You can actually move your receivers off of their routes to get a clean pass in! This isn't always your money guy, just the receiver that's right in front of you. The quarterback will wave his hands, signaling your WR or TE to move to a new spot off of his route to complete a pass. You can also use Playmaker before a play has started just like an audible. The QB will tap his hip, signaling a new change of direction for the run for your tailback. When you're running, your HB or FB can even assign blockers to the defense as you're running. Just move the analog stick in the direction of the defender and one of your players will come over to take the block for you!

Music (7/10)

Not that anyone cares about this subject anyways, it's the game we're after, right? Well, as much as I like Thrice, Nappy Roots, and Joe Budden, they've lost their novelty. The music from Madden 2003 was much better. It got me hooked on a few bands, not to mention Audiovent and Seether. Bottom line: if you don't like rap, get a CD player ready.

Controls (10/10)

Madden actually has preset configurations for your controller, which is quite nice. Controller figuration #2 is exactly like that of the default in Madden 2003, which is nice for those of you who don't like learning new controls. The controls are easy to use, and as long as you have the controller configuration as you like it, everything is easy to manage, even the Playmaker option.

Extras (10/10)

A few things go under this category. First off we'll talk about the options that Madden Football 2004 has for PS2 that it doesn't have for Xbox, Game Cube, PS, or GBA. With the PS2, you can actually play with 8 people at a time. All you need is 2 multitaps and 8 controllers, that'd get your party goin'. The other option is to play online. If you play Madden 2004 online, you can actually talk to your opponent with a headset through talknet or you can use a SOCOM headset, whatever you have. I have yet to play Madden 2004 online, but it seems like a neat idea considering it's free past the cost of the game and the internet connection. Another great extra in Madden 2004 is the fact that you can be an owner of a football team and manage it's earnings/advertisements/concession prices! Just try and manage a stadium and make money with a losing team! I don't see how the Bengals do it... (oops, I meant Bungles). As owner, you can even fire your coaches and create an all-star lineup of whoever you want! Dick Vermiel, Tony Dungy, whoever you want. Franchise option is still there (obviously), with updated player statistics. All the teams are in the 80s though, except the Arizona Cardinals (and maybe the Bungles).

Overall (9/10 - Not an average)

This is a pretty simple decision. If you love football, get Madden. That's all there is to it. This game will help with fantasy leagues, parties, whatever you can think of. Definitely the best of the series, and the best football game I have seen.

Rent or Buy?

If you rent Madden 2004, you're going to end up buying it. It's just like the other games in the series, except reflecting players accomplishments in the past year with new ratings, and a few new tunes to jam to. The Playmaker option is a real winner. Buy it, it's an excellent game to add to your collection.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/16/03