Madden NFL 2004

"EA has outdone itself again"

Year after year EA Sports continues to amaze its fans by adding on to its Madden franchise enough that it warrants a purchase even if you have the previous year’s game. This year is no exception. Madden 2004 is a masterpiece of football, and adds new features that will make you want to buy it even if you have Madden 2003.

Graphics 8/10 - The graphics this year have been improved slightly from last years. Many new animations have been added for tackling and blocking that look magnificent. The one problem I have is that this year, the field seems a little dark and that makes me feel like my players seem all bunched up. Other than that, graphics are great.

Gameplay 10/10 - This is where Madden has always beaten out the competition. The game feels so smooth as you are playing it and you have the perfect amount of control over each player. Also the new playmaker feature, which is a little complicated to master, adds more realism and control over all of your players. The AI has been greatly improved this year especially on defense and your blockers. The gameplay makes this one of the most realistic sports games ever.

Sound 9/10 - I am yet to encounter a sports game where the commentary is enjoyable to listen to. Like years past the team if Al Michaels and John Madden gets a little repetitive. Al Michaels also changes the tone of his voice when saying a team name or player indicating that it had pre recorded and added to the sentence when it was appropriate. Luckily, the on field sound effects make up for the lack of good commentary. The sound of the defense taunting the offense before a play, helmets crashing, being slammed into the ground, the crowd on a game winning field goal, the refs calling penalties is just great.

New Features 10/10 - The two new features that make this a must-buy are the playmaker feature, which I mentioned, and the new Owner Mode. In Owner Mode, you take the role of your team’s owner, and can do anything imaginable. You can change ticket, concession, parking and advertisement prices, fire coaches, see your team’s income, relocate your team, renovate your stadium and so much more. If you don’t like the Owner Mode, you can simply turn this option off, and continue with a normal franchise like year's past,

Replayability 10/10 - I guarantee you will be playing the Owner Mode over and over until the day Madden 2005 comes out. This game is so unbelievably addicting, you'll never want to stop. This fact is what made thus game easily worth the $50 I spent.

Bottom line: This is a must buy for any football fan, no matter how hardcore.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/17/03