Madden NFL 2005

"This game is PERFECT!"

I never liked football that much to be honest. I've seen a few games from time to time sure but I am not a fanatic exactly..until now...

EA is a well-known company for its quality and quantity of games, as well as their fun replay factors. Madden is no exception! I have played only Madden 2002, 2004, and 2005, I have the collector's edition. So with that said, let's start the review!

Gameplay 10/10:

There are many different game modes to choose from!

Franchise:
You are in charge of your team(s) of choice, whether it is a team you created, or a professional team. Many additions are added to the franchise mode every year which makes it more fun to play! The most recent addition is the Newspaper, EA Sports Radio, and as well as many other media sources. You can also manage your home stadium's concessions, ticket prices, parking, and souveniours! The more your fans are pleased and visit the stadium, the more money you can get and extend your salary caps as well as update the stadium! There is a training camp at the beginning of every pre-season, then a pre-season of 4 games, then the Season, play-offs, and If you are lucky..The SuperBowl! After a few seasons, you can try to create your very own dream team and kick some major ass!

Online Play:
I must say, this being the first few days of being released, the connection is VERY stable! As soon as you log online, expect a small roster update, only downside but its mostly a good thing since you know EA is not slacking off. Anyway, once you get into a lobby and challenge/accept a challenge or you do a quick start, the fun begins! Most of the time there is little to no lag, even for dialup users, myself being one! If someone leaves in the middle of the game, it is to your benefit! If the game is rated, the other person will recieve a loss and you a win, as well as their Disconnect % Rating will go up, making other players less likely to play against them. There are also some mini-games you can play as well, I have not tried them out yet but probably will tomorrow.

Mini-Games/Multiplayer:
Ah, always a blast, no matter what game you are playing. My personal favorite mini-game is the old classic two minute drill. There are a couple of other mini games but they are not really that fun. Multiplayer is great and challenging! Spending about $30 for a multi-tap is worth it! The only thing that is a downside is when your team mates fight on who gets to be quarterback lol.

Controls 9/10:
Very easy controls. Pretty much the same as the past Madden games. On offense X is to hike/start passing O is now Turbo (Rather have it as X myself) L2 R2 Stiff arm L1 R1 Juke and most Madden players will remember the rest. The new implemented "Hit Stick" is GREAT and easier to tackle players (Right-Analog Stick)
The reason it gets a 9/10 is because of the placement of the new turbo and the occasional lag on Online Play, but not a big deal.

Graphics 10/10:
Everything is crystal clear! Also after very good plays, rather offense or defense, a instant replay will start in a wide-screen type view and runs smooth as silk. I have yet to encounter a frame-rate drop after 10 hours of playing.

Sound 8/10:
This is the only downside of the game. Some of John Madden's comments are the same exact thing from past games, mostly from 2004. Otherwise the new soundtrack and the other sounds are great! Green Day was included in the soundtrack which attracted me to the game even more as well as Franz Ferdinand!

Replay Value 10/10:
As with all sport games, Madden has NO ENDING, except for Online Play. When next year's football season starts, online play service will probably come to a halt, but you can always play the never ending franchise mode!

Buy or Rent?
If you are a football fan or Madden series fan, of course buy! Don't waste your money on ESPN 2k5, After all you get what you pay for! If you are not a football fan but are starting to get into football, rent and I am pretty sure you WILL buy it!

After playing Madden, Football is now my #2nd Favorite sport aside from basketball. John Madden and the guys at Electronic Arts know what they are doing and they need to keep it up! This is THE only football series worth playing because it is the BEST. After all, Madden 2002's quote was "#1 for a reason." Now start making popcorn, put out the soft drinks and party, Madden Style!

Overview:
Gameplay 10/10
Controls 9/10
Graphics 10/10
Sound 8/10
Buy or Rent? Buy
Overall (not an average) 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/10/04