Madden NFL 2005

"Madden 2005 listens to its players..."

Introduction
I've played every Madden on PS2 since 2001. After last year's version missed the target by not focusing on gameplay I have to admit I was looking forward to this year's game. I hoped the defense would be more fluid and give you a better feeling of control. I also hoped for more franchise features to keep me interested. Read on to find out if Madden 2005 delivers.

Gameplay: 10
The NCAA Football game had Madden's number as far a gameplay last year. Madden stepped their game up this year though and made the defensive players easier to control and introduced a hit stick feature that rewards those with better control skills. I don't like how you have to take your finger off the circle button to move the right analog stick (hit stick), but the challenge makes the rewards sweeter. I also liked the idea of being able to change defensive assignments for every player on the field pre-snap although it becomes a bit much to remember what is everyone's assignment and it is difficult to change more than one or two player assignments before the snap. You can pretty much pick any play and have success on defense with adjustments. Madden 2005 got rid of the post-snap playmaker stuff on defense which is great because it was the worst part of Madden 2004. You can still do all of the cool playmaker stuff on offense as well as customize your hot routes which makes strategy more important and skill level less of a factor on offense. The fluid movement of players on defense makes a big difference and there is no longer the feeling of "there is nothing you can do" against the computer or human opponents. This is the biggest improvement in the gameplay by far and makes the game worth playing. All the rest of the traditional Madden gameplay is all there making this the best version yet.

Graphics: 8
It looks like a fairly decent improvement over last year's game. There are individual fans that look completely different and the players look realistic. I did however get some chuckles when looking at the coaches who sort of look like their faces are melting. I also got a laugh when after a field goal or extra point all the players looked like they were bouncing off the field like bunny rabbits. Other than this I'd have to say I like the graphics quite a bit.

Music and Sound: 8
I really like the soundtrack to this year's game, which includes a good mixture of rock and rap to go with the game. Also in franchise there is a huge addition of listening to the AM radio show hosted by Tony Bruno. This keep you interested while looking at all your stats in franchise mode. Again Madden and Michaels head up the crew during the game. There is a lot of talk about big hits in this year's game and the broadcast is seamless. I do think EA added quite a bit to the commentary bucking the trend, but it still gets old and that is to be expected.

Replay Value: 10+
Franchise mode is deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! You get e-mails from everyone in the organization and fans, pick team captains, handle player attitudes, put guys on the trading block, deal with the salary cap, draft rookies, manage training camp mini games and pre-season, and even have position battles. With all this franchise mode becomes the main replay reason, however the mini games are still fun and there is a new game called rushing attack which you can play online as well. Add in the two-minute drill and online play to make Madden 2005 last the entire season and beyond. I love being able to still download roster updates from EA servers. Online play is improved with more stats so you can avoid cheesers and people who run the same play all day. I wish Madden took a cue from NCAA Football and included user stats such as user sacks, tackles and catches but hey you can't expect too much now can you? I can see myself playing this game well into the future.

Overall: 9
Should you buy it? YES Trash Madden 2004 because it is crap. Trade in NCAA Football 2005 if you have to. Get them both if you can afford it. Madden 2005 has impressed even this tough critic... It makes me not feel so bad that I paid $50 for last year's game. It isn't perfect, but I can't see why you would buy any other sports game for PS2. See you online!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/12/04