Madden NFL 2005

"A game close to greatness, but stopped at the goal line."

I really had no intentions on buying this game until the night it actually came out. I had 2004, and didn't really expect much to change. Me recalling the fun times I had online last year was what really wanted me to buy it, so I took the chance and bought and...and I think I made a really good call.

Graphics
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While not much has been done to the graphics at an overall view, but minor details are what really make it nice. Finally, players actually look like they have some definition and tone and they don't all look so bland. The stadiums and weather have gotten a lot better...near the end of a game that started in the afternoon, you play in the sunset which is pretty nice. The field wears down over the course of the game, and players jerseys get mud spots on them depending on what they went through over the course of the game. The faces actually resemble their counterpart well, as well as the actual player models themselves. So all in all, there is no major overhaul in graphics, but you would be surprised how the small details add up. 8/10

Control
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I really enjoy the overall feel of the controls. They are really responsive during the passes, and although somewhat lacking on the running game, it's all second nature once you play for a while. Most of the new control aspects are covered under 'Gameplay' but while controlling everything seems like a huge task...with time it all come together and feels just right. 9/10

Sound
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Sound, I could really care less about. The music I turned off, as I did the commentary. Not to say that the commentary/music is horrible, but I feel like I get more of an experience out of the game just hearing the sounds of the game itself. While the crowd never really gets into the game as much as I hoped, all the little shouts of the player, announcer calling out plays in the background really adds to the experience. Nothing extraordinary, but nothing too dull. 7/10

Gameplay
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Me not being the brightest when it comes to football, I was worried about all the new defensive controls...rest assured, I was amazed about how much I picked up after playing this game. It took me a few games just to recall all the things you could do in 2004, and then I started to pick up on the new stuff. In my experience, you won't have fun unless you implement all these new aspects of defense on the game. I see some people play a few games, get discouraged, and quit. You will only have as fun as what you make it out to be...this isn't Tecmo Bowl anymore, once you call a play you don't always have to keep it at that. Once you understand how each of the defensive controls can be used, you will be setting certain people to be double covered, one to be blitzed, one to qb spy, one to play slot...it's just amazing. You can now stop people that recall the same plays with ease, and it's really fun to mix the plays up to throw off the other player. The new hitstick is awesome. It can't be overused because you have to line things up right or you will get burned, but it's good enough that it's worth the risk to go for it. When I first started, running seemed too tough and passing was impossible...but in the end it all you need is practice no matter how cliched that sounds. Even if you are losing, you are always gaining new ideas and ways to make plays. Anything that's fun, yet full of depth is great in my book. 9/10

Overall
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I must say that regardless of the overall feel of the graphics, learning curve for the impatient, and any other minor problems within the game in any other category, gameplay is king and and the king this year is Madden 2005. 9/10

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