Madden NFL 2005

"It just takes some time..."

I've been a Madden fan since the days of Madden 92' on the Good ol' Sega Genesis. And when I first picked up Madden 2005: Collectors Edition, I was disgusted. I had honestly on first impression thought that it was the worst installation of the Madden series, with it's predecessor last year being superior. Well, after 3 straight days of playing, my opinion has swayed, but I'm still not falling for all the hype like others. Anyway, onto the main scores:

Graphics: 7/10

This is hard to judge, because at times the graphics look like they've reverted back to PS1 style, at others they look as if they've been improved. When you're playing against the CPU, like the last Madden, you get replays, and you get to see players celebrating, the works, etc. However, the player models have been made over for the worse. It's somewhat of an improvement, because the players don't all have the same build and look, and now fat people are fat, skinny, are skinny, and fit are fit. However, some of the players just look nasty, with their jersey and shoulderpads so tight on them, they look as if they're having trouble moving, as seen in some of their walking motions, when their arms stay the same. However, the coloring when up close is better than that of ESPN, which prides itself on graphics.

Sound: 6/10

Nothing improved here except for the sound on tackling. The new soundtrack is pretty much like your last 2 Madden soundtracks. A couple of known people with decent tracks, but mainly people you have no idea whom they are, but when you end up hearing them on MTV, you'll end up singing or humming the song, ONLY because you continuously hear it in the Online lobby, or when trying other things out. The tackling sounds however, have been drastically improved (alongside with the hits), and the pad clacking sound is now only made when you actually make a decent hit on the opponent, instead of when you trip them. And no more continuous pad clacking sounds when you're trying to run, and the entire O-line and D-line are clouded and no one can move. However, other than that, the sound is unimpressive. No really new sounds. An impressive sound however, is the ball hitting the uprights. The commentary is somewhat annoying after a while. Madden has a couple of lines dedicated to the hit stick, but they're just... ugh.

Controls: 6/10

Ugh. Those pathetically nasty default controls, are now mandatory. There is no way to switch them. So before you even bother playing, go to practice, and get used to the stupidity that is the defensive controls. It makes absolutely no sense for you to have to use the "O" button in order to speed up on Defense and when you're switched on to the receiver, but "X" for everyone else. The concept of switching players using "X" usually messes people up, as I've seen online, with the CPU making a good percentage of my and my opponents tackles now. However, the newest control IS AMAZING. The hitstick!!! It's pretty simple to use, and isn't just a gimmick. It's worth it.

Gameplay: 8/10

I have to say this. Why fix something, if it isn't broken? In order to promote what's so important this year for Madden 2005, defense, it seems they've taken away from some of the offensive realism. Thing such as jump balls using a receivers "JMP" rating to outjump the CB in the corner of the Endzone is one thing. Another is FBs picking up the closest block, now they go and almost automatically pick up the safety, which sometimes allow for huge runs, if you have skill. If you have none, or are against a decent D, you're going nowhere. However, other than this, it's pretty much the same old Madden, just put onto a new engine, with the most noticeable difference in the engine, being the new kicking meter. So despite it's taken away from a couple of things, that no other sim had, which made it the most realistic, it still is the most realistic, just not by as much as it used to be.

Online: 10/10

Madden's best feature since 2003 has been it's online play. There's absolutely no reason to play the CPU is you have a Network adapter. Why? Because online play gives you something the CPU doesn't have. Non-repetitiveness. Other than your typical cheeser and punks who have to use the best teams of the year(This year it's Philly Online) 99% of players have 100% original play, unique to themselves. This is what makes Madden the best sim. Seeing if you're able to decipher a defense/offense after only seeing it for a little while. This is the most realistic feature of Madden. And this is the main reason to purchase this years Madden, IMO. But like I said, practice, don't just jump online, unless you're used to the clunky default configuration. The improvements such as separating quitting and DNF(did not finish) percentages, and being able to look at each individuals style of play, such as hurry up %, pass to run %, etc allows for real coaching like play.

Overall: 8/10

If you're looking for the football sim with the best franchise mode, this game is for you. If you're looking for the football game with great player models and graphics, this years installment, may not be so hot for you. If you're looking for bells and whistles, this game is for you. Yeah, I said it. While it may not have the game by game presentation that ESPN has, it's Franchise mode's presentation is dazzling. My mother thought I was really watching talk radio, when she was listening to my television. That's how good and interactive the new features are. This Madden definitely doesn't feel as realistic to me in terms of playing individual games, but is more realistic in Franchise style. The online play is far superior to it's counterparts, and the Franchise and Online play, combined with the fact that it's "Madden" allow for it to be worth a look. Eventually threw time it'll feel more and more realistic as you master the clunky controls.

Buy or Rent: Rent first.

Okay, at first when I told you that I hated it at first, I did, and warned many people to rent it first, and stand by that. If you're a hardcore Madden fan, go out and purchase it quickly before it sells out. However, if you're just looking for a football sim with consistency, rent it first. If you loved 2004(which I still believe to be the best football sim in recent history), you'll hate 2005 off the bat, and unlike me, your opinion may not change. So renting it'd be a good idea. However, if, like mine, your opinion does change, you'll want to buy it and play it nonstop. It all depends on your love of 2004, and how realistic you thought it was. I'm not sure whether it's a 7 or if 8 is giving it to high of a score go seriously I'd give it a 7.75

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/13/04