Madden NFL 98

"Finally a decent football game on the Saturn"

It took three years, until near the twilight of the Sega Saturn's life in the states, until a quality football game was released. A good simulation football game is crucial towards the success of a videogame system here in the US, and it took the Saturn debacle before Sega learned this fact. Tragically Madden 98 filled a void after it was no longer necessary.

Graphics – 4/10
The game surprisingly utilizes 2d sprites when every other football game was presented in 3d. Unfortunately this decision did not give Saturn gamers a crisp looking and a well animated game. The field is a graphical mess with all the players running around. Fortunately there is no slowdown; the game might actually run too fast. I wish they had decided on the old Genesis engine instead. The FMVs, whether showing computer generated graphics or real life video, are a little grainy, but are acceptable.

Sound/Music – 7/10
I give this game a 7 compared to other games, but compared to other sports games with commentary, it deserves a much lower score. John Madden, Pat Summerall, and Jim (or is it John) Brown provide their voices throughout the game's presentation. Actual in-game commentary is limited to a few Madden ‘isms. For an added bonus, Madden 98 retains the catchy FOX NFL tune.

Gameplay – 6/10
The field is slippery. It feels like there is an invisible snowstorm regardless of the season! Like the rest of the Madden series, the running game is almost nonexistent. The makers of Madden still thought that playing 1980s 49ers football is the way football was played in late 90s! That being said, the running backs do have a series of moves in their arsenal, albeit ineffective. Sacking on defense is also incredibly easy. The gamer does not even need to select a blitz play. Simply blitz with the MLB and you will earn a sack often enough that compensates for leaving the middle of the field open. There is an exhibition mode and a season mode. The game allows the gamer to create players and make trades. At least for late 90s, Madden 98 succeeds in being a football simulation.

Last thoughts
Madden 98 is a fun game in spite of its faults. It is the best football game on the Saturn, by far, or by default. Very reasonably, load times only occur before the game starts. Nevertheless, this game has my recommendation.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 07/15/05