Madden NFL 08

"If ifs and buts were missed game modes and features..."

Madden 08 is the second installment of the Madden football franchise to reach the Wii, and sadly the worst of the two. 07 was considered a wonderful game, and a great improvement from the repetitive mess that previous Madden's had become. There were a couple of complaints about the responsiveness of the controls, and really, that is understandable considering how new the technology was. That and the lack of online play were about the only complaints one could have with the 07 installment. So hopes were high for this years edition of the game.

General Presentation (Graphics, Design) - 6/10

The graphics are not stellar, and they aren't horrible. They are certainly miles behind the 360 and PS3 versions, but its not that big of a deal. Some graphical glitches exist though, and those can be annoying, like the coaches face pulling off of them when they go to congratulate the other coach. The menus can be pleasing, or difficult to read. Overall, not that great presentation wise.

Gameplay - 8/10

The Wii controls have been implemented quite nicely again this year. It generally feels really good when running, passing, and tackling. Sometimes the gestures don't register correctly though, which is frustrating when one power move that should have been a stiff arm could have led to a touchdown. Usually you can refine your move just a little bit and it will be fine. The different animations are nice, and a couple have been added. But where are all of the new tackle and catch animations EA was touting? Not in the Wii version certainly. The wiimote just feels too good though, its good that I feel comfortable with the controller.

Sound - 6/10

Good news, or bad news. If you didn't like the radio announcer in the 360 version, you'll be happy to know that you have Madden and Michaels. But if you have every one of their lines memorized you'll probably miss the radio announcers annoying, but different voice. Music in this edition is fine, but nothing too special. Sometimes the genres feel too far apart from the screamo to hip-hop depending on the random order they're played which can be disorientating. However, someone would complain if they're favourite genre didn't make it in... so I can understand this choice. Music also restarts every time you enter and exit a menu. Sound effects are not even worth noting.

Game Modes - 4/10

This was a very big disappoint for me. I remember back in 04 me and my friend making the entire starting roster for our favorite local team, and in 2006 creating every team in the Canadian Football League, right down to the jersey, similar logos, and stadiums (within reason). You can't do that this year. You can't even create a player, team, or fan. No creativity for you. The ability to alter your players appearance in Superstar mode is removed as well!

Superstar mode was disappointing too. While they keep the RPG like elements from the past game, the things added in the other consoles versions are completely missing. You get the same old mini-games to improve your player. You are treated to the same questions in interview from Rich Eisen again, and again, and again! How points are allocated is better than the random genetics choice in previous games, but the player archetypes found in the other consoles is completely missing.

Franchise has taken a step down. The menus have gotten a little more confusing. EA Sports Radio is totally missing too, unless its hidden in one of the menu's somewhere. I miss that, because it really made you feel like a season was going on, and you weren't playing isolated games against teams.

The "new" Party Mode is decent. Its fun egging on your opponents with the little sketches you can write on replays. The mini-games are fun with people involved, despite being a year old, and very good for party style video gaming, best enjoyed at 3 am or with your girlfriend. But if this is all that was really added then why did we lose so much?

Online, difficult to comment on. EA always has the option to fix their servers, make the glitches that make online difficult to play stop. So until then, no comment.

Overall - 6/10

Not great, not horrible either. If you don't have 07 and like online mode, you may want to try this one. The missed features really suck, considering how great the play control would be with all the new animations, modes, etc. However, underneath there still is a playable game. I'd suggest renting this game to see how a week with it makes you feel. Also, I don't know if these average out to 6/10..thats just how I feel about the game as a whole.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 08/15/07