Madden NFL 07

"Great football experience, but more like Madden 06.5"

Like many red-blooded American males, I love football. Since EA has bought out the NFL license, the Madden series is and has been the only NFL gridiron game out there. I know despite whatever reviews this game may receive, this game will still be loved and sell like it was free. It's not like there's anything to hate about this game either.

Graphics: 8/10

The graphics in Madden 07 are not much of an improvement over last year's installment, but hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Honestly though the graphics always run smoothly and still look great on the aging last-gen Xbox. New tackles and jukes have been added for the slightly updated running game.

Sound: 8/10

Another aspect of this game I really can't argue with; the sound is realistic as always and the announcers sound less annoying, with more game stats and quips than last year. Even John Madden himself sounds slightly less senile, if only by a small bit. The grunts and "noises" made by the players down on the field are what you'd expect, and new to this installment, the voices of the QB's are done by their real-life counterparts. Great sound quality overall.

Game Modes: 6/10

Now here's where ol Madden falls a tad short. The updated NFL Superstar mode, rather than be a fun diversion like last year's installment, is now an easily overlooked mode that is plagued by a horrid camera. Whoever came up with the idea for the camera to focus on your player had the right idea, but this idea was executed like it was done in about 5 minutes. The camera rotating around your superstar is wobbly and shows you everything rotating around your player except for what he needs to see to pull of a big play. Disappointing.

The Dynasty/Franchise mode is also slightly updated, adding things like new ways to scout rookies for your team, putting them through exercises and training or playing all of them in an NCAA All-Star game. Also a new addition are "roles", or basically names given to every player that either increase or decrease their respective stats. I liked the role system, but don't think it's really a "great" new addition. The storyline mode is still there, along with EA radio, which surprised me with its depth and clever football trivia questions. This mode is still a deep, rewarding mode for even a casual football fan who loves to manage his own team.

Gameplay: 8/10

Luckily, EA has kept most of the solid gridiron action the Madden series is known for. New additions come from the running and kicking games. The newest addition is the "lead blocker control", where you can control the lead blocker in a rushing play as opposed to the runningback. It's really nothing to write home about, similar to last year's QB vision. The truck stick for rushing has been turned into the "highlight stick" (I know, hold your applause). It basically gives your runningback juke moves that can be executed with the analog stick. A nice touch, and it comes in handy. The kicking system has been totally overhauled, now using the analog stick to kick, (similar to the systems in NCAA 07 and Tiger Woods games). It makes kicking easier, and squib kicks are now set plays in your kicking playbook. Also a nice touch, making the kicking a bit easier.

Overall: 7.5-8/10

Overall, Madden 07 is simply a great football game, with its obvious pros and cons. Unfortunately, it's $50 for a copy, so some might not want to shell out the cash to pay for it. Still, have to admit it feels like almost every other Madden game in the series. Hopefully EA will work harder next year to make 08 a game that leaves the now-generic "Madden-game-format" and distinguishes itself as a entirely new game.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/07/06