Madden NFL 2004

"Madden still dominates, despite a slight studder step."

Football has progressed to be one of the most popular and widely played video game sports across the world. It represents nearly every aspect of a sport, ranging from teamwork to pure physical skills. As always, ever since its birth in the early 90s, the Madden franchise has also managed to stay atop as one of the best football games. With a great combination of realism and explosiveness for big plays, the gamer could have fun while achieving normal stats. This year's version of Madden is quite possibly one of the most in-depth ever. With the ability to take over as the owner of a franchise, you can set the prices of merchandise, tickets, advertising, and all the franchise moves. Never before had we seen a sports game go into as much depth before. Madden NFL 2004 is the newest addition to the lineup by EA Sports. Players can manage franchises, train players in mini-camp mode, draft an amazing rookie, and even relocate your franchise team to a new city for expansion. Despite all of these alarmingly new features, Madden is still not the perfect football game.

Graphics [8/10]
When you're given the chance to develop a game for one of the best hardware consoles available on the planet, most developers make full use of its abilities. Unfortunately, Madden still feels like the same generic output from the previous years. Ever since the new graphical engine in the 2002 version, each yearly update of Madden has rarely changed. The primary camera view of Madden 2004 takes place from behind the quarterback. Players can see the entire field, ranging from the offensive line, to the defensive side of the ball. Other camera angles are included, allowing the player to customize his/her own view. To start off, the entire game is practically played from a 3D arena. Stadiums present a wide-open feeling, almost as if you could scream and hear your echo in the distance. Each field is extremely detailed, especially precise seating arrangements and luxury boxes. If you're in a colder atmosphere, you can see snow in the hazy distance. Backgrounds show off plenty of detail, including heads of spectators, and team signs. The chain gang can be seen on the side holding up the orange poles. Madden 2004 continues to recreate the uprising atmosphere of a football game.

Animations actually look slightly more realistic this year. Running backs tend to ''bounce'' off of tackles, rather than simply getting crunched to the ground. Each limb, arm, and leg that gets wrapped around another player can be seen distinctly and clearly. Hardly any clipping, or molding of the players occurs, which means you get a nice crisp playing environment. Special effects are very pleasing. Rain actually looks transparent at times, capable of reflecting light on a player's helmet. Dirt and grass marks get increasingly darker on uniforms as they continue to be used throughout a game. Despite all the seemingly better improvements, most of the graphics seem extremely similar to last year's version. Some animations are used from last year's version - even the game introductions tend to show off similar cut scenes. While you navigate throughout Madden's interface, it seems VERY similar to last year's version. The only true difference is that they changed the color palette around. However, probably the most significant (and least improved) visual was skin textures. Many faces simply do not look like the real player. For the most part, players simply don't resemble their NFL counterparts, and present that ''generic'' feeling.

Sound/Music [9/10]
Each new year in the Madden series usually means more ''purchased'' soundtracks. EA Sports continued the tradition by practically buying the rights to include several hip-hop, rap, and rock songs on their Madden game. Most of the actual background music in Madden NFL 2004 is both decent, good, and excellent. You'll hear a wide range of songs, totaling in around 18 different tracks. Nearly every music fan out there will be satisfied in one way or another. The soundtrack is actually varied, allowing you to get pumped for a game by hearing a rapper tune. Plenty of background music is played during an actual game over the announcer's intercom. For the most part, the quality is crisp, clear, and pleasant. This year's Madden also allows you to customize your own soundtrack, which is a huge improvement over previous years. Players can actually select tunes on their X-BOX hard drive, and incorporate them into the game. As for the actual sound effects, you're presented with the typical grunts, groans, and battle cries. Linebackers will yell to ''Watch the run!'', or ''Deep pass!''

The sheer intensity nearly matches that of the real game. Voice clips, while somewhat decent, still fail to capture the essence of an exciting game. As always, you'll continue to hear some clips over and over again. Despite commentary by Al Michaels and John Madden, certain words got substituted in for the final version. For example, sometimes when Al Michaels says ''Number four'', it sounds like a deeper voice. None of the voice clips get into extreme detail, and many seem irregular in a sense. Regardless, Madden 2004's presentation is similar to that of last year's version.

Gameplay [10/10]
Rarely do we manage to find a sports game that balances every element perfectly. Sometimes the lack of realism is quite evident, while others tend to have imbalances that anger the gamer. Even last year's version of Madden was far from perfect, usually suffering from blocking problems to just pure defensive frustration. It's safe to say that Madden NFL 2004 is quite possibly one of the most realistic and balanced football games out there. Most of you understand the sport of football. Madden 2004 puts you in the role of a professional football franchise in the NFL. Any player can manage any one of 32 franchises by making key signings, performing tremendous feats on the playing field, or even balancing out your budget in owner mode. One of the biggest improvements in this year's Madden is the Owner Mode. Owner mode assigns you the role of the owner of a franchise, rather than a measly coach. The gamer can set prices on concession stands (food - chili, hot dogs, drinks), merchandise (jerseys, foam fingers, caps), seating (upper deck, middle, luxury box), and even advertising campaigns (Fan Appreciation Day, TV, radio, print). Basically, your goal is to lead a team to the Super bowl while managing a positive profit by selling out home games.

Madden 2004 makes huge progression in traditional sports games by going into the more statistical figures. When was the last time you were given a chance to become the president of a franchise? Some people can only dream of events to occur like that. Madden gives the gamer the power to do that. As for the actual gameplay improvements, they are huge. One of the biggest flaws in previous versions was offensive linemen blocking. O-linemen would not rack up pancakes (a blocking stat) during user-played games, which would mean your 90 OVR linemen would end up losing rating points. In 2004, O-linemen now gain pancake stats, and suction blocking (players get molded together on blitzes and pass rush) has been completely eliminated. This is a huge improvement since it means blitzes now pressure the quarterback, and your defensive linemen put up sacks/pressure. Secondly, the defensive AI has greatly been tuned up from previous versions. Most veterans will recall that defense in the Madden series was a complete joke. Second and third string QBs could rack up passing yards like Tony the Tiger diving in a bowl of Frosted Flakes. Cornerbacks actually cover receivers, rather than simply watching them go on an out route.

More physical contact is made on the playing field. Many ''cheese'' plays from last year are simply cut down thanks to defensive improvement. Your defensive backs will cover those pesky corner routes that always seemed to be a completion in last year's version. On higher difficulties, passing a deep bomb, or attempt into double coverage almost always yields a pick. Gamers simply can't arcade-play their way through Madden like previous years. Rushing the ball is also slightly improved, thanks to better blocking schemes. Halfbacks tend to run routes like in the real NFL. Just about every depressing flaw of last year's version seems to be improved upon. Even players with ''certain'' behaviors act realistically. Peyton Manning constantly calls audibles on the line, and Michael Vick will rush when appropriate. Play calling schemes are greatly balanced out, rather than the computer throwing the ball 50 times, and only running it 9 times with an all-pro running back. Key features like these are why Madden 2004 is the most balanced football game available.

Fun [7/10]
If you've ever attempted to play a football game in real life, you'd understand that it provides a sense of adrenaline unlike other sports. There's constant action on the field, and big plays that can spell the difference between victory, or defeat. Madden 2004 continues to be a truly fun (and addictive) football game. EA Sports included some interesting features that help expand the range of fun. The gamer can now take any player, and run him through a special ''Training mode.'' Basically, before preseason games start, you can take any individual player on your roster, and run him in a specific training drill. These are the exact drills from training camp mode (QB accuracy, Chase and Tackle, Corner Punt). Basically, you can actually ''earn'' player points, and add them to that individual player by earning medals on higher difficulties. However, if you mess up on a higher difficulty, and don't manage to earn a medal, you sacrifice all those points you earned. Basically, you can take ''Joe Schmoe'', and turn him into Carson Palmer. At the same time, Madden 2004 seems to cut down on the previous aspects that made it an exciting game. Those deep passes and explosive runs occur only once out of three or four games. Offense is more of a conservative battle, rather than defense.

Replayability [9/10]
Sometimes a sports game can be repetitive and boring. Once you tend to master every aspect of the game, cheese plays completely ruin the experience. Thankfully, Madden 2004 probably has some of the most replay value you can get out of a football game. The most rewarding experience by far is the Owner mode. With the ability to control every financial aspect of a franchise, players can get into the nitty-n-gritty of profits. Selling out home games is a huge success as long as you have fan support, and continue to win games. Some new and truly inspiring additions include the ability to relocate and renovate your stadium. Basically, if you're not reaping enough profit, or want a bigger net gain, move your franchise to a new city. EA Sports allows the gamer to move their franchise to over 100 different cities, each with weather ratings, population, and average interest. If that's not enough, you can also purchase/design upgrades for your current stadium. Seat designs, arrangement of luxury boxes, and even dome/radial schematics can be constructed by the player. Upgrades such as cup holders, an arcade, and massage seats can help improve your attendance.

Madden also implements other key features. Just about every gameplay mode is included from previous years. Two minute drill, practice, situation, and exhibition gameplay are all included. Unfortunately, the X-BOX version of Madden 2004 does not have online play. Despite the relatively fast and lag-free gameplay on X-BOX live, EA Sports and Microsoft could not come to an agreement. If you're looking for the online experience of a lifetime, look to the PS2 version. Besides the lack of one appealing mode, 2004 also had an in-game glitch. The original copies of the game (which I happened to purchase) featured a draft class glitch. Ever since last year, the player could import ''draft classes'' from NCAA 2003/2004 by saving them to a memory card/hard drive. Thus, you could get real NCAA players in your NFL draft, rather than nameless nobodies. Only the X-BOX version of Madden 2004 has a glitch that prevents it from importing NCAA 2004 draft classes. This was a huge beta testing mistake on EA's fault, and replacement disks were sent out. So if you happen to make exclusive use of this feature, be weary. Overall, Madden 2004 is still one of the most highly replayable games. It's just that the X-BOX version falls short from the PS2 version.

Difficulty [7/10]
Strategy is implemented into the game of football just like board games. Whether you're playing a simple game of Connect Four, or Chess, the idea is to outsmart your opponent through a series of ''plays'' in order to score a touchdown. Madden 2004 is quite possibly one of the most challenging ''millennium'' games in the entire series. First off, rather than a simple arcade experience, this year's version is mainly based around conservative play. The biggest improvement is defensive AI. Last year, many second and third stringers would absolutely rip apart your team's defense with no mercy. A 50 overall quarterback shouldn't rip apart a Buccaneer's defensive like spaghetti and meatballs. Instead, 2004 does quite well in challenging the player. Cornerbacks actually cover receivers, rather than giving up a corner route. Zone defenses react accordingly, meaning your safety will cover when a receiver passes the zone. Improvements in defensive pressure and blocking allows for counter-action between sacks and solid kickoff returns. Performing a screen pass actually pays off, since linebackers will overblitz the open halfback. Besides improvement in defensive AI, the actual difficulty of the entire series has risen greatly. There are four different difficulty settings (rookie, pro, all-pro, all-madden). All Madden is by far the most reviving challenge since gameplay speed is greatly increased. You literally have 2-3 seconds to get rid of the ball, or you're sacked. Passing into multiple coverage almost always yields an interception. This is by far one of the most challenging football games to date.

Final Factor [8/10]
In the end, Madden 2004 is a successful continuation of a perfect football franchise. Using the formula that made them so successful, EA Sports adds more strategy-crunching modes that challenge the gamer. By far, this is probably one of the most in-depth sports games to date. Players can control everything ranging from ownership of a franchise, the key drafting of players, and what happens on the field. The X-BOX controller fits the partially new control scheme well. Madden's gameplay is by far the most balanced, passing and rushing wise. Players act according to their overalls, and the cheesy plays seem to be easily cut down. Unfortunately, the X-BOX version of Madden 2004 is not the best to get. Without any online play, replay value can get cut short at times. Graphics don't impress or show off anything new. Plus, the fact that a simple glitch got through EA's beta testing staff continues to be a complete mystery. Despite a few drawbacks here and there, Madden 2004 is a solid example of why you should get a next-generation system. Never would we have imagined that video games would give us more control than your average loyal football fanatic. If you're looking for the best football game to date, get Madden 2004. However, if you owned 2003, and are looking for a vast improvement, don't expect to be overwhelmed. Madden 2004 is practically Madden 2003, with a few added modes and improved gameplay elements.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/07/03