Madden NFL 2005

"2005. Best year of Video Game Football"

Excellent game EA. I was skeptical to say the least. Madden 03 and 04 were weak in my opinion. The gameplay is excellent. The hit stick is alot of fun. I am saving reviews on my hard drive just to go back and watch the mammoth shots. One BIG annoyance is why can't they have the historical teams with accurate numbers. 87 Broncos with QB #3. Come on!

Gameplay: I love the amount of control over defenders. The momentum based control is spot on. One thing that I have noticed is it is very hard to complete a "streak" pass. Maybe it is my team (Ravens) and lack of burner WR. I would rather have it this way than EASY completions.

Graphics: At first I was like "blah". But after playing awhile they are pretty good. I don't the little bit of (bad explanation here) glitchyness when they are in the 3 point stance--> it appears they are flickering. No big deal..just a small annoyance. I love how the uniforms get more and more dirty as the game goes on. The time of day changes at incrediable atmosphere.

Franchise: Simply put...incrediable.

Online: Pretty good. One thing I have to figure out is how to invite someone who isn't on a EA game. Have to work on that...must be something I am doing wrong. If not...shame on you EA for not allowing us to invite people who are say playing Rainbow Six

Fun Factor: Best Madden yet. I am hooked...after being VERY skeptical of what EA is bringing out. NCAA soured me and I thought Madden would be a train wreck like that.

The ineviable topic of Madden vs. Espn. True draw this year. Both games are a great representation of NFL Football. We are truelly spoiled with two good games. I am tore between which one would I take if I could only own one.

Great Game. If are reading this and don't have the game...go get it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/16/04