Madden NFL 08

"A nice improvement, but still lacks polish to a frustrating degree"

Madden was supposed to be all improved this year for the next gen system, and for the most part all the old features are back and new again with numerous improvements. However, if you think you can jump from current gen to next gen Madden you'll be sorely mistaken.

The game is pretty solid pre-game, although the menus are laggy changing between selections which can lead to some frustrations.

In the game and loading are completely different stories. Sometimes the game will just freeze while loading, especially during Weekly Training. Once in the game a few problems arise, and most of them deal with turn overs, and blocking. Know one thing about this game, you will throw INTs no matter how good you are. Gone is the realistic ability to throw into tight windows on the edge of coverages. If the computer controlled player is in zone, and you try to squeeze the ball in between two zones, if you are a quarter of a second off the computer defender will literally pull off some super human moves to pick the INT. This can be very frustrating, and you'll have to learn to throw to receivers who are nearly wide open every time.

This will lead to sacks, which brings me to blocking. In general run blocking is pretty good, and much improved over previous Maddens. However, there are some plays I've found where your lead blocker for the play will block some defender way to the outside, leaving you getting TFL in the backfield by a LB who is completely running free where the defender was designed to block. The pass blocking is awful. If you play 5 min quarters be prepared to get sacked at least 3 to 4 times a game at minmum. It will really get bad if you're a pocket QB too, and I mean REALLY bad sometimes. It should be noted that if you try to force passes in this game they will be intercepted, even if they shouldn't be, so taking the sack is sometimes the only option if you can't roll out to throw it away. It should also be noted that if a defender gets with in 2-3 yards of your QB, you will simply not be able to throw the football, the game won't let you.

There are some problems with catching the ball as well. Sometimes the catch ball, or INT button don't even seem to work, even if you use it exactly as stated. Jet packing is still very viable in this game, despite rumors prior to release that it would be greatly reduced. The swat ball doesn't seem to work a lot of the time.

My only other major complaint is that sometimes players become super-human. They'll literally break 6-7 tackles and go for a TD. No joke, no exageration, it WILL happen, no matter who the person is for the most part.

Also for some reason Reggie Bush can be sent on a streak right as a WR and catch the ball nearly 90% of the time. The problem is, he really doesn't do an animation to catch the ball, it just warps into his hands as he runs, so it's basically impossible to stop.

EA Sports needs to really step and show me that next year's title is worth my $60. I've bought Madden every year since '04, and some of the problems with this game are beyond frustrating. I've learned to work around them, but it's still unacceptable for all the little things to be broken.

This year's Madden is a definite rent IMO, but after owning I regret buying it.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/04/08

Game Release: Madden NFL 08 (US, 08/14/07)