Madden NFL 09

"Could have been much better."

Another year, another Madden. Can you believe it has been 20 years? That is pretty awesome for a franchise, even if it is a sports game. But is it a good 20th anniversary game for Madden? I think it is great, but just left so much out.

Lets look at the game play. Just like all Madden games, it is good, but changed. The controls are different, but I think it is better. Sprinting used to be pressing A, but now it is holding down the right trigger. It makes it feel like a racing game. But other than that, it is basically the same. But just like in any sports game, the game just doesn't feel realistic enough. The QBs are too good in this game. They will make the most interesting pass that is just about the stupidest thing they could ever do, but for some reason, the WR will catch it. Like I might be running backwards to avoid the sack, then press X, which I press because it is the first button I push in a panic, and the QB will do a 360 spin and chuck it as hard as he can and the WR will be there for that catch. The running feels a bit more realistic. Instead of getting the ball and bouncing outside with a fast guy like LaDanian Tomlinson, you have to wait for the blockers to block a bit before really hitting the gas. Running up the middle is something I hate doing in video games, but it feels realistic enough to where you won't score a touchdown, but you won't get a 1 yard gain. Also, the running AI gets stupid at times. They might have the whole field ahead of them, but the running back will run out of bounds for a gain of 3. That gets annoying.

I thought this year the defense was harder than normal. Since you cannot control everybody, it makes it hard for you to do what you want. I hate using defensive backs because I like to blitz, but when a QB under throws the ball, 2 CBs might jump for the ball, and when you control one you want to intercept it, but then the other just tips it away. Not realistic. The running defense is by far the easiest. I can hold teams to under 50 yards a game easily, because the back can hardly get by a defensive line. That isn't realistic either. Sure, running backs don't always get 100 yard games, but they sure don't always get 43 yard games. And the special teams is just like always, nothing different.

Lets look at the game modes. Franchise is good. Nothing real different, except I really wish they could have gotten back the newspapers. I like to see the injuries and record breakers that occur during the season that I normally don't just stumble upon. The thing I 100% hate most is the progression of players. I might want to pick up a washed up quarterback in the free agency that was once forgotten such as Byron Leftwich, and make him lead my team. But even if I shatter records, go 19-0, and throw for at least 5,300 yards, he will not get any better. His overall will stay the same. Yet a rookie backup quarterback, who didn't even start a game, gets better, and every offseason I have to put him on the bench so Leftwich can start. Not fun. The stats are also messed up too. The QB spreads the ball a bit too much, so the number one WR won't really get phenomenal stats. Drafting has just two things that I miss from it: The top 5 on the board, and recommendations. Maybe I don't know what player I should draft in the 4th round, which one should I get? The good thing is though, it shows potential and scouting reports.

Superstar mode is about the same as always, but I think it got worse. Instead of the usual "you are in your apartment" background, you just have the main menu. No mentor, no fan site, nothing. I think it made it a whole lot worse. Like last year, you have the option to A) create a superstar, B) Import one from NCAA Football 09, or C) Use a real rookie. The thing I hate about creating a new one is the drills. I can do the running back challenge and the Quarterback challenge, but the 40 time and bench reps is what I hate. I don't even understand how to do the 40 Time, and bench reps is easier, but still, not even an all-pro DT can bench over 15 with this. Overall I say this mode is good, but could be much better.

Their is now a new Madden Moments. This is about the great plays of 2008. This is fun because it puts you in the situation of "Oh no, I got 2 minutes left and down by 10!" The thing is, they are using CURRENT rosters, not 08 rosters. So you have to mix up history a bit. If you played ESPN NFL 2K5, this is like ESPNs 25th anniversary.

The one thing I wish was better is creating teams. I have very limited options of what I can do.There are only about 8 logos you can select, all of which do not look that good, and you can't used historic or current logos. I hate that I cannot recreate the Houston Oilers. The other thing I miss is creating a playbook. I like making extremely odd plays that confuse the defense and vice versa. I love doing that, and I am sad that it is gone.

So Madden 2009 is here, and it is fun and addictive to play. I just wish it had some keys things that it had, and that is should have. Well it does deserve an 8/10. I recommend that you buy it rather than renting it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/17/09

Game Release: Madden NFL 09 (US, 08/12/08)