"Madden's back, and he has yet another winner."

I'm a big football nut, so this Christmas, I asked for both Madden 2000 for PSX and the same for the GBC. To be honest, I was a little skeptical about portable football, due to the size of the GBC screen and reading the reviews for the miniature NFL Blitz, but this game took most of the disadvantages of being on the GBC and crushed 'em.


Gameplay - 8/10


This is what it's all about. Madden 2000 offers many different passing and rushing attacks, and executes 'em fairly well. If you run one play over and over again, you most likely won't win; you have to use your mind. The gameboy buttons allow your running back or receiver to either dive or spin after/while sprinting to gain extra yardage. Passing plays allow your QB to set back to pass and either choose one of three different receivers or run the ball himself (similar to the earlier Genesis versions of Madden). If/After selecting a target, the game allows you to position your receiver to make the catch. The only real problem I have with the gameplay is that it's easy to commit the pass interference penalty, and I don't remember ever being caught for it (that clean ol' computer never did it to me, though). Remember not to play the game too often, or else it'll get so easy that it's funny. In other words, Madden 2000 is perfect for a game or two on football sundays.


Graphics - 7/10


Good, clean graphics, but not as great as Ken Griffey Jr.'s Slugfest (however, unlike Griffey, it actually has balanced gameplay). You can easily tell that the football's a football or what team each player is on, but Madden 2000 doesn't really offer any special visuals that'll make you say ''Ooh.'' or ''Aaaaah.''.


Sound - 7/10


I can only remember two music tracks from this one (this IS a football game, after all). However, the menu track and the track that plays when you're selecting plays both serve their purposes very well (they're both somewhat catchy, even). Again, no ''Ooh.'' or ''Aaaaah.'', but very well done nonetheless.


Replay - 10/10


No. Seriously. This game is addictive. However, if you play the game TOO much, it'll become very easy, as there aren't any difficulty options. ... Heck, I won the Super Bowl 70-0 using the Philadelphia Eagles' 3rd string QB (I'm an Eagles fan, so I can say that and get away) =). This game is PERFECT for road trips.


How many $$$, Lord Harry?


If you like football, have $100+, and love your gameboy, this game is well worth 25-30 bucks. Take a look at this game; it rocks.


Overall - 32/40; 8.0/10.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/12/00, Updated 03/12/00