Madden NFL 08

"Finally, a fun football game for the DS"

Back when the DS was released in November 2004, Madden 2005 was one of the more...interesting releases for the system. Essentially a PSX/N64-era football game (loose control, moments of wierd AI, limited commentary), Madden 05 DS was a VERY generic football game, with a touch of minor touch control thrown into the standard formula. While the game was far from horrid, it was typically one of the most cited games by critics seeking to "prove" the superiority of the upcoming Sony Playstation Portable.

A year later, Madden 2006 saw release, and outside of a couple minor tweaks in modes and control (and touch screen usage), was largely uneventful. As such, it was largely ignored in favor of the PSP's first Madden (which itself was ignored due to its almost identical build to the Playstation 2 version).

Madden 2007 was easily the low-point for the football series (thus far) on the DS. While looking notably better than 06 (which itself looked MUCH better than 05), the biggest flaw in the game was the new touch mechanics. Or, rather, the kicking mechanic. In order to kick a field goal or punt, you had to tap two locations on the screen, then quickly draw a line to kick the ball. In theory, this is not that bad; execution of the thought, though, was overly flawed. I, myself, kicked the ball barely ten yards ahead to a welcome recieving team, and many others shared their gripes.

Why the long, boring history into the prior three DS Madden games? Those familiar with my reviews know that I like to paint a picture of prior games, setting the feel for how well (or horrid) a game has evolved, and from where.

Thankfully, Madden 2008 has evolved, all right. Evolved into a football game that I will actually play.

To start with, the first thing you might notice about the game is the small blue icon on the packaging itself. Please do not check your eye-sight, Madden 2008 DS does indeed support Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection services. This does mean free online matches against other users, and I am told this has almost no lag at all. (Note - I have not personally tried to go online with the game as yet, due to technical issues)

Upon starting the game itself, one might also perform a double take at seeing an actual game video playing before the title screen. While showing all the pixelation and compression of a typical DS game FMV clip, the quality is startling, and raises hopes that actual care was spent on the game.

At the main menu, many menu options will appear:

Play Now - This initiates a single game, where you can choose two teams (from current and all-star team sets), choose which one to control (or to let the AI play), choose the stadium (including weather and time of day), and to just have a quick bit of fun.

Multi-Player - This section allows you to set up a multi player game, be it a WFC Online match, a multi-card match, or, yes, a single-card download match (!!!). As yet, I have not tried any of these options, though I have confirmed that single-card is largely lag-free.

Game Modes - This option is the meat of the single player game, with complete modes for a Franchise (where you micromanage your team while you play), Season (akin to Franchise, but focusing more on the game play itself), Custom League (where you set up basic rules that change the normal flow of the game), Tournament (basically, a tournament mode), a Practice mode (which is essential for getting used to the new controls for the game), and a Situation Mode (where you relive either custom plays or classic plays from the past).

Features - Create-a-Team and Create-a-Play (where you create your own custom teams and plays, respectively) are the main options here, though the What's New option is nice to see what was added after the last Madden. You can also access the Credits here.

My Madden - Rosters (where you can manage players between teams), Create Player (what it says), Madden Cards (special cards that can be bought with the tokens you earn in-game by performing certain tasks. These cards vary in function, though most are designed to assist your team with more time, better accuracy, etc), a Record Book (with personal and real records as of the game's release), and Settings (where you can adjust the game play itself, the AI's actions, how often the Refs call Penalties, sound options, personal user settings, and what your Favorite Team is (this last one is asked once you start up a brand new game upon first use)).

Mini-Games - This section includes three "mini" games, where you can perform Two-Minute Drills, participate in a Mini Camp (where you strive to perform well on certain tasks), and the Paper Football option. This last one is hailed by one of the designers as his personal fave of the game, though the game is a complete bore if you are alone. Basically, you must slide the stylus across a "paper" football, trying to get close to the edge of a table without going over. A nice diversion, though nothing to go nuts over (unless you have a friend to play with).

These modes are suprisingly numerous for a DS game (where most games feel like something is missing), but let's set aside the options. After all, all the play options are useless without a good game to go with it.

So! Let's go to the main menu, press start, and choose our teams. And let the final stretch of this review kick off!

The first thing you will notice once a game has started is the graphics. EA has managed to surpass even the gorgeous Madden 2007, with nicely detailed player models and player interactions. Do note that you will see players walk right through each other, and the draw distance is roughly twenty-five or so yards from the point of action. Quite impressive in all, though don't expect to see sweat or lumps of snow.

The audio...aw, who am I kidding? Outside of grunts, taunts, looping commentators, and typical football effects, the audio is very bland. No music played to rally the crowd, no celebration music after a touch down, and...well, no music at all. While there is music at the main menu screen and a few modes, the main game lacks the tunes.

Actual controls depend on if you select "Classic" or "Touch." Touch controls are far more refined in this release, as you can use the D-pad to run and the touch screen to select a reciever, perform an action, and kick the ball (now far less frustrating, but still requires practice). Classic controls are the typical A to hike the ball, A/B/X/Y/L/R to pass (depending on the play), and the usual buttons for dashing, tackling, jumping, and various defensive moves.

The AI can be customized rather well, and allows for virtually any gamer to get in and find a comfort zone. While toning the AI down too far can lead to some very one-sided games (one game saw me sacking the QB constantly, then running the punts strait back for a Touchdown - each time), it can also be ruthless and cruel, to the point that it seems unfair. There are times when your players won't respond to your desired commands (I can rarely have my defense dash at a QB without stalling for some reason), and many throws look like they should be had, but somehow tap the wrong area and fly off out of bounds.

Still, the core game is quite enjoyable (unless you are unable to withdraw from the console games more involved formulas), and the sheer options of the game (three options for multiplayer (single/multi card and WFC), the options for single player mode (Franchise (!!!) and Season), and a few nice extras (Paper Football) add up to a very enjoyable package.

Now if only EA will make Madden 2009 even better...


Score: 8 of 10

+ Best Features: Graphics, single and multi player options, WFC support, workable controls and AI, Touch controls vastly improved

- Worst Features: Minimal soundtrack, occasional AI goof, some touch controls don't work too well

* If You Liked: Madden NFL 2008 (PSP, Wii, XB360)

* Guilty Pleasure: Getting another co-worker to purchase the game after singing it praises, then come to find out that he liked it as well.

- (Ugly) Reality: Whatever else you can say about Michael Vick and his legal battles, many gamers (specifically, Falcon fans) will refuse to purchase this game on the grounds that he is in it. Sadly, this is also true for versions of the game where you can download updated rosters...

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/07/07

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