"A good handheld football game? For the most part, yes."

Overview:
Madden 2005 for the Nintendo DS marks the first handheld sports game for Nintendo's newest console, and what better way then to do it with the biggest sports franchise, Madden NFL. Madden games have been known for their deep gameplay, variety of options, and good graphics. This entry in the Madden series is no exception. This game is the best handheld football game, though it is definitely not as good as it could be. This game ultimately becomes a good football game rather than a bad one because of the one thing all good games have in common: gameplay. Gameplay is the “fun-factor” of a game, the thing that makes it enjoyable, even if it isn't the best looking game you've ever played. Madden 2005 DS offers great gameplay, and a wide variety of options. There is the 2-minute drill, quick play, situation mode, and season mode. Season mode lets you play the full 2004-2005 season with any team, and it lets you go to the playoffs, Super Bowl, and even the Pro Bowl. It keeps track of individual stats, has weekly awards, player ratings, and plenty of other statistics. Though the graphics are blocky and the players sometimes run through each other, the game itself is overall an enjoyable play.

Fun-Factor: 9/10
This is a very fun game, you can pick it up and immediately start playing. The controls are simple and effective, and picking plays with the touch screen is very user-friendly. The season mode is very well put together, and the game offers plenty of extras to keep you entertained for a long time.

Graphics: 7/10
The graphics in Madden 2005 are pretty decent, the players are pretty well put together, though some are blocky and the numbers are hard to read. There is only one stadium, though it looks very good with clouds in the sky, fans, and scoreboard. The screens are also very good and the statistics pages are very organized.

Sound: 6/10
This is the one part of the game that could be improved upon the most. The DS has the capabilities to have full stereo sound and voices, yet only on the main screens do you hear music. The commentary is very sparse, with only a “first down” or a “touchdown” popping up every once in a while. The crowd noises do not change depending on the situation, and it is very soft. Best if you play the game listening to your own music and the sound off.

Replayability: 8/10
Though the game may not seem like much, there is something about it that makes it very fun. The season mode can be played through many times over and feel like an entirely new game every time. There are different difficulty settings to keep you challenged the whole time, plus extras too. If there is one thing that never gets boring, it is football.

Rent or Buy?
Hmm, this is the toughest part of the whole review. I bought this game, and I like it, but I am a football fan. To someone who does not like sports AT ALL then do not buy this game. But to someone who even just watched sports once every month, this game will not disappoint you. For the skeptics who are unsure at to spending 40 bucks on this game, rent it, and see if it is right for you. It all comes down to what kind of games you like.

Final Thought:
Though this game could be better, it is not a bad game. I am satisfied with it, and I am someone who enjoys the average game but has been let down before. An overall fun game, anyone can play this and not be disappointed.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/05