"Its Madden 2005: Without John Madden's stupid or obvious dialogue!"

Introduction: The Nintendo DS burst out on the scene last November, selling like hot cakes. With it's unique and creative design of two screens (one of them, being touch sensitive) makes this an interesting future for handhelds. It came with a Metroid demo, but looking at the launch games, they were kind of what you expect out of a launch games. One great game, two good games, and the rest is...."bleh". Madden 2005 fits under the "good game". After playing Madden 2001 for the Game Boy Color, (Which was craptastic, I should add) I'm delighted that Madden's latest venture into the portable world is in 3-D, and actually doesn't disappoints!

Graphics: (7/10) Its hard to think that a small chip can produce such good graphics. Although it does seem a bit blocky and glitchy at times (While showing the seqeunce of the players running on the field for the coin toss, two players were running next to each other, and they ran into each other partially, and they looked like one fat, massive player), its actually good. Over time, I'm sure Madden 2006 and 2007 for DS, if released, will have better graphics. Smoother graphics. But at the moment, were stuck with what we have, and that isn't bad.

Gameplay: (8/10) This is where Madden usually shines. On the field, during gameday. It plays very similar to it's console counter part. Its actually almost the same. Modes consist of Season Mode (Play the whole 2004-2005 season), 2 Minute Drill, Situation Mode, and Practice Mode. Not bad, considering the past portable Madden games little modes.

Music and Sound: (6/10) What to say, where to start. This is a bit tough to write about, actually. This game contains actual "songs" like their console counterpart on the menu screen. Its a nice touch, instead of a bleeps and boops of the past GBC game. In the game, you can hear a cheering crowd, whistles, players' grunts, and pads hitting each other. Nice touch, but it could've been better.

Dual Screen Creativity: (2/10) You can't use the stylus on the menu screen, which is a big negative. The only time you can use it is when selecting a play, which is a pain to use at times, when you can select plays without it too.

Buy or Borrow: Depends. Do you love Madden games? Do you play them, and watch enjoy football? Then you'll love this game. Casual football fan? New to the game? This game is very easy to pick up, and isn't too complicated. Not a sports fan? Stay away.

Overall: Great game, I expected more, but what can you say? Its a launch game. I'm sure EA Sports will release a Madden 2006, and improve on any mistakes made in this game.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/14/05