Madden NFL 2004

"I will call it.... mini-Madden!"

It is the miniaturized version of what I considered to be the greatest GCN game of all time. The GBA version, however, does that earn that distinction amongst its GBA brothers and sisters. It is a good game, but not great. So I'll try to explain why or why not to buy this game.

Graphics: (7/10) Parts of the game look nice, but everything on the screen looks a little mashed together. Like the GCN, you do not have complete sight of the whole field, but also like the GCN this is not a huge problem if you just move around a bit. All of the players look identical really, but nothing is terrible looking.

Sound: (7/10) Blink 182's ''Feeling This'' plays over and over during the menu screen. A good song, but don't keep the sound up or you'll get sick of it after awhile. The game mode is rather quiet, but that isn't a horrible thing. Unlike the GCN, you don't have to hear Madden tell you over and over, ''You have to deliver the ball quickly, but you also need some touch.'' Tells you what I like to do a lot. You won't be annoyed by the sounds during the game, and that's what's important.

Controls: (7/10) Where's the juke? Or the stiff arm? Stiff arm is automatic, but still no juke. Passing the ball is easy. If you like to scramble, you might hit A before you pass the line of scrimmage, and you'll throw it instead since there is no way to tuck the ball in. The hardest controls are when creating a player. Doing the 40 yard dash is hard... L+R alternating fast is never a fun thing to do.

Challenge: (7.5/10) I lost my first game, won the next two. Yes, I am doing the review after getting the game yesterday. It is not complicated, though defense, much like the GCN again, seems to be hard to pick up. You can out scored the opponent though. Trades are automatic, so you can trade Kelly Holcomb for Mike Vick and won't have to worry about a decline. Guess what I did... Like I said, the hardest part is making your create-a-player good, but practice will probably make perfect.

Fun Factor/Replay Value: (7/10) It keeps track of stats during season mode, and also has a playoff mode and play now, you can play up to four players using the GBA link. The game is simple and seems fun enough, though no Franchise mode. I know, no big memory card, but I love Franchise. Just give yourself time to adjust to the game, and you will enjoy it.

Overall: (7/10) What is the number one reason to buy this game? To plug it into the GCN and unlock the 4 hidden teams and their stadiums for the GCN. That's why I bought it. I got it on eBay for $12.50, which includes S&H. I would say don't pay more than $15, but it is a fun enough game to keep you entertained. Here's hoping for some improvements in next year's title though.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/21/04