Score
Gameplay:	9
Graphics:	9
Sound:	9
FunFactor:	9
PlasmaFactor:	9
Overall:	9

Madden NFL 09 Review
August 13, 2008 by Beau King

Brett Favre may be a hot spot for sports journalism, but the Madden ’09 cover athlete’s just trying to play the game. The fanfare is nice, but he’d rather step back to the fundamentals and deliver an enjoyable experience. How fitting as Madden ’09 does just that. In the wake of an over the top football simulator comes an all inclusive experience that has something for both the novice and the veteran.

Gameplay

From the start each player is put in front of a Madden Test screen for the purposes of finding individual strengths and weaknesses. An option to skip is available, but its better tried out even if to acclimate oneself to the game. The intent of the test is to better fit CPU mechanics to your level of play, but it may be more of an impediment at first. We’ll go into that later as so much good comes from this game that the minor details are lost amongst the flow.

Madden features an improved physics engine this year that finally brings the action close to what every fan watches on Sunday. Almost every motion feels different and directly connected to whichever direction pushed or button mashed on the controller. Timing, however, is often necessary to make the difference between executing a tackle and the automated weak grapple that comes with being in close proximity to a ball carrier. Beyond simple tackling and running, improvements have been made to incorporate semi-custom touchdown celebrations and big play moments expressed by either team.

Moving away from the playing field is myriad of new and improved features to get any Maddenite’s juices flowing. The long stated franchise mode is in effect with a few tweaks to a draft pick process incorporated with Madden’s all new fantasy football component. Favored Superstar mode has also gone under some work as the rating system is made up of some old and some new Combine mini games. Unfortunately, these mini games for the most part do nothing to help the player increase their rating as each feels awkward to control. Doing a 40 yard dash using both analogs to move your legs is very annoying to get used to and further exacerbated by the fact that the first try cannot be redone. The mini games are available at start, but no one wants to practice them from the start.

As the mainstays receive their touch ups, the grander improvements are in the form of online play, the Virtual Trainer, and Fantasy Football mechanisms. Playing online is better than ever as one can simply join a lobby in their skill set or use their Madden IQ test results to battle with another. In trying it out, I went head to head with a friend who normally smokes me and came out only lagging by 7 after some silly turnovers.

Normally a loss like this leads to frustration, but with the Virtual Trainer each area needing improvement is addressable. From rushing to passing and the defense of each, the trainer sets you in an environment made to teach the fundamentals. Each level of training must receive a 7/10 success rate before moving up. Sounds easy enough, but this is extremely tough to accomplish at the higher levels. More than teaching simple football mechanics, the trainer is there to let you master hand/eye coordination and other various techniques needed to play successfully.

Even with the trainer, EA has not stopped the overhaul as a unique Fantasy Football component is built in order to fulfill any obsession. One can create or join a league, view live stat trackers, and incorporate the results into their own dynasties. It’s simply amazing.

Graphics

If the physics engine were the only in-game upgrade, then this review might have turned out differently. Watching a defender slough off your juking halfback 10 yards from the goal line is not only fun to manipulate, but beautiful to see. Madden ’09 is easily recognized for its unique model types and style. Each player looks different enough to differentiate against a beautiful field and stadium as a backdrop. Speaking of the players, as the game goes on those with more playing time are easily spotted as pieces of turf, mud, snow, or grass collect on their uniforms. The field also wears as the players stampede its surface.

A bird’s eye view of the stadium and surrounding area makes for an interesting and realistic look as the camera pans wide and over every game. From overhead fireworks and grand entrances are spotted adding to the menagerie. To add the cherry, each game also comes with nice looking pregame and halftime visuals that immerse the player further into a live broadcast type simulation.

It is easily argued that Madden ’08 took care of a lot of these visual upgrades, but mixed with improvements on the game play side of things, it feels more complete.

Sound

The atmosphere surrounding any football game astounds. Madden has held true to that point by adding the nuances that come together to create an all encompassing experience. Stadium sounds match the plays and momentum. Echoing Chris Collingsworth and Tom Hammond, is the stadium announcer relaying the play by play just enough to bring the game closer to home. The announcers, as chatty as they are, seem to go with the rhythm of each game. Collingsworth will talk forever, but we’ve all grown to expect that. Since thousands upon thousands of prerecorded words were recorded for this, repetition bares its ugly head only so often. More common are the quips and players praises we’re used to. Unique this time around, however, is the commentary that begins while reviewing a crucial mistake. Very few gamers will find it as annoying as it sounds.

Being that Madden regularly contains a soundtrack of its own at the menu screen, it’s worthy to note that this go around is somewhat bearable. This is neither make or break in the decision process, but it’s nice to know.

Plasma Factor

Madden ’09 seems to bring together many of the things listed on everyone’s personal Madden wishlist. Simply but it’s a very in depth and beautiful game. Much is there to enjoy and dabble into. Some innovation has been put forth into providing such things as a My Skills setting that dynamically changes to a mistake nullifying rewind button. Many will debate as to the necessity of items like these or features like Madden Moments, but this is more of a Gestalt project. Adding up each part will not make sense and fall apart if mashed together differently. Unfortunately as a simulator a gap still exists between game play and an actual game. Receivers and tacklers still do the mystifying 10 yard leaps and CPU passer ratings could ensure any team a Superbowl. Coupled by the fact that this is an annual release always one step closer to perfection yet still far from it causes lower scores than if released as a standalone title.

Conclusion

As with any franchise, a rollercoaster of quality will ensue over the years. Luckily in its 20^th year Madden proves to be on the upswing. Developers have finally taken somewhat of a step back and made a product that can appeal to a wider range of the gaming public. Those ignorant to the sport may even be able to hop on the trainer and learn a thing or two. On the other end however, true Maddenites have enough to satiate an appetite and feel less guilty about shelling yet another $60+.

Going against the game are those ever present game play issues and a semi broken league system. Making matters worse are a few available modes and features that ride the fine line of being necessary. Some of which may even be off putting. Nonetheless this is a great game. Dare I say best Madden title in a number of years? Any true fan can rest easy buying this one and go on to even let a skeptic give it a go.