(Page 1 of 1)

EA Sports must hate PC fans. How else do you explain the vast gulf in quality and features between the PC version of Madden and the state-of-the-art versions on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3? The best thing about the PC game is the price, which is close to $30 less than the other versions. The question is, is the money you'll save on Madden NFL 08 for PC worth the sacrifice?

The answer is a definite maybe, because, admittedly, the football is okay. It's sort of like traveling back in time a bit, only with today's rosters, but if you're a rabid football maniac who only owns a PC, it's worth a look.

The big addition to Madden in 2008 is the new weapons system. Basically this puts a symbol or icon above star players' heads telling you the areas at which they excel. Favre's got a rocket symbol, for example, indicating that he's great at the long pass. Manning has a target symbol, and his favorite receiver has a hands symbol, showing that this is a combination of great accuracy plus great hands. Some running backs have a wrecking ball (power those guys into the line), while others are fleet of foot and should be sent to turn the corners. Symbols show which D and O linemen are walls or bulldozers and which pass rushers scare the hell out of Quarterbacks.

The problem is that on the PC, this system seems almost fake -- meaning, without the new animations and artificial intelligence seen on the next-gen systems, the difference between a star bulldozer and a regular defensive lineman isn't nearly as obvious to the naked eye.

They did add new defensive controls: It's now easy to zoom out and order double-coverage on Randy Moss, and they incorporated the ability to hit high or low (high can cause a fumble, low will tie up a power back and knock him down). Oh, and they finally went to the dual-stick kicking model. The consoles abandoned the 'click-click' method three years ago!

The one totally new and unique feature this time around is the new Skill Drills system. This series of mini-camp games pits you against giant football dummies and ... doesn't impress in the slightest.

Franchise and Superstar modes are completely unchanged from last year despite the slew of improvements and new features found on the console systems. The online play is the same as last year, and it's disappointing that EA still hasn't updated their matchmaking service. The graphics are only slightly improved, but the engine must be the same, because it has the exact same glitches found in Madden 07 and even Madden 06. Players vibrate, they intercept passes they aren't even near, and they run in place or get caught on players they aren't touching.

The 'no frills' and 'few improvements' attitude makes the PC version of Madden feel like a budget release. If that's how they want to treat PC players, they really need to drop the price even further. The only reason this game is rated 'Try It' is for the people who have no other way to play videogame football. Madden NFL 08, if nothing else, plays a decent if unimpressive simulation of the sport.

This review was based on a retail copy of the game purchased by Crispy Gamer.