Madden NFL 08 (Xbox 360)

Gridiron Greatness Glorifying 2008
1/31/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

Owner mode is back, and you can track just about everything a modern owner would. This includes hiring scouts and coaches, and you can even improve players' skills by using the Practice mode to put a player through their reps. Basically the game works on a points system -- so that new rookie linebacker might be just a few points shy of being a Big Hitter, and you know your team needs one of those. Put him through some reps with the tackle dummies and watch the numbers rise. Try to mold him into Rookie of the Year, or at least a pro-bowl spot, if you can. Owners can also improve stadiums, manage finances, and even move the franchise to another city. Want a team in Los Angeles? Work hard and make that dream come true. Owner mode is a mini-game all to itself and anyone not interested can still play a full season, multiple seasons and quick games, and play on the Internet over Xbox Live. Not included is the ability to play in a league online. Maybe next year? Please?

The graphics are improved with a slew of new animations: You won't see players running in place, getting caught on each other, or doing the same things every down. There are many types of tackles now, many ways for a man to fall to the turf, and that goes a long way toward making the game look and feel realistic.

Also included are the same mini-games as last year. Most of these function as a tutorial, which is important because Madden requires at least one skill needed in real football: the ability to mentally slow down what you're seeing and recognize what your opponent is doing. Playing the mini-games and tutorials teaches players how to bat the ball on defense or go for an interception, how to juke and stiff-arm, and how to pump fake. Madden 08 is so solid, all of these skills will vastly improve a player's game. It's always better to do things yourself in Madden, and 08 makes learning the game easy and fun. You can also create a player, create a superstar, and even create a team. Want to make the Milwaukee Beer Guts? Go right ahead. I did.

Madden NFL 08 brings back a bunch of old features and combines them with a slew of new ones to make a gridiron simulation you'll be playing until well after the Super Bowl. That's awesome, assuming you're still ready for some football.

This review was based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.