EA Sports (PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, 360, PlayStation Portable, GameBoy Advance, DS, PC)
Rated Everyone
The question every year is not whether Madden NFL is worth the money. It always is. Rather, we must decide whether the game has improved enough to warrant purchasing the new version. This year the answer is yes, with a reservation or two.
The new controls are more fluid and easier to handle. The Highlight Stick actually does something now, and the kicking game has really changed. Instead of rhythmically hitting buttons to kick, you've got to manipulate one of the joysticks in order to kick correctly. It adds a difficulty factor and is far less forgiving than the older kick meter.
The mini-games are disappointing, as is the more expensive Hall of Fame Edition. The bonus materials are a waste of space and nothing you couldn't find free On Demand on the NFL Network.
Even so, this is certainly the year to buy Madden - the game is that much more fun to play. Just avoid the Hall of Fame Edition and you'll be one happy geek.
