Every year, fans of the sports video gaming world can count on one thing: a new edition of Madden NFL. Although other football video games have appeared over the past few decades, none can compete with Madden. Gamers know that if they want a football video game, Madden is the way to go.
The 22nd installment of this EA Sports series is impressive in every aspect. Whether one is playing against the computer, or participating in an online game with five other players, the game’s fluidity is astonishing.
The game play is best described by the motto for this year’s edition: “Simpler. Quicker. Deeper.” It is by far the most advanced and realistic version of Madden yet.
‘Simpler’
There is no longer a need to spend 15 minutes of a game scrolling through a playbook, looking for a play to run. With the introduction of Gameflow — a feature in which the computer selects the best play for the situation — players can focus more on playing and leave the coaching to the coaches. Adding to the simplicity, the sprint button was removed, so there is no longer a need to hold down the right trigger for an entire game.
‘Quicker’
With the addition of Gameflow, players can finish a game in half the time it would take in previous Madden games. If the player plugs in a microphone, a coach explains the plan as the players come out of the huddle. Even if a user has no microphone, there is no need to buy one, as the coach will talk through television speakers.
‘Deeper’
The play call is as deep as it gets, thanks to each team having its own unique playbook. For instance, if a contender portrays the Miami Dolphins, he is not restricted to plays unique to the Dolphins. Prior to each game, players may select which team’s playbook they wish to use.
Each team also has a completely unique roster. Its accuracy goes all the way to things such as what wristbands, gloves or helmet each player has. Madden 11 also offers an opportunity to create a custom player. This gives players the option to create oneself, or even combine their traits with the best football players in the world. Participants can also create their own team; if they want to assemble a dream team and see how they fare in the NFL, they can go right ahead.
The in-game animations are incredible, containing details such as fans tailgating, players getting pumped up and watching a fly-by before the game, and celebrating touchdowns during a game. After each game, players can see the coaches and players interact, and a player of the game is crowned.
Game modes
There are several different game modes, each slightly different. An Exhibition game consists of any two teams, any jerseys, any stadium, with 1-4 players. Super Bowl XLV is the same as an Exhibition game, but with Super Bowl decorations and a video of the winning team celebrating, going on a parade and visiting the White House.
In AFL, the game consists of any of the original eight American Football League teams. Superstar mode allows players to take hold of a single player and guide him through his NFL career. In Franchise, the player takes complete control of a team and leads them through up to 30 seasons in the NFL.
Madden Moments gives players the opportunity to replay key scenarios from either this year or last year. In Mini-Games, gamers play a variety of small activities including the 40-yard dash, bench press, running back, quarter back, wide receiver and lineman drills.
In Practice mode, players have a chance to hone their skills during a never-ending intra-squad scrimmage. For online competition, players can select Head to Head, which is basically a one-on-one online version of Exhibition. Finally, there is Online Co-op, where up to six people can play in an exhibition.
Overall impression
When I sat down to play this game for the first time, I was stunned. It is remarkably better than Madden 10, even though it follows the same format. As I saw the screaming fans and players coming out of the tunnels, I forgot I was at home and thought I was on the field alongside them.
I could not stop smiling during that first game, and I am glad to say that after weeks of playing, I have yet to lose that enthusiasm. Overall, Madden 11 is a fantastic game that I would definitely recommend to every football fan.
Madden NFL 11 is available, at various prices, for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable and iOS platforms.
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