Madden NFL 07
Posted December 30, 2006
Is it just me or does every new console launch seem to come with an “updated” version of the Madden franchise? Each year things are tried to evolve the series to new levels, and in the case of the PS3 title, the SIXAXIS controller is integrated into gameplay in a somewhat clumsy way. The PS3 title otherwise is identical to the 360 version, and sadly it’s remarkably similar to the standard Xbox version; which I used as a basis for this review. Gameplay is the same with slight tweaks, graphics are improved over the Xbox, but on par with the 360, and the audio has some quirks with it that I’ll outline in the proper section.
Gameplay:
First of all to address the overall gameplay of the title; it's a football game put out by EA. Does that sum it up enough for you? Madden plays like Madden plays, nothing revolutionary was added this time; passing still takes place by pressing the corresponding button of the receiver you want to get the ball, and the QB cone of vision is an optional enhancement activated by clicking the right thumbstick.
Some new on field moves are here this time allowing some additional jukes and cuts while running the ball, as well as some additional blocking options for when you want to open the path for your running back. While running the ball you can now perform a back juke and a shoulder drive by flipping the right stick forward or back, and by double tapping right to left or vice versa you're uber-agile players will pull off the elusive double fake. For running plays, you can take control of the lead blocker to blast a hole through the defensive line, and new moves are available for that. You can dive for a block, and push a lineman out of the way, or go for the huge push and knock the lineman on his ass; but if you miss you might need to get your running back some medical attention.
The PS3 controller enhancements are a disappointing inclusion where a quick motion of the controller will fake hike the ball when on offense, and then while on defense the same motion will give you a quick jump off the line of scrimmage. More often than not thought the defense would end up jumping unintentionally giving the offense a nice five yard gain. Do yourself a favor and crank down the sensitivity of the controllers before playing this with friends.
The biggest addition to the 2007 Madden has to be the highly touted NFL Superstar mode. What happens here is you choose from a set of parents to create the player you think you could take from rookie to not only a Hall of Famer, but also someone who's a movie star. In an interface that's eerily similar to the Campus Legend mode of NCAA 07, you guide your rookie through IQ tests, PR interviews and training drills in hopes of gaining experience and becoming a Hall of Famer. The odd thing about this mode is the focus solely on your superstar. When playing games you only control the play when your star is one the field. If you choose an offensive player, be prepared to watch the defense for the entire game; and if you like to choose your plays to keep your player in the spotlight, well forget it as all plays are chosen for you. While this is a novel concept of gameplay, it gets old very quickly and I predict most people will either skip over this or simulate the majority of the time they play this mode. It’s especially boring when you choose a player who isn’t always in the thick of the action and that makes for a very long game.
Obviously there is a Franchise mode which allows you to take full control of a team and run it through the paces year after year. This mode is almost identical to the 360s version where each year is divided into four segments, pre-season, regular season, an owners mode and off-season. The owners mode is where you can manipulate things like concession prices and even rebuild a stadium for your team as it gets worn down. It's definitely a fun little diversion from the coaching actions, but since it happens only once per season be prepared to wait.
The online component exists for the PS3 version, but I found the interface and method of finding a game a little more cumbersome than the Live options. Essentially you enter a chat room of sorts and hope that either someone invites you to a game, or that they will accept your invitation. While this allows more choice when lining up who to play, the matchmaking aspect of Live is much more appealing to this reviewer. Otherwise the online experience was great with no lag noticed while playing.
Graphics:
On the field things look quite good, especially the animations and actions of the players while juking or diving for a ball. Making the huge tackle or knocking down a defensive lineman looks as satisfying as actually doing it thanks to the attention to detail. Even making those huge over the shoulder catches look great both in actual play and in the instant replay mode.
The biggest flaw was some graphical slowdown during panning scenes and between plays. This was more noticeable during matches where rain or snow was falling, but was even present on clear days. How there is still slowdown on a system as powerful as the PS3 I’ll never know. Let’s just hope it was a side effect of the porting process.
Audio:
EA once again throws together a varied song play list for their big game, with acts ranging from Cartel to Audioslave playing between plays and in all the menus. Commentary didn't seem too bad this time around as I rarely noticed that it was happening, a sure sign that things are blending in well with the total immersion of the title. Hits sounded huge and thumped the subwoofer, while the crowd wailed and cheered as the home team pulled of a critical play again adding to the overall effect of the game.
One thing I did notice however was that the game never output Dolby Digital sound. I played the game on multiple PS3 systems and on each the soundtrack and game audio were put out in mere stereo up converted to Pro-Logic II.
Conclusion:
All said and done, Madden is still Madden. With all the tweaks and enhancements it's tough to recommend this title if you already own it for the 360 or even Xbox for that matter. But realistically, regardless of what I might say Madden players are a dedicated bunch. Some buy it every year regardless while others skip over particular editions to wait for a more mind blowing upgrade. For the average gamer who may not play Madden all that often, I'm going to mark this as a rental because as with any sports game unless you are dedicated to playing, it will tire easily.
Gameplay:
First of all to address the overall gameplay of the title; it's a football game put out by EA. Does that sum it up enough for you? Madden plays like Madden plays, nothing revolutionary was added this time; passing still takes place by pressing the corresponding button of the receiver you want to get the ball, and the QB cone of vision is an optional enhancement activated by clicking the right thumbstick.
Some new on field moves are here this time allowing some additional jukes and cuts while running the ball, as well as some additional blocking options for when you want to open the path for your running back. While running the ball you can now perform a back juke and a shoulder drive by flipping the right stick forward or back, and by double tapping right to left or vice versa you're uber-agile players will pull off the elusive double fake. For running plays, you can take control of the lead blocker to blast a hole through the defensive line, and new moves are available for that. You can dive for a block, and push a lineman out of the way, or go for the huge push and knock the lineman on his ass; but if you miss you might need to get your running back some medical attention.
The PS3 controller enhancements are a disappointing inclusion where a quick motion of the controller will fake hike the ball when on offense, and then while on defense the same motion will give you a quick jump off the line of scrimmage. More often than not thought the defense would end up jumping unintentionally giving the offense a nice five yard gain. Do yourself a favor and crank down the sensitivity of the controllers before playing this with friends.
The biggest addition to the 2007 Madden has to be the highly touted NFL Superstar mode. What happens here is you choose from a set of parents to create the player you think you could take from rookie to not only a Hall of Famer, but also someone who's a movie star. In an interface that's eerily similar to the Campus Legend mode of NCAA 07, you guide your rookie through IQ tests, PR interviews and training drills in hopes of gaining experience and becoming a Hall of Famer. The odd thing about this mode is the focus solely on your superstar. When playing games you only control the play when your star is one the field. If you choose an offensive player, be prepared to watch the defense for the entire game; and if you like to choose your plays to keep your player in the spotlight, well forget it as all plays are chosen for you. While this is a novel concept of gameplay, it gets old very quickly and I predict most people will either skip over this or simulate the majority of the time they play this mode. It’s especially boring when you choose a player who isn’t always in the thick of the action and that makes for a very long game.
Obviously there is a Franchise mode which allows you to take full control of a team and run it through the paces year after year. This mode is almost identical to the 360s version where each year is divided into four segments, pre-season, regular season, an owners mode and off-season. The owners mode is where you can manipulate things like concession prices and even rebuild a stadium for your team as it gets worn down. It's definitely a fun little diversion from the coaching actions, but since it happens only once per season be prepared to wait.
The online component exists for the PS3 version, but I found the interface and method of finding a game a little more cumbersome than the Live options. Essentially you enter a chat room of sorts and hope that either someone invites you to a game, or that they will accept your invitation. While this allows more choice when lining up who to play, the matchmaking aspect of Live is much more appealing to this reviewer. Otherwise the online experience was great with no lag noticed while playing.
Graphics:
On the field things look quite good, especially the animations and actions of the players while juking or diving for a ball. Making the huge tackle or knocking down a defensive lineman looks as satisfying as actually doing it thanks to the attention to detail. Even making those huge over the shoulder catches look great both in actual play and in the instant replay mode.
The biggest flaw was some graphical slowdown during panning scenes and between plays. This was more noticeable during matches where rain or snow was falling, but was even present on clear days. How there is still slowdown on a system as powerful as the PS3 I’ll never know. Let’s just hope it was a side effect of the porting process.
Audio:
EA once again throws together a varied song play list for their big game, with acts ranging from Cartel to Audioslave playing between plays and in all the menus. Commentary didn't seem too bad this time around as I rarely noticed that it was happening, a sure sign that things are blending in well with the total immersion of the title. Hits sounded huge and thumped the subwoofer, while the crowd wailed and cheered as the home team pulled of a critical play again adding to the overall effect of the game.
One thing I did notice however was that the game never output Dolby Digital sound. I played the game on multiple PS3 systems and on each the soundtrack and game audio were put out in mere stereo up converted to Pro-Logic II.
Conclusion:
All said and done, Madden is still Madden. With all the tweaks and enhancements it's tough to recommend this title if you already own it for the 360 or even Xbox for that matter. But realistically, regardless of what I might say Madden players are a dedicated bunch. Some buy it every year regardless while others skip over particular editions to wait for a more mind blowing upgrade. For the average gamer who may not play Madden all that often, I'm going to mark this as a rental because as with any sports game unless you are dedicated to playing, it will tire easily.