Madden NFL 08
By this point chances are very good that anyone with interest has had the opportunity to at least test the waters in Madden 08. If that's the case then you already know what you're in for and what this year's edition offers versus the prior installments. If somehow you missed the entire hullabaloo then you should know that this year is better than the past ones. Granted the changes are more or less subtle in nature but it's hard to deny that this is one of the best Maddens to come along in a while.
Gameplay
Like any good game genre the sports field lives and dies by the quality of its gameplay. If controls are clunky, interfaces are not user-friendly, or options not that deep, you can bet that gamers are going to be critical. Madden has typically always been a step ahead of the football field with plenty of modes, gameplay tweaks, and belt tightening alterations being implemented annually. In Madden 08 EA Tiberon showcases the culmination of their efforts from the past few years.
In this year's incarnation you will notice a few tiny improvements that help propel the franchise to the official next generation stage. For starters there is a new system that feeds off of individual player's stats within certain categories. If you have someone on your team who excels at running or blocking you'll see the appropriate icon beneath their person. These players operate differently than the rest, they are unique in terms of what they can achieve, and in the midst of a game chances are good that they'll be your go-to guys.
The nice thing about this new skill/weapon system is that you'll be able to read what your opponent has on their side. Matching up your players to your opponents pre-snap may feel like you're arranging pieces on a chess map but after a while it becomes intuitive and the benefit gained from reading these abilities is very rewarding. You can open up huge plays with the right combination or attempt to avert impending disaster by taking the first steps at defense. This system was quite possibly my favorite addition to this year's Madden but some other tweaks help out as well.
As you play through the game you'll notice some things if you have been following the series throughout the years. Instead of just jumping to catch a ball and land out of bounds receivers will struggle to keep their feet inside the lines. Likewise you'll notice ball handlers along the edge of the field will do their best to tiptoe across the paint.
On the offense you'll also be able to juke into a strong arm and fluidly weave your way in and out of the sea of players. It creates a nice dynamic that utilizes weight ratios and mass on the playing field. You'll notice this system quite a bit when you're on defense as well. When one of your players tackles someone they may simply slow their momentum down and this allows the rest of your team to pile on. Granted it's not like other versions of Madden haven't featured stuff like this but with this year's installment it feels better and more fluid all around.
Play calling isn't entirely new and the rest of the gameplay flows like you'd expect it to. Both the improved play physics and skill system add a lot of freshness to what has otherwise been a dullish experience. It's amazing how a few simple changes can impact the game in such a manner. Now if they would just work on improving the special team options we might be looking at the complete package.
Options are another area where Madden 08 succeeds slightly more than the past few yearly installments. As you'd expect there are some mini-games and plenty of multiplayer matches to play, both online and off. The online multiplayer with the PlayStation 3 is solid with the ability for one to two players to go at it. It's rather hit or miss regarding who you'll get as an opponent unless you have someone in mind and as usual you can expect something of a less-than-appealing caliber of gamers on the market. Still, Madden 08 is a blast online or off and if you're playing against a buddy you'll find it's better than the random pool of 12 year olds.
Single player is where you'll most likely be spending most of your time. In that regard there are a couple of modes that will suck up most of your SIXAXIS battery. The Superstar Mode is back with an improved camera angle. In this variation of gameplay you pick a player and follow that person through their career with the NFL. From rookie to hall of fame inductee the game focuses on your player and your involvement in every play will strictly be from your point of view. Other sports series have attempted this but Madden's way of handling it this year is probably the best that I have experienced.
The other time sucker with Madden 08 is the Franchise Mode where you'll follow a team's franchise for a few decades. Like previous years of Madden you can control several options from the management and financial standpoint but the level of detail doesn't get too involved. Throughout it all you're given a lot of room for growth and allowed plenty of time to grow and develop your players and team.
Whether you're new to the Madden franchise or have been playing for over a decade, this year's installment is worth checking out. The improvements in gameplay are noticeable and the weapon system adds a whole new dynamic to the flow of games. The modes are just as good as ever as well though I would have appreciated more variety. If you love football and simply have to get into the grove for this year's season then Madden 08 is a solid ticket worth buying.
Graphics
You know, it's kind of funny. With the console war heating up and all of the touting on about how the PlayStation 3's graphic engine is more powerful than the 360's; why is this version of Madden 08 worse from a visual standpoint? Sure character models look just as good, textures are nice, and animations can be just as realistic as anything. However, with the framerate moving at only 30 FPS versus the 60 that the 360 version offers I have to admit that I'm confused. Things tend to bog down with the PS3 version at times and the animations can get to be very choppy. Believe it or not these choppy animations and framerate issues bog down the gameplay and keep it from being as smooth of an experience as it could have been.
Don't get me wrong; this year's Madden looks good and all. I'm just confused why this version is a big step behind the 360 in terms of presentation.
Sound
Commentary can make or break a sports game and fortunately in Madden 08's case it makes. Play by play discussion, on field smack talk, and advice dolled out by the pros is handled well and doesn't become as repetitive as you'd think. The soundtrack is pretty decent as well with rock and rap tunes filtering through the speakers at appropriate intervals. Madden's biggest feather in its cap is easily the sound effects direction and presence on the soundstage. The sense of immersion is very strong and if you have the bass cranked up you'll feel the bone crunching hits and waves of cheer from the crowd.
Conclusion
As popular as it is with the gaming community the Madden franchise is very polarizing. People dislike the EA machine and the fact that yearly incarnations often feature minimal improvements doesn't help the matter. The changes made with Madden 08 are very noticeable and you'll feel how they affect the flow of the game. It feels somehow tighter and more refined, yet familiar and user-friendly. The PlayStation 3 version isn't as solid as I would have hoped for but if you're looking for a quality sports game to sink your teeth into this is the one to check out.