Madden NFL 08
The basic points are essentially the same as there are many similarities between this smaller version and the mainstream release. Is the DS incarnation supposed to topple the ones released for the PS3 and Xbox 360? Absolutely not! However, it does achieve something that other handheld Maddens were never really able to; it's actually a pretty decent experience and a nice way to supplement Madden on the road. Due to many similarities in several areas of the game, you'll notice that some things sound familiar if you have played the DS's brotherly installments.
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 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 DS installment, the Weapon System is featured prominently just like the console versions. In case you missed it, the Weapon System is a way of designating players with special abilities or those who excel in particular areas. Have someone who is a fast runner? How about a power blocker? Does the player have solid hand control when it comes to catching the pig skin? Each of these categories appear on the upper screen of the DS and the effect is a chess match of sorts. Some player skills counter others and it takes some careful planning when matching up people on the field.
As far as the effectiveness of these weapons in the grand scheme of things, I have to admit that it doesn't feel as solid as the console versions. Sometimes you just simply don't get the impression that one player is better than another no matter what icon they have. In the thick of action, it can be somewhat challenging to look at the top screen while you're trying to juke or throw a pass.
While we're on the subject of tossing passes around, that bit feels better in this year's Madden as well. In addition to button control via icons on the playfield and top screen, you can also make receiver selections with the stylus. It's unnecessary and I found it to be no better than simply pressing the button, though it does bring some of the unique capabilities of the DS into focus. The passing game also receives some improvements thanks to the color system. You'll notice your player pass icons turn colors like red, orange, and green. These signify how covered they are. Naturally if you see green, you'll want to act upon it as fast as possible.
Otherwise, the gameplay in Madden 08 feels pretty straight forward on the DS. The players move fluidly with the control and the addition of stylus support helps in passing and play selection. There may not be as much detail or balance in the fold as the console versions but there's plenty of football action awaiting you. Madden 08 is a lot of fun to play and there are plenty of extra modes that help make it so.
Naturally you can jump right into the action and play immediate games without slogging through franchises or campaigns. It is, however, nice to know that the more robust selections are available if you want to create a dynasty. Multiplayer is around as well and with wifi online support, EA helps to extend the playability of the title. I would also like to mention a new mini game as it feels like a natural fit on the DS. You remember in school how you used to fold up old homework or scrap paper and make a paper football? Well, there is a small version of that school time classic here and with the Classic and Ultimate variations of the game, you'll fall in love. It's the perfect way to waste time without worrying about calling audibles or reading defenses.
Overall, Madden 08 is a solid football title for the DS. In almost every way, it's an improvement over the previous year's efforts and this version is a viable option when you're looking at the Madden releases. I can't say that this edition is better than the console versions, because let's face it; it's not. Many of the same modes are included and there is a lot of fun to be had but the handheld's limited presentation and control options can't dethrone the big boys. Looking for football on the go? This is your game and it has never been better.
Graphics
Blotchy pixilated graphics, awkward character models, choppy animation, and a complete lack of depth perception are the faults that you'll find in Madden 08 on the DS. The finesse captured by the console versions simply doesn't translate here. I do have to say that for a DS title there is a surprising level of detail in some areas and overall I will admit that the game looks decent for the system's capabilities. There are some silly bugs in between though and that leads to a general feeling that the game lacks polish.
Sound
The audio is a very mixed bag in terms of quality. Lengthy or insightful commentary is not present in any form. Instead, we are treated to the occasional bit of play calling or quip about a moment during the skirmish. Madden chimes in every once in a while but you don't get the sense that he's at the game like you do in the console versions. The sound effects and music are a notch above average as the DS handles the audio output decently. Sometimes every aspect here is hit or miss and thankfully the DS has volume control for those rough moments.
Conclusion
Finally it feels like the DS version of Madden lives up to scrutiny and churns out an enjoyable experience. The Weapon System, the on field assistance, the mini games, and the stylus support all come together to make for a solid experience on the road. This edition is by no means a substitute for the real thing but if you're looking for football while away from home, there isn't a better alternative. There are some buggy complaints within the presentation of the game and things aren't as smooth as they could have been overall, but if you own a DS and love Madden, you simply can't pass this up.