Presentation

Madden NFL 09 promised slicker graphics, true-to-life stadiums, player jerseys and weather effects, but it still looked too much like Madden circa 2005. You know there's a problem when one of the game's big selling points is more realistic field goal nets.

Madden NFL 10 is all about the details. All of the quarterbacks are sized to scale (for Steelers fans, that means Big Ben actually lives up to his name), virtual players wear realistic towels/hand warmers (a nice touch) and the same style of gloves as their real-life counterparts.

But wait -- there's more! A new depth of field effect/camera helps the game look more like a TV broadcast, players wear Super Bowl patches on jerseys, crowds wear team colors, there are more fan animations/cut scenes and reports powered by NFL Network (sorry, ESPN). In addition, the chain gang comes out to measure third and fourth down yardage, and the game showcases seven referees on field (a Madden first). Both games star Cris Collinsworth on commentary (he makes John Madden seem godly), but it's obvious that Madden NFL 10 trumps 09 in overall presentation.

Winner: Madden NFL 10