The GameCube is not the system of choice when it comes to sports games. Yes, there's fun arcade-styled games out there for the system that have sports themes, like Mario Power Tennis and Mario Superstar Baseball, but when it comes down to the thick of real sports intensity, the system's kind of lacking. Sega Sports dropped its line-up for the system after only about a year into production, leaving EA as the primary publisher of sports titles for the machine. Now, as the Cube enters its final days on the market (with the Wii prepped to take over), EA has produced one final version of Madden for the system, Madden NFL 2007. And while many might prefer a game that has access to online connectivity and a better control scheme, what's here is still a surprisingly capable football game for the die-hard fans- the ones who still cling to their GameCube tightly.

A lot of the features from last year are present, so those who got into Madden NFL 06 should find familiarity here. The QB Vision feature makes a return, allowing users to highlight a specific player in a pass formation. There's also the Superstar mode, where a player can earn a reputation and plenty of endorsements as he becomes the next big thing in NFL history. And most of the general gameplay remains the same, as coaching wanna-bes can turn to a stacked playbook loaded with options.

So what's different then? Well, for one thing, there's the new lead blocking feature. This is an innovation that helps define the running game a little better, a feature that's been sorely lacking in Madden games over the years. You basically highlight a lead blocker ahead of the rusher so they can set themselves up for a key block. The play starts, and this allows you to switch between the blocker and the runner, so you almost have dual control over the play. This, combined with the "highlight stick", makes the running action seem more worthwhile than before.

Oh, the "highlight stick"? Well, it's like a truck stick, but works in an opposite manner. See, instead of using the truck stick to set up a big tackle, you actually use the "highlight stick" to lead into a tackle, working in a defensive manner. This can lead to a number of broken tackle animations, although it's not always guaranteed a success. This is due to the efficient AI that continues to downpour in this game. The only way you're guaranteed an easy victory is if you choose the EAsy play at the start screen, in which even the Colts prove to be a bit of a pushover. This game continues to show great aggression.

If you think this is a bit confusing at first, well, it is. Some people aren't used to switching off between two players in a game unless it's automatic, like going through the motions from quarterback to receiver or rusher. Fortunately, there's a mini mode set aside for this new feature called Rushing Attack. It's basically a two-on-two challenge mode where you work through the motions of the lead blocking and attempt to score as many touchdowns as possible. This joins the ranks of some other fun mini-games, including bench pressing and running drills, that are quite entertaining- even without the benefit of online play.

Then we have the Superstar mode, which shines just as brightly as it did last year. Along with most of the components in the last game, this one features the ability to zoom in on players, so you almost feel like you're in their shoes as they run through the motions. (Not as close as NFL 2K's helmet cam, but close enough.) You can also run more focused drills and keep better track of your events, something that was a big pain in last year's edition.

But the new Hall of Fame mode is worth mentioning. In this mode, you create an up-and-coming player, roots and all (you even get to select your type of parents) and lead them through their career in the NFL, possibly contending them for the Hall of Fame at retirement. It's great to see EA try a step-by-step approach over a player's career, instead of just going for championships and such. You can develop a nasty ego during your career, though, so be careful. Just be nice- risk isn't that rewarding here. You'll throw off the determination of your team, which will result in lots of losses. Just ask any Eagle how that feels. Go on.