Along with the in-game action, you can also access 150 different player profiles and videos, courtesy of NFL Films, so you can see particular heroes in action. For football archivists, this is a must-see, as you'll be able to gain access to plenty of these clips as you progress during the season. And, yes, Madden cards can be unlocked as well, so you can accumulate a pretty big library of those, too.

Another new feature worth mentioning is the NFL Network mode. For playbook lovers, this is an ideal look at how plays come together. Sterling Sharpe walks you through the basics of individual play types, and then allows you to work through the motions themselves after he explains the basics. Some might be bored by the drill-type situation here, but it really does help develop you better as a football player, so it's worth a look.

With presentation, EA once again pulls out all the stops. The graphic engine, despite running on something as "ancient" as the GameCube, is beautiful, with players that move along like the real thing, right down to the small injury animations. Lighting details are awesome, particularly with games that are played during sunset. Just seeing the glow of a reddish sun on the field is something that's really striking. This is really nice work, and hopefully the forthcoming Wii version will look even better.

I wanted more to be done with the audio, however. John Madden and Al Michaels once again provide the main commentary, but can't really step up in terms of emotions. A big play comes off and they sound almost the same as they did during introductions. Get a huge interception and you won't even get a rise out of their voices. This needs some work, despite their details on players and situations. The music selections, aka EA Trax, are a little drab as well, and I would've liked to have heard more traditional football songs. Couldn't get the rights, I guess. Otherwise, the on-field chatter is solid, complete with player taunts, side programs, and cheering crowds.

The gameplay is very solid, even if some don't want to utilize the QB Vision passing. Some found it to be a big annoyance last year, and for those who did like it, it's back. If you didn't, however, just stick with the normal passing scheme and you're fine. The controls on the GameCube pad are mostly solid, although there's some slight issues with button placement. A lot of audibles and defensive procedures are scattered on the pad, so to view the entire field, you have to press the Z and R shoulder buttons together. It gets a little annoying, especially if you're trying to assign a pass target for QB Vision. However, the GameCube pad DOES benefit from the new kicking system, which uses the right analog stick. It just feels right on the GC, and you know when you're nailing kicks perfectly due to the octagon frame surrounding the stick. I kicked a mighty 58-yard field goal with Sauerbraun the other day with no problems. And to think, I despised it in NCAA Football 2007 for Xbox 360. How times change with a simple control pad. Heh.

The game has features, modes, and football action aplenty, but I'm sorely disappointed that this series had its run on the GameCube and never gave owners of the system a chance to go online against some competition. It's got great local multiplayer but, still, for a system that had its own broadband adapter, I would've loved to see this option come into play. Sigh. Perhaps with the Wii, EA can put their network issues aside and give this series the online homecoming it deserves.

Madden NFL 2007 for the GameCube is the weakest one on shelves. EA even has it priced cheaper, $10 less than the other versions. But that's not to say it's a game dipped in weak sauce. It's pretty damn good football, if you can accept some limitations. The Superstar and Hall of Fame modes are right on the money, the presentation mostly fits the bill, and the gameplay is much more evened out this time around between passing and rushing. EA made the right decision here by ending this title's legacy on the Cube with a bang, and not a whimper. Now, onward to the Wii!