Despite the lacking presentation, Madden NFL 08 will win over users in two key areas -- multiplayer options and Paper Football. This game already has enough to offer in terms of mode selection, including Franchise, Season, Situation Play, Tournament, Practice and Quick Play are available to choose from. However, it also offers some mini-games, including the aforementioned Paper one. Here, players simply use the stylus to flick a triangular-shaped paper wedge between the fingers of an opponent. Nothing beats the real thing, mind you, but this game ends up being more fun than expected -- and it saves strain on those precious digits of yours.

As far as multiplayer goes, a friend can download the game through download play for some quick action. Also, for those who obtained a copy of Madden, several options open up for multiplayer contests, although Paper Football doesn't end up being one of them for some reason. No matter -- EA has still done nice work making the game accessible to both those with multiple copies of the game and those with just one.

Madden NFL 08 could've used a little more effort to score the ambitious championship ring on the DS, most notably in the presentation and some of the gameplay. However, it has improved better than anyone could've expected. A step forward always beats a step backward. Players left with no choice but their cherished portable should definitely check it out, especially for some paper wedge-flicking action.