Madden NFL 08 Review (PS2)

Age has caught up to John Madden, as far as the PlayStation 2 is concerned. After debuting eight years ago with Madden NFL 2000, the franchise has seen eight releases, topping off its run with the recent release of Madden NFL 08. It's not as if the game has fallen down in performance because it still has enough modes and comprehensive gameplay to satisfy the common football fan. However, with the heightened experiences existing on current-gen consoles like the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, maybe it's time to consider moving on.

The PS2 still has a little gas left in the tank as far as modes go. The new Fantasy Challenge mode allows players to build up a team using roster points, only to face a series of challenges from other teams to help endure their strength in categories. Other modes worth checking out include Superstar (where players can build a determined rookie into an NFL legend within a matter of days), Franchise (guiding any team -- including the poor Buffalo Bills -- into Super Bowl territory) and Online action (basic, but it works).

In terms of presentation, though, Madden NFL 08 has pretty much reached the pinnacle of what the PS2 is capable of. The game runs fairly smooth, particularly in the animation department. Watching so many tackles during the game can really bring a smile to a football fanatic's face, especially when they use the Hit Stick for high and low cuts. However, the camera has some issues that can't be ignored, especially when it comes to field perspective. It can be a real pain having to scamper about to see what routes receivers may be running, even though the playbook should already give an indication of what those might be. Also, the NFL Network options have been completely removed this time around, with Sterling Sharpe's analysis and real game highlights going right out the window with it. As for Al Michaels and John Madden, they still cover each play with decent, if not entirely insightful, commentary. They've sounded better, but at least they haven't gone drinking to the point that they're mispronouncing Brett Favre's name horribly. ("Brett Farv-re?")

Not much has changed in the gameplay, outside of enhancements to the Hit Stick and the distribution of "weapons". Players trot out onto the field with certain icons highlighting their primary function. It works, but only to a certain point before routes and mismatches occur. Oh, well, at least Tiburon attempted to modify the system in some way, even if not in a completely effective one.

Here's the bottom line: To the players out there who haven't yet considered upgrading to a superior Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 console, the PS2 version of Madden NFL 08 continues to be a viable choice for football action. However, for those who HAVE taken the plunge and plunked down a few hundred bucks for a new machine, go for that version instead. You'll definitely get more for your money than you would out of this deja vu-like experience.