Weapons wouldn't matter as much if they played just like everyone else, save for the higher speed rating and big gold logo around their names. Instead,these MVPs have abilities and animations lesser players don't -- smart players can steal opponent's plays and are rarely out of position while power-backs bulldoze over meek defenders.
Despite these sophisticated features, the game's responsive, intuitive control stands out the most. Players simply move where you want them to without getting stuck in long-winded animations or running out of bounds against your will. Want to throw a 60-yard bomb while on the run? Want to switch to Chris Chambers and go up and get it? It's finally possible. Madden 08's controls just feel right from the very first kickoff, and they're a big reason this Madden will go down as the best yet.
The game's graphics also look better than ever, aided by a host of awesome tackling animations and a blazing-fast frame rate. Player faces still don't look as accurate as they do in, say, NFL 2K5, but that doesn't matter too much when players high-step to the end zone wearing a helmet. In the booth, the mind-numbing EA radio announcer returns, someone we would gladly trade in for Pat Summerall from Madden 98.
Off the field, Madden shines, although there's still more to be desired. This year, try the new fantasy draft in the multiplayer franchise mode. Create a team, a stadium, logo and uniform, and include Hall of Fame players like Joe Montana and Gale Sayers in the free agent pool. Then again, plans of a true owner mode were scrapped and choosing the price of hot dogs or relocating your woeful franchise to London or LA won't be an option, something hardcore simulation fans will miss.
Madden's single-player Superstar mode returns, though largely unchanged from last year. Import a custom-created player from NCAA Football 08's Campus Legend mode and play as a real NFL rookie like Raiders QB Jemarcus Russell, or craft your own substance-abuser from scratch. While exerting influence, firing agents and getting enshrined in Canton easily sucks away hours, we would have liked to see position battles, practice, and off-the-field tomfoolery play a larger role. Still, it's a great way to break the monotony of repeatedly smoking friends online.
Speaking of online, ESPN highlights and the standard quick and ranked matches return, but there are still no online franchise modes or online leagues, where Madden's competitor 2K Sports continues to shine.
Look at Madden 08 as a whole and these minor gripes don't mean much. Receiving a punt with Reggie Bush, then directing him to sprint right, throw a spin move, duck under a high tackle, cut left, hurdle over a diving defender and flip into the end zone tastes sweeter than a Thanksgiving turducken. For the past three years, that's what we've been waiting for.
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