by Robert Workman on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Madden NFL 09 for Wii is different than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions, thanks to its unique All-Play feature. User-friendly and lots of fun, this version of Madden, despite lacking some features found in its counterparts, is a great football game.
The key here is Madden's "pick up and play" style. Anyone can pick up the controls and make pass plays like John Elway or Brett Favre. If you're using just the Wii remote, all you have to worry about is passing and kicking. The rest of the work is done automatically with computer-controlled players. However, if you've got a Nunchuk, you can take direct control over your player's motions while flicking your wrist to initiate passing and kicking maneuvers. Open receivers and running backs are automatically chosen, depending on availability on their routes.
Big headed football is what it's all about in 5-On-5 mode. Click to see more images from the game...
Although the controls aren't as complicated as they are on Xbox 360, that doesn't mean they aren't fun. Flicking your wrist to finish a big pass or nail a defensive player with a huge tackle is satisfying; you'll also enjoy waving your arm to signal a fair catch. Kids will especially dig the victory celebrations, as they wave their arms wildly after a touchdown or a similarly big play to pump up their players.
Our favorite feature, however, is Call Your Shot. Before starting a play, you can highlight your favored receiver, draw out his route on-screen with your Wii remote and let him loose. If you find a crazy zig zag play that works for you, you can save it for later use in a Coach's Playbook. This creative tool puts your mind to work, especially if you're looking for something outside of a straight run into the end zone. Those also wanting to release their "inner Madden" have access to the telestrator, where they can pause the action and draw on the screen using the remote.
Outside of the main Exhibition mode, there are lots of extras. The 5-on-5 mode pits big-headed players against each other in arcade-style competition. It's even simpler than the main game, but surprisingly more amusing than EA's previous NFL Tour for 360 and PS3. Party Mode features 20 plus mini-games for two to four players, ranging from passing contests to running drills. Finally, a Learn Madden Mode teaches you everything you need to know about Madden on the Wii.
Even though it's mostly family-oriented, football enthusiasts have a lot of content. Those who find the All-Play settings too undemanding can try their luck with an advanced difficulty setting. In addition, franchise Mode is back with a plethora of on-field and off-field season activity to keep you busy. Superstar Mode also makes a return, for gamers that want to direct an NFL player through a career.
Madden NFL 09 is also multiplayer friendly, whether playing against others in your living room or logging into Wi-Fi Connection for online games. Friend match-ups are available (with Friend Codes) or you can try your luck with Random Play. You choose from the following three settings: Casual (for those getting into the game for the first time), Social (for those seeking out an easygoing game) and Competitive (obviously suited for expert players). Overall, playing through EA Online is mostly trouble-free, outside of the occasional failed connection.
Presentation-wise, Madden NFL 09 is just above adequate. The visuals aren't nearly as detailed as they are in the PS3 and 360 versions, with fuzzy player models and fans. The fields are nicely represented and the Mii implementation is great, particularly when you glance at Madden himself. However, there are no picture-in-picture or replay options, just the usual stuff you've come to expect from Madden on a Nintendo platform.
Running commentary is provided once again by Al Michaels and John Madden. It succeeds, but not as well as Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond on other platforms. Sound effects consist of powerhouse tackle effects and crowd noises, and the EA Trax selections aren't bad, with selections from Shinedown, Disturbed and others.
Even though it lacks complexity, Madden NFL 09 on the Wii achieves more than enough to earn a recommendation. Its user-friendly controls and various modes will keep you scoring touchdowns well into next season.
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