Then there are Madden Moments. These mini-games challenge you to recreate historic moments from last season under set conditions, such as the Packer's amazing victory against the Broncos in overtime, the Dolphins winning their first and only game of the season against the Ravens and of course, the Giants amazing victory against the Patriots in Super Bowl 42. They're fun, often difficult and a great way to pass the time, though we wish EA included games from decades ago.

Happy 20th Anniversary Madden! Click to see more images from the game...

All of this single player stuff doesn't compare to multiplayer competition, and Madden NFL 09 delivers a superb online experience. Not only can you play the standard issue one-on-one games, but you also have 32 person online leagues with all the trimmings, including a draft, trades, a season, the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Now factor in a nifty video option that lets you create highlight reels and upload them to EA Sports World, and you could spend a chunk of your Madden time online.

Despite all the this cool stuff, Madden commits some penalties. The game supposedly has more dynamic camera angles, but you'll often see the same one repeat up to ten times per game. As for the computer, it often makes strange decisions, such as running out the clock when it needs a score or wandering out of bounds for no reason. And for all its interceptions, the artificial intelligence has trouble stopping the run. Once you're comfortable on the ground, you can pick up serious yardage on all but the toughest difficulty.

As for presentation, EA fumbled the ball. It's mind boggling that, with all the NFL broadcasters out there, that the best it could do was Hammond and Collinsworth. Even worse, the back of the box lists the ESPN logo, but EA made no effort to integrate a Sports Center feel into the game. We'd like to think that, with all its money, EA could make its Madden games look and sound more realistic.

None of this seems to matter, though, when it's 3rd and goal and you need a touchdown to beat your best friend. These competitive moments fuel Madden NFL's legacy, and 2009 celebrates this tradition with great looking and immensely enjoyable football games as well as a bevy of modes that'll keep you scoring touchdowns throughout the rest of the year. So pick your favorite team, crack open the playbook and polish your endzone celebration. It's game time.

Related Links

Madden NFL 09 Xbox 360 Game Guide