Football season has been under way now for about 11 weeks, a little over half way through the season. With my Giants struggling and upsets happening weekly, we decided to go back and review the leading Football simulator in the business, Madden 2004. So is it "in the game" this year?

The team at Electronic Arts (EA) has the difficult task of having to upgrade a game yearly and convince consumers to buy a product that really can't change all that much given the fact that it is a simulation game. For the most part, EA has successfully been able to deliver yearly, convincing gamers to spend their hard earned money on the biggest sports franchise in the video game business. This year's Madden not only improve the game, but EA has also changed the game, making Madden 2004 one of the most realistic and rewarding football games ever created.

The big selling point for EA's football game this year is the new feature called Playmaker Control. This feature allows players to change things on the fly, similar to what may happen in a real football game. The concept is simple, and can work on both sides of the ball by using the right control stick to be a "Playmaker". On offence players have a few opportunities to use the Playmaker control.

If you have choose a run offence to the left, and you notice that a linebacker is edging up for a blitz on that same side, simply nudge the Playmaker control to the right side. Doing so will audible the play and have the running back sweep out to the right side, avoiding the blitz.

While controlling the runner (with the left stick) players can call for blocks using the Playmaker control. Simply point the stick in the direction of a barreling defensive back and a teammate will attempt to help you out with a few big blocks in the direction you're pointing.

Finally, perhaps the most effective offensive Playmaker control is the passing control. While controlling the Quarterback, the player can use the Playmaker control to change the routes of the wide receivers and have them move to soft spots in a defense. Again, simply point the stick towards a direction and you will see the Q.B. pointing to the spot you want the receiver to go.

Although not as deep, defense also uses the Playmaker feature. While on defense players can cheat defensive backs to the right or left to help out safeties before the play. You can also try to anticipate the run by pushing down on the Playmaker control, which will begin rushing people to the line of scrimmage. Careful though, if you're wrong you risk getting burnt deep. The opposite also applies, You can push up on the stick and anticipate the pass, dropping line backers and safeties back immediately.

The Playmaker control is a great new feature to the game that may be difficult to master at first, but adds a great amount of depth to an already deep game. The controls for this feature could use a little work, at times it can become frustrating to call for blocks with one stick while trying to control a runner with the other. This is a minor complaint considering this is the first year EA has incorporated such a system. Overall it's a great feature once it's mastered.

Another bonus EA has incorporated is minor changes to the playing mechanics that go a long way to making the game better. The best change in my opinion is the play-action plays. Typically in older versions of the game play-action doesn't work. It would never fool a soul, and more times than not you were setting yourself up to be sacked by wasting the time faking a hand-off. This year that isn't so. When the ball is snapped and the fake hand-off take place, the camera will briefly follow the running back. The effect is so realistic that I become fooled even though I called the play. When playing a human player, it really causes them to freeze their linebackers and open up possible holes in the defense. It's one of the best upgrades given to the game play-mechanics this year.

The biggest addition to Madden 2004 is easily the advent of the Owner Mode. Owner Mode is almost an entire game in itself as players get to run the business side of Football. Here you will have to deal with budgets and ensure you have enough money to support your team. When your team is doing well tickets will usually sell well. However, at times you may need to raise ticket prices to make up lost revenue. Everything from beer to merchandise can be manipulated. Players can even choose to purchase advertising space to promote the team. All money spent will effect the bottom line, which in turn may effect what you can spend on getting good player in the future.

Sound confusing? It can be, but fortunately you have a board of advisors to help you by giving you tips and advice throughout the seasons. You'll also have charts, graphs, and expense reports at your disposal to help you make the best decisions for the team. You can even fire your coach. Why? Because you're the owner, you are the god of your stadium. Of course many people won't want to be bothered with Owner Mode so EA has given the option to turn the feature off, which makes the computer god of your stadium.

Unfortunately Madden 2004 is starting to show it's age. Graphically the game is not much better over its predecessors that have been released on the current generation of hardware. Also, the Xbox and GameCube versions of the game are for the most part ports of the PS2 version, which is older and less sophisticated hardware.

The voice-overs, as always, are a bit generic and not much has changed. John Madden still repeats himself over and over and will occasionally say something pertaining to nothing actually happening at the time. The music in the game is done very well though, as EA has signed a list of musicians to be featured within the game. Occasionally you will hear the songs between plays and while in the huddle. It ads a nice ambiance to the game.

Although the game is showing it's age a bit, Madden 2004 is still one of the, if not the best Football simulation on the market. The realism in play calling and A.I., bundled together with the new features such as PlayMaker Controls and Owner Mode, make Madden 2004 almost irresistible. An extra added feature for PS2 owners is the new online play mode, which makes Madden 2004 a must own game for all Football fans.

Now can someone please help my Giants?