Madden NFL 08
Review
While it doesn't score a touchdown, it doesn't fumble the ball either
by HG Staff
reviewed on X360
Fumbling
The game is not without problems. First off, you will notice that you will be turning the ball over too much. You will see that when you are leading by more than fourteen points, that even your best players will start fumbling the ball. Your best Quarterback will be throwing interceptions left and right while the AI opponent becomes superhuman. It is pretty much impossible to win every game in a season.
Another one of Madden 08's weak points is 'Super Star' mode. It just feels like its missing features from previous versions. Granted, it is much better then last years but it definitely needs work.
The mechanics
Graphics-wise there is very little to complain, even if the game won't dazzle you. The games graphics do go a long way in making you feel like you are in the game, more so than ever before. A remarkable feat that is partly possible through the high framerate - a steady 60fps - that keep the game playing fluidly. One thing worth noting is how tackles never seem to look the same, strengthening the idea that you are looking at real-life people rather than animated ones.
As always Madden boasts a pretty good soundtrack. With music from Sum 41 and Ozzy Osbourne it is hard to go wrong. The play-by-play announcer was a little disappointing though. I have thoroughly missed the presence of John Madden and Al Michaels; they were an integral part of the game and helped make it feel more authentic. The new play-by-play man hardly gets excited at all which dulls the game a bit. It is not so bad that it forces you to mute the sound but a bit more enthusiasm would be welcome. If EA owns the ESPN license for Madden, you'd think they could get some half decent broadcasters from ESPN and put them in the game.
Bottom Line
Madden NFL 08 is not the greatest Madden ever but it is by far the greatest Madden game on the 360. Electronic Arts finally makes a respectful showing on the next-gen systems and hopefully it is a sign of great things to come. Perhaps they realized they didn't need to reinvent the wheel? Sticking with the basics and improving on what is already there is often a better course than coming up with something new entirely. While Madden 08 doesn't score a touchdown, it doesn't fumble the ball either. Instead it kicks a good field goal that will hold us over till next year.
9.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
