Madden NFL 07 review

It's football time... yet again.

Review written by
Splintercell4ever

As a owner of Madden from 2002 onward, I have noticed two things in the progress of the games. One, that wearing cups will do you no good. The other being they have not changed much since the earlier versions. Newer versions can almost be considered expansion packs, as they just contain new features with updated rosters. Is it still worth it?

In the actual game there a plenty of new controls. The vision cone is now optional to use and can simply be activated with a flick on the c-stick. The game also features a new leader blocker control scheme, where you can choose a blocker and even take control of him on the play, while the computer takes the snap.

In addition, there are a Franco Harris' worth of new running moves. Running is now more intuitive, with the new double move, a smooth new control that can get you past defenders with the greatest of ease. Also a lighter weight back will likely do more cuts and jukes, while a heavy set back will do some trucking.

If you're wondering about new features, the game gives an overwhelming amount with exactly two! Both of which are just variations of past ones. One being the NEW NFl Superstar Hall of Fame Mode. The game says that you can make plays on and off the field, but I never found any sort of those kind of plays. Luckily, this time around you will find that you can control the player by controlling that player alone, and not taking the snaps. A new influence radar is present now, but it is similar to those damn popups found online.

NFL Network is the other new feature, an add on that simply takes advantage of a new sponsor. It is almost identical to the walkthroughs Madden gives you, but this time it's who else but Shannon Sharpe! Be sure to thank EA for that one.

Franchise mode returns with the option of playing the college football all-star game, making it easier to scout rookies. The other features such as create a fan, team, playbook or pretty much anything is still here. Historic rosters are back, and better than ever! You can play through many Historic Teams, bearing the names of QB7 and HB32. That feature really puts you in the moment.

The EA sports trax are now larger than ever, including nearly 40 trax this year. The artists include Atreyu, Underoath, Taking Back Sunday and many other venial emo bands. It is also quite odd that Anti-Flag is played so much in Washington. Oh well. The commentating however has not improved much. If you are playing a game in franchise or superstar mode, you will be commentated by an announcer that is lively as Terrell Owens while using medication. When you have the game who said the famous, "Do you believe miracles", I would expect he would be used as much as possible.

As the series continues, John Madden is going in the same direction of the video games. Getting wrinklier and fatter each year. Even if there are some cool modes to go about, you'll still feel like you have been playing the same game all these years, since you have. EA will need to find a way to make each annual addition in the madden franchise worth buying. This is not quite the year.