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This thread has been linked to the game 'Madden NFL 2008'.
NFL fever is striking an all time high what with the regular season going so well and the awesome game played in Wembley last Sunday I thought it was about time I picked up Madden ’08 to see what new things EA introduced to their great franchise. I’m happy to say they’ve done well in creating another reason to go out and buy yet another Madden game.
Madden is the definite NFL experience and it seems like it will always be like that (what with EA buying the rights to the league) so it’s vital to all NFL fans out there, that these games remain in tip top shape. Last year the Wii saw its first attempt at the franchise and it worked out very very well. While there were some problems, it was still a solid effort. But where do you go from there then? While EA hasn’t exactly gone forward drastically, it is another great sports title that the Wii is so sorely missing at the moment.
The rules of the game for those of you out there who don’t know are fairly complex but mainly revolve around the offensive team having four plays or attempts in which to move the ball ten yards. If they are successful then they get another four plays in which to gain another ten yards. While this is going on the defensive side is of course trying to prevent them going anywhere. If they stop the team moving ten yards the ball is turned over and they then get a turn at moving forward. Going into specific rules would take a long time so sadly you’d have to make do with this for now but search anywhere online and you’re bound to come across them. Upon this subject is where we come across the games first flaw. It doesn’t explain the rules of the game at all so for those of you who are new to it you will have trouble learning it all. Obviously fans of the sport won’t have any problem with this.
The game doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features. All the old modes make a return with usuals Franchise, training camp, (hurling games at you that are designed to improve your throwing, running etc...) and exhibition there. But along for the ride is an improved Superstar mode that allows you to take any created player and guide them through the joys and strains of training sessions, season games, interviews and even movie contracts. It’s a nice refreshing change from the usual template you’re used to in season modes of EA’s sports titles. Also exclusive to the Wii is a Party Mode that offers a unique set of games and options. Not forgetting the more important online component and you have a huge package.
The party mode is surprisingly robust and provides a lot of fun especially if you’re playing with three friends. While a lot of the games in the mini game collection are copies of the training camp games the added factor of competing for a high score makes them feel fresh. Returning favourites such as field goal contest make a return as well as the incredibly fun two-on-two football. So the mini game mode is great, which now leads us on to the trivia mode. This can really only be fully appreciated if you’re a fan of the sport. Chances are newcomers aren’t going to know what the Buccaneers mascot is called or who won the Superbowl of 1998. If you have knowledge of the game though you’ll find this a nice, if a little basic (it’s simply ten questions asked with points awarded for correct answers and taken away for wrong ones) distraction.
With this Wii being fairly new to the idea of online gaming you’d think that Madden ’08 would be a little lacking in this area, yet oddly enough they’ve provided a server even better than Nintendo’s own. Rather than using the annoying friend codes seen in Mario Strikers Charged Football you instead simply sign up using a username and password and then enter a selection of lobbies varying in skill of players and location. The experience is usually lag free with the odd exception here and there and while chatting is limited to common phrases the game supplies you with rather than headsets or even your own messaging, it’s definitely a step forward as far as the Wii is concerned.
The Wii version doesn’t go crazy when it comes to using the remotes’ functions but does more than enough to create a new and yet still deep experience. Throwing gestures perform quarterback throws, moving the remote forward tackles players and swinging the control in an upward motion will kick the ball during punts and field goals. These are but a few of the motions you can use during matches and what is great is that they never feel too complicated to grasp. Furthermore, complex manoeuvres like spins, sprints and audibles are controlled via buttons rather than unnecessary tacked on waggles of the remote. EA have managed to offer a great control system whilst still taking advantage of the Wii’s abilities without sacrificing any depth of the 360 and PS3 versions unlike many other multi platform games out there. There are a few hiccups here and there, for example when snapping the ball back the control will then read it as a throw too causing your quarterback to lob it away immediately. I won’t go into detail of all of them but while they don’t break the game so to speak, they definitely hinder it slightly.
If there’s one thing EA should have definitely looked to improve upon, it’s the visuals. There appears to be little or no attempt at advancing the looks of this game with it looking pretty much the same as last years version. It might even look a little worse than the PS2 version. However when it comes to music the game comes out trumps. With the likes of Yellowcard and Atreyu among many other great bands you’ll never get tired of hearing their tracks. Commentary is good and beats any other sports title out there, but John Madden and Al Michaels sound a little unexcited by the games events that take place on screen at times. Another area in which there seems to be little improvement since last year.
Madden 08 seems like a step sideways which isn't really a bad thing. While it has added some great new features from last year it has also managed to ignore improving some of the things that hurt it too like the dodgy visuals, odd control glitches and untouched commentary. It is still by far the most in-depth sports title on the Wii that might even sway those of you who have always thought about trying something new. Plus with the addition of online play it should entice even those who owned last years version.
90%
Madden is the definite NFL experience and it seems like it will always be like that (what with EA buying the rights to the league) so it’s vital to all NFL fans out there, that these games remain in tip top shape. Last year the Wii saw its first attempt at the franchise and it worked out very very well. While there were some problems, it was still a solid effort. But where do you go from there then? While EA hasn’t exactly gone forward drastically, it is another great sports title that the Wii is so sorely missing at the moment.
The rules of the game for those of you out there who don’t know are fairly complex but mainly revolve around the offensive team having four plays or attempts in which to move the ball ten yards. If they are successful then they get another four plays in which to gain another ten yards. While this is going on the defensive side is of course trying to prevent them going anywhere. If they stop the team moving ten yards the ball is turned over and they then get a turn at moving forward. Going into specific rules would take a long time so sadly you’d have to make do with this for now but search anywhere online and you’re bound to come across them. Upon this subject is where we come across the games first flaw. It doesn’t explain the rules of the game at all so for those of you who are new to it you will have trouble learning it all. Obviously fans of the sport won’t have any problem with this.
The game doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features. All the old modes make a return with usuals Franchise, training camp, (hurling games at you that are designed to improve your throwing, running etc...) and exhibition there. But along for the ride is an improved Superstar mode that allows you to take any created player and guide them through the joys and strains of training sessions, season games, interviews and even movie contracts. It’s a nice refreshing change from the usual template you’re used to in season modes of EA’s sports titles. Also exclusive to the Wii is a Party Mode that offers a unique set of games and options. Not forgetting the more important online component and you have a huge package.
The party mode is surprisingly robust and provides a lot of fun especially if you’re playing with three friends. While a lot of the games in the mini game collection are copies of the training camp games the added factor of competing for a high score makes them feel fresh. Returning favourites such as field goal contest make a return as well as the incredibly fun two-on-two football. So the mini game mode is great, which now leads us on to the trivia mode. This can really only be fully appreciated if you’re a fan of the sport. Chances are newcomers aren’t going to know what the Buccaneers mascot is called or who won the Superbowl of 1998. If you have knowledge of the game though you’ll find this a nice, if a little basic (it’s simply ten questions asked with points awarded for correct answers and taken away for wrong ones) distraction.
With this Wii being fairly new to the idea of online gaming you’d think that Madden ’08 would be a little lacking in this area, yet oddly enough they’ve provided a server even better than Nintendo’s own. Rather than using the annoying friend codes seen in Mario Strikers Charged Football you instead simply sign up using a username and password and then enter a selection of lobbies varying in skill of players and location. The experience is usually lag free with the odd exception here and there and while chatting is limited to common phrases the game supplies you with rather than headsets or even your own messaging, it’s definitely a step forward as far as the Wii is concerned.
The Wii version doesn’t go crazy when it comes to using the remotes’ functions but does more than enough to create a new and yet still deep experience. Throwing gestures perform quarterback throws, moving the remote forward tackles players and swinging the control in an upward motion will kick the ball during punts and field goals. These are but a few of the motions you can use during matches and what is great is that they never feel too complicated to grasp. Furthermore, complex manoeuvres like spins, sprints and audibles are controlled via buttons rather than unnecessary tacked on waggles of the remote. EA have managed to offer a great control system whilst still taking advantage of the Wii’s abilities without sacrificing any depth of the 360 and PS3 versions unlike many other multi platform games out there. There are a few hiccups here and there, for example when snapping the ball back the control will then read it as a throw too causing your quarterback to lob it away immediately. I won’t go into detail of all of them but while they don’t break the game so to speak, they definitely hinder it slightly.
If there’s one thing EA should have definitely looked to improve upon, it’s the visuals. There appears to be little or no attempt at advancing the looks of this game with it looking pretty much the same as last years version. It might even look a little worse than the PS2 version. However when it comes to music the game comes out trumps. With the likes of Yellowcard and Atreyu among many other great bands you’ll never get tired of hearing their tracks. Commentary is good and beats any other sports title out there, but John Madden and Al Michaels sound a little unexcited by the games events that take place on screen at times. Another area in which there seems to be little improvement since last year.
Madden 08 seems like a step sideways which isn't really a bad thing. While it has added some great new features from last year it has also managed to ignore improving some of the things that hurt it too like the dodgy visuals, odd control glitches and untouched commentary. It is still by far the most in-depth sports title on the Wii that might even sway those of you who have always thought about trying something new. Plus with the addition of online play it should entice even those who owned last years version.
90%
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NFL fever is striking an all time high what with the regular season going so well and the awesome game played in Wembley last Sunday I thought it was about time I picked up Madden ’08 to see what new things EA introduced to their great franchise. I’m happy to say they’ve done well in creating another reason to go out and buy yet another Madden game.
Madden is the definite NFL experience and it seems like it will always be like that (what with EA buying the rights to the league) so it’s vital to all NFL fans out there, that these games remain in tip top shape. Last year the Wii saw its first attempt at the franchise and it worked out very very well. While there were some problems, it was still a solid effort. But where do you go from there then? While EA hasn’t exactly gone forward drastically, it is another great sports title that the Wii is so sorely missing at the moment.
The rules of the game for those of you out there who don’t know are fairly complex but mainly revolve around the offensive team having four plays or attempts in which to move the ball ten yards. If they are successful then they get another four plays in which to gain another ten yards. While this is going on the defensive side is of course trying to prevent them going anywhere. If they stop the team moving ten yards the ball is turned over and they then get a turn at moving forward. Going into specific rules would take a long time so sadly you’d have to make do with this for now but search anywhere online and you’re bound to come across them. Upon this subject is where we come across the games first flaw. It doesn’t explain the rules of the game at all so for those of you who are new to it you will have trouble learning it all. Obviously fans of the sport won’t have any problem with this.
The game doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features. All the old modes make a return with usuals Franchise, training camp, (hurling games at you that are designed to improve your throwing, running etc...) and exhibition there. But along for the ride is an improved Superstar mode that allows you to take any created player and guide them through the joys and strains of training sessions, season games, interviews and even movie contracts. It’s a nice refreshing change from the usual template you’re used to in season modes of EA’s sports titles. Also exclusive to the Wii is a Party Mode that offers a unique set of games and options. Not forgetting the more important online component and you have a huge package.
The party mode is surprisingly robust and provides a lot of fun especially if you’re playing with three friends. While a lot of the games in the mini game collection are copies of the training camp games the added factor of competing for a high score makes them feel fresh. Returning favourites such as field goal contest make a return as well as the incredibly fun two-on-two football. So the mini game mode is great, which now leads us on to the trivia mode. This can really only be fully appreciated if you’re a fan of the sport. Chances are newcomers aren’t going to know what the Buccaneers mascot is called or who won the Superbowl of 1998. If you have knowledge of the game though you’ll find this a nice, if a little basic (it’s simply ten questions asked with points awarded for correct answers and taken away for wrong ones) distraction.
With this Wii being fairly new to the idea of online gaming you’d think that Madden ’08 would be a little lacking in this area, yet oddly enough they’ve provided a server even better than Nintendo’s own. Rather than using the annoying friend codes seen in Mario Strikers Charged Football you instead simply sign up using a username and password and then enter a selection of lobbies varying in skill of players and location. The experience is usually lag free with the odd exception here and there and while chatting is limited to common phrases the game supplies you with rather than headsets or even your own messaging, it’s definitely a step forward as far as the Wii is concerned.
The Wii version doesn’t go crazy when it comes to using the remotes’ functions but does more than enough to create a new and yet still deep experience. Throwing gestures perform quarterback throws, moving the remote forward tackles players and swinging the control in an upward motion will kick the ball during punts and field goals. These are but a few of the motions you can use during matches and what is great is that they never feel too complicated to grasp. Furthermore, complex manoeuvres like spins, sprints and audibles are controlled via buttons rather than unnecessary tacked on waggles of the remote. EA have managed to offer a great control system whilst still taking advantage of the Wii’s abilities without sacrificing any depth of the 360 and PS3 versions unlike many other multi platform games out there. There are a few hiccups here and there, for example when snapping the ball back the control will then read it as a throw too causing your quarterback to lob it away immediately. I won’t go into detail of all of them but while they don’t break the game so to speak, they definitely hinder it slightly.
If there’s one thing EA should have definitely looked to improve upon, it’s the visuals. There appears to be little or no attempt at advancing the looks of this game with it looking pretty much the same as last years version. It might even look a little worse than the PS2 version. However when it comes to music the game comes out trumps. With the likes of Yellowcard and Atreyu among many other great bands you’ll never get tired of hearing their tracks. Commentary is good and beats any other sports title out there, but John Madden and Al Michaels sound a little unexcited by the games events that take place on screen at times. Another area in which there seems to be little improvement since last year.
Madden 08 seems like a step sideways which isn't really a bad thing. While it has added some great new features from last year it has also managed to ignore improving some of the things that hurt it too like the dodgy visuals, odd control glitches and untouched commentary. It is still by far the most in-depth sports title on the Wii that might even sway those of you who have always thought about trying something new. Plus with the addition of online play it should entice even those who owned last years version.
90%
Madden is the definite NFL experience and it seems like it will always be like that (what with EA buying the rights to the league) so it’s vital to all NFL fans out there, that these games remain in tip top shape. Last year the Wii saw its first attempt at the franchise and it worked out very very well. While there were some problems, it was still a solid effort. But where do you go from there then? While EA hasn’t exactly gone forward drastically, it is another great sports title that the Wii is so sorely missing at the moment.
The rules of the game for those of you out there who don’t know are fairly complex but mainly revolve around the offensive team having four plays or attempts in which to move the ball ten yards. If they are successful then they get another four plays in which to gain another ten yards. While this is going on the defensive side is of course trying to prevent them going anywhere. If they stop the team moving ten yards the ball is turned over and they then get a turn at moving forward. Going into specific rules would take a long time so sadly you’d have to make do with this for now but search anywhere online and you’re bound to come across them. Upon this subject is where we come across the games first flaw. It doesn’t explain the rules of the game at all so for those of you who are new to it you will have trouble learning it all. Obviously fans of the sport won’t have any problem with this.
The game doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features. All the old modes make a return with usuals Franchise, training camp, (hurling games at you that are designed to improve your throwing, running etc...) and exhibition there. But along for the ride is an improved Superstar mode that allows you to take any created player and guide them through the joys and strains of training sessions, season games, interviews and even movie contracts. It’s a nice refreshing change from the usual template you’re used to in season modes of EA’s sports titles. Also exclusive to the Wii is a Party Mode that offers a unique set of games and options. Not forgetting the more important online component and you have a huge package.
The party mode is surprisingly robust and provides a lot of fun especially if you’re playing with three friends. While a lot of the games in the mini game collection are copies of the training camp games the added factor of competing for a high score makes them feel fresh. Returning favourites such as field goal contest make a return as well as the incredibly fun two-on-two football. So the mini game mode is great, which now leads us on to the trivia mode. This can really only be fully appreciated if you’re a fan of the sport. Chances are newcomers aren’t going to know what the Buccaneers mascot is called or who won the Superbowl of 1998. If you have knowledge of the game though you’ll find this a nice, if a little basic (it’s simply ten questions asked with points awarded for correct answers and taken away for wrong ones) distraction.
With this Wii being fairly new to the idea of online gaming you’d think that Madden ’08 would be a little lacking in this area, yet oddly enough they’ve provided a server even better than Nintendo’s own. Rather than using the annoying friend codes seen in Mario Strikers Charged Football you instead simply sign up using a username and password and then enter a selection of lobbies varying in skill of players and location. The experience is usually lag free with the odd exception here and there and while chatting is limited to common phrases the game supplies you with rather than headsets or even your own messaging, it’s definitely a step forward as far as the Wii is concerned.
The Wii version doesn’t go crazy when it comes to using the remotes’ functions but does more than enough to create a new and yet still deep experience. Throwing gestures perform quarterback throws, moving the remote forward tackles players and swinging the control in an upward motion will kick the ball during punts and field goals. These are but a few of the motions you can use during matches and what is great is that they never feel too complicated to grasp. Furthermore, complex manoeuvres like spins, sprints and audibles are controlled via buttons rather than unnecessary tacked on waggles of the remote. EA have managed to offer a great control system whilst still taking advantage of the Wii’s abilities without sacrificing any depth of the 360 and PS3 versions unlike many other multi platform games out there. There are a few hiccups here and there, for example when snapping the ball back the control will then read it as a throw too causing your quarterback to lob it away immediately. I won’t go into detail of all of them but while they don’t break the game so to speak, they definitely hinder it slightly.
If there’s one thing EA should have definitely looked to improve upon, it’s the visuals. There appears to be little or no attempt at advancing the looks of this game with it looking pretty much the same as last years version. It might even look a little worse than the PS2 version. However when it comes to music the game comes out trumps. With the likes of Yellowcard and Atreyu among many other great bands you’ll never get tired of hearing their tracks. Commentary is good and beats any other sports title out there, but John Madden and Al Michaels sound a little unexcited by the games events that take place on screen at times. Another area in which there seems to be little improvement since last year.
Madden 08 seems like a step sideways which isn't really a bad thing. While it has added some great new features from last year it has also managed to ignore improving some of the things that hurt it too like the dodgy visuals, odd control glitches and untouched commentary. It is still by far the most in-depth sports title on the Wii that might even sway those of you who have always thought about trying something new. Plus with the addition of online play it should entice even those who owned last years version.
90%