Madden NFL ’07
Electronic Arts
Various platforms
games
Tell your teachers to forget about homework. Tell your parents you’re eating dinner in your room. Call up some friends and pick up the sticks—it’s game time. Madden ’07 is out. The highest-selling pro football franchise is back for its 17th year with new and improved features, such as “Hall of Fame” mode and lead blocker controls. The biggest improvement, however, is the updated rosters, where new NFL stars such as Reggie Bush make their debuts with their respective new teams, and the NFL’s free agents join their latest squads. Although the pro football season doesn’t begin until September 7, Madden’s trademark verbal barrage—as always—makes it feel like an amped-up Sunday afternoon in the middle of November.
Madden ’07 keeps the features of previous games, such as Quarterback Vision, Hit Stick, Jukes, Mini Camps, and Offensive and Defensive Playmakers, while incorporating welcome new features into the action. For hard-core gamers who have previously been frustrated with Madden’s faulty computer blocking, the game now offers the chance to control blockers and score touchdowns by flattening the defense. Gamers can also take a player in his rookie season and lead him through an entire career—and possibly into the Hall of Fame. Another personal favorite of mine is that all 32 teams have close rankings that accurately represent the parity of the National Football League. Unlike former editions, which gave the lower teams no chance against the perennial favorites, this year’s Madden guarantees every team a fighting chance.
One drawback to all of this innovation is that, with so many complex new features, figuring out the right button to mash is occasionally confusing—but complaining about Madden is like complaining about having to drive the Beemer instead of the Merc. Hey, buddy—you’re still driving a sports car! Madden, once again, proves itself a must-own for any true football or video-game lover.—Sean Petterson