Madden NFL 06

Steven kicks this 'Football' game into touch...

More Images

With the release of any new games console comes the inevitable slew of EA-branded sports games and the debut of Microsoft's new powerhouse is no different. This concoction is a mixed bag, with some slightly disappointing titles and several more pleasing additions. Fortunately for all you American football fanatics out there, Madden is one that really stands out, at least graphically speaking. However, while the game appears immaculate on the surface, it is when taking a closer look at the mechanics of the title that problems begin to emerge.

Unlike other EA games for the new Xbox, which seem to be straight ports from their current-generation counterparts, it is clear to see that this Madden title has been specifically developed with the 360 in mind. From the spectacular visuals, to the sleek menu system and a control layout designed to harness the functionality and the ergonomic prowess of the new 360 controller. It doesn't take a genius to realise that effort has been made to make sure this stands out head and shoulders above American football games on the Xbox and PS2. It is the sheer detail both on and off the pitch which will really amaze you. The fully 3D crowds boast a whole range of convincing chants, adding to the depth and realism. Whilst not all the players on the database can claim individually created faces, the big names brag incredibly life-like opposite numbers. Even coaches have been faithfully recreated, the result of which is an unprecedented level of immersion and detail in an American football game.

Despite a few rough animations which can see the players become 'stuck' to each other, especially between replays and injury screens, the game yields very impressive results in the visual department. However, once the sheen is taken off, there is very little else in terms of modes and options. Apart from the return of Franchise Mode, albeit a watered down return, there is little else that will hold your attention for too long. Gone is the superstar mode, create-a-player option and even the practice mode is missing. Also the commentary is missing one key element, the legend that is John Madden. Despite the fill-ins doing a good enough job (if somewhat sporadically), it just doesn't feel quite as authentic without him. The lack of depth to the single player mode hints at a lack of development time, however considering the size and strength of a company like EA and its affiliates, there is little excuse for the extent of absences.

The online aspect of the game has been treated in much the same way; playing second fiddle to the graphical advancement of the series. While there is still the option to challenge players in the standard ranked and unranked games there is little else, with EA Tiburon seeing fit to add nothing in the way of online tournaments or DOA-style lobby systems. However what it does, it does well, with little lag or slowdown noticeable.

In spite of the lack of new game modes, several more pleasing changes have been made. The gameplay has been built completely rebuilt according to EA Tiburon and this does indeed show in places. The most noticeable addition is the play selection screen. While in previous Madden instalments it was fairly laborious to find and select a specific play, it has now been made infinitely more accessible with the splitting up of play types into different sections, so it is easier to select that killer shotgun pass or outside hand-off. The ability to 'ask the coach' or even old Madden himself is another noteworthy addition especially useful for newcomers getting to grips with the game.

The game mechanics themselves have also been slightly altered with mixed results. The inclusion of the 'truck stick' gives the offence a little more physical presence when gunning for the line; as a simple thrust of the right thumbstick causes a firm handoff often resulting in a dazed member of the defence being left on the turf. Passing has also been tweaked with the return of QB vision with the use of a 'vision cone' effectively making passing more realistic and hopefully rewarding. However the developers have realised it's not to everyone's taste and is thus not active by default. The slight remapping of the control system has improved the flow of the game with the spin and juke buttons responsive to directional change allowing for some slick on and off the ball movement.

Overall, it is clear what the developers have tried to do with its first foray into the world of Xbox 360 American football games. The graphical 'wow' factor is certainly there which will provide any non HD-TV owning gamer with as good as any excuse to remedy that fact (although the game still looks barn stormingly good on a normal TV), however the key issue is whether these looks alone are enough to hold the gamer's attention. While the title is still undoubtedly fun to play it lacks real depth thanks to the somewhat bizarre removal of key modes, and the ones that have made the cut are somewhat watered down versions of their former selves. However this game is still a must for any American football lover if only due to the lack of competition on the new platform. In conclusion, the underlying tone is that EA Tiburon's first steps into the world of next-generation football are solid if unspectacular. But as is often the case with EA, there's always next year.

79%

By Steven Embling