For years, the Madden series has always been the king of the American football genre with little opposition. This year, Madden 10 is setting out to retain its title with a wealth of new features and gameplay tweaks to please veteran and new fans of the series.
For those who found themselves evading the sport altogether, Madden follows the same setup whereby players control quarter-backs, runners and defensive lines. A large amount of tactics and strategies are available for selection after play, although to add to the mix are new gameplay features, such as improved animation technologies that allow up to nine players to be involved in tackles, fumble sections where players must fight for the loose ball, as well as more streamlined and realistic player momentum and interactions.
Game modes, such as the franchise mode has also been enhanced, whereby those budding managerial enthusiasts can have their go at the football world, or players can take on Superstar Mode (Madden’s equivalent to FIFA’s Be a Pro Mode) where players can create their star athlete from scratch or take control of existing stars, and try take them through the ranks to hopeful MVP and Super Bowl glory.
Madden has always been one for great presentation and this year it’s no different. The already impressive graphics and animations from yesteryears are amped up with heightened detail and smoother movements and motions. Players act uniquely and differently to tackles, cut scenes show unparalleled realism and even halftime and post game shows are incorporated with official commentary and game summaries which all contribute to the atmosphere.
All in all, Madden 10 is essentially the same Madden fans have grown to love, packaged in a new wrapping with some new features and gameplay elements, which veteran players may only notice. But to everyone else, it’s a fantastic entry medium into the sport and really shines when playing alongside or against a friend. If Madden has always been your thing, give it a shot. If not, maybe try before you buy.
[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20]
