Madden NFL 07

UPC: 014633152302

Platform: Xbox

Publisher: EA Sports

Developer: EA Tiburon

Category: Sports

Style(s): Football (American)

Synopsis: EA Sports' blockbuster football series continues for an unprecedented 17th season with Madden NFL 07 for Xbox. In addition to the yearly tweaks to the graphics engine and sound, Madden NFL 07's primary area of focus is the running game. For the first time in the series, players can take control of the lead blocker and create holes in the defensive line for the tailback to run through. The right analog stick, dubbed the "highlight stick" for this installment, offers new jukes, cutbacks, and signature-style moves for the game's top rushing stars, including cover athlete and MVP Shaun Alexander. The popular franchise mode returns with an option to track college athletes using the NFL Draft Scouting System and College All-Star Game. Franchise owners will also be able to unlock ability-enhancing roles for stars with standout team performances, while defensive minded players can sift through team-specific playbooks instead of calling basic schemes. A revamped superstar mode now follows a single position's career on and off the field, complete with custom camera views and controls for a more intimate experience. Another feature making a return is Xbox Live support, where football fans from across the U.S. vie for the top leaderboard spot. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 12-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

The graphics are good, but little comparison between the Xbox and Xbox 360 Version. The animation remains solid and the menus are very clean. ~ Damian Francis, All Game Guide

The Madden football development team over at EA Sports never seems to stop tweaking the popular franchise. It's risky business, tinkering with such a wildly popular game, but the developers don't have much of a choice if they want people to stay interested. Sometimes the additions to the game come off as a bit forced, like last year's clunky quarterback vision controls, but more often than not the new features are successful. Such is the case with Madden NFL 07, as the new features are not only successful with a completely organic feel, but they also make up for some of last year's deficiencies. There are no new game modes this year, but last year's unspectacular superstar mode has been greatly improved upon thanks to the new focus on player's influence, ego, and roles. There are still a few problems with the superstar mode, but this year's additions make it much more playable. The franchise mode has also received some minor tweaks, primarily in the scouting area. Gamers now have the option to play a college all-star game to scout incoming players, and the actual scouting has now taken the form of training camp drills rather than simply checking a players name and receiving his scouting report. Both of these additions are very good ideas, but the all-star game doesn't reveal all that much about player's abilities. Also, Madden NFL 07 allows for the scouting of only eight players, where before gamers could scout up to 45 different players coming into the draft. There are also some superficial additions that are mostly successful, like the ability to switch directly from one defender to another without having to cycle through the entire defensive squad. In addition, there is a new kicking dynamic that is rather harmless as it utilizes the analog controls rather than the A button. The most talked about new addition to this year's game is the lead blocking controls, and Big Uglies everywhere can rejoice because they have finally gotten some recognition. The lead blocking controls work very well as they allow gamers to wrestle control from the oft absent-minded CPU blockers, and after the fullback flattens an onrushing linebacker, gamers can switch to the running back to keep the foolish CPU from rushing headlong into a defensive tackle. Not only are the blocking controls successful, but they are also strangely fun. So much so that creating an offensive lineman in superstar mode is now a viable option. As great as the lead blocking controls are, perhaps the best new feature is the addition of player roles. There are now a couple dozen position-specific player roles, from clutch kicker to underachiever, with each role affecting not only that player's performance, but also the performance of his teammates, and the performance of the other team. There is a very tangible effect that certain real football players can have on a game, and the player role feature is a terrific depiction of that effect. Madden NFL 07 is a highly enjoyable game that hits more than it misses. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The sound effects are good as always, but the commentary is choppy and tired. The nice NFL Films song remixes from last year are back, and this year the originals are included as well. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The Madden gameplay has always been spectacular and it gets better with the new offensive line and running back controls. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.