Electronic Arts Madden 10 Football Reviews

Electronic Arts Madden 10 Football — 

I know this sounds cliche', but this year's version of Madden is better than ever. There are many new enhanced graphics and visuals. The experience can be additionally enhanced with a HDTV, Overall, the whole game offers a real realistic experience than the last. Many visuals seen on the game are usually seen on Sundays. The new player models are excellent. In the previous next-gen versions of Madden, many of the player models were kind of bulky looking. Now, the players are built more realistically. New uniform accessories have been added, such as towels, hand warmers, team colored gloves, and team colored cleats. They are not the same boring black and white cleats, which was on the previous versions. For the first time, uniforms can be interchanged, as well. Seen on SundaysDuring the game, many details and animations can be seen on the game, fan interactions, QBs talking on the phone, coaches ranting, players talking on the sidelines, kickers practicing kicks, players riding the exercise bike, referee interactions and chain gains. One of the coolest features is seeing fans leave early, if their team's game has gotten way out of hand. It is also quite funny. The most exciting feature is the referees interactions on questionable TDs. The two refs will look at each other and talk. Then, they will either throw their hands up or decline the TD. Sometimes, it is a lot of suspense, while waiting to see the decided call. How many times have fans been in suspense, while waiting on the referees in a real game? Some may call some of the new visuals gimmicks, but it is what you see in real football.The halftime presentation is great. You'll love the different angles, which the highlights are shown. Unlike Madden 09, they show just about every relevant higlight. It is creative. Plus, the commentary during the halftime show is not that bad, either. This new feature is an upgrade over the dull halftime features of last year's version of Madden.Game PlayThe game play is better. First off, the game speed can be adjusted. Many of you played the demo and didn't like the speed of the game. Well, it can go from very slow, slow, normal, fast and very fast. The player animations and movements are realistically fluid and not robotic, such as the previous versions. I noticed on some movements, the players use more momentum. Players can't just break out and turn different corners, quickly, like they are on wheels. They actually bend and don't stay upright, while turning a corner. Sometimes, the player may have to make a cut, in order to head up field. The Pro-Tak is realistic. The players pile up, when necessary. It is not an every down occurrence. I also love the physics used for the player's different reactions to being hit. Sometimes, the player's tumble after they have been hit. Players fall many different ways. In fact, they have many different falling motions, unlike the previous versions. Sometimes, it even seems as if they are going to break out of a tackle, then they start to fall. There have been times when I was on the edge of my seat because I thought my player was breaking the last tackle in order to "take it to the house", but he goes down. That is very realistic. Madden 2010,  has also added different catching animations, as well. The players use their hands a lot more and adjust to the various ways the ball is being thrown to them. The way the players swing their heads on an overhead throw looks great.The defense is improved. Controlling a player in the secondary is a lot easier. The best defensive experience is at the line of scrimmage. DTs and DEs can penetrate a whoooole lot better than ever before. This makes the players more likely to be more successful in the sack and run-stopping department. In fact, many different moves can be made by using the R3 stick, instead of the R1 button (PS3 version) on the previous Madden games. For example, on last year's version, I could barely penetrate with the best DT in the league (Albert Haynesworth). Now, I can make more impact plays.The game is very competitive!!! Even this year's version of All-Pro is a lot harder than the previous versions. Players cannot expect to just dominate the game above the Pro level. Many glitches from the previous version have been neutralized, as well. Also, the computer does not make themselves sitting ducks for hit-stick tackles, such as previous versions of Madden. They do more weaving on this game, which is fine. Shutting down the computer's running game won't be as easy, especially if the RB is good.Another cool feature is the roster update. For those who like to keep REAL rosters updated, don't bother to do it yourself! The automatic roster update does it for you. Now, you must go to online mode. When you go to depth chart, a sign will pop up, which prompts you to update the roster. Agree and the updated roster will load. You can save this and play with updated rosters in exhibition or other modes. Another plus is the mode will have players who aren't even on the game. For example, I play with the Redskins and rookie Jeremy Jarmon was not on the game. Well, in roster update, he was added to the roster. This is a neat feature. Also, player ratings can fluctuate, depending on what kind of season they are having. I heard this feature was on last year's version, but I never tried it. I guess I tried it this year because they made more of an emphasis on it.FlawsThere are a few things that disturb me about the game. The first issue is the new running motions of the players. It seems like they run with their heads down. They also look as if they are just struggling to try to run. In addition, every player runs in the same motion. The previous Madden had at least 3 or 4 different running motions. The next issue is the new "fight for the fumble" feature. There was a play, which the player fumbled and two of my team members dove on the ball. Clearly, I had possession of the football. Unfortunately, I still had to fight for the football and lost possession of the recovery. Of course, this feature can be turned off.The commentary is just dull and scripted. It would be nice to have a Madden, which has some loud an exciting commentary. For example, if someone makes a spectacular catch, I want the commentator to have excitement in his voice,  to capture that moment when the play happens.  also some say hearing exciting commentary, while watching a game makes it more exciting.  i  do agree with them.  so The dull commentary  sometimes takes away from that experience.The VerdictEverything on the game has been improved in many ways. In fact, it is a complete turnaround from the last version. If it were not for the few flaws, which I mentioned, the game would be even more superior. Of course, no game is going to be perfect, no matter what. Many critics need to realize this. Therefore, if you loved Madden 09 (2008 was horrific), you will absolutely love this latest installment of Madden. Keep in mind, this finished product is a lot better than the demo!