Customer Reviews

Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collectors Edition

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been an avid hater of the Madden Franchise since they bought out the NFL license in 2005. I've been a 2k guy for a few years now. My hatred has been solidified with every time I pick up a friend's copy of each Madden series installment riddled with poor gameplay, features, bad AI, and an over emphasis on graphics. Heck, I've been playing ESPN NFL 2k5 since 2005 regularly for my NFL fix. That was until this edition came along.

I have to say I'm extremely impressed with Madden NFL 09. Yes, the graphics are great, but the gameplay and presentation and features are all there as well. Something that the 2k series has had Madden beat on for a very long time.

This game is great in many areas. For example: staying in the pocket to make good throws. Gang-tackling. Consistently changing computer AI that adapts to how well or how incompetent you are in the game of football; oh and it actually works very well, too. So you're always challenged on a consistent basis. Something that really appealed to me for this version was the ability to import plays created in Head Coach 09.

Another thing that really hit me was the ability to scout out college prospects throughout the year. I always hated in previous years of any football game (i.e. NFL 2k and Madden NFL) how you had to gather up all the info you needed for a draft in a span of a few simulated weeks in the off-season. Now you do it all season long. So it's easier to make a good decision on what guys you want during the draft.

All in all Madden 09 is great, but not perfect. I've made through an entire season, and I'm very satisfied with the product I've purchased. Sure there a few nit picky things that come up. One is when the clock gets down to 1:01 left in a half, the computer will virtually always call a timeout when behind. But like I said: that's nit picking.

And this FREEZING thing people keep talking about? Yeah, I haven't seen it on my XBox 360 console. I do have the new one with the HDMI on the back, so maybe that's why. I don't know. But I've left my console on for hours while keeping a game on pause, coming back to it later, and it continues without a hitch. Honestly, I've seen my copy of NFL2k5 freeze way more often in the span of a season (about 2 to 3 times) compared to Madden 09 (0 times).

I'll go out on a limb and say it might be the best Madden yet. However there were things I really liked about the 2005 version and even the 2000 version, too. Actually, Madden '93 was actually my favorite Madden of the 90s, and that leads me to something disappointing I'll reveal.

Madden '93 for this game is not the real Madden '93. It's actually a dumbed down version with the current rosters and teams, and there is no other mode to play but exhibition mode.

I actually liked Head Coach 09. I managed to get a copy of the 07 version, and it was okay. I thought it had potential, but that was it. The 09 version made some improvements. Picking your staff is easier. The games are actually 15 min long per quarter instead of 2 min per quarter. I don't like how during halftime you can't motivate your team or make adjustments. I'd go further into it, but the bottom line for people on the fence about purchasing this version of Madden to get Head Coach 09 need to understand one thing. This is a simulation of the heart ache that comes with being a Head Coach. I admit, it feels like a job sometimes when you play this game. But it is a simulation of what being a head coach in the NFL is kind of like. Unfortunately, there are things about Head Coach 09 that you can do that really only the GM has control over in real life. But I'm weird like that how I know that, but I love Pro Football. Since I'm a nut about it, I do appreciate playing a game like Head Coach '09.

The special features disc is nice to watch and then store. That's about it for that. It's nothing you can't find on YouTube or on a re-run of a show on NFL network.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this product. I found my copy online for 65 bones brand new, and it was worth every penny. It's safe to say that my copy of NFL 2k5 is going to be collecting a lot of dust over the next couple of years or so. This Madden is that good for a 2k lover to cross over to the "dark side" and enjoy. Heck, if you're weary because you are a Madden fan and have been burned by bad games since Madden 06, then don't fret. At the very least, pick up a copy of Madden NFL 09. You won't be disappointed this year.

Bought as a gift but had a chance to play with it. The 09 is great, just what you expect, better everything. What is really neat is looking at the first version - wow! Game has come a long way. Brings back some memories too!

If you like football then this is the game for you. Collector's edition comes with 3 disks. Madden 09 is for the most part the same as 08. The graphics on 09 are a step up even if you play on non-high defition. The skills IQ test is a nice addition. The game will set up according to your ability to play. Your IQ will raise as your game skill improves. The other side of that is; if you play like a donkey then it will show that too. Head Coach 09 for the person who dreams of being a head coach. You call the shots for your team. This is a thinking game not a skill game. If your not into the nuts and bolts of football this may not be the game for you. The 3rd disk is a bonus. What it's about? I don't have a clue. I can't seem to get pass the frist two games.

This is the first time I've played the Madden games... so I can't compare it to past versions. But when I first put in my console....I was completely "wowed" when my 61" tv lit up and sounds were swirling all around me with my Bose system.... this game is really cool!! And thank goodness for the virtual play, which allows you to learn the basics. It sure blows away the old football games from years ago!!!

The last few years of Madden have been plagued by stiff "plastic" looking graphics, half-a*sed controls, untuned gameplay (interceptions/fumbles galore), and less features than the PS2 version. Now, things have changed. The game is actually fun, with responsive controls and more realistic graphics. I definitely recommend the Special Edition as Head Coach is a great addition for the true football addict - infact, I play my franchise on that (much better implemented than Madden). Madden 93 is fun for 5 minutes to understand how far the game's come.

As a HUGE NFL 2k5 fan, this is the first time in years that I've really enjoyed a Madden game. Are there flaws? Yes. Some bugs kill the moment, but the improvements done in this game are truly exception. Not perfect, but a solid 4-star game. Maybe even 4 1/2 star once updates fix the problems (like adding accelerated clock and allowing for the old school PS2 "legacy" controls). Overall, the most important thing is that the game is FUN - and it has that aspect locked in spades.

The anniversary edition, as with all new Madden editions, has improved graphics. But this is the greatest improvement thus far in the series. The addition of IQ has potential but their first stab at IQ has some things left to be desired. Future editions I am sure will have better IQ function. Franchise mode has been good for years and unfortunately, there is little to no improvement here. I have not attempted the On-Line League function but it is about time they introduced it. I still would like to see an in game save feature that allows you to finish a game at a later date and this is something Madden designers need to introduce for the next edition. Overall this is a better edition with many of the same issues from past editions (AI still throws passes to players as they are running out of bounds, etc.)

So far one of the best of the Madden games ever made the best part is the your skill level play.
it also fun playing some old school Madden to realize how far we have gone.

As with most of my "deluxe" video game edition reviews, I will review the extras that you get with the Collector's Edition, rather than the game itself.

*Fully Playable Madden 93 Game: Turn back the clock and play the 16-bit Madden 93 game. Because I played Madden 93 fifteen years ago, I pondered to myself "WoW! I used to play this game?" This is not a game you would play for hours these days, but its nice addition to play and appreciate the past and how far the game came to this day.

*NFL Head Coach 09: If you are a fan of this series, you just might have to buy the entire Collector's Edition to play it this year.

*Extensive Playbook: This can certainly be useful for avid online players who might be looking for some extra weapons. There are 3 sets of extra playbooks available(Generation 1, 2 and 3.) Some of the plays go back 20 years ago!

*BONUS DISK: About 2 hours total time of 8 videos. Most of them are footages from NFL Network. Therefore if you do not get NFL Network in your area, this can be another selling point. The videos and their time in minutes and seconds are as follows:

Super Bowl 31 Highlights(23:41) - Packers Vs Pats
Week In review: Superbowl 31(20:41) - Packers Vs Pats
Week In Review: 2008 NFC Championship(14:02) - Packers Vs Giants
Manning, Brady, and Favre - The Quarterbacks(16:05) - Quarterbacks of today.
In Just One Play(14:37) - Join Chad Johnson as he discusses today's playmakers.
Moment of Impact(12:36) - Today's defensive playmakers.
NFL Greatest Follies, Volume 3(13:58) - Focuses on Touchdown Celebrations.
Madden NFL Concept Gallery(2:36) - Short Madden Game Art Gallery.


Bottom Line: If you can afford it and you are a Madden and NFL Fan, then definitely go for it and get the collector's edition. Also, the attractive packaging and box makes this a great gift.

The was a used game that was in excellent condition. My son loves it. I am very happy with this purchase.

First off, I'd like to say that it is getting old every game manufacturer putting out something, adding little trinkets like an eight-ball keychain, adding a couple of extra features, and calling it a "collector's edition."
EA Sports did an awesome job when they released Madden 05 and its "Collector's Edition." They did an awesome job adding the interviews and showing the progression all the way from the beginning of Madden to the then current generation and even including THREE different versions of Madden. Since then, I've been duped into buying the 07 collector's edition and this one. The "extra" disc is okay, but it doesn't warrant really being called an "extra" disc. I will review Head Coach 09 right now before I review Madden. :YAWN!!! I tried to play, and even made it through one game. Yawn. Anyway. On to the game..

CONS:
1. Way too much information on the screen prior to the snap. After a few games, I've gotten the preplay options down fairly well. I do hit the right stick, but it still does pop up every so often during the game.

2. While I do appreciate the attempt at commentary upgrade from prior versions, Cris Collinsworth is rather dull, and the next time i have to hear him say, "The joy about the NFL is watching qbs throw the ball, and WRs catching the ball." My, how insightful. Worse yet, "the tight end is like a pacifier." comment. enough!!! I feel at times that eugene levy is doing the play by play
2a. if Tom Hammond mentions one more frickin' time that today's game is brought to me by EA Sports, i will Elvis my TV and shoot it.
3. Bring Madden back into his own game.
4. bring back the all the officials, not just the referee, and the chain gang.
5. when i challenge a play, let me know what I'm challenging first. I hate challenging a catch on the sidelines, b/c the guy looked like he was out of bounds, but when I challenge, it challenges the spot of the ball.
6. every so often, Cris will go to show me a backtrack, the logo will come up, and w/o pressing anything, it will disappear and go back to normal gameplay w/o doing squat.
7. the td celebrations are a nice touch, but only make them available only after a cool TD like an INT ran back, or a kickoff, not when I QB sneak from a yard out with the game already in the bag.

PROS:
1. gameplay and graphics are awesome.
2. they brought back the option to allow the cpu to play itself if you are bored and just want to watch.
3. the ability to bluff your plays. when i play humans, the main one i play against tends to watch my play.
4. If I lose a challenge, the salt isn't rubbed into the wound anymore by showing me the scoreboard graphic of "TIME OUT." It's a little subtler now.

It took a little bit for this game to grow on me for some reason. I do at least enjoy playing the 93 version. I must be dumb b/c i don't know where all these extra plays are supposed to be. This is probably a partial wish list for next year, but at least attach the field goal nets to something instead of casper the friendly ghost raising them. bring back the chain gang, and the ability to truly squib quick. it would also be nice if they would put up a sports ticker at the bottom like on the ps1 with ongoing scores of the other games going on when you are playing on the ea sports ticker. It's too bad that they can't throw in real time scores as well.
overall, the game is an improvement over the past two incarnations of madden for the xbox 360, but it really didn't live up to the hype that this game was getting. the box mentions 85 new features, but i've yet to find 20. That being said, i do enjoy playing it.