Customer Reviews

Madden NFL 09

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

 

 

I have never picked up an EA game until I bought my DS a couple months ago, and I had to try this, given the hype. Since I am a newbie, it seems overwhelming to try to pick up on all the nuances, the various plays, which player to control, how to control the kicker (both power and accuracy) and the like, but you know what? It is a heck of a lot of FUN! I play with my favorite team, the Vikings, and Adrian Peterson will still break off a 70 yard run despite my flaws on which buttons to mash. I have started the training modes, and can give an update later, but if you are a football fan, this is a must have.

First of all, let me start by saying I haven't played any previous versions of Madden on the DS. I hear this one is identical to 08, so you probably should save your money if you already have that. Now on to the review:

This game to me is almost perfect for a handheld version of Madden. It's packed with gameplay options, from mini camps to franchise mode (haven't played a whole season yet so I'm not sure how the offseason is) to DS exclusive games using the stylus. There is a ton crammed into the cartridge.

Gameplay is actually really excellent as well. I can swear that I see similar cutscenes to Madden 2001 for the PC (which I think is a crazily fun game) so I think it's using a similar engine. At times you will throw a pass to a receiver that will just miss by a mile, but it seems like the QBs with better accuracy ratings actually miss less of the time, and generally you won't miss if you throw the pass at the right time in the receiver's route, so QB pressure actually seems to mean something in this game (which is less than I can say for almost any other Madden I've played). Running is pretty good. Against bad defenses, the middle will open up, even on draw plays, but try it against the Steelers and you will have much less luck... The only negative I have seen on offense so far is that the Strong I formation, quick toss play is literally undefendable, no matter the difficulty setting. I've had to remedy it by choosing a playbook that doesn't have the play, and that seems to have made a difference.

Defense is really tough, especially on Pro setting. If you don't drop 4 defensive backs into deep coverage, it's almost a sure bet that the qb will throw deep and connect on you, but it's honestly one of the first Madden games I've played where I'm not a sure bet to be #1 in total defense year after year by several hundred yards.

Graphics have never been that important to me, but I think these suffice just fine. Anyway, if you have a DS and want a somewhat realistic football experience on the go, do yourself a favor and pick this up. I recently played it a ton on a long trip, and I'm still really satisfied with it.

My son is 12 years old and loves this game. He is easily frustrated by DS games that have bad graphics or aren't easy to control. He gives this a 5 star because it is easy to control and the graphics are great.

I have played Madden Football since I had a Sega Genesis in the 1980s. After acquiring a Nintendo DSi, I had to try out the Madden 09 on the this platform. Graphics for a small console is actually good. Sound effects are good for a portable with the voice of John Madden, the crowds and grunts from the players.

The interface is the same as its predecessors when choosing plays. Punting or Kicking a ball takes a steep learning curve to master. Passing the ball utilizes the various buttons (A,B,X,Y, L, and R). Artificial intelligence can be adjusted for your level of play. You can call audibles and no huddle offensive plays. Game play is quite good where you can use the standard rosters or customize your own team.

You can play an exhibition, season or franchise. Players can be created and rosters can be customized. Practice mode lets you learn the mechanics of the game, including punting and kicking (the hardest part of the game to do well). There are real time statistics, as you play the game, to evaluate your performance and your competition.

PROS
Robust game with many options
Customization of rosters and difficulty level
Gameplay

CONS
None for a handheld console


Overall, this is entertaining with a high replay value.

This is one of my most favorite games.

I have not played an NFL computer game in years and was pleasantly surprised by Madden 09 for the DS. It is a lot of fun to play and packed with great features. There is a lot that can also be improved though. I'm sure some of the game delays (i.e. kick off delays) could be cut and the guide book could be more detailed with tips and hints. The game play and controls are great but take some time to master - a detailed guide would help here and eliminate some trial and error play.

I'd love to see some 'Classic games' from the past with proper player profiles and player detail. It would be great to field a Dolphins side from the 70s or 80s against say the Raiders. Imagine fielding the 60s Packers in a Super Bowl - I'd certainly buy Madden 10 if it featured these scenarios !

The mini games and table football should be replaced with these Classic games. I'm sure that this would be a welcome and achievable upgrade.

All in all, a good game and worth picking up.

I bought this game for my six year old Grandson who plays flag football for his school team. He loves the game and carries it everywhere.

We bought this game for our 9 year old son for Christmas. He loves it, plays it allot.

HORRIBLE!!!!! I thought this game had good graphics but they stink. It was my 1st madden game and at the time I was exited till I played It for the first time. Now I'm getting Madden 12 instead. every thing but the graphics is O.K. This is a bad game. I recommend New Super Mario.

My girls love it they can even play with more thenone person at a time there big on football and they can do it right from there chair help them make stragery and even challenges them

Got this for my 11 year old son, he just loves it. Loves to "showboat" the football players. Like to get him the Madden series every year.