Madden NFL 2004

by Electronic Arts

Product Features

• Choose to play as any NFL team -- updated teams and logos for the 2003 season
• Multiple gaming modes like Playoffs, Regular Season, and Exhibition games - all tracked with updated game stats
• Revolutionary new Playmaker Control lets you direct receivers during a scramble, direct blocking down the field, or react to changes in the offense
• Control more of the frachise than ever with Owner Mode -- hire staff, set ticket prices, give signing bonuses, even choose the concessions
• All-new game presentation modes lets you keep all players on the field when calling a play, and watch the highlights in split-screen mode

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00009IM2G
• Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: August 12, 2003
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,929 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Madden NFL 2004 brings you an unprecedented 14th season of incredibly authentic football gaming -- it's practically like being a pro NFL player! Exciting new specialty animations and enhanced graphics improve the playing experience Relive or change the outcome of the greatest NFL games of all time, in the new Madden Moments feature TraxJukebox features cutting-edge rock bands and hot new hip-hop artists

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Madden Yet, November 3, 2003

By 

M. Eldridge "matt" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Madden NFL 2004 (Video Game)

Madden NFL 2004 is the ultimate football game. The gameplay is magnificient, the franchise mode is exciting, the soundtrack is great, the commentary is wide ranging, and the game is just presented perfectly with excellent control and graphics.

PROS
-great graphics
-cool music
-creative commentary
-variety of gameplay modes
-interesting franchise mode
-good control
-Create-a-team (including create-a-stadium) and Create-a-player
-lots of fun
-addictive (or should that be a con?)

CONS
-If you play for too long the soundtrack repeats
-can be a little slow
-front office duties in franchise mode can be tedious

Bottom Line
-Buy it

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fixed most things, added good features, but needs one fix, August 21, 2003

By 

"silver2544" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Madden NFL 2004 (Video Game)

Pro's:
Both OL and DL got overhauled resulting in a much more dynamic front and both getting the stats they should get. (2003 OL could get rarely any pancakes was fixed and DL gets more share of tackles and sacks allowing both to progress better between seasons)DB's are much more active and better at reacting to plays. WR's are much more likely to make catches on the run. Added Playmaker control which can be extremely helpful pre-snap on offense (changing the direction of the play without audible)yet somewhat clumsy mid-play (calling for blocks/ routing recievers). Defensive playmaker is somewhat limited and only provides minimal help on plays (changing direction of safety coverage). Probably one of the best additions in my mind is the ability to change the formation package with the touch of a button. In previous versions the players were locked into their positions unless changed in the formation substitutions screen requiring a pause, or for it to be done pre-game. For example, now if you wish to have your HB line up slot just rotate to your formation and push the button designated for Package until it changes to HB Slot and you will see the change reflected on the play design. Your HB will then line up in the slot reciever position. This also can be done on defense. Some cross-platform improvements: All versions now have the accelerated game clock option allowing for a full game in a fraction of the time but allowing for a realistic number of plays. This was limited to only the PC version in 2003. PC version now has FREE online gaming through use of EA Sports Online. In 2003 version PC customers had to pay after the initial trial period. Online leagues are now supported also and Owner mode is a nice addition where you control the stadium and things like concessions and ticket prices to attract customers and profit.

Con's:
If you are the type of person that likes to just call the play and let the CPU control your players after the snap (this includes coach mode on PC) then you will be extremely disappointed. With all the improvements to the linemen and defensive backs, EA seems to have somehow broken the QB's AI on human controlled teams. It isnt half as fast as it should be and results in sacks with 6 out of 10 pass plays. This can only be lessened with EXTREME changes to sliders in Options menu and blocking audibles. Even then it is not set right. Your QB runs around looking confused and half the time runs into the defender himself because he cant react to all the increased action around him and he wont throw the ball. This problem does not affect the CPU teams.
With all that said, if you are an action player who loves to control your QB then this is a great installment of Madden Football, as long as you watch the defense and make quick decisions. Strategy players or those that just like to coach have no choice but the PC version and hope they release a patch for the QB because all the other versions are unpatchable. Or else learn to control the QB.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Madden 2004: A Legacy!, June 24, 2003

By 

S. N. LLOYD-COOMBS (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Madden NFL 2004 (Video Game)

The next Instalment in the Madden series is here with Madden 2004. But what new features are added to make us pay out our hard earned money?

New Playmaker Control: Make pre-snap adjustments to your receiver routes, direct receiver routes during a scramble, direct blocking down field during a run, or read and react to the offense to deliver a crushing tackle.

New Owner Mode: Hire your own staff, set your teams ticket prices, build your own stadium, reward key players with signing bonuses and boost player attributes in Mini-Camp drills.

All-New Game Presentation: Keep your players on the field during the play-calling screen. Watch all the highlights in split-screen replay and revel in new player accuracy details like dreadlocks, tattoo replicas, and four new helmet styles.

Most Realistic NFL Playbooks Ever: Tons of new trick plays, multiple formation variations, and the deepest NFL playbooks from all 32 officially licensed Coaches Club Head Coaches.

New Animations and Enhancements: New QB scramble transitions to improve throwing on the run, stumbles, open field blocks, whirlwind defensive reaction moves, sideline wrap tackles, and out of bound pushes.

Do yourself a favour and pick up Madden 2004. It'll be worth the money!