Customer Reviews

Madden NFL 2005

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I am so impressed with this game, Madden is the ultimate football franchise for the game systems, and the DS shows why. The graphics are not as sharp as I believed they would be on the DS, but still an improvement from the GBA. The touch screen for picking your plays is an incredible benefit - even as a rookie to handheld Madden (but a veteran of PS2 Madden), I found the user interface instinctive and clear. I picked up Madden and Super Mario when I bought the DS yesterday, and I've been playing Madden non-stop. It would be hard for me to single out one feature that makes this game incredible - but I would definitely say touch screen plays. Pick this up when you get your hands on a DS - you won't be disappointed!

I just purchased this game. And, even though it's on a brand new system, I still kind of expected something better. I'm not at all dismayed by the graphics. After all, this is the very first Madden game for the new Nintendo DS. So, I'm pretty sure that in future installments, the graphics will get better.

Gameplay, on the other hand, is another aspect. Let's just say that I came close to purchasing a new DS system after just buying it on Sunday (November 21, 2004). The throw of the ball is way too quick, and I find it hard trying to get my receiver to even dive for the touchdown.

Plus, I really wish there was a feature where you can customize the controls to make the gameplay a little easier.

If you must have a football game for your DS, this, for now, is the only way to go. Madden fans will love it. Others may wanna give it some thought before shelling out $40 for it.

MADDEN is easily the best handheld version of the game available. It uses the two touch screens for awesome applications, like selecting plays and calling audibles. It also uses a radar screen during the actual play to show you where all of your players are. Its down side is the graphics. EA should have done much better to show of the capabilities of the DS. Shame on them.
Seems people are trying to compare the DS MADDEN to console games. This is not at all fair, since you can't compare to the realism, control, and realistic tackles of the big consoles.
That being said, it is still the best portable football game on the market, even with only average graphics and sound.

Bottom line is, it is fun to play, and being able to hook up wirelessly with a friend is great.

OK, some aren't satisfied with the graphics (though they are the best in any current handheld), some are dissapointed with the commentators, or lack there of.... but I LOVE THIS GAME!! Isn't the whole point of a game to have the most fun you can have. Visuals are not everything in a game. I just played my best Football game ever last night. No console has given me the thrill as I beat on the Vikings (with the Colts) with 16 seconds left in the 4th Quarter. I was pushing and shoving and working yard after yard the whole game but the vikes kept me on my toes. I was down by 5 points and I had to score a TD. I got the ball in the kickoff with the intentions of running the ball back, when I got rocked by the defenseman who injured my return man on the spot. I managed to gain a few yards and found myself with 16 seconds left to go and 3rd down. I chose a running play to my man e. James, who was having a pretty good game, I "touched" my play selection, a handoff to James on the right side, one on one with a defender who I can juke away from. Somehow, the AI read my play and decided to send 2 man on my right side... what am I to do? I "touched" my audibles and chose a throwing play, plus, we all know Manning is having a good year, right? Anyhow, as I get ready to hike, I fake hike twice and on the third try, I hiked the ball to the QB, who was looking at the intended receiver who just happened to be doubled teamed. As I try to scramble and look at the clock, I can't afford to not get a first down. I look at the bottom screen and I see the X receiver with about a two step lead ahead of his defender and I throw it over the defender and pray.... as I see the play develop the defenseman jumps and misses the ball while my receiver catches it, runs 57 yards to the touchdown... I scream, wake up my 9 month old and rejoice. I kicked the extra point, hold them down for the remaining 7 seconds and win the game... what a thrill, and my friends, this is what is all about... fun with my DS... I can "touch" the victory!!! FUN GAME... highly recommended. Now, if you excuse me, I have to put my 9 month old back to sleep. But first I close my DS and put it in sleep mode so I can come back and see my stats.

Madden 2005 for Nintendo DS is the definitely the best handheld football game ever. Plus, the portability gives it an advantage over PS2/GC/Xbox football games, though it can't replace them.

Overall: 5 Stars
Great gameplay, complete stats, records, and options, and the Madden Cards - unavailable on any previous handheld Madden game - all team up to make this the awesome game it is.

Graphics: 4 Stars
Definitely better than any other handheld Madden game; better than most N64 games. However, not quite as good as I had expected from that picture on the back of the DS box. :-)

Difficulty: 5 Stars
Four difficulty levels plus a completely customizable AI make the game suitable for beginners of experts.

Play Selection: 5 Stars
Dozens of formations and plays chosen with a touch of the screen! Need I say more?

Stats and Other Out-of-Game Options: 4.5 Stars
With two screens, you can see the entire NFL standings at once, instead of having to scroll around to find your team. Complete team and individual statistics in Season Mode, as well as NFL Records, Player of the Week, and Pro Bowl Voting. Only negative is that you cannot sort columns while viewing stats, so you kinda have to search around to find the particular stat you're looking for.

If you are a football fan with a DS, this game is a must-have. If you have a DS and are not a football fan, this game is capable of making you into one (football fan, not DS). If you do not have a DS, you really need to get one! (In my humble opinion.) :-)

This is definatly the best sports game for a handheld system out there today. First off, let me start by saying the sound is simply amazing. The opening theme song comes through loud and clear. The graphics are great, they remind me of the N64 Graphics. How good of Nintendo to release a sports game for the newest console on the block. The way you select plays is amazing. You can either use the buttons or touch the bottom screen to select from a very in-depth playbook. Here is a chart on how I think the gameplay rates.

(Out of 10)

Graphics:8
Sound:10
Player Pictures:7
Up To Date Information:9
Ease of Use:10

I recommend this game for kids and adults of all ages!!

madden, madden, madden...

when EA first released the pics of this game, they PROMISED to make the graphics better. while the game looks OK for a portable system, it has some graphical issues. The DS's hardware makes it possible to EXCEED the old 64 graphics, so if any of you remember the last Maddens for the 64 (2001- 2002?) this game does NOT at all match up to the graphics. the football looks more like a rock than a smooth pigskin. perhaps this is an issue of resolution, i dont really know and i dont care. I want better graphics and it is unfair to everyone to have to wait another year and spend $40 more to buy the "update". Gameplay is still solid, but it just seems a bit rushed to me. For diehard madden fans only.

overall score: 6.4/10

This game has football skills. Even though the graphics were good, it is hard to get through a game because the other team cheats by kicking a player. If you like better games, BUY SOMETHING ELSE!!!

i can't say this is the best DS game, but it's pretty fun. The only reason i gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the instant replays just show running and then color colliding. Overall, a game worth buying.

This game is decent, but for those who've played Madden on a console, don't expect this to be the same. Graphics are improved from GBA, but it's definitely not DS's graphics at its best. And, as compared to real NFL football and console Madden games, there are noticeable differences. First, rushing can be very difficult in this game. It's nearly impossible to get any yardage while running through the offensive line, while toss and sweep plays either work well or have you wind up losing a few yards, as they usually do. Another major downside is kicking a fieldgoal. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that even if you kick the ball with full power, it's almost impossible to reach the uprights past 40 yards away. It also seems like someone is getting injured on every possession, and even though many times it only keeps them out a short while, it does get annoying to see guys "injure" their leg and get up and walk off the field as if nothing happened all the time. Still, if you like football and you have the DS, definitely buy this. The dual-screen, allowing you to see all 22 men on the field, provides a good and unique playing experience. I use it all the time. Besides what I said before, other aspects of the game are pretty realistic. You should be able to work around the cons mentioned above, as I did. And playing wirelessly against a friend (which requires only ONE Madden NFL '05 game) is still very fun. While I really only play this game when I'm away from my house, because Madden on any console is better than this as you would expect, Madden 2005 on the DS is definitely the best sports game on a hand-held, and a solid game overall.