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16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good, But Not Great, August 23, 2003
ok, so there is no doubt that the Madden series is usually the best when it comes to Football. However with the latest entry, the gap between ESPN (nee 2K series) and Madden has closed greatly. To say that this game is disappointing is hard, but this time it is unfortunately true. Just like Dennis Miller on MNF, this game is quirky, but ultimately annoying. Let's look at the reasons why:The Good: This game is very deep. With several teams (hidden and upfront) and tons of different modes from the mini-camp mode to the new "owner's mode". There is a lot to explore in this game. The AI is alot smarter in this version than in the last few Maddens. If you try to run the same play twice, you're gonna get burned as the defense will call an audible and stuff you. Also, unlike 2003, the CPU won't make bad trades (no more first rounders for scrubs). The playing field is level now. The ability to use bonuses adds a nice dimension to free agency and resigning players. (It's especially good for saving cap room). The Bad: On the PS2, even on an HDTV, this game is choppy. When you're going for the P.A.T, the crowd, the players, and the stadium may flicker really badly depending on what stadium you're in. Also, the collision detection is wonky. You'll run your defensive end into the quarterback and about half the time, nothing happens. There's a delay at other times. When you miss the sack because the CPU isn't detecting, that's annoying. Nothing is more annoying than that except.... The Playmaker hype. Ok, so it's a great idea, but hard to use in pressure situations and at times, it's useless (like on all defensive plays). Nothing is more annoying than hiking the ball and attempting to run and use the Playmaker to move a guy to block and by moving you're thumb to the right analog stick, you're running back slows down is tackled. At times the guy you can call on is too slow and even worse, you may move a guy by accident if you slip. It's a great idea, but it needs alot more work. Owner's mode: This is really more of a not good-not bad area. Again, here is a great idea: control ALL aspects of the team, but at times it gets tedious. You have to be really willing to dig into the management aspect of everything (it's annoying to change you're prices every week because fans are complaining). After the second year of the owner's mode, I was getting bored. I know I'm not the only one either. Essentially, you have to be hard core to really dig the owner's mode. The Ugly: I really want EA to put in an option to turn off only Madden. Leave Michaels for the play by play, but turn off Madden and his phrases. When you here the same Maddenism about hitting a guy for the twentieth time, it's annoying. I know it's his game, but we pay for it, so come on, give us the option. A side "Ugly" note: Make sure your star player is never the cover boy. EA cover boys are cursed. THis year it's Vick and he just gets hurt. Last year, it's Faulk...who got hurt. Before that Culpepper...really bad year. It's goes beyond Madden as well. So here's hoping it doesn't happen to your team. Overall, this edition of Madden is like Dennis Miller on MNF. Has some great moments, but isn't as good as some previous ones. Rent it first and make sure it's worth your [$$$].
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