Madden NFL 07

The groundbreaking franchise that revolutionized sports gaming is about to redefine the way you experience the NFL- again. Madden NFL 07 for the Nintendo Wii unveils all-new motion-based control schemes that put the complete command of your players at your fingertips like never before. Use the Wii's innovative controls to unleash a devastating rushing attack by opening holes as the lead blocker, and then switch to the tailback to smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers. Mind-blowing jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct styles of your favorite NFL backs provide an unstoppable arsenal of moves. Madden NFL 07 is football like you've never played it. Get under center and drive for the goal line. Tear up the field like never before with the Wii-exclusive FreeMotion controls that put players in command.

Madden 07 for the Wii offers players an entirely new way to control the gridiron action.

Use the Wii Remote to control precise player movements. View larger.

Switch to a lead blocker before pounding your running back through the line. View larger.

Control cutbacks and dekes while the defense is forced to watch you run for the goal line. View larger.

Madden 07 features real NFL players, teams, stadiums and moves. View larger.

Immersive controls: a Wii exclusive
The game may be the same brand of excellent Madden NFL football you're used to, but the playing field is very different.

With the new FreeMotion controls, Madden NFL 07 successfully incorporates the flick of the wrist in addition to the push of a button. Now to pass the ball, players flick the controller forward. The faster the flick, the faster the pass. Slow flicks generate a long pass to give the receiver time to get under the ball. Jukes are now controlled by moving the Nunchuk controller left or right. Gamers generate a stiff are by moving the Wii Remote controller right or left.

Those who have played previous versions of the Madden NFL franchise will certainly know the gameplay mechanics, from defensive line shifts to offensive hot routes. The key to being successful at Madden NFL 07 for Wii is to trust your instincts rather than reacting with buttons. Passing, for one, is a test of touch. How fast or how hard should you throw that pass? In your playbook, each available receiver is designated by a direction on the Control Pad. To pass to this receiver during the play, you simply press the Control Pad direction and flick the Remote to pass. Each play has a preferred receiver for whom the play is designed. To pass to him, all you need to do is flick the Remote, no accompanying direction necessary.

An all-new rushing game
In Madden NFL 07, you'll control the running game like never before. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers - as you fight for every yard. Innovative rushing controls give you a game-breaking ground attack featuring all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs. Between the tackles or in the open field, run to daylight with Madden NFL 07. Smaller backs escape and break tackles, while bigger runners bowl over defenders in the open field Scout collegiate prospects with the all-new NFL Draft Scouting System and during the College All-Star Game. Watch players impact their teams with the new Franchise Player Roles feature Team-Specific Defensive Playbooks. For the first time, use actual plays from your favorite team's defensive playbook to shut down the running game, pressure the quarterback, or force key turnovers.

A fine balance of reflex and power
The running game is where FreeMotion control especially shines, mostly because rushing the ball is truly a test of anticipation, reaction and power. As you run, you can see what tacklers stand in your way. Once they're close enough, that's when you react, whether you juke or blast them with a stiff arm. Once they think they have you wrapped up, sometimes you've given the chance to power through them by pushing both controllers forward. There's something extremely satisfying about physically planting a stiff arm in someone's facemask. You can't get that in any other football game.

Defense also gets a FreeMotion upgrade as pushing the controllers forward can help you deliver the big hit. When you're playing in the secondary, flicking the remote will give your defender a chance to swat at the ball. It's this level of integration that really revolutionizes Madden NFL 07 without forsaking the gameplay elements gamers have come accustomed to. Overall, the football franchise dives into the end zone and scores with a motion system that gets gamers in the game without going over the top.