Gameplay
Madden NFL 07
By Digby

This review of Madden NFL '07 is specifically for use with Xbox 360.

The saga of Madden NFL 2007 began a year ago when Madden '06 came out. About 400 games of '06 later, I was ready for the new Madden. Shortly before '07 was released, I learned that it would be in high definition on Xbox 360. That sent your reviewer into overdrive excitement mode. I went out and bought a 60-inch LCD/HD TV, then I bought a 360, and then came the new Hall of Fame edition of Madden. About four grand later, I've got buyer's remorse. Don't get me wrong, I love my new TV, I love my 360, and how amazing Madden looks, but it ends there. Let's start with the graphics. If I could swear in this section, I would use the F word, followed by "unbelievable" over and over. The colors are absolutely vive-rant; Pittsburgh Gold jumps off the screen. Heinz Field has every detail, from a perfect scoreboard to recognizable buildings on Mt. Washington. The animations are crisp and glossy and the replays jaw dropping. I'm visually blown away with every game I play. The field even degrades as the game progresses from puddles in the rain to wear and tear on a sunny day.

Madden '07 has basically the same modes as last year: Franchise, Mini-camp and Super Star. Mini-camp has been revamped, allowing you to work on all your new skills, including playing lead blocker. And Super Star has been reworked. You still pick your parents and your position, but stats are based on how you do in mini-camp. You'll run the 40, do bench presses, and what ever else may be tailored to your position. Then come the combines, then the draft. Join your team and learn to play as whatever position you choose. You can accelerate gameplay when your Superstar isn't involved. This is a great innovation that makes a game of football a totally different experience.

Finally we head toward what really matters: gameplay. Offensively the most notable change is the dedication to the running game. The Truck Stick from last year has been replaced with the Highlight Stick. No longer do backs like Warrick Dunn try to power their way through defenders; each back makes moves based on size and agility, so Dunn slides by while bruisers like Jamal Lewis still power through. The next running adjustment is the ability to control any blocker at the snap. Left, right, or down their throat - it's your job to clear the way, keeping blocking all play or after you open the hole, switch to the runner and take it home. This is great addition, but not enough to get past the lack of defense. No longer can you assign player to player coverage; gone are the days when you could double any player on the other side of the ball. Also missing is the ability to shade receivers left and right. Even adjusting man coverage doesn't always line players up over their assignment, leaving them out of position. The 360 Madden '07 is missing a pass defense and it really hurts gameplay.

I've played the other versions, PS2 and Xbox, and they stay true to last year with the new additions. I'll be trading in my 360 Madden for one of those. Overall, Madden '07 for the 360 gets 6.5

Prices range from $40 to $60. If you want the Hall of Fame edition, it'll cost you an extra 10 bucks. I went there and it's easily worth the Hamilton.