Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii
Developer: Tiburon
Publisher: EA Sports
Release Date: August 12, 2008

20 years and counting, Madden NFL 09 has returned with an extreme makeover. Madden NFL has maintained its pop culture status over the last two decades. But with that success comes so much pressure on EA Sports on both sides to deliver innovation, while still not alienating the base. There are so many new and improved features this year, it seems that Tiburon may have finally broken their own Madden Curse and delivered upon a fresh experience.

Madden NFL 09 sports 85 new features, with the most surprising one being The Madden Test. The thing about this feature that will forever change the way that you view Madden NFL is that the game can now adapt to any player’s skill level. The Madden Test is essentially a series of skill based challenges to determine each player’s proficiency in passing, rushing, pass defense and run defense. The Madden IQ you’re given upon completion of this test corresponds with the four difficulty settings of the game.

To complement these new options, Tiburon has also created a new three tiered play call system, based upon player skill. Beginner mode being the easiest gives the three options of calling a play audible, coverage audible or player substitutions. The CPU selects plays for the player in this mode and it makes it really simple for those trying to cut their teeth on the Madden experience. Intermediate mode adds more audible options, as well as the option to choose plays based on type. The advanced mode will be the most familiar to hardcore Madden gamers.

Similar to this year’s NCAA ‘09, Madden NFL 09 also features a bluff mode. It’s very effective, and a great way to keep those cheaters from figuring out your selected play.

Madden NFL 09 is drop-dead gorgeous. From the player faces, stadium fly-bys to the introductions and pyro gamers will be treated to a visual tour-de-force. Amazingly, Tiburon has managed to complement the amazing visuals with fantastic animation, and a silky smooth frame rate. Player models have been revamped as well with details such as more offensive lineman wearing sleeveless jerseys, as well as a larger variety of facemasks. Even the weather effects have not been presented this well since ESPN NFL 2K5.

Rain, snow and wind have such a tangible effect on each game now. They can make tackling more difficult and thrown balls can be caught by strong gusts of wind.

Animation is solid overall. Gone are the days of the QB holding the football high in the air, with an unnatural motion for throwing. Veteran fans will also notice little things like lineman continuing to look downfield for blocks, and wide receivers throwing out cut blocks. Catching the ball has never been prettier; individual hand movements and well-animated diving catches are very natural.

Running backs and receivers also benefit from the all-new break tackle animations If a defender tries to tackle you, you can stiff-arm, then spin away from the tackler. Spending time learning various combinations to break tackles adds much needed depth and balance to the game, and will take some time to truly master.

For all the game’s improvements, there are still some legacy issues that plague the animation. Linemen still suction block on the line of scrimmage. When running backs catch passes out of the backfield, they will run out of bounds without attempting to head up the field. These are minor annoyances at best, but simple things that should be corrected nonetheless.

The only downside to the visual presentation that is really evident is the pixelated crowd. EA really needs to put in 3D animated crowds. This looks bad.

Artificial Intelligence has also been refined cutting out things such as the dreaded school of fish animation. Defensive backs heads turn towards tip balls, as well as to defend or intercept passes. Another nice tidbit to report is that in my 50 plus games played, I have yet to see a magic interception, or magnet catch by a receiver.

This year EA has brought in Tom Hammond, and ex-NFL receiver Chris Collinsworth to handle announcing duties. The concept here is simple; most of the time, the duo handle the play-by-play and color commentary admirably. The only real problem is that the two never really seem to be talking to each other. Even though they make pertinent comments about the action on the field, the banter and interaction between them is non-existent. While not a deal breaker, it is an area that can be continually improved upon.

Collinsworth explains the all-new EA Backtrack; a three screen breakdown of major plays during the game. As he breaks down the action, not only will he point out wide open receivers, misssed blocking assignments, or big hits but he will make suggestions for successfully executing the play. You are also given the opportunity to examine the success of rate of an offensive play, versus the defensive alignment. Post explanation, you can take advantage of another new feature. Dubbed EA Rewind, you can use the knowledge from the Backtrack and attempt the play again as though it never happened. Most experienced gamers probably won’t use the rewind feature; at least you have the option to toggle this on/off.

Madden NFL 09 represents the best of what Madden has always been about with great play control, fantastic graphics and non-stop competition with friends. The new options add depth to a game that was already insanely deep making it more fun to play than ever. Hat’s off to EA Sports and Tiburon for finally challenging themselves to bring out a truly quality product. An easy purchase for football fans and the best Madden experience of the last ten years.