Title: Madden NFL 07

Date: 09.18.2006

Genre: Footbal Sim

Platform: PC

Developer: EA Sports

Publisher: EA

It is time once again for Madden to take its spot in the sports gaming limelight. As always there are new features that add new dimensions to the game, some that the fans will love, and some that they won't. The PC version every year is one of the worst versions of Madden. This year the XBox 360 version was to have the great graphics, while the current generation systems were stuck with the same graphics engine. The PC version is missing a few features which is turning more and more fans away. But overall Madden 07 is an upgrade from Madden 06, in fact with better gameplay than the 360 version.

Audio

The sound track is compiled of Rock and Pop songs along with some classic NFL Films music. The NFL films music was features last year as well, and it’s great that EA brought it back. But the Rock and Pop songs simplyare bad. You'll find yourself trying to get the game started, or even listening to the Tony Bruno Radio show more, instead of listening to the music. The sound quality is fine; however in superstar mode, the commentary seems to lag a few seconds behind, and sometimes does not even come. The in-game announcer in the superstar mode is a pain to listen to. Regardless of the significance of the play, the announcer seems very flat, his voice is plain. But the on-field sounds that you will hear are great. They really make you feel like you are in game.

Video

Although many gaming computers can handle next-gen graphics, Madden PC gamers are stuck with current generation graphics once again. The graphics are about the same as Madden 06. Graphics should not be areason to buy this game, nor should it be a reason to reject this game. They are good enough.

Gameplay

One of the big new features in the gameplay is Lead Blocking in which you can control a blocker and lead the runner. This feature can help you run for huge gains, whether you try to turn the corner or run between the tackles. This is a very fun new feature, but gets old fairly quickly. You'll find yourself forgetting that it ever existed. There are not many flaws with the blocking system, you either like it or you don't. Another big addition is the highlight stick, which gives smaller elusive running backs moves to get by defenders, while big power running backs can continue to run people over. This feature really advances the running game. It gives users a strong running option if needed, unlike the past Madden games where passing was the easiest and most efficient. A strong running game makes gameplay more complete. The highlight stick is a much bigger feature than Lead Blocking. However EA left out the new kicking meter for PC gamers, PC gamers get the traditional kicking meter.

The franchise mode is the same as the past maddens. The training camp is the same, regardless of what you may have heard, however scouting is different. For scouting players you have to put them through certain combine mini-camps, some of which are new to get information. This basically makes the scouting more graphical. It's nothing special, but it's certainly an upgrade. In addition to this new scouting, you can play the college all-star game and really get a feel for the prospects. This is a great feature, 40-times, bench reps, and Mel Kiper can only tell you tell you so much, but there is nothing like actually playing with them. You can really get personal with the prospects. The franchise mode is still strong.

Superstar mode has been significantly upgraded from last year. Anyone who has ever had a dream of playing in the NFL will love this mode. Like in franchise mode when you put the prospects through training camp tests, in superstar mode, you will be put to those tests and eventually drafted. The in-game play of superstar mode has been greatly improved. You only have control of your player, however you control the whole team on the other side of the ball. The camera angle changes, and is in the player's point of view. The whole point of a football game is to give you the player experience, and nothing does it better than this. Superstar mode is as good as franchise mode this year, if not better.

The actual football gameplay has been improved also. Many players move and seem just like their real life counterparts. The animations of juking are great. Playing with Reggie Bush is almost as exciting as watching him in real life. This is where a lot of criticism comes in. Some say that the highlight stick is too powerful, that users can easily get by 3 or 4 defenders, making the game unrealistic. However it is not powerful enough to be considered a cheap move. It was just like the truck stick last year, how weaker guys could run over big linebackers. It was like Madden 05 when small defensive backs could take out power running backs. The same flaws come with the highlight-stick. Maybe they'll perfect it next year. There are some noticeable glitches here and there, but nothing that will significantly take away from the game.

Overall
The only reason for buying this game on PC should be for the gameplay. The gameplay is slightly improved over last year's Madden, but the two strong game modes make the game great. I recommend this game on two conditions, one, if you haven't had a Madden in a while, and two, if you've loved the past two Maddens, you'll love this one. If you thought Madden 06 was mediocre, you probably won't like 07.

Game Score

B-

Reviewed By: Contributed