Madden NFL 08

I harped on the Weapons system on the PC version. Part of my problem was that almost every other player was a Weapon, and there was no way to make a created player a Weapon. On the 360 version, there are many more ratings to be had that help establish weapons. I like that weapons now make an impact on games. As my running back, I know to dodge big hitters and brick wall defenders in the defense because Daniel isn't strong enough to force his way past them. The Weapons are fewer in number but more effective in practice.

The graphics are good, but not spectacular. They're light years ahead of the PC version but could be better, and they don't maximize the 360's potential. The sounds don't include the Madden/Summerall tandem in the booth, but I like the arena announcer more in this version. I always disliked how the voice lacked reverberation on the PC, but this version has it. It feels more like a stadium announcer that way.

I both like and dislike the create-a-team feature at the same time. I love the possibilities, but it needs more art options and more uniform styles. All of the teams you make look fairly similar due to the limited uniform options. The stadiums also need more variety. You can, though, draft a team from the whole league as well as the Hall of Famers included in the game. I dislike that you are unable to edit your teams once you've saved them. The create-a-player options are excellent, and very versatile.

Madden NFL 08 is a fun game and is definitely the best pro pigskin game on the market right now, so I'd definitely recommend it. I personally prefer NCAA 08, but this is good in it's own right. There's some balance issues and some quirks in the Superstar mode, but it's a good play nonetheless. Alphasim out.

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