football

Madden 2004 delivers superb graphics and strong commentary as well as an extremely in depth owner mode. Yet, this game is not even worth 10 dollars to a serious player? Why, you're asking? Because of the age old problem of so called CPU Cheating, which is basically when the computer makes improbably things occur. First example, in All Pro Mode, I will be constantly winning games til late in the 4th quarter and I'll have the CPU on the ropes, ball in their territory. Then from nowhere my halfback fumbles, and its returned for a touchdown. If not my halfback, then certainly a magical interception will occur , it will also be returned for 7 points. I have turned down CPU interceptions and defensive awareness from Ai options to about 40 but this problem still persists. My RB is Priest Holmes, who is 93, and Marc Bulger, who is 95 (its 3 yrs in the future in owner mode). Neither of these players should have problems like this, but it constantly occurs, costing me over half the games that are sure fire wins!!!! Secondly, when you simulate, if a player is on the bench for two years and was previously rated 90, he will drop as low as 60, even if he is in his twenties!! I have contacted EA recently and am waiting to hear back from them, please think very long and hard before spending money on this game. I personally think paying 30 dollars so you can buy a game that will make you rip your hair out is not worth it. If you must have a football title, there are other options!

I've been playing Madden since the Nintendo days and while I've seen some disappointing sequels in the famous series, this year's version is probably the biggest annual upgrade ever. While the game has added brand new GM features that allow you to control ticket prices, coach hiring, stadium building and other fun stuff, if you truly want to experience Madden the way it was meant to be played, you need to play against humans. Unpredictable strategy, smart motioning and audibles, and jukes that will shake you out of your shoes are what make human opponents so much better than the CPU. Because Madden's online game matching service (EASO) is free this year, it's very easy to go online and find hundreds of random opponents ready to test your mettle. Perhaps the biggest improvement in this year's version is EASO itself. It's much more difficult for opponents to get away with cheating and quitting in this year's EASO. The eternal football sim battle rages on and everyone has their own arguments why their title is the best but I've tried all the popular titles and I still believe Madden is the most realistic football simulator out there. Just keep in mind that this game assumes you already know a lot of basic football techniques and strategy and while the game can be easily learned, it takes years to master.

I truly enjoyed Madden 2004. I am patiently waiting for the 2005, but I have had a ball the last year playing this game. The control you have over players and even the plays make for some fun filled hours. I strongly suggest that anyone who has not tried it to give it a go, the price is right and you will be ready for some football!!