Madden NFL 09 Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been an avid hater of the Madden Franchise since they bought out the NFL license in 2005. I've been a 2k guy for a few years now. My hatred has been solidified with every time I pick up a friend's copy of each Madden series installment riddled with poor gameplay, features, bad AI, and an over emphasis on graphics. Heck, I've been playing ESPN NFL 2k5 since 2005 regularly for my NFL fix. That was until this edition came along.

I have to say I'm extremely impressed with Madden NFL 09. Yes, the graphics are great, but the gameplay and presentation and features are all there as well. Something that the 2k series has had Madden beat on for a very long time.

This game is great in many areas. For example: staying in the pocket to make good throws. Gang-tackling. Consistently changing computer AI that adapts to how well or how incompetent you are in the game of football; oh and it actually works very well, too. So you're always challenged on a consistent basis. Something that really appealed to me for this version was the ability to import plays created in Head Coach 09.

Another thing that really hit me was the ability to scout out college prospects throughout the year. I always hated in previous years of any football game (i.e. NFL 2k and Madden NFL) how you had to gather up all the info you needed for a draft in a span of a few simulated weeks in the off-season. Now you do it all season long. So it's easier to make a good decision on what guys you want during the draft.

All in all Madden 09 is great, but not perfect. I've made through an entire season, and I'm very satisfied with the product I've purchased. Sure there a few nit picky things that come up. One is when the clock gets down to 1:01 left in a half, the computer will virtually always call a timeout when behind. But like I said: that's nit picking.

And this FREEZING thing people keep talking about? Yeah, I haven't seen it on my XBox 360 console. I do have the new one with the HDMI on the back, so maybe that's why. I don't know. But I've left my console on for hours while keeping a game on pause, coming back to it later, and it continues without a hitch. Honestly, I've seen my copy of NFL2k5 freeze way more often in the span of a season (about 2 to 3 times) compared to Madden 09 (0 times).

I'll go out on a limb and say it might be the best Madden yet. However there were things I really liked about the 2005 version and even the 2000 version, too. Actually, Madden '93 was actually my favorite Madden of the 90s, and that leads me to something disappointing I'll reveal.

Madden '93 for this game is not the real Madden '93. It's actually a dumbed down version with the current rosters and teams, and there is no other mode to play but exhibition mode.

I actually liked Head Coach 09. I managed to get a copy of the 07 version, and it was okay. I thought it had potential, but that was it. The 09 version made some improvements. Picking your staff is easier. The games are actually 15 min long per quarter instead of 2 min per quarter. I don't like how during halftime you can't motivate your team or make adjustments. I'd go further into it, but the bottom line for people on the fence about purchasing this version of Madden to get Head Coach 09 need to understand one thing. This is a simulation of the heart ache that comes with being a Head Coach. I admit, it feels like a job sometimes when you play this game. But it is a simulation of what being a head coach in the NFL is kind of like. Unfortunately, there are things about Head Coach 09 that you can do that really only the GM has control over in real life. But I'm weird like that how I know that, but I love Pro Football. Since I'm a nut about it, I do appreciate playing a game like Head Coach '09.

The special features disc is nice to watch and then store. That's about it for that. It's nothing you can't find on YouTube or on a re-run of a show on NFL network.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this product. I found my copy online for 65 bones brand new, and it was worth every penny. It's safe to say that my copy of NFL 2k5 is going to be collecting a lot of dust over the next couple of years or so. This Madden is that good for a 2k lover to cross over to the "dark side" and enjoy. Heck, if you're weary because you are a Madden fan and have been burned by bad games since Madden 06, then don't fret. At the very least, pick up a copy of Madden NFL 09. You won't be disappointed this year.

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Product Description:
Madden NFL 2009 Collector's Edition includes both Madden NFL 2009 - With the best gameplay, deepest online experience and most features ever - and NFL Head 2009, offering absolute control of your favorite franchise plus the ability to create custom playbooks for Madden. Madden NFL 09 delivers its most complete NFL football package ever. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or picking up the game for the first time, players of all skill levels will enjoy a unique, yet challenging experience with the innovative Adaptive Difficulty Engine, which tailors the game to match your playing style. Instantly improve your game with the all-new virtual Training Center or incorporate feedback with EA SPORTS BackTrack, allowing you to learn from your mistakes on the fly. With a new broadcast presentation and online leagues, plus more than 85 new features and enhancements, Madden NFL 09 is the most authentic and adaptable game in sports video game history. An all-new Adaptive Difficulty Engine assesses your proficiency in the core skills areas of football. An innovative, Virtual Training Center allows you to fine-tune your game in a holographic environment, while EA SPORTS BackTrack provides customized feedback, giving you a chance to learn from your mistakes. Take what you've learned and run the play again with EA SPORTS Rewind. Set your sights on the Vince Lombardi Trophy in an all-new network-television-style broadcast as Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond call the action from the booth. A more immersive and visually stunning presentation package also includes a new Options OnDemand Picture-in-Picture playcall window giving you access to a wealth of stats, customized tips, and in-game options--all at your fingertips without having to pause the game. Make a run for the post-season for the first time online. Featuring trades and statistical tracking for Online Leagues, up to 32 teams can battle it out using all-new flex scheduling. Wi

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