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Madden makes its second next-generation run. Madden NFL 07 debuted with the Xbox 360 featuring a brand-new, next-generation game engine but unfortunately lacked many of the gameplay modes found in the current-generation version of the game. Madden NFL 07 adds many of those modes back and improves on the Madden formula, as well. However, it is still missing a few features found in the other versions.
Madden NFL 07 includes the expected game modes. You get the basically same franchise mode from Madden NFL 07, quick play, online and the new superstar mode. The franchise mode doesn’t include all of the extra features of the current-generation versions but you do get a fair amount of options including some off-season tasks. The franchise mode does include a new live option where you can choose to play a franchise mode game online against a real player.
In superstar mode, you begin with a new player who is just starting off in the NFL. You are tasked with making this player the best he can be and perhaps getting him into the Hall of Fame. For instance, if you’re playing as a quarterback, you’ll gain more prestige and fame as you throw more completions, increase your yards-thrown-per game, and throw a few touchdown passes per game. Aside from playing well, you’ll also have to establish a relationship with your team. If you’re a quarterback, and have taken on the role of field general, you’ll see a boost in the passing-accuracy rating. As you gain more trust, you can eventually become team leader. Be careful though, these roles depend on performance and if you have a sloppy game, you’ll see your team influence rating drop.
The actual gameplay has seen some improvements, as well. EA Tiburon added a new kick meter, a highlight stick, and better lead blocking controls. The kick meter is the same as the excellent meter used most recently in NCAA Football 07 where you push the analog stick down to get power and then up to get accuracy. The highlight stick is a new version of the trick stick, which can greatly improve your running game. The highlight stick lets you pull of jukes and fakes to let you run it all the way.
The lead blocking controls help enhance the stronger running game. This feature lets you switch control from the running back to a defender to allow you to create holes for the running back to go through. Once you create this break for your running back, you can switch back to him and finish the play. It’s a good feature since the AI doesn’t always find the best routes to use and gives hardcore players more control of their fate. In addition, the jump the snap feature from NCAA Football 07 has been included so that you can get an early jump on the play and let your defender have an advantage over his blocker. As you play through the game, you’ll be able to unlock Hall of Fame players. Some of these players can even be signed into current teams. This is done by increasing your Madden gamer level, which works similarly to the Maddencard of previous games.
Madden NFL 07 looks quite good if not remarkably similar to Madden NFL 06. Thankfully, Madden NFL 06 on the Xbox 360 looked great. The game’s player models have a lot of detail and realistic muscular definition, which is something that current generation versions lacked. The faces for the more popular players are incredibly accurate and this version ups the number of players with authentic faces. The attention to detail carries over to the coaches who look stunning. The stadiums are amazing with top-notch crowds populating them and now degrade realistically. The game’s animations are incredibly fluid with new and realistic animations for the many catches, throws and tackles.
The sound effects are still impressive, providing some life to the onscreen action. The EA Trax provided soundtrack is notable in terms of sheer scope. The commentary sees the biggest change since John Madden is replaced by someone from EA Sports Radio but joins the familiar Al Michaels. The new guy is pretty good and plenty enthusiastic. Don’t worry that you’ll miss Madden too much; he’s still present in the Ask Madden feature.
Madden NFL 07 manages to add new features, include previously removed features, and make the gameplay more solid than already was. Although not quite a revolution, it is an enjoyable and undoubtedly worthwhile evolution in the next-generation Madden franchise. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Aug 25, 2006
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