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Not just a port. Although the Madden’s rookie on the Wii looks like little more than the Gamecube version at first glance, the game actually makes great use of the Wii Remote in both the main game and minigames. It’s a different take on next-generation Madden than that found on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, but it’s just as successful.
As I mentioned above, the biggest difference between the Wii and last-generation console versions (PS2, Xbox, Gamecube) is the use of the Wii Remote. There are tons of actions in the game that use the Wii Remote. Thankfully, EA has included dozens of tutorials that appear frequently to accommodate you to the new control scheme. The tutorial goes away from the game and lets you practice the action before launching you back into the game. On the Wii, the remote acts as your hands, so to pass you simply flick the controller towards that person, to snap the ball you “snap” the controller upward. The nunchuk acts as your body so to juke you simply move the control from side to side and tilting the nunchuk will let you use the stiff arm. Tackling someone is done by pushing both the nuncuk and Wiimote towards the opponent and simply running into them pressing the Z button. Even kicks are done with the Wiimote: press A to begin the action then tilt the controller upward. Even the more advanced moves like lead blocking and catching can be done with the Wiimote.
Behind the new control scheme, you’ll find the familiar Madden. The franchise mode includes all of the features found in last year’s Madden, including some features not available in the Xbox 360 version. These “exclusive” features include the owner mode, minigames, newspaper headlines and the Tony Bruno show. New this year is the ability to scout rookies. You can get rookies to workout, giving you more detailed information as well as play through a college game to get find out how they really play. In addition to this, you also get quick play and the superstar mode.
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.
Madden NFL 07 lacks online play, just like its Gamecube predecessor. The game does include three minigames that more or less make up for the lack of online play. In YAC Attack, where you get points by throwing successful passes, especially if you throw the ball at a player-controlled receiver. Two-on-two resembles a schoolyard game of football. You’re given a number of plays to score as many touchdowns as possible. In a cool touch, the defensive player defending against the quarterback will even count Mississippis. The game also has Comine Kicker, a kicking minigame which has opposing players trying to blow wind that’s less fun but not bad.
Madden NFL 07 is between the Xbox and Gamecube versions of the game in terms of graphics. These games, in turn, were nearly identical to the 06 version of Madden. Though the engine is showing its age, the game’s player models are respectable; the animation is still fluid, and the stadiums get the job done well. The audio is largely unchanged, as well. 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.
While on other platforms, Madden NFL 07 introduced a few wrinkles; on the Wii it is an entirely different beast. The game works extremely well with the Wii Remote and it’s great that EA took the time to deliver a compelling product instead of taking the Gamecube version and just adding a minigame or too. The game is definitely recommended, even if you’ve already picked up a version on another platform. -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- Nov 25, 2006
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