Game Review: Madden NFL 10
Mclatchy -Tribune News Service
Jun 19, 2009
"Madden NFL 10"
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Style: 1 or 2-Player Sports (2-Player Online)
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: EA Tiburon
Release: Aug. 14
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Since the NFL exclusivity agreement with EA Sports began in 2004, the legend of "Madden" rival "ESPN NFL 2K5" has grown to epic proportions. Its online seasons, television quality presentation, and realistic gameplay are now viewed as sacred features, especially in light of the fumbled "Madden NFL 06" next-gen console debut that soured fans with missing modes and awkward gameplay. In the years since, EA Tiburon has incrementally rebuilt Madden's reputation, but talk of "2K5" continues to haunt the team. With "Madden NFL 10," lead designer Ian Cummings hopes to finally put the game's now defunct competition in the rearview mirror for good. "I study the hell out of ('NFL 2K5') now because I personally don't want people to ever to be able to compare us to them any more," he says.
The most stunning new feature debuting in "Madden NFL 10" is the Pro-Tak system, a procedural animation technology that allows up to nine players to gang up on tackles. As a runner fights for that extra yard, defenders flock to the ball to stop his momentum and bring him down. This speed of the defensive response really separates good defenses like the Ravens from weaker groups like the Lions; poor defenses will give big backs like Brandon Jacobs time to break free from the tackle before other defenders arrive to help. Offensive players can also push the pile to help guide the running back's momentum in short-yardage situations, giving him the extra inch needed for the first down or touchdown.
Shop for Madden NFL 10 PS3 | Wii | Xbox
This new momentum-based technology also extends to the trenches, where offensive lineman now steer pass rushers around the field, resulting in a more realistic passing pocket. Players controlling pass rushers on defense must fight for leverage by using the right analog stick to gain the upper hand rather than hitting a swim move or bull rush button as in previous versions. As the pocket collapses around the quarterback, the controller rumbles, indicating it's time to get rid of the ball. To buy more time, players can use the new quarterback evasion moves tied to the right analog stick to sidestep or break free from a defender's grasp.
To complete its revolution of how the pocket works, EA is attempting to rid the game of unrealistic 15-yard dropbacks. Tiburon has implemented true dropback animations to simulate real NFL quarterbacks. Depending on the play, signal callers will automatically take three, five, or seven-step drops to the natural throwing position, eliminating the need for players to hold back on the analog stick to guide their QB to a safe throwing location.
Other big features seeing their debut in "Madden" include two-player online co-op games versus the CPU with position specific camera angles, the Wildcat formation made famous by last year's Miami Dolphins, and The Extra Point highlight show hosted by NFL Network's Fran Charles and Alex Flannagan, which recaps the week's action in your franchise mode. The list of new game features is impressive, but only time spent on the gridiron will determine if "Madden NFL 10" is primed to put those longing memories of "NFL 2K5" to rest.
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Copyright 2009 by Mclatchy -Tribune News Service
