Ryan ChartrandForget for a moment that your first thoughts upon glancing at the box before purchasing “Madden NFL 08” will be that Vince Young is doomed.
How will the Madden “curse” strike this year? Torn ACL? Turf toe? Benched for Kerry Collins? (Now that would really prove to the skeptics that the curse exists.)
Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander appeared on the cover of last year’s Madden game, and ended up breaking his foot. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, featured on the cover of “Madden NFL 06,” ended his 2005-06 season during its first week due to a sports hernia. The day after “Madden NFL 04” was released, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick broke his leg the day in a preseason game. And the list of injuries continues.
No need to worry about virtual Vince Young, however, as he is safely protected by the reset button. Good thing, too, because the game is packed full of features to keep one occupied in ways studying never can.
After dumping out a second straight money-grab for the XBOX 360 last year that started gathering dust after the first halftime, “Madden 08,” released on Aug. 14 to sports-loving gamers everywhere, is everything “Madden 07” wasn’t and finally combines the graphics and possibilities of a next-generation system with the features and mainstays that made the previous-generation Madden versions must-buys.
Franchise mode has been beefed up to EA Sports standards, with features that leave even the most intense players satisfied. The fantasy draft is back, meaning I can still be the 49ers but not have the 49ers. Owner mode is returned in a way, as you can build new stadiums, get sponsorship deals, and analyze your finances, which is always exciting. Injured players can be rehabbed with the goal of getting on the field faster but the risk of getting hurt even more and sitting out for weeks.
The actual game is easily the best in history. The animations give it a lifelike quality, with gang tackles, highlight catches, and running backs pushing their linemen across the goal line. The weapons system tells you who your key players are and where the opponent’s are as well, and they live up to their featured attributes. Accurate passer Drew Brees can carve up defenses until lockdown corner Champ Bailey steps in front of one of his passes for six, as he is prone to do.
All in all, “Madden 08” is easily worth the $59.99. If you can’t afford that right now, consider not buying that biology textbook.
Aside from a few gripes, such as the EA Sports radio announcer who bores you to death, this year’s Madden game is too good to pass up.