RSS FeedSportable Reviews: Madden 2008
Posted by rich on August 12, 2007
If you had any doubts or questions about Madden 08 improving on almost every area that had issues in 2007, consider them answered. Madden 08 takes the ultra-precise game control that was first installed in NCAA 2008 and has improved on it. It showcases the new ?weapons? feature that takes utilizing the best players on your team to a new level. The presentation of it is vastly improved and it even offers a new ?championship ring? feature that will allow you to build your own ring through accomplishments in the game and will actually offer you the chance to buy the ring and wear it. So let?s get into breaking this beast of a game down.
Presentation. The outstanding presentation is one of the first things you?ll notice about the game. It doesn?t load slow like Madden 2007 did and it even shows your trophy case and championship ring on the main screen. In exhibition games against other users, you have the ability to wager various trophies (15 in all) that you can accumulate through game play. Your Madden gamer profile will log each trophy that you win against the specific opponent and, if you win the same trophy three consecutive times against the same person, you are dubbed the ?champion? of that trophy. For example, if I were to beat someone three times for the Coliseum Trophy, I would be considered the Coliseum Champion and it would be exclusive to the match up that I have against that person. This elevates smack talk to a whole new level. Like years previous, you are asked to pick your favorite team and on the main screen there are video panels that show highlights from your team. Unlike years past, however, you can turn those panels off and bask in the glory of your championship ring that sits in the middle of the screen.
In Franchise mode, you no longer have to put up with the random radio and newspaper stuff that would usually clutter the screen. Instead, it?s just a simple menu that has all the options including Front Office mode available to access. Like I mentioned earlier, EA isn?t throwing anything incredibly complicated at you as far as presentation goes. That goes a long way in making the game more enjoyable because it makes it easier to enjoy and there are fewer distractions.
Gameplay: Here?s the section that really matters. The game play in Madden 08 is far and away the best that I?ve played in years. Players don?t randomly slide around on the field and react to your stick movements better than they ever have. The juke stick has evolved into a full on weapon, going away from the standard left right juke and adding many different unique moves. Messing around with guys like Reggie Bush and LaDainian Tomlinson has never been so rewarding. The one thing that players will notice, however, is the improvement of defensive play. Last year it seemed like, no matter what defense you used, it was still difficult to stop teams. This year it is much easier to take advantage of defenses like the Ravens or Chargers and force turnovers. The pass rush is something that was simply non-existent last year. This year, with the addition of the weapon mode, getting pressure on the quarterback is a lot easier to do and you don?t have to put up with a quarterback sitting in the pocket for 6 to 8 seconds. That brings me to the previously mentioned ?weapon mode.?
Weapon mode is all about taking advantage of guys on your team who excel at certain things. The weapons range anywhere from guys who can make spectacular catches to run stuffing linebackers and shutdown corners. One of the neat things about this mode is the fact that the weapons can counter each other. For example, if you have a quick receiver, the counter to shut down that receiver is to put a shutdown corner on him. If you have a power running back, he can be countered with a big hitter who can take out the back?s legs. That?s not to discourage you from using your weapons, however, because guys like Randy Moss who are absolute freaks and can make spectacular catches can and will single handedly win you games.
Injuries and fatigue is another interesting dynamic of this year?s game. EA has done a hell of a job in making it much more realistic in terms of guys getting subbed out regularly and running back tandems actually operating like they should. Injuries that often take players out for only a few plays in real life happen much more often in this game, bringing the feel that stingers and minor sprains actually do occur and affect the outcome of the game. That?s not to say that everyone on the field is made of glass, but the element that guys get the regular bumps and bruises during the game makes the game play much more authentic.
Something that is a lot more difficult about this game is Superstar mode. In years past, your ?Superstar? would collect achievements based on randomized genes from parents. This year is much different. Instead of a randomization, you have to compete in several drills including the 40 yard dash, running back drills, catch and cover drills, and a bench press. If you don?t do well in the events, your ratings will take a definite hit. For example, I false started my 40 yard dash and, as a result, my speed was an 8 overall. No, that?s not a typo. This puts much more emphasis on Madden?s sister game, NCAA, where you can create a campus legend and transfer him over into Madden to become a superstar instead of simply building one from the ground up in Madden. You?re also able to simulate through the game if your player is not on the field, saving you time instead of having to sit and watch your team run the ball while you sit on the sideline.
Well, there you have it. If you had to ask me, I would say this is one of the best, if not the best Madden game that EA has ever produced. They?ve taken into account issues in the past and made tremendous improvements to ensure that your Madden experience is one of the best you?ve ever had. Sportable would personally like to thank EA Sports for their generosity once again in letting us come down and preview the game. Their accommodations and generosity have been second to none. I?m in love with the game, and I know that when you get a copy of your own, you will be too. If you have any further questions about the game, feel free to ask and I am more than willing to fire up the 360 and answer them for you.
Fred said,
August 13, 2007 @ 11:15 am
I stopped reading after you said the presentation was “outstanding”. I’v never heard anyone say that about Madden.
rich said,
August 13, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
I think it’s a reasonable request to ask you to either a. read the entire article and my opinion about the game instead of blowing it off because I’m the only person you’ve ever heard say that the presentation is outstanding or b. play the game for yourself. I don’t think you’ve done either of the two.
Madden 2008 Reviews « Loser with Socks said,
August 13, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
[...] EA Sports, Video Game, NFL, Xbox 360. trackback This is a quality review of Madden by Sportable [Link] and another nerdy review from NyjerPlease [...]
Zach said,
August 13, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
Is the hit stick/juke stick delayed like the NCAA games, I don’t know how many times I tapped the hit stick and my guy ran by the running back and did delayed hit.
Asita said,
August 13, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
any bets on how long it takes b4 Vince Young gets injured? haha can’t have an article on madden without someone mentioning the curse…
Empty the Bench » Blog Archive » 10 Darts at the NFL Board said,
August 13, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
[...] sporadically the following 2 months, then deem worthless when the 2009 edition hits the shelves. Here’s a detailed review of this year’s version. Boom! Thwap! [...]
rich said,
August 14, 2007 @ 1:25 am
in regards to the juke stick, it’s very effective regardless of if you use turbo or not. i’ve found that if you DON’T hold turbo, you’ll pull of better moves to beat more than one defender.
As far as VY goes, I really hope he doesn’t get injured. The last thing that team needs aside from another year with Jeff Fisher at the helm is for VY to get injured
ClemSoNice said,
August 14, 2007 @ 7:55 am
As far as the “weapon mode”, what’s the best way to utilize them and how exactly do you begin to read the opponent’s play art?
rich said,
August 14, 2007 @ 8:21 am
probably the most effective weapon is the spectacular catch receivers. A lot of times you can huck it up and guys like Moss or Calvin Johnson will just out jump cornerbacks for the catch.
As far as reading play art, it hinges on your opponent. If he keeps calling the same type of plays, your intelligent player’s “meter” will fill up. When it’s all the way filled you can hold the triggers and see their play art. I played a game and Tom Brady, who has the intelligence thing, filled his meter up on me and just picked me apart.
Chief said,
August 14, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Is Franchise mode possible online? I’ve had friends move away and am no longer to due Franchise mode w/them. Does this exist?
ClemSoNice said,
August 14, 2007 @ 11:45 am
How are you able to tell when the meter is filling and such? Do you need to be on the intelligent player and push something to gain that sort of knowledge? I am playing on PS2 but it shouldn’t be much different.
rich said,
August 14, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
yea eventually the intelligence light bulb icon will start to turn from black to yellow and it goes up over the course of the game
Zach said,
August 14, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
In Madden 08 Hall of Fame can your guy be a first round pick?
ClemSoNice said,
August 15, 2007 @ 7:03 am
which team on madden 08, would you say, is the best to play with? i’m a dallas fan and i’m undefeated so far but the only real weapon is t.o. what team utilizes the weapons most effectively? specifically, the capability to read plays.
Kirk Aytch said,
August 15, 2007 @ 8:42 am
First of all the graphics for this game are superb. The biggest disappointment I have is the game play is so similar to the X-Box version. I am an avid Madden player and have been playing the game since its inception. I’ve played the PS and Xbox version and chose to play Sony. Like others who play PS, I’ve been wishing for a major upgrade to the game, but this PS3 version is not what I was hoping for. It would have been outstanding if EA could have placed the fantastic graphics of the PS3 version into the PS2 game play. When I got the PS3 I was very excited to see the 2007 PS3 version of Madden, big let down. As soon as I loaded it up X-box play calling style, X-box game play. Same thing for 08. I returned my PS3 version yesterday for the PS2 version. It?s a huge disappointment to have a 600 dollar game system and have to revert to the PS2 version for a real PS Madden experience.
Ken said,
August 15, 2007 @ 9:00 am
Does this version allow players to design their own plays?
jimmy jim said,
August 15, 2007 @ 9:11 am
Too bad PS3 sucks… I guess you should have not wasted $600 on a PS3 and went with a 360 for much cheaper (and better play)!
ClemSoNice said,
August 15, 2007 @ 9:35 am
Madden 07 was much better for PS2 than for X-Box 360. All they did was throw in tons of animation that didnt affect the actual gameplay and the players looked like cartoon characters. Not to mention, the horrible gameplay. Sony’s version is much better, it’s a shame they chose to mock x-box’s version for the PS3.
Will said,
August 15, 2007 @ 11:28 am
One issue I found is that there is no button (was R2 I believe in prior versions) that allows you to see what routes each player is supposed to run after your qb is at the line of scrimmage. this may tip your hand somewhat when playing against someone else but but when playing against the computer this makes passing a lot harder and in my eyes makes the game less fun. Am I missing something here ?
Eric said,
August 15, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
I’ve only just begun my Madden ‘08 experience, but so far it looks like a lot of the things that got screwed up or left out in ‘07 are back in the game (or fixed.)
The “weapon” stuff is useful and not tricky or complicated. It was nice to readily see the guys who are the big hitters, finesse rushers, etc. Though in Franchise Mode I would hope you know your team and players well enough that this isn’t too big of a help. -Convenient
I did see a few things once I began trading or signing free agents. I couldn’t do an auto re-order of my depth chart AND once I traded someone from my depth chart there tended to be a blank slot that I couldn’t seem to fill (computer controlled something or other, even though I changed all the settings to user controlled.) -Strange.
I can still trade ridiculously easily. The Bears have Champ Bailey, Deangelo Hall, Calvin Johnson while only giving up next years 1-3 draft picks along with Lance Briggs, Muhhamed and some other 70’s rated players. -Silly.
I’m always disappointed that the latest trades and released players aren’t captured prior to the release and available for download for EA On-line. And there are always guys who are just not on the NFL roster list, Jamar Williams the Bears 2nd string linebacker doesn’t seem to be there. -Strange.
Most importantly the game play is faster and smoother. I love the gang tackles that carried over from the NCAA 08 game engine. The ability to nail a receiver leaping and force him to drop the catch is awesome too! Using Hester to return is a great example of the fluidity of the system and the game speed. It feels chaotic, but that you still have good control of the player in motion. Responsive to your inputs. -Cool.
Still no On-Line Franchise capability. I want to be able to play a season (or several) against my friends. Why isn’t this a priority for EA? -Bizarre
ryan said,
August 15, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
Will
You can view play art by pushing the right trigger to zoom out and moving the right joystick up.
Matt G. said,
August 16, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
I’ve owned every Madden since ‘97, the last 4 being on PS2. This year I bought Madden for PS3. So far, there’s things I like and don’t like.
PROS:
Players look good, well-proportioned and the movements look good. Tackling animations are much improved.
Sprinting with the QB in the pocket is much easier. This helps when you need to suddenly escape sacks or roll out.
CONS:
Pass blocking is far too flawed. Good linemen whiff entirely on easy blocks, and I find screen passes almost impossible to get off.
In practice, they took away the option to select a random defense to run against. I found that was the best way to learn, and now its gone.
No more training camp. I enjoyed that feature.
I’m still awkward with pass catching. This might be my lack of practice.
brian said,
August 16, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
how is the franchise mode? last years was so easy that is was just no fun to play. every player increased so much and the salary cap allowed you to sign all of them. hoping it is a little more like the 2005 or 06.
king said,
August 16, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Ps3 version sucks. Why is it when you try to change the controller layout you lose the preplay menus on offense and defense? why no custom hot routes and playbooks? Why are the ratings for the teams different on PS2 vs PS3? EA needs to reevaluate this
29526 said,
August 17, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
on ps2 how do you run with the qb instead of waitin till u pass the line of discrimage?
dan mr. football phillips said,
August 19, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
Ok first I still hate that I still cannot play madden mode without using stupid vision ( hate it )
Second the book fails to explain the (New) Receiver control ???
Third still have defense guys who seem to be able to jump a mile in the air and take away the ball ?
Last Why in the Hell do the players (like L.T.) run out of bounds while going deep down sideline stupid !!
Donman said,
August 21, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
Is the Fantasy draft back???
Steve said,
August 22, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
In franchise mode, how do the players grow? i see the train thing, but that only is for 3 specific people, any tips?
Seano said,
August 22, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Theres to many fumbles, ive played with all the top backs in this game and I fumble at least once per game, and thats only on 20 carries. Even when i protect the ball it just pops out.
Marcus said,
August 24, 2007 @ 9:48 am
Do people like how their opponent can c wut play u r choosing when ur playing on the same screen? This is true for playstation 3 and xbox 360? Why cant they jus keep it how it was on playstation 2?
chazz said,
August 27, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
hello , i wanted to know if anyone knew how to turn off the salary cap mode ,if it can be done ?thanks
Rob said,
August 30, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
Hey, online I notice people using more than one weapon in the team selection screen. How do you do it? I’m not even sure if the single one i’m picking is working let alone multiple weapons, thanks.
Josh said,
September 1, 2007 @ 10:32 am
I seriously think this jerk works for EA and Madden. There is NO PRESENTATION. We can give a SH@$T about trohpies. We WANT A FOOTBALL GAME. The franchise mode is hardly any different than the last few years. The gameplay is horrible!!!!!!!!
I am returning Madden 2008 for the Playstation 2 version.
sonny said,
September 2, 2007 @ 10:47 am
First of all Josh,
EA has said that they are not putting any more resources into PS2, regular XBOX, and other systems. Their main focus will be on the 360 console. I also had a friend who was disappointed with gameplay, and he too was on PS2.
crazyhouse said,
September 7, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
can anyone tell me how to acess the playbook on madden 360?
I cant seem to get to that screen.
Madden 2008 - Best Football Game Ever? | said,
September 8, 2007 @ 9:52 am
[...] on this game. If you are looking for a little more about Madden 2008, I highly recommend reading Sportable Reviews’ take on the game. They touch every aspect and will help you decide if you want to buy this game or [...]
consoleer » Blog Archive » Roundup: Frankenreview - Madden 2008 (Xbox 360) said,
September 9, 2007 @ 10:52 am
[...] entire draft board, although the process itself of scouting and drafting is a little cumbersome. Sportable Something that is a lot more difficult about this game is Superstar mode. In years past, your [...]
venom619 said,
September 12, 2007 @ 8:48 am
how do i sub players in the depth chart?
fffffff said,
September 14, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
i hate u all losers
fffffff said,
September 14, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!
fffffff said,
September 14, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
i did ur mom
David said,
September 22, 2007 @ 2:01 am
Madden 2008 for PS 3 stinks…. No John Madden as commentator, and in Pro Bowl, players does not wear team helmets….
This version is 5 version backwards!!!
Jon said,
October 23, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
I dont kno wat you guys are talkin bout this game has alot of defects, The computer’s defense and offense are jugernutts no mater wat team they use and thats kind of a cheat; there are times where im trying to get to the quarterback they wont let me but when im on offense i have no f************* time in the pocket.
Mikey said,
December 26, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
I’m pretty much a rookie at Madden, but love it and have the 2008 version… My friend and I want to play each other online - do we have to have the same version to do so?
Josh Gonzales said,
December 31, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
Does anyone know how to set your receivers route to the first down line on Madden 2008 for PS3?
Also, can you pre-set your hot routes in the strategy section?
rush said,
January 16, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
http://www.sportsgamer.com/forums
best place on the net to talk about NFL
Bil said,
February 7, 2008 @ 6:51 am
If someone wants to know how to do the lambeau leap - after you score just keep pushing forward and x until you see it- it might take a couple of scores but it will happen
Skyler said,
April 14, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
I don’t know about you all, but I like to play Madden 08 on regular XBOX, not XBOX 360. I think 08 on 360 looks like NFL Blitz did, way to cartoony, I just think it feels awkward. I was really disappointed.
Danielle said,
September 18, 2008 @ 3:41 am
I’m just wondering because 07 is so different from 08…what are your goals as a superstar? I am unclear as to what the point is to creating a superstar, if he has no specific goals other than winning games…thats easy enough is that all? thanks!