Madden NFL 10 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)**UPDATE: MANY REVIEWERS ARE SLAMMING THE GAME BECAUSE IT IS MISSING FRANCHISE MODE... however Franchise and Superstar modes are present in the game, but have to be unlocked.I placed the codes to unlock them at the end of my review!**

Before I even begin this review, let me say that I have NEVER had a desire to own a Madden game on any console before. Ever.Until Madden 10.I am not a big sports fanatic, and thus couldn't care less about trades, drafts, seasons, stats... when I sit down in front of my gaming console I want hours of fun and competitive action... not arguing over stats, gloating, bad sportsmanship, etc.So I have never owned a Madden game on any console, and typically dread playing Madden with any of my friends, because I could never compete with them! Until now...

This year, I could tell immediately that Madden 10 was going to be something different.It seemed to be more designed to appeal to me.Dont get me wrong: I am not the WiiFit demographic.I am a hardcore gamer, male, in my 20's.I just don't fit the typical Madden niche.This year's offering, as other reviews have stated (and SLAMMED the game for!) doesn't include a lot of what the hardcore sports fanatics might be looking for: trades, franchise mode (whatever that is!?), create-a-player (which I would have probably liked), etc... hence their unfavorable reviews.However, that said, the game has lots of features that ARE APPEALING, and I am really enjoying the game.Here are the features that attracted me:

1 - "HUDDLE-UP MODE" - this is a Wii-only mode that sounded really fun and interesting.Essentially, it is a 4-player mode where 2 players (opponents) control the game normally.... but 2 other players (each on one team or the other) can aim their remote at the screen and, using the wii pointer/cursor, help their teammate out by clicking on the opponent's players, tackling them!Your "helper" can tackle any opposing player AS LONG AS THEY DON'T HAVE THE BALL... so if my QB is about to get sacked or if I throw a pass to a receiver and he is about to get tackled... no worries! My teammate can take quickly click on the opposing player and take him out!It is ridiculously entertaining!There was screaming and laughing all at the same time.I had 3 friends over (2 are hardcore Madden veterans, and one other Madden newcomer), and they had a blast.We have dubbed this mode "HATER mode".It really is fun.

2 - THE CONTROLS AND PLAYBOOK -As I mentioned, I am new to playing Madden, but I am not new to gaming.The "ALL PLAY" controls are still an option, which have very simple controls for people who may have a harder time playing with the more advanced control scheme.I play with the advanced controls, which work really well.In addition, you can select whether you want the "ALL PLAY" playbook, an Intermediate playbook, or an ADVANCED playbook. This feature is REALLY nice.The All Play playbook is VERY simple... even a child could go in and select an appropriate play.The Advanced playbook looks like a NASA manual to a newcomer like me....way too intimidating!So, I selected the Intermediate playbook, which has lots of options, but far fewer plays than the Advanced.My nephew came over, and when he selected the Advanced playbook, I knew what I was in for... an old fashioned beat down.But surprisingly, I was able to hold my own, since EA did such a wonderful job balancing the game.Typically, with a game like this, a newcomer would have NO CHANCE IN THE WORLD against a seasoned veteran (seems strange calling a 16 year old a "seasoned veteran" at anything...lol)... but this game has done a wonderful job bridging the gap.

3 - "ROAD TO THE SUPERBOWL" - Again... I do not care about stats, trades, franchises... in fact, when I first started the game and it asked me to select my favorite team so it could use that team's colors and logo on my home screen, it took me like 15 minutes to decide on my favorite team, since I didn't have one!So, obviously I would never sit down and actually play through an entire season.I bought this game mostly for playing with other people.So, the "Road to the Superbowl" is a really well done mode of game-play.Essentially, you can go through an entire season... or half a season... or you can jump in at the playoffs... or youcan EVEN BEGIN RIGHT AT THE SUPERBOWL.Also, you can start off your "Road to the Superbowl" alone, but other players can jump in at any time.So if I start the playoffs by myself, and one of my buddies comes over the next day, he can jump in with me and join me.You can even have several seasons or "Road to the Superbowl" saves.... so I can have one whole season that I am working on, and then create a new one that starts at the playoffs.This is a really well thought out way of doing things.

4 - ONLINE - I own this game as well as EA's "Grand Slam Tennis"... both games use EA Nation rather than Nintendo's online system.This means NO FRIEND CODES, and it also means that EA maintains the servers, ensuring they have the appropriate updates/maintenance, as well as that there aren't any hackers online.You can invite anyone you play to be added to your friend list, and it even has an instant messenger (I've never used it,but it's there).The online play just plain works.Period.THE ONLY thing that could have been done better is if they had implemented WiiSpeak for voice chat!This game, as well as Grand Slam Tennis SHOULD HAVE HAD VOICE CHAT!!!Other than that, it is perfect.

5 - GRAPHICS - Granted... the game does not look "realistic".But as a Wii owner, I have come to expect less than realistic graphics, and I am OK with that.I would trade fun gameplay for lesser graphics any day!I loved the art style used for Grand Slam Tennis, and this game used a similar "cartoony" style, and it looks great.It is a really good looking game. And the art fits the type of game it is: FUN.

This game is what it is: A really well done, deep, and compelling Football game. I am having a blast with it, and I think EA was smart to change up the formula a bit:it has tapped into a crowd that previously had no interest in the Madden offerings.Here is a quick review of the game overall:

Gameplay: 9/10
Controls: 10/10
Presentation: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Online Play: 9/10 (would be 10/10 if WiiSpeak was included!)
Replay Value: 10/10 (GREAT multiplayer modes forwhen friends come over!)
Overall: 9/10

Here are the unlock codes that, when entered at the EA Extra's menu, will unlock the hidden modes like Franchise Mode, etc:

Franchise Mode: TEAMPLAYER
Superstar Mode: EGOBOOST
Situation Mode: YOUCALLIT
Super Bowl Stadium: THEBIGSHOW
Pro Bowl Stadium: ALLSTARS
Master Code (unlocks everything): THEWORKS

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Product Description:
Every Sunday in the NFL, an epic battle rages between the offense and the defense. Every play is a struggle, with each side relentlessly pursuing every single yard. In Madden NFL 10, you will join the fight and experience firsthand what it is like to fight for every yard. With the all-new Pro-Tak animation technology you will have more control over the outcome of every play than ever before. Whether driving your receiver towards the first down, or battling for a fumble at the bottom of a pile, the play won't be over until the whistle blows.

Enhance Pro-Tak control.
View larger.
Improved franchise mode & new co-op play.
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Ultimate realism.
View larger. Madden NFL 10 also lets you take your fight online with an all-new Online Franchise mode, complete with 32 teams, NFL-style drafts and a custom league webpage. Add to that the most immersive broadcast presentation to date, and Madden NFL 10 gives you everything you see on Sundays, minus the grass.

Pro–Tak
This all new animation technology provides unprecedented control over the outcome of every play. Drag defenders towards the first down marker, including up to 9-man gang tackles, fight for a fumble at the bottom of the pile, and evade the rush with all-new quarterback avoidance actions. Enhanced play at the line of scrimmage features a new blocking system that allows the quarterback to step into the pocket and gives the defensive line more control over the rush.

Fight for Online Dominance
One of the major improvements of Madden NFL 10 over its predecessors is its improved online franchise mode. Battle for franchise dominance online with leagues of 32 teams, with functionality featuring real NFL scheduling, live fantasy drafts and draft options, player transactions, league message boards, and more - all manageable from your console or your league's custom web page online, making your Madden NFL 10 online franchise always just a click away. There are even iPhone and other smart phone apps in the making to help Madden fans keep a hand in managing their team when away from their console and computers.

The Extra Point Show
The realism of Madden NFL 10 is about more than just for the action on the field. With the introduction of the game's postgame show, the Extra Point, every game feels even more like a real life gridiron contest. Check out the happenings around your online franchise league with its dynamic, network-style reporting and commentary hosted by Fran Charles and Alex Flanagan of NFL Network. Featuring news and information from each week's games, The Extra Point recaps all the excitement of your franchise.

Online Co-op
For the first time in Madden NFL franchise history, players can team up with a friend online and battle against the CPU. This co-op mode supports the headset accessory for communication in and out of the huddle and allows players to play any position on their squad, switching anytime before the snap of the ball. In addition, the mode features a variety of camera angles specific to the chosen position, allowing players to work on game strategy, practice plays and experience the game from a new point of view.

Madden NFL Your Way
Madden NFL 10 is the most customizable version of Madden NFL to date. Now players can alter gameplay options to adjust the experience to their liking. A revamped play calling system and menu takes you to kickoff faster than ever before. Players in a hurry can even speed up online matches with accelerated clocks, streamlined presentation and more.

Unprecedented Authenticity
From referees peeling players off a fumble pile and the chain gang rushing in to measure for a key first down, to authentic throwing and kicking styles, all-new player equipment and pre-game ceremony for every game, including the Superbowl, players can be sure that if you see it on Sunday, you'll see it in Madden NFL 10.

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