If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
That seems to have been the mindset at EA Sports last year as the video game maker embarked on the annual revamping of its—and arguably the gaming world's—biggest franchise, Madden NFL. And for good reason. Over the past 17 years, the gridiron powerhouse has sold 53 million copies. Its release date has become the preseason event to pacify pro football enthusiasts itching for the real thing. It's turned no-name music artists into touring headliners. And its eye-popping realism—both in appearance and action—is unmatched in the sports genre.
So given the year-in, year-out success, those behind Madden NFL 07 aren't concerned whether their game is a bust or not. At this level, folks ask another question: How can we better last year's best?
Are Your Fingers Fast Enough?
With 2007's version, the tweaks are relatively minor, yet still worthwhile. Instead of the drastic, across-the-board changes incorporated three years ago that ushered in the era of the right analog joystick, 07 offers two distinct improvements from the previous year: the running game and the superstar mode.
Up until now, Madden NFL's makers admit it has leaned heavily toward the spectacular. Big hits. Crazy juke moves. And, of course, biiig-time passing. It wasn't long ago that a Kurt Warner-to-Isaac Bruce bomb could earn you 75-yard gains ... on every series.
That was so 2003.
Last year John Madden—the real John Madden—mandated more realistic artificial intelligence for the game bearing his name, meaning going for it on 4th and 3 was no longer a gimme. The result was yet more realism on game play, though passing still held an obvious advantage over running the ball.
Enter the lead blocker function of 07, which allows you to play as a runner's human shield. For instance, as great a running back as Shaun Alexander is, what would he be without veteran bulldog Mack Strong? So for players like me who'd rather not rely on AI assistance to open up the seas on a 4th and 1, we can now throw the bone-crunching block on our own—or even hold an opponent—and then switch back to the spotlight-grabbing runner (if our fingers are fast enough).
"We're trying to make it more fun even to get those small-yard gains," says producer Phil Frazier. "It definitely brings more importance to the running game." Exactly. What he said.
Dancing With the Stars
With increased emphasis on running the ball, gamers are more likely to enjoy tracking a Reggie Bush-like back on his way to the Hall of Fame. An expansion of last year's superstar mode, this new feature allows you to create a player (hairdo, face structure and all), and manage him both on and off the field as he vies for a permanent spot in Canton, Ohio. The additional twist now is that every play counts—especially in clutch moments—toward earning both legendary status and points for various roles on your team. Becoming a shutdown corner, for example, gives you a decided advantage against non-veteran receivers and quarterbacks, while also boosting your skill ratings in certain situations.
As a former addict to Madden NFL's franchise mode—yes, I'm a sucker for stats, drafts and trades—I have a confession to make: This Sims-like approach to following a hero-in-the-making has officially become my favorite part of the game. Though understandably boring for some, to me there's nothing that captures true on-the-field action like exclusively controlling a player through every screen, tackle, catch and breakout run—whether his number is called or not. When it was over I couldn't help but get a bit misty-eyed as my 6-foot-5, 285-pound virtual self entered the ranks of the Jim Browns, Lawrence Taylors and Jerry Rices. OK, so I didn't actually cry. But hey, let an armchair quarterback have his moment, will ya?
What Isn't In It
Another plus? The game's ever-expanding playbook (now taken from actual NFL teams) for on-the-field coaching and strategy. Yet perhaps one of 07's most attractive attributes is what isn't in the game. No one's blowing off faces with bazookas here. There's no hidden sex scenes or random swearing. I can actually sit back and fully enjoy just the game without any unexpected potholes.
True enough, EA Sports has been known for including a couple of relatively mild but nonetheless unnecessary distractions in the Madden games: namely, music from questionable bands and shots of cheerleaders in skimpy outfits. But this year marks the almost-departure of both elements. Gone are the real-life cheerleader "extras" and virtual halftime shows. And the game's extensive soundtrack seems to have been toned down slightly. Instead of Green Day's "American Idiot," now we're offered Dashboard Confessional's "Reason to Believe." In place of (hed)p.e.'s "Suck It Up," there's Audioslave's "Revelations." Not perfect bands or songs, but still an improvement.
Some players may not even notice the alterations. But they nonetheless indicate a clear commitment from those behind the game to highlight football, and nothing but football. More Xs and Os. More authentic moves and attributes. In short, more options and less peripheral "stuff." Which means for pigskin fanatics like me, it's pure fantasy.
