Madden NFL '06 Review (no fat)

Game Description

Sports games that have endured this long do not offer much scope for developers to make major revisions, and you'll find that Madden NFL 2006 is more of a fine tuning job than an overhaul. It doesn't make a significant stride forward. Instead it just improves on its existing capabilities.

Madden is a decade and a half old franchise developed by the sports game giant, Electronic Arts. Having gone through constant revision, for football aficionados, Madden NFL’06 brings some riveting football action to the Xbox. The highlights of this version include significant improvement in overall playability and innovations like QB vision and QB precision placement which increases the accuracy of passing.

Madden NFL '06 - Gameplay

As with many sports games, a knowledge and liking of the National Football League, its players and personalities, and an overall interest in the game goes a long way in enjoying this experience. For those who aren't aware of how Football works, there's a steep learning curve before you actually get to enjoy the intricacies of barraging into an opponent.

Starting with the significant improvements, the QB vision allows a quarterback to locate receiver and deliver a precise pass. A cone that appears on the screen helps you pinpoint the exact person you wish to pass to. While this is a significant change, the big question is still ‘was it needed?’ Perhaps not, as you can easily have a clear view of the field without getting involved with the QB vision.

Precision Passing is the real high point of Madden ’06. You can actually select the height at which you want to pass so as to dodge the opposition. Difficult as it may seem to master, precision passing really adds a lot to the gameplay.

The other major improvement is the beefed up offensive play with loads of new formations, smart routes for receivers and a truck stick control that adds a dash of aggression to your game - mow down your opponent’s defense and crack a rib or two. Receivers also look back while running, in anticipation of a pass, unlike earlier when they just stared ahead running purposelessly.

The inclusion of a Superstar Mode to this game adds a new dimension as it allows the player to live the life of an NFL star. There are a wide range of personas to assume including that of movie stars. You can also hire agents who will get endorsements or land your superstar, a movie role. Other activities include visiting a barber shop and taking IQ tests. In short, its a chance to experience NFL stardom without dirtying your socks. A nice twist to the gaming experience.

Madden NFL 2006 does a nice job in improving the playability of the game with a slew of enhancements. Gameplay is good and controls are pretty easy to master. Xbox owners who love the sports genre will have a field day playing this one.

Madden NFL '06 - Graphics

Improved graphics, wider routes, QB vision, enhanced replays and a host of other additions make this better than its predecessors in the graphics department.

Madden NFL '06- Sound

The play by play commentary is brought to you by John Madden, the legendary NFL broadcaster and sport analyst. Voices and flow of commentary have improved from past versions but still have a way to go before they start sounding fluid. Commentary doesn't seem to be EA Sports' strong point as most of its titles suffer in this area. Sound is good but nothing spectacular.

Madden NFL '06 - Summing Up

The developers have made some nice tweaks to the game. While the Superstar mode and precision passing are welcome changes, most of the additions can be deemed cosmetic rather than useful.

Even with a few minor hiccups in the AI and game functioning, there're enough bells and whistles in there to slake the thirst of hardcore NFL fans, enough to last a season at least. As a football experience, its pretty complete… hours of fun to be had.

Madden NFL '06 - Cost

Madden NFL 2006 currently retails at $49.99US at the time of writing.