Madden NFL 2005

Rating:
Summary: A solid football game
Review: This is a solid football game... Don't get discouraged by the negative reviews.

Game play is enjoyable. My only other experience has been with MAdden 2003 and I find this one much easier to play (I can actually win a game or two). The running game is tough, but manageable. Passing plays are straight foward with quite a bit of variety.

The fancy control pad is not necessary. I almost bought a pad with the "hit stick", as I thought it was essential after reading the package and the information on amazon. My friend has the pad and finds it adds little. I am well into the franchise mode and haven't missed it yet..

Various game types... Multiplayer, franchise mode and select matchups... The multiplayer can be played directly over the internet or through the ea sports website. Franchise mode is very cool with the ability to draft players, manage to organization, control advertising, prices etc...

If you are interested in football and have enjoyed the previous madden games, give this a try...



Rating:
Summary: Isn't the next installment supposed to be an IMPROVEMENT?
Review: What a HUGE disappointment this game has turned out to be, mainly for the absolutely INSANE decision to no longer allow players to play a custom team in franchise mode. Absolutely pathetic.

What's worse is that there was absolutely no mention of this feature being dropped anywhere. I spent HOURS creating a homemade team, coming up with logos, etc., looking forward to playing it through many franchise years. Suddenly, I can't figure out how to import it into the game. After tons of searching through EA's inept site, I find out....surprise....they CUT that feature this year!!!

THis was by far my favorite feature. You also can no longer hurdle, a move that truly helped the running game. I haven't even bothered to play in franchise mode at this point, as I'm so peeved that I can't play my own team. The new "Hit stick" thing is good, and there are some nice additions to defensive adjustments if you have the right controller.

But the EA site, their total silence on this matter of lack of custom team in Franchise mode and the way they obviously view the PC audience as an afterthought make me ready for something else, and I don't know if I'll ever give EA my money again. They seem to have zero consideration for the people who've been loyal to them and supported them in the past. As usual, it's all about the money, nothing more.

This version of Madden, overall, is a step backwards.