Madden NFL 07 - Review
Added September 1st, 2006 by Kisan Parikh
Introduction:
Madden can easily be regarded as the most successful sports videogame franchise of all time. Sales over the last few years have been phenomenal, and this time will be no different. Last year, the Xbox 360 was given a fairly hollow version of Madden 06. The game included only basic features and lacked elements of the current-gen version. This time around, things look to be different. Madden NFL 07 is packed with new game modes and gameplay improvements.
Gameplay:
Year after year, Madden videogames offer gameplay which blends realism and excitement in a way that appeals to just about every gamer. This year, EA has put an added emphasis on the running game, with all new features and tweaks to improve this aspect of the game.
The most evident new feature in the game is called Lead Blocker Control. With this new control, gamers are able to select a lead blocker before each snap. As the play starts, you are able to move and position this blocker in a way to open up holes for the ball carrier. Additionally you are able to execute Impact blocks and cut blocks with the right analog stick. If you are too reckless with these power blocks, however, your runner is likely to get nailed. The best part about this feature is that after opening up a hole, you are able to switch back to the runner and use them to your advantage. This feature really makes the running game more worthwhile, but once it is perfected, the new control may be a bit unfair to AI defenses.
Another change to the running game is the new Highlight Stick, which will replace last year’s Truck Stick. This control allows games to execute big jukes with left and right taps of the right analog stick. Additionally, back jukes can be executed by pushing down on the stick. Pressing up will have varied results depending on your runner’s style. Power backs will truck the defender while smaller ones will attempt to dodge. A cool side note is that many star backs have true-to-life running styles. With these new additions, the running game takes on an entirely new feel than in past years. Most gamers will find that the new depth will make them want to run the ball more often.
In game is where Madden NFL 07 is greatest. The game has a more polished flow this time around, with gameplay being both fun and engaging. Madden fans will surely not be disappointed, especially since they didn’t forget challenges this time!
The main way that Madden has changed from 06 on the Xbox 360 is the increased amount of depth. Superstar mode makes its next-gen debut and great new mini-games have been included. Superstar is mostly the same as it was on the Xbox for 06, with a few improvements. Interviews, IQ tests, and training sessions are included. To start off, the game gives you a few chances to try out the combine-styled mini games. You participate in the 40-year dash, bench press, and then an event specific to your position such as QB Challenge and Running Attack. Then, you have the actual combine, which will help determine your draft position.
Once you are on a team, the training method is in the form of practices. Practices allow you to choose your play and attempt to execute. With each successful play, you gain influence, but negative plays will take away from your influence. Each play in both games and practices will be followed with a small report on your influence gain or loss. Playing as your superstar is much more fun this time around, because you only control one man on the field. The view is more zoomed in so you must manage the camera as well as actions. This makes positions such as Cornerback and Halfback even more interesting, because you are always active and looking around. Gamers can also avoid boredom by fast forwarding possessions where their player isn’t on the field. This way of playing is much more appealing that in 06, and it is a great change of pace from standard games.
Even with Superstar mode, Franchise is still the main element of Madden NFL 07. This time, the mode actually has depth. You are able to train your players with the combine-style mini games, and manage your team in depth. Franchise mode features 3 seasons: Preseason, Regular Season, and Off Season. Preseason allows you to evaluate rookies and finalize rosters. The Regular Season includes the season and postseason, which is the bulk of Franchise Mode. Off Season is where you re-sign players, approach free agents, and draft players.
The game is much deeper and shows marked improvement over Madden 06 for the Xbox 360, except one has to wonder if this is what we should have had last year. Either way, the gameplay aspects of Madden 07 are more than enough to warrant a purchase by a Madden fan.
Graphics:
Visually, Madden 07 is at the top of the list when compared to Xbox 360 sports games. Players, fans, and the field all look great to bring the football experience to life on your screen. In addition, player animations are fantastic. You rarely see a move repeated time after time, because EA has loaded a huge variety of movements into the game. That said, facial models need to be worked on a bit for the players to truly resemble real life counterparts. Additionally, the game is a bit jumpy at times in the transition phase from the end of a play to the pre-snap. On the grand scheme of things, however, these issues are miniscule and don’t detract from the experience.
Audio:
Last year’s ‘less is more’ approach makes its return. In favor of true color commentary and play by play, Madden NFL 07 again includes the radio announcer and in-stadium announcer. In-game sounds such as bodies coming together and heavy breathing are emphasized. The crowd is also a huge part of the sound, and they make you feel as if you were on the field with the players. That’s about it as far as audio goes. The soundtrack is great, as always, and features some NFL Films tracks. More than likely, custom soundtracks will be your preferred source of music after a few hours with the game.
Controls:
Controls are pretty much the same as in Madden 06. The lead blocker control scheme works flawlessly, as does the rest of the game’s control scheme. Mini Games are tons of fun due to their easy to play nature. They are very simple to learn, but fairly difficult to master. I guarantee you will enjoy working on your bench press and 40 year dash stats (in the game of course).
Replay:
Again, replay value is where you see the most drastic improvement from the Xbox 360 predecessor. You have Superstar mode, Franchise Mode, Hall of Fame, and Xbox Live. Hall of Fame mode is a cool little extra which allows you to check out stats of Hall of Fame players. You unlock more as you increase your Madden Gamer Level, a 1-50 ranking of all your achievements both on and offline. Xbox Live features the cool Live Opponent addition to franchise mode. You can play as the spoiler or select the feature and play a real gamer instead of AI. Friends can be invited if you so desire. Head to Head games, of course, provide hours of good fun. You can risk Madden Gamer Level points in these matches to add even more competition.
Summary:
Madden NFL 07 is everything we hoped 06 to be and more. The gameplay is loads of fun, and the game is packed with numerous features. Madden fans of any size have no reason to avoid purchasing this one, and newcomers to the franchise will probably be sucked in for good.
Madden can easily be regarded as the most successful sports videogame franchise of all time. Sales over the last few years have been phenomenal, and this time will be no different. Last year, the Xbox 360 was given a fairly hollow version of Madden 06. The game included only basic features and lacked elements of the current-gen version. This time around, things look to be different. Madden NFL 07 is packed with new game modes and gameplay improvements.
Gameplay:
Year after year, Madden videogames offer gameplay which blends realism and excitement in a way that appeals to just about every gamer. This year, EA has put an added emphasis on the running game, with all new features and tweaks to improve this aspect of the game.
The most evident new feature in the game is called Lead Blocker Control. With this new control, gamers are able to select a lead blocker before each snap. As the play starts, you are able to move and position this blocker in a way to open up holes for the ball carrier. Additionally you are able to execute Impact blocks and cut blocks with the right analog stick. If you are too reckless with these power blocks, however, your runner is likely to get nailed. The best part about this feature is that after opening up a hole, you are able to switch back to the runner and use them to your advantage. This feature really makes the running game more worthwhile, but once it is perfected, the new control may be a bit unfair to AI defenses.
Another change to the running game is the new Highlight Stick, which will replace last year’s Truck Stick. This control allows games to execute big jukes with left and right taps of the right analog stick. Additionally, back jukes can be executed by pushing down on the stick. Pressing up will have varied results depending on your runner’s style. Power backs will truck the defender while smaller ones will attempt to dodge. A cool side note is that many star backs have true-to-life running styles. With these new additions, the running game takes on an entirely new feel than in past years. Most gamers will find that the new depth will make them want to run the ball more often.
In game is where Madden NFL 07 is greatest. The game has a more polished flow this time around, with gameplay being both fun and engaging. Madden fans will surely not be disappointed, especially since they didn’t forget challenges this time!
The main way that Madden has changed from 06 on the Xbox 360 is the increased amount of depth. Superstar mode makes its next-gen debut and great new mini-games have been included. Superstar is mostly the same as it was on the Xbox for 06, with a few improvements. Interviews, IQ tests, and training sessions are included. To start off, the game gives you a few chances to try out the combine-styled mini games. You participate in the 40-year dash, bench press, and then an event specific to your position such as QB Challenge and Running Attack. Then, you have the actual combine, which will help determine your draft position.
Once you are on a team, the training method is in the form of practices. Practices allow you to choose your play and attempt to execute. With each successful play, you gain influence, but negative plays will take away from your influence. Each play in both games and practices will be followed with a small report on your influence gain or loss. Playing as your superstar is much more fun this time around, because you only control one man on the field. The view is more zoomed in so you must manage the camera as well as actions. This makes positions such as Cornerback and Halfback even more interesting, because you are always active and looking around. Gamers can also avoid boredom by fast forwarding possessions where their player isn’t on the field. This way of playing is much more appealing that in 06, and it is a great change of pace from standard games.
Even with Superstar mode, Franchise is still the main element of Madden NFL 07. This time, the mode actually has depth. You are able to train your players with the combine-style mini games, and manage your team in depth. Franchise mode features 3 seasons: Preseason, Regular Season, and Off Season. Preseason allows you to evaluate rookies and finalize rosters. The Regular Season includes the season and postseason, which is the bulk of Franchise Mode. Off Season is where you re-sign players, approach free agents, and draft players.
The game is much deeper and shows marked improvement over Madden 06 for the Xbox 360, except one has to wonder if this is what we should have had last year. Either way, the gameplay aspects of Madden 07 are more than enough to warrant a purchase by a Madden fan.
Graphics:
Visually, Madden 07 is at the top of the list when compared to Xbox 360 sports games. Players, fans, and the field all look great to bring the football experience to life on your screen. In addition, player animations are fantastic. You rarely see a move repeated time after time, because EA has loaded a huge variety of movements into the game. That said, facial models need to be worked on a bit for the players to truly resemble real life counterparts. Additionally, the game is a bit jumpy at times in the transition phase from the end of a play to the pre-snap. On the grand scheme of things, however, these issues are miniscule and don’t detract from the experience.
Audio:
Last year’s ‘less is more’ approach makes its return. In favor of true color commentary and play by play, Madden NFL 07 again includes the radio announcer and in-stadium announcer. In-game sounds such as bodies coming together and heavy breathing are emphasized. The crowd is also a huge part of the sound, and they make you feel as if you were on the field with the players. That’s about it as far as audio goes. The soundtrack is great, as always, and features some NFL Films tracks. More than likely, custom soundtracks will be your preferred source of music after a few hours with the game.
Controls:
Controls are pretty much the same as in Madden 06. The lead blocker control scheme works flawlessly, as does the rest of the game’s control scheme. Mini Games are tons of fun due to their easy to play nature. They are very simple to learn, but fairly difficult to master. I guarantee you will enjoy working on your bench press and 40 year dash stats (in the game of course).
Replay:
Again, replay value is where you see the most drastic improvement from the Xbox 360 predecessor. You have Superstar mode, Franchise Mode, Hall of Fame, and Xbox Live. Hall of Fame mode is a cool little extra which allows you to check out stats of Hall of Fame players. You unlock more as you increase your Madden Gamer Level, a 1-50 ranking of all your achievements both on and offline. Xbox Live features the cool Live Opponent addition to franchise mode. You can play as the spoiler or select the feature and play a real gamer instead of AI. Friends can be invited if you so desire. Head to Head games, of course, provide hours of good fun. You can risk Madden Gamer Level points in these matches to add even more competition.
Summary:
Madden NFL 07 is everything we hoped 06 to be and more. The gameplay is loads of fun, and the game is packed with numerous features. Madden fans of any size have no reason to avoid purchasing this one, and newcomers to the franchise will probably be sucked in for good.
