I know it’s strange… a football review in March? Well, it’s not just any
football game. This is Madden 2005 we are talking about! It’s hard to believe that Madden has been around for so long. In fact if it were not for MR. Madden’s love of the game and his football franchise, I really do not think sports game would be where they are today. A bold statement I know yet, every year it seems the franchise shows new features and improvements and that is important for those who love playing football on any console.

So even though football season is over, you can try and change this last year’s season and have a good time online with Madden 2005. The real question is how good is this year’s version compared to last year? Well, sit back as I run down the
stats of the 2005 version of perhaps the best Madden to date! The game clock is running down and I have a lot to cover so let’s get on to the review.

Gameplay

EA has added a lot of new features and improvements in almost
every department of the game. You will notice that this year the “hit stick” is one of the best weapons on offense and defense. You use the right joystick and when the time is right by hitting it at the right angle; you can change the momentum of the game. Of course miss the hit and you may see the running back or receiver running by you as your eating dirt and he runs past you into the end zone. EA has also beefed up the defense angle of the game. After years of playing Madden, I have to say this is a great new feature and now you can pull off some fantastic plays while on defense.

Of course the offense has been tweaked as well and now you have more options than ever before. If
you’re a veteran of Madden, you will notice the new features really make the game stand out. If you’re new to the game, you’re in for a real treat visually and in the overall gameplay. Also the regular modes are back as well as some new ones. You can create the ultimate fan and make him look as wild as anyone you have ever seen in the stands. Of course you can also create your own team and import players from NCAA as well. It seems EA really loaded this year’s version with new stuff.

The owner’s mode has some effects on a player’s performance. If he is unhappy or is trying to negotiate his contract, his playing may suffer. While I am not a big fan myself of this mode, I know many like this part of the game. EA also tweaked and revamped the kicking meter making it the best one yet. I am impressed with all the new options and the game plays. Even those new to the series will learn the basic in about 40 minutes of playtime. Of course to learn everything and the new coverage’s and coaching strategies, it will take a few games.

Xbox Live

Xbox owners have wanted to play Madden online and this year they now have their chance. The lobby is just as good as any of the other sports titles I have seen. It’s easy to use and to get messages and even the option to chat without leaving the main lobby. You also see an instant game ticker showing the latest scores for any game just played or in progress. It’s a bit odd to see basketball scores in a football lobby yet, pretty neat. The lobby even has a special area for those new to Madden and this is where you can learn the difference between playing against the AI and a real person. There is no lag and the connections for each person are easy to read. Just like other games if the player drops the game, you will be rewarded with the win.

The only thing I am not crazy about is the EA Gold Pass. EA has decided to charge $14.99 a month for gamers to get special downloads and even their own lobby area. Some may want this and it does include special videos and sports shows by Tony Bruno. I think this option is for those die-hard fans that eat, sleep and live for the sport. You do not need to buy this feature to play online. It only grants you a few special things and some gamers really like it. I just don’t see that it really adds to the overall game one way or the other. Overall, the lobby is well made and easy to use. Another great job by EA! It shows they are improving their online features.

Graphics / Presentation

Every year I play Madden I say wow the graphics and replays are great. They can’t possibly get any better. Then the next version comes out and EA manages to throw in a few new features. This year the replays really stand out they are not overused as in a few past versions. However, they are really impressive and really add that touch of realistic feeling to the game. You will see split screen replays and even slow-motion 3 screen replays with commentary that makes sense to what was just shown.

The players look more life-like and the coaches have been touched up to look very real. I had a complaint last year that a few of the coaches looked almost cartoon like. This time around they are near perfect images of their real counter-parts. You will even see while the game progresses that the players’ uniforms will get dirty with even a few blotches of blood or sweat. It’s the small little added details that make Madden really shine. The frame-rate of the game is great and remains the same through out the entire game. I would love to say they can’t get any better yet, I know next year they will manage to throw in something to contradict that statement.

Madden NFL 2005 Screenshot Madden NFL 2005 Screenshot Madden NFL 2005 Screenshot

Madden NFL 2005 Screenshot

Madden NFL 2005 Screenshot Madden NFL 2005 Screenshot Madden NFL 2005 Screenshot

View all Madden NFL 2005 Screenshots in the Gallery

Audio

John Madden and Al Michaels do a great job and the commentary is beefed up more than any other version. You won’t get sick of the same comments made by John, another problem in past versions. You hear the commentary exactly as the play is going down. In short it’s a great job. Of course football fans love to hear those thunderous hits and the sound of helmets hitting each other. EA really added those additional sounds and they are all life like sounding. The crowds react in a realistic way and of course can help your momentum if they are on your side. They can also become a distraction just like in real life. You can also use your own custom sound tracks during intermission, another neat feature of the game. Every sound has been made to add to the game and is top-notch and well done.

Replay Value

EA has included all the modes that fans love and added new ones. It would be very hard to say the game does not offer plenty of replay value. Throw in the updated rosters and the 30-year coaching mode and the game is loaded with replay value. Of course those who have XBL will get the most replay value from this one.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 9.2/10 [not an average]

Additional Comments

Madden is a quality sports title that just seems to get better every year. You can even challenge the ref’s calls and see it played out just as though you are watching a live game. It has a solid playbook and the football engine has to be the best out there. Throw in the historic players, stadiums and the Madden cards and this one will offer any football fan plenty to keep them playing for a long time. The graphics and replays are not just thrown in for the sake of a gimmick and the controls respond very well. Any football fan will find something to like about this one. Another great Madden, so even though it is March throw in your copy and enjoy some football until the next season starts!

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