Madden NFL 09

Reviewed by:
Gerasimos Manolatos

Prices:
Xbox 360, PS3: $59.99
Xbox 360, PS3 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition: $89.99
PS2, PSP, Xbox: $39.99
DS: $29.99

The Skinny: Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond join the broadcast booth for the series' 20th anniversary edition.

The Good: This is definitely the best looking football game ever—the player models are spot-on, and the grass on the field looks almost mowable. And once you get logged on to Xbox Live, you'll be greeted with a prompt that updates your rosters (Hello, Favre to the Jets), so expect great support from EA on that end.

The Bad: Unfortunately for Madden fans, this year's offering is thinner than an Olsen twin. The much-touted Madden IQ falls flat—rather than adjusting itself relative to your play in the game, it evaluates your skills in a virtual-reality test, which yields a difficulty rating that often doesn't translate to the game. And a new Rewind feature (which can be turned off) allows you to backtrack and wipe out any fumbles or interceptions, in case, you know, you're a filthy cheater.

Relive the Magic: The collector's edition includes Madden NFL '93, in case you want to relive the John Madden 150 pounds ago.

Buy, Rent, or Disembowel? EA Sports has assembled a good mix of timeless game play and subtle experimentation, enough to warrant a buy for football fans.

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