EA Sports is releasing their latest iteration of their uber-popular Madden NFL franchise. Madden NFL 10 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and doesn’t really offer much in the way of new groundbreaking game modes. However, the developers at EA Tiburon have done a substantial amount of work on the series’ ground game, refining the basic mechanics and adding some pretty big changes for those who take the time to look for them, including a great new tackling mechanic and a slower pace to make the game more accessible. Madden NFL’s on-field changes help the series move forward and become even closer to the feel of a pro football game.
Madden NFL 10 features mostly improved versions same game types of its predecessors. You’ll find an improved version of last year’s Superstar and Franchise modes, each one benefiting from a cleaner presentation and sharper AI. The improvements aren’t huge, but they do add a little bit more realism to the game’s deeper modes.
However, it’s really not until you get into a game that you see where most of the work went in Madden NFL 10. One of the most noticeable things for series fans is the slower pace. The game doesn’t feel nearly as fast and frantic as previous iterations. The slower pace allows newcomers to pull off more difficult and technical moves without having to worry about getting creamed quickly, as well as gives the game a bit more of a tactical and realistic feel on the field.
Another big new addition is the Pro-Tak animation system. Pro-Tak allows for up to nine player tackles, and the ability to direct your tackles in a certain direction for maximum effect. Not only does the Pro-Tak element allow for a more realistic looking portrayal, but it also makes the running game feel a lot more natural than before. You’ll be able to use the highlight stick to take down opponents more effectively, or conversely, push your way through defenders to gain extra yards on running plays, all thanks to Pro-Tak.
Aside from the slower pace and Pro-Tak system, there are several other more subtle changes to the formula. Fumbles can be fought over through an automatically queued Quick-Time Event mini-game, where you’ll have to push a pattern of buttons quickly in order to pick up the fumble. Another new feature is the new injury system, which allows you to choose whether or not you want to play one of your players depending on the severity of their injury. This is a nice touch that poses a dilemma, as playing them could risk aggravating the injury even worse, while subbing them would lose whatever skills they’d be able to offer your team.
The multiplayer element in Madden NFL 10 includes a great new co-op mode, which allows two players to play on the same team against a CPU-controlled opponent. This mode puts each of you in a set position, and can be quite fun and challenging. Additionally, there is an all new Online Franchise mode that lets you enter 32-player seasons, complete with live drafts and scheduling. Additionally, you can track your league’s progress not only in-game, but through web browsers and an iPhone app, which is a nice touch.
Graphically, the game looks great thanks to the fantastic new animation system. The game moves more realistically than any other Madden title, and there are a variety of other small changes and graphical effects added to the mix, like depth of field and procedural awareness, where your players will keep their eye on the ball wherever it moves.
The game’s soundtrack leans a bit more on the metal/hard-rock side, with bands like KoRn, Helmet, Slipknot, and Mastodon rounding out game’s music offering, although there are a few rap tracks littered in. The commentary is done pretty well and reflects the action of the game quite well, and the on-field sound effects are good.
Madden NFL 10 introduces some pretty great changes to the on-field action. While there isn’t a lot in the way of new game modes or content, fans will find this to be as close to real football as the series has ever gotten.
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