I was reluctant to give this review due to the fact that alreay there are so many glitches in the game that many people are exploiting. All frustrating, and annoying. I hope that EA will take an interest into peoples complaints about these glitches and correct them. It's ruining the fun for many players. Well that being said here's my review.

Those who have gotten their hands on a nice new copy of Madden 10 will not be TOTALLY disappointed. This years installment doesn't have any 'major' updates, but the ones that are there are gratifying.

The use of the newly integrated "Pro-Tak" animation, allows for a more dynamic realism that wasn't present in older titles. Before once tackled, it caused the end of play. With Pro-Tak, you are more in control and can "fight for every yard" towards that 1st down. Just like in the real game, the play isn't over until the whistle blows. A very welcomed and much needed addition to this franchise.

Players now have the opportunity to play cooperatively over the internet. Fans rejoice! Also new is the online Franchise Mode. You have the choice to host or join a 32 team league. You will be able to draft, trade and run a fantasy draft via the web, or the newly added iPhone application. This allows for much more diversity and control over your team.

Superstar Mode:
Here is where you make your next superstar. You construct a player covering all basics, talents, and appearance. You are then given an IQ test and are entered into the draft.

You will be signed and given a schedule. Your schedule in this Madden will be a weekly schedule that you can either participate in or simulate. This time around Madden 10 has done away with daily drill, once present in older titles, and instead has given you a single weekly practice event.

Downside to all this, not only do you lose the drills, but it doesn't appear that the weekly practice affected the players' stats. Bummer.

Graphic wise, the game looks amazing. Although there are a few glitches that need to be pointed out. The halftime show. Those who have played the demo will understand, those who just purchased will get a quick heads up. EA...hope you're listening.

The halftime show is well below par. This years Madden halftime show isn't much of a show. It's definitely an improvement on older title and what their halftime had to offer, but still could have used a little more pizazz. I like how they show the best replays of how your game is going so far, but it's still missing something.

Other issues regard the quarterback and coach communications. If you look closely, you will see halfway through the conversation, your QB ends up talking on an imaginary phone. Kinda like the cat on an imaginary bike, lolz.




You can also bear witness to zombified team mates on sidelines. The fans are great. Gives you more of a 'real game' feel, but some of the players could use a Red Bull.

Gameplay is just as prominent as other titles in the series, albeit some new comers to The Madden, may find it difficult to play due to the more dynamic realism, somewhat simulated feel of the game. The realism may throw some, those who have not played Madden, off the mark as to what this game has to offer. It's a bit slower than previous maddens, so that means you have to work harder to achieve your goals. Fight for every yard indeed.

There are a lot of minor adjustments, and some seem a little unnecessary. More so evident during Online Franchise. Commentation could be a little more focused and relative to the action at hand. Not so much on the look of a stadium or buying hotdogs. Although I do love them hotdogs, and I know they are going for realism here, but I'd be more focused on playing the game than hearing about hotdogs. Not incredibly distracting, but could be done without.

The focus on the realism of the game may prove to be both a negative and a positive for the series. During my research over the web, more people seem to believe NCAA to be more of a "football" game than Madden is. To some degree I agree. There's something a little more motivating when playing for "something" like school pride, or the Heisman Trophy, or just trying to get a better looking girfriend. Madden offers competitive play, always, but it would be satisfying if one year they gave you "something" to play for. Just my opinion.




The overall approach to the game is inviting and long awaited. Beautifully rendered graphics, realism in gameplay, co-op, online franchise, web access to your team. Yes, The Madden is finally on it's way to perfection.