MADDEN 2005 - Handheld action to it's fullest.

When I got my DS, I was just experiencing Madden 2005 on my PS2. When I heard they were coming out with it for DS, I immediately got it. Here’s what I have to say about the game:

GAMEPLAY
The DS version of Madden 2005 is actually more intricate than I thought it was going to be. Instead of just maybe exhibition games, a player could play an entire season and go into the playoffs (If they are good enough). Also, during gameplay, instead of just picking plays and performing them, a player can control their line and make lineshifts, customize a hotroute, or even call for an audible. Also, one can complete madden challenges and use the points to buy madden cards. While playing the game, there are many plays one can do both on offense and defense. There is only one stadium and the sidelines are not detailed at all.

GRAPHICS
The graphics of this game aren’t that great. Then again, what handheld football game has ever had good graphics? For the DS’s small screen though, the makers of Madden definitely used up the entire screen for this game. The players all have visible numbers on the back of their jerseys and the yard lines are visible as well. When the quarterback snaps the ball, you can see all the players downfield and when you go to pass the ball you can see the ball sail through the air. Even though you can see all these things, they are not of the best quality. Unfortunately for the size of the DS’s screen, non-vertical or non-horizontal lines and curved shapes will come out a little square-ish. A great example of this is at the beginning screen, in the background there is a curved arc. From far away, the arc seems nice and smoothly curved all the way through but at regular gaming distance, one can see the box-ness of the curve.

SOUND
The sound of this game is actually pretty good thanks to the help of the DS’s surround sound speakers. At the beginning of the game, a song from the PS2’s version comes on and one might think, “Maybe they will have all the songs from the PS2 version”. Unfortunately, that song at the opening screen is going to be the only music you hear for the rest of the game. During gameplay you hear the fans, an occasional whistle now and then and the irritating sound of John Madden commenting on the game. After a couple games, you start memorizing his sayings and you are saying them along with him.

OVERALL
For a football game fan in general, this game is OK; sub-par. For a football game fan who wants the best handheld football game out there, definitely get it. The game itself has not the best graphics and sound but the intricacy of the game makes up for it definitely.