Madden 08 different, but not that different

Received Madden 08 for a Christmas present and expected big things for this game on the Wii. I have been a Madden fan for years, buying multiple games, but took a three year hiatus from the series until I got a new game console.

Expecting a lot of surprises, I got very few. First off the Wii makes this game a lot more fun than previous versions just because of the way you use the unique Wii remote and Nunchuck. You must move the remote to snap the ball, make a pass, give a stiff arm, or deliver a crushing tackle. The Nunchuck allows you took juke defensive players and waving both helps you catch a pass or interception. Quite fun if you ask me.

The game designers decided to use the control pad on the Wii remote to designate the receiver you throw to instead of the multiple buttons that are available. Mistake. With my one hand holding the remote and the other holding the Nunchuck, it is very difficult to move the hand up to the controller and select you reciever. The A button is used, but the B, C, & Z buttons are not used. It made learning to pass more difficult.

After learning the quirks of the controls, I got into the game. Visuals and graphics were as good or better than the 05 version I used to play on my PS2. The game play did have some quirks, players going through each other, but nothing I had not seen before with previous versions of Madden. The thing I like most about this game is the movement of the players. There seems to be a more instant change in direction than before. I rarely needed to use my juke moves or stiff arms because my running back or reciever was more responsive to my movements. I also could break out of blocks better and get a good rush on a QB. It made the game more realistic. I did not like the fact that a running back can break a tackle when several defensive players have him in their grasp. All Madden games I have played do this and it drives me crazy.

The tutorials for learning the game are easy to access and understand. A novice can pick up this game and play in a few minutes. I still have not mastered how to call audibles, but have not really needed to because I think the basic settings of the game are to easy. Being a vetran of Madden, I expected as much, but it would be nice to see my butt getting handed to me the first few times I play. Kicking and punting are a brease, and actually are easy to master.

I like playing the game with the current rosters, but found myself yearning for the features I had in previous Madden games. I have not used the telestrator function of the game, but I liked the fact that it was unique to the Wii console. I give this game a thumbs up, but probably would have been happy with the 07 version and an extra $20 in my pocket.