Madden 2005- - - Are you seriously thinking about not buying this game?
Pros:
new defensive features, same classic madden gameplay, online capabilities
Cons:
I wasn't aware this game had any cons?
The Bottom Line:
Madden 2005 is the most revolutionary sports game out there. Most games emphasize offense, in this game defense is made fun.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Madden 2005 is the single greatest football game ever! With a new emphasis on defense this game shows great improvement from any installment in the Madden series. The new online abilities also add to the flavor of this game. If you love football your pretty much going to love this game. It's the closest thing to football on the other end of a controller.
There are some new features, but nothing too compelling. The most-hyped is the Hit Stick, which is an analog-stick feature that allows you to deliver crushing blows that supposedly can "change the complexion of a game." That's not gonna sell a $50 game on its own, but the new defensive features, online play, ability to audible to your favorite plays, and create your own fans feature will.
No game's developers get more feedback than Madden's, and they addressed some concerns about it being too easy to score. Games against my friends have been lower-scoring than last year — and we really didn't mess too much with the Playmaker mode for individual defenders. The Play Now online matchup feature can now be set find an opponent with a desired ranking and quit rate, hopefully saving some frustration there.
A lot of the game hasn't changed, including the commentary from John Madden and Al Michaels. That's a bit of a disappointment, as it wouldn't have affected game play at all. And hearing how "third down is a keeper stat" for the millionth time gets a little tiring.
PS2 users have the option of paying an extra $10 ($59.95) for a "classic" edition, which includes some versions of Madden of the 15-year history of the franchise. My favorite part of the classic edition is Madden Moments, where users are presented with famous scenarios to either replicate or change history. One of them is getting the Bills in position to kick a game-winning field-goal in Super Bowl XXV. I'll probably kick it right 10 times before I unlock that scenario to get to the next.
This game's key is the emphasis on the "D". New feature including the ones I already mentioned are the ability to modify pre-snap assignments, including double teams and player-specific match ups, for any defensive player on the field.
So basically it contains the Madden you've grown to expect with a few new editions. Unlike new installments of other games, these features do nothing to hinder gameplay. This is the farthest movement from a previous installment the Madden series has ever seen. Buy this game and I promise you one thing, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.
