If you’re a sports fan, especially if you’re a fan of American football, you are sure to quickly fall in love with Madden NFL 10. This new game in the long-running series from EA provides an experience that is far closer than any other sports game to providing the actual TV viewing experience. Exceptional and fast animations with almost broadcast quality graphics guarantee an enthralling experience, all made possible through some clever game design from EA, and the excellence of the PS3 as a graphical platform.
This newest title in the Madden NFL series has a slower-paced approach than its predecessors. There is much more time to consider the gameplay choices that you wish to make, instead of being forced to trust in cat-like reflexes. The speed can be increased in the settings of the game if you don’t take to it, but within no time you’re likely to be enjoying the more relaxed pace.
Many other additions and alterations to the play of the game will ensure that you get a lot of fun out of the title. One particularly noteworthy inclusion is that of Pro-Tak; a system set to revolutionise how players interact with one another within the game. Collisions between tacklers and the poor individual carrying the ball have increased in violence and realism. The ball carrier has more options to help him to escape from difficult situations, while the opposing team can use brute force and gang-tackle their victim in an attempt to secure the ball for themselves.
A more immersive atmosphere is created through improved courtside ambience, as well as a variety of cut-scene animations such as your coach screaming at you from the sidelines, or even the referees having a violent disagreement. These animations are bound to be enjoyed the first few times you see them, though you might start to notice the repetitiveness of them once the initial novelty has worn off.
Offensive AI has been worked on extensively, though there are still some snags on the defensive side that could have been improved. Likewise it seems a shame that the developers haven’t spent any time improving the incredibly obvious computerised conversations in the commentary.
One particularly large feather in the cap of the developers is the improvement of online play. An online co-op mode enables you and a friend to battle together against a computer opponent, though unfortunately not against human opposition. The eagerly awaited online franchises are also available in this title. Not only can you access the statistics through the game, but also through an online webpage allowing you to check your standing and even to make trades.
The improvements that have been made to this game make it the best Madden NFL title to date. Photo-realism and immersive atmospheres, online play and improved AI will all have you returning to the game for many fun-filled hours with your PlayStation 3.