Nintendo has made a big splash at this past E3, effectively rubbing non-believers’ noses in the new innovation known as the Wii. After a record four hour wait I was able to play some of these games myself before being kicked out for the day. The first game I played for the Wii, was none other than Madden ’07. If you are reading this, chances are you are a follower of the Madden series, a football fan, or both. I’ll admit as a casual fan of football and Madden in general I was skeptical as I stepped up on the carpeted platform. When Electronic Arts announced an exclusive control scheme specifically designed around the Wii-mote I expected something along the lines of a play designer at best, but let me be the first to tell you that EA has come through in a big way.
After a surprisingly fast loading screen even in this stage of development, it’s time to run some drills, rookie. First up are some passing drills. You pick up your Wii-mote nunchuck style, rest your right thumb on the D-pad (using the pad to choose the receiver), and make your best throwing motion with your right arm. Hit the dummies in the succession given before time is up and earn points, choose the wrong dummy and lose some points.
Next up are some kicking drills. At a decent speed, extend your arm as you would a field-goal kicking leg and arc the arm upward. If you go too slow, you lose power, and if you don’t keep that movement straight, you go off to the side. Of course you might choose to vary this if you opt for the onside kick.
Alright, after these few moments of training I’ve graduated from Madden University, and it’s time to move up to the big leagues. As I march onto the field, I begin to use a combination of the new control scheme with some remnants of what’s left. I have control of the ball first so I choose a play using the Wii-mote as a pointer, I make a few variations and I’m ready for the snap. I snap back the ball by making the snap motion with my right arm and I execute a perfect throw about 10 yards down the field. I’m in the open of course so I run with it (using the analog stick as per usual) for a while. As I note two defensemen right in my path, I juke and jive away from them by moving my left stick to the left and right. With one more in my way, I strong-arm him by making the motion with my left arm. He’s clear with it, he’s running past the 30, 20, 10, touchdown! I take my chances and score the 2-point conversion, so now it’s time for me to try a little defense.
Again, I pick my play with the pointer and it’s back to the field. The opposing team tries a running play but I’m ready for him. I take off after him using the analog stick and the sprint button, and I tackle him by making the strong-arm motion with both arms. Wait, what is this? It’s a fumble! Taking quick advantage I nab it up, take off, and I go all the way once more, touchdown! Not adding insult to injury after my pre-end zone taunting I go for the extra point, accidentally wavering too far to the left and the gun sounds the end of the brief, brief game, sealing my victory.
EA has come up with a control scheme that makes the series feel familiar and fresh at the same time. When you play football this time around, the only thing you aren’t personally doing is running and hitting. The experience is almost as engaging as putting on a helmet yourself. This combined with the already excellent slew of options Madden fans have come to love will make one really enjoyable package. Madden ’07 for the Wii of course launches in November on Wii-day itself. If you find yourself tiring of the same old Madden experience, try this out. I know I will.
