After playing Wii Sports, many thought that the Nintendo Wii had great potential for sports games. Instead of using buttons and analog sticks, players would be able to swing the Wii remote like a baseball bat or a golf club. Madden, thus far, has been hit and miss. The controls have been solid for the most part, but the game itself has lacked the depth of the next-gen counterparts. And this year’s version, Madden NFL 09 All-Play, doesn’t change things.
As you can tell from the title, EA’s focus is on drawing more casual players into the world of video game football. All-Play is referring to the game’s controls. When in All-Play mode, players simply use the Wii remote alone to play. Play calling is also simplified. No complicated strategy.
One thing EA did improve on, which was a major problem with last year’s game, is online play connectivity. There is less lag and fewer disconnections. You can choose from casual to competitive play. Unfortunately, not everything with online play is perfect. Messaging your friends or opponents uses pre-made texts, just like last year’s Madden. And for some reason, it is impossible to throw a bullet pass online. The quarterback can only release lob passes. This is inexcusable, and can lead to some frustrating offensive series.
The graphics have improved, somewhat. The player models look much better. There are new animations for tackling. But new mistakes that weren’t in previous versions have popped up again, mainly with the weather. There are no weather effects during a game. You will not see any rain or snow falling onto the field, even if you enable it in the settings before a game.
"EA’s focus is on drawing more casual players into the world of video game football"
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Franchise mode is exactly the same as those found in previous games. You choose a team, do some workout drills, play a few preseason games, go through the 17 weeks, head to playoffs, sign free agents...wash, rinse, repeat. There have been no changes made whatsoever.
What is new this year is something that even the 360 and PS3 fans are jealous of: Call Your Shot. After choosing a passing play, players can hit the A button, highlight a receiver and draw a new route for him to run. You can have him cut after ten yards, or have him sprint down the field. It’s really a well-done feature that can be used online or offline. This shows how the Wii remote can be used for more than just waggle, and how it can be used well.
What also is new this year is 5-on-5 mode. It’s really nothing more than a short exhibition game with big-headed players. You have four downs to get to the end zone. No stats are tracked. No kind of tournament or anything. It’s nice for the casuals, but will most likely be skipped by the hardcore crowd.
"Call Your Shot is easily one of the best features in any Madden game"
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It’s easy to see what EA had planned for this year’s game. Bring in more fans, and add a little something extra for the true Maddenites. But will simplistic controls really draw the soccer moms and little kids? Wii Fit is one thing. Football is another. You either like football, or you don’t.
"...will simplistic controls really draw the soccer moms and little kids?"
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Call Your Shot is easily one of the best features in any Madden game, on any system, ever. But 5-on-5 is forgettable, and franchise mode is a mirror image from the last-gen games. Madden NFL 09 All-Play is enjoyable, but hopefully EA puts their sole focus back on the true football fans next year.
