On one hand,
Madden NFL 07 for the PC is rather exciting – adrenaline-pumping action rendered
out very well. On the other hand, it can be a bit of a disappointment, with some
graphical glitches and suspect AI that can disrupt the game flow and immersive
nature.
If you have
paid attention to any of the console reports about the game, you know that some
of the biggest new features to the game are the lead-blocker controls, a deeper
franchise mode that includes scouting prospects, the Superstar Hall of Fame mode
and the Highlight Stick that will enable some new moves for your running back.
The lead
blocker is particularly effective, allowing players to take control of a
blocker, and then – once the block is engaged – immediately jump to the running
back to finish the play. Superstar mode allows you to create a rookie entering
the NFL and attempt to guide them through the course of their career to the Hall
of Fame.
The
defensive playbooks are deeper, including the schemes of all 32 teams.
The control
design allows players to pick the right keyboard, keyboard and mouse, or even
gamepad design that works best for them. Audibles are all possible with
easy-to-navigate button-powered quick keys that will allow gamers to call
changes fast.
Game modes
include Play Now, Play Online, Franchise, NFL Superstar: Hall of Fame,
Mini-Camp, 2-Minute Drill, Practice and Situation. The problem with the latter
was that this was more like a quick game setup. The first “situation” pitted the
opening possession of the 49ers in a game against Seattle. Hardly a situation
like the name would indicate.
There are
two ways of hooking up online – through the EA Sports online site or through
Network matchups. When you play the game, you can play it normally, or go with
Total Control Simulation. The latter is more cerebral and you can call your
plays and they are rendered out in text format. At any time during the
simulation, you can stop and go into the game itself and play it out.
In many
regards, there is nothing more satisfying than pounding the ball down the field
or calling the right defense and stuffing a high-powered offense.
You begin
the Superstar mode by creating your avatar and moving into your apartment. First
up is to hire an agent. Don’t count on any of the higher-profile agents being
interested. You will end up with the lowest ranked agent on the totem pole. You
can’t advance beyond this point without hiring an agent – so no holding out for
a better agent, as you prove yourself through training camps.
The game
does not run that smoothly though. A created running back was drafted by Dallas
and not only did not participate in practices, but didn’t get into a single
quarter in exhibition games. This was followed, oddly enough, with messages
post-game from the coach complimenting his performance.
The same
thing happened with a second RB created and drafted by Pittsburgh. Of course, it
could be argued that the AI was not really paying attention to the general rule
of thumb during preseason/exhibition games. In the case of Pittsburgh, Duce
Staley was the prime running back seemingly from the second quarter on in the
game (against Arizona). Not only that, but during a drive, the AI coaching
called Staley to run the ball eight consecutive plays (with Pittsburgh trailing
by a touchdown). It seemed that QB Charlie Batch was determined to ride that
‘little Duce coupe’ until there was nothing left in the game’s tank. Creating a
quarterback was a tougher game experience, but the QB got into the first
pre-season game – which was a nice diversion from watching the games the running
back was supposed to be in.
Some of the
plays the AI chooses to challenge are also ridiculous. A running back falls down
at the 3-yard line. An official rules it a touchdown, and it is challenged. It
was apparent from the very end of the original play that the back was no where
near pay dirt. A receiver catches the ball several yards out of bounds and the
play is challenged by the offensive team.
In
Pittsburgh’s second week, the Steelers took on Minnesota. At the end of the
fourth quarter, the game was tied at 13. In overtime, Minnesota won the toss and
elected to kick off. Since the first to score ends it, it seemed like a rather
odd decision. (Pittsburgh won on a field goal to cap the opening drive of the
possession.)
The biggest
drawback to this is that if you have played the superstar mode on console, you
know that for the true experience of being in the game, though you can control
the game, the experience is more authentic when you only do your job. The PC
version does not have that feeling. Especially when you play two full games
without your created superstar wannabe ever stepping foot on the field – even
though you get credit for your performance afterwards.
There are
other graphical oddities – like the quarterback, in CPU mode, facing in
completely the other direction (standing in the pocket with his back to the line
of scrimmage) before turning 180 degrees to throw to a receiver. Or the QB will
fire the ball downfield, only to have it go out to the side, completely foreign
to his motion. Passes tended to have very high arcs on them (they rainbow). And
during a two-minute drill, all of the Pittsburgh passes (from veteran Charlie
Batch) were sideline plays and came down well out of bounds.
Counter that
with player animations that imitate the antics of some of the game’s top stars.
Ball physics are solid and the overall look of this game is very well done.
As for the
sound, a lot of this is hit and miss. In the preseason, the announcer can be
somewhat blasé, getting excited on one sentence and then robotic on the next.
The music covers a variety of genres as well, some of it good and some not so
good.
As much fun
as this can be, if given the choice between the PC version and the consoles, the
consoles win out. The bumps in the PC game, the graphical failings just make
this a much more laborious game to play though, in fairness, the game is still
quite fun to play.
|
|
Gameplay:
8.3
The keyboard
controls require some time to get comfortable with, but the game recognizes a
gamepad, so moving to another control scheme is simple. The AI is somewhat
suspect at times, but the game does flow well. Generally speaking, the physics
are realized very well.
Graphics:
8.5
There are some
graphical glitches, clipping issues and animations that just don’t make sense
but generally the action, textures and specular effects are very nicely
rendered. Unfortunately, there are also some redundant animations in several
areas, like kick returns.
Sound:
8.0
The announcing is
up and down with piece-meal phrases jumping from excitement to bland reports of
what occurred. The music is all over the place as well. Some of the on-field
player chat is repetitive.
Difficulty: Medium
Rookie level is
much too easy, but the tougher levels provide some challenge.
Concept:
8.2
Some very nice
additions to the game, but some elements still need to be cleaned up.
Multiplayer: 8.0
You will have to
join the EA Sports/ESPN network to get a ton of matchups and there is a price to
pay for that. Either with a credit card, or you get to have e-mail spammed. And
it always helps to create a profile with a team you don’t care whether they win
or lose – helps alleviate frustration.
Overall:
8.0
Disappointing in
some regards when compared to the console versions, Madden NFL 07 still has some
very solid gameplay. The online play is strong, the game’s innovations bring a
new and welcomed feel to the overall football experience. There are some suspect
AI moves but this game perseveres and should hand PC gridiron gamers challenge
and entertainment.
