At launch time
last year, EA Sports helped kick of the Nintendo DS lineup of titles with games
like Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Madden NFL 2005. Last year’s
Madden game on Nintendo’s new portable wasn’t quite perfect but it did bring
us a slightly more enhanced version of the game and slightly better graphics
than the Game Boy Advance version. Now Madden NFL 06 is here and, while
very little has changed since the last outing, this is still the best way to get
your quick portable NFL fix.
The Nintendo DS
just doesn’t rely on better graphics, wireless multiplayer capabilities and an
inventive feature like a microphone. It’s the touch screen that stands out and
while it was used (sparsely, I might add) last year Madden NFL 06 gets a
newer kicking and passing controls via the flick of a Stylus or a finger. Ok, so
it’s not a breakthrough gameplay-wise but it’s better than nothing.
Kicking requires
you to move the Stylus to a starting point and draw a line down the center of
the screen while attempting to do it quickly and as straight as possible to make
the kick a good one. With the touch of the screen you can access player
positioning, yardage and all the tools you need to call a Hot Route or carry out
an audible. You also use the touch screen to control the replay view and speed.
Passing requires you to direct your throw by using the Stylus and directing it
to the player you want in the Field Radar. Ah, maybe next year we’ll see even
more uses for the touch screen but what’s here works well enough.
For those who
missed the 2005 game, this year’s game brings back the surprising number of game
modes and mini games that might not rival the console version but its still
enough to satisfy fans of the game. Once again there’s Season, Tournament, Two
Minute Drill, Custom League, Situation, Great Games and Practice mode. Then
there’s the new addition of Franchise mode that fans having been craving for and
a round of applause is definitely needed because it’s deliciously deep. You can
use your favorite team or create your own team (designing everything from
uniforms to what type of stadium) and control their every exploits in Franchise
mode. There are weekly stats, league news, manage rosters (by signing free
agents or making trades) and keep track of your team’s overall morale.
The other mini
games and features are a football gamers dream come true. There’s Situation, a
mode that lets you set up your own game situation and play off it and then
there’s Great Games where you’ll play historic games (such as the 1957 game
between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers) and change the course of
football history. Two Minute Drill places you in a timed situation and offers a
real challenge. And speaking of challenging the opponent AI has stepped up their
defensive plays, which makes even the normal setting really tough.
As for the
visuals the game looks as good as it did last year only now there are more
animations and a much prettier presentation when it comes to menus, stat screens
and replays. The players still look a bit too pixilated but it’s still way
better than what we see on the Game Boy Advance. What doesn’t work is the camera
angles that often obscure receivers and becomes something of an annoyance. Still
there are good tackling animations and that’s not bad … just a bit
disappointing.
The game’s sound
brings a few tunes to the main menu but you’ll hear them repeatedly each time
you bring up the main menu. Good thing there’s more stadium sounds with all the
usual bells and whistles only just a tad toned down thanks to the sound
limitation of the DS. The Al Michaels and John Madden commentary is more
pronounced but then again you’d hear Madden repeat the same few phrases often.
What we have
here is one of the most loyal portable versions of the much loved and much
sought after Madden franchise. Madden NFL 06 on the Nintendo DS is
far from perfect but for the die-hard football fan you might overlook its little
faults enough to enjoy the game’s best features. Until the PSP gets a Madden
game, this is the handheld version sports fans will want to own.
|
|
Gameplay: 7.5
The feel of
last year’s game is back and that can be seen as a blessing or a curse. Still
(if you’re able to work around its shortcomings) Madden NFL 06 plays good
enough. Unfortunately the touch screen isn’t put to better use again but what’s
here isn’t that bad.
Graphics: 7.0
There’s a
slight visual improvement from last year’s game but the issues with the camera
angles are still a major pain. Still, with the slight improvement we see nicer
animations and the players are more distinguishable on the field.
Sound: 7.0
Madden and Al
Michaels have a more prominent presence in the game and that’s a good thing but
the stadium sounds filled with cheering fans and the rival team barking at other
teammates is the clear winner in this game. There are tunes for the main menu
that keeps recycling and that isn’t cool.
Difficulty:
Medium/Hard
The opponent
AI is just a tad sharper this time around and, if you’re not careful, the
defense will crush you faster than you can blink. There are challenges a plenty
so you’ll be glad there’s a Mini Camp to hone your passing skills.
Concept: 9.0
Once again EA
Sports has managed to cram most of our favorite game modes into the Nintendo DS
version so there’s plenty to return to again and again. The touch screen still
isn’t utilized effectively or creatively but with wireless multiplayer and some
improvement from last year it’s not a bad package for football fans.
Multiplayer:
8.0
Wireless
multiplayer is where its at and who doesn’t like taking on a friend without
having to take out cables to hook up each system like, um, the Game Boy Advance
crowd? There are even a nice number of mini games to share with a friend.
Overall: 7.5
While it’s not
a major departure from last year’s launch title, Madden NFL 06 still has
enough goods to make this one a mighty decent portable football game for the
armchair quarterback in all of us. It’s just too bad that EA Sports hasn’t
really stepped up the game’s minor faults from last year. Still, this one is
worth the purchase price.
