It’s August again, and football fans
know what that means: EA Sports is releasing their latest iteration of their uber-popular Madden NFL franchise. Madden NFL 10 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and
doesn’t really offer much in the way of new groundbreaking game modes. However,
the developers at EA Tiburon have done a substantial amount of work on the
series’ ground game, refining the basic mechanics and adding some pretty big
changes for those who take the time to look for them, including a great new
tackling mechanic and a slower pace to make the game more accessible. Madden
NFL’s on-field changes help the series move forward and become even closer to
the feel of a pro football game.
Madden NFL 10 features mostly
improved versions same game types of its predecessors. You’ll find an improved
version of last year’s Superstar and Franchise modes, each one benefiting from a
cleaner presentation and sharper AI. The improvements aren’t huge, but they do
add a little bit more realism to the game’s deeper modes.
However, it’s really not until you
get into a game that you see where most of the work went in Madden NFL 10. One
of the most noticeable things for series fans is the slower pace. The game
doesn’t feel nearly as fast and frantic as previous iterations. The slower pace
allows newcomers to pull off more difficult and technical moves without having
to worry about getting creamed quickly, as well as gives the game a bit more of
a tactical and realistic feel on the field.
Another big new addition is the Pro-Tak
animation system. Pro-Tak allows for up to nine player tackles, and the ability
to direct your tackles in a certain direction for maximum effect. Not only does
the Pro-Tak element allow for a more realistic looking portrayal, but it also
makes the running game feel a lot more natural than before. You’ll be able to
use the highlight stick to take down opponents more effectively, or conversely,
push your way through defenders to gain extra yards on running plays, all thanks
to Pro-Tak.
Aside from the slower pace and Pro-Tak
system, there are several other more subtle changes to the formula. Fumbles can
be fought over through an automatically queued Quick-Time Event mini-game, where
you’ll have to push a pattern of buttons quickly in order to pick up the fumble.
Another new feature is the new injury system, which allows you to choose whether
or not you want to play one of your players depending on the severity of their
injury. This is a nice touch that poses a dilemma, as playing them could risk
aggravating the injury even worse, while subbing them would lose whatever skills
they’d be able to offer your team.
The multiplayer element in Madden
NFL 10 includes a great new co-op mode, which allows two players to play on the
same team against a CPU-controlled opponent. This mode puts each of you in a set
position, and can be quite fun and challenging. Additionally, there is an all
new Online Franchise mode that lets you enter 32-player seasons, complete with
live drafts and scheduling. Additionally, you can track your league’s progress
not only in-game, but through web browsers and an iPhone app, which is a nice
touch.
Graphically, the game looks great
thanks to the fantastic new animation system. The game moves more realistically
than any other Madden title, and there are a variety of other small changes and
graphical effects added to the mix, like depth of field and procedural
awareness, where your players will keep their eye on the ball wherever it moves.
The game’s soundtrack leans a bit
more on the metal/hard-rock side, with bands like KoRn, Helmet, Slipknot, and
Mastodon rounding out game’s music offering, although there are a few rap tracks
littered in. The commentary is done pretty well and reflects the action of the
game quite well, and the on-field sound effects are good.
Madden NFL 10 introduces some pretty
great changes to the on-field action. While there isn’t a lot in the way of new
game modes or content, fans will find this to be as close to real football as
the series has ever gotten.
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Gameplay: 8.5
While the game is a little short on new game modes this year (falling behind
NCAA Football 10), Madden NFL 10 makes some great changes to the on-field play.
The Pro-Tak system makes the game feel and look more realistic than previous
iterations, and the injury system is a great addition that adds a nice dynamic
to the game. You’ll either love or hate the slower pace.
Graphics: 8.5
The new animations are great and look extremely dynamic and realistic.
Additionally, there are some new effects that look pretty good, like depth of
field and other visual touches. However, the character models lack detail and
don’t hold up against those in other sports titles.
Sound: 8.5
The soundtrack is a little more heavy on metal and hard rock this year, with
bands like Mastodon, Nirvana, and KoRn rounding out the majority of the
soundtrack. The commentary and on field sounds are well done.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 8.0
While the majority of the improvements this year are subtle enough for many
casual fans to not notice, there has been quite a few changes made to the
on-field game. Unfortunately, there’s not much here in the way of new game
modes.
Multiplayer: 8.5
Online co-op is a great feature that was a long time coming, and the online
franchise is solidly implemented and accessible in a variety of different ways.
Overall: 8.5
Madden NFL 10 forgoes adding much in the way of brand new game modes in
favor of further refining the on-field gameplay and adding a greater sense of
realism. While the slower pace might cause some of the more hardcore fans of the
series to take issue, it allows those not completely at home with the control
scheme to finally be able to pull off some technically impressive plays, making
it one of the most accessible Maddens yet.
