It's a Madden game, alright.
Madden NFL 09 is definitely a Madden game. There's footballs, dudes who like to talk about footballs, and dudes who like to tackle other dudes running with footballs.
The visuals have been improved vastly. In last years edition of the annual football franchise, everything looked a lot more bright. In Madden NFL 09, a darker and grittier vibe is felt, and it really feels natural. The player animations are great. Aside from the occasional body turned to the left side, perfect pass turned to the right side, the animations are pretty spot on. When you tackle someone, the screen shakes a little bit, and you can really feel like you just got two of your three remaining teeth knocked out. You can now also do a touchdown celebration, and you can get up to 90 achievement points for doing so. Dunking the ball into the field goal posts gives an interesting idea for a basketball football crossover, which could happen someday. Wheres my Yoda slamming it down? Weather has also been improved on dramatically. For the first time ever in the Madden franchise, the weather affects the gameplay. If you play in a blizzard, the players will be more likely to slip, and the ball is slowed down. There is a significant difference from the speed of the running players in a game with precipitation as there is without.
A rewind feature has been added which gives the user the ability to have another chance at a play which did not work to their favor. For instance, it's 3rd and 45. I miss the Hail Mary. You know what? Screw integrity, you can keep trying! You can rewind and do this play over and over. If you want to have some pride in winning, luckily, you can set how many rewinds are in a game. You cannnot, however, use this feature online. You can also now do a forward stiff arm, which looks great, by the way. Not much has changed in the gameplay, and nothing really gives the killer instinct to own this game.
The commentators have been stepped up to a new level. There is as much in-depth football analysis as can be in a programmed videogame, and it seems like the announcers are actually watching the game. Hearing the same thing over and over again can be a problem, but it will take longer in this game for that to happen then any other sports game on the market. The sounds that the players make are also realistic, but essentially the same from last years version. The soundtrack is varied in genre, and although most of it is generic mainstream, there is probably one or two songs you will be able to tolerate.
All in all, Madden NFL 09 does some things to change it from last years edition. There is not a defining punch that gives this game a significant edge over any other Madden game, but there are a few nice noticable differences which do add up for a more satisfying experience. For hardcore football fans, you should buy this game. But if you're going to play football occasionally and you're not into it that much, you can buy Madden NFL 08 for $10 used and pass on this one.
