KnO12TrUsT

Ok, so heres the breakdown on what I think is the best football game currently out. **** ESPN 2k5, it sucks. What I've done is broken down each catagory, as to make the review more readable. Here we go...

Gameplay
Madden 2005 has VERY solid gameplay. There is a good tempo to the game, but the only problem is the overall speed. Sometimes it almost feels af if you're playing an arcade game. Its nothing that needs to be fixed, but it definitly can get frustrating if you like the game to slow down a bit.

Controls
Mostly the same as the past years, but the main "Playmaker" controls have been removed. The main ones I'm talking about are the def. pass/run def. control, and the off. hot route receiver controls.

However, the overall control scheme has always been great, and this game is no exception

A.I.
VASTLY improved over last year. If any of you played 2004, you might remember playing with the Falcons, and doing QB scrambles every play for ~20 yards. As fun as this is, it gets old mighty fast. Its good to see that they changed that little glitch this year, and if you QB scramble, dont expect to gain more then 3-4 yards at a time.

The A.I. for the different difficulty levels has also been improved. The difference from rookie mode --> pro is subtle, but the changes are those that make rookie mode easier, such as more concentration on the pass rush, and a more solid run defense. If you're on defense, more passes connect and runners are better.

Graphics
Theres not a whole lot of discernable difference between Madden 2005 and 2004. Although some of the ones that are easily spotted are the Fans in the stadium. They're no longer cut outs. And the players/coaches fingers move now, as opposed to just the entire hand moving. And, as always, the players look better, smoother, etc.

Weather also looks great in this game. I still am a huge fan of changing the weather to be 20°F and snowing. Those are the best kinds of games.

Special Features
Holy **** this game has it all... From the "Create-a-Player" thats been around longer then dust, EA has now had the awesome idea to add "Create-a-Fan"... I swear, this kept me entertained for about 2-3 hours. Although the lack of customization was a little disheartening (sp?) it was still a load of fun watching my fan go nuts when I scored.

The online mode this year has also been vastly improved, but I've only played one game online, so I'll do a better review of the online mode later.

I bought the collectors edition of Madden 2005, so as well as the game, I also got ovr 10 hours of extras, including the making of Madden 2005, the soundtrack, and the best: access to older Madden games. You can play Madden 1995, Madden 1991 and Madden 1997 or 1998. But you use the updated rosters. Wow, theres nothin like playin the 16-bit Madden games. They were the best.

Replay/Fun Factor
Once you get over the fact that nobody wins 100% of the time, and that getting your *** handed to you over an 80-yard rush is a part of life, you'll love this game. The great thing is, if you get tired of stomping the computer, or the computer stomping you, you can go online and have loads of new fun online (you just have to deal with the punkass kids who think they're the king ish).

As for the fun factor, yea, this game has it. Given, if you're losing 28-0 in the 4th quarter you wont think its fun, but hey, what do you think the reset button is there for? HAH! Wimp.... But seriously, I could play this game for hours on end if I didnt have to work. Its insanely fun, and if I get bored of the awesome graphics, I switch to Madden 1991 and I open a whole new bucket of worms.

Overall
Overall, Madden owns. Aside from its slight problems (game speed is the biggest offender) this is a solid game. Once again, EA Sports has graced our PS2's with a game that is disgustingly awesome. If you're a longtime fan of the Madden series, you probably already have this game. If not, go buy it. Now. No need to think, just go buy it. Thats how good this game is.

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Ok, so thats my review. If anyone wants to add anything, or wants me to add anything I missed, feel free. Questions/comments/critisisims are always appreciated.

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