Cyber Corner: Game: Madden NFL 2009
- Platforms: Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and 3, PSP, Nintendo DS
- Price: Xbox 360, PS3, $59.95; Wii, $49.95; PS2, PSP, $39.95, Nintendo DS, $29.95
- What to like: If you play football games, you’re playing Madden. A wider variety of playing modes helps keep the game fresh, and the on-field game play is by far the industry’s best.
- What not to like: It’s obvious EA Sports is focused on the next-generation platforms because the PS2 version has barely changed in the past three or four years. Even some of the Madden voice-overs are identical to play-by-play calls from as far back as 2005.
- Graphics: The PS2 graphics look a little crisper than in last year’s game. But when you take a closer look, the players still look a little cartoonish, and the stadiums and crowds haven’t changed at all. Grade: C
- Game play: The on-field game seems to flow a little smoother, and running the ball is slightly less impossible. New gameplay modes, including a fantasy-drafted league, are good additions. Grade: B+
- Music: A better mix but still a lot of whiny rock. Grade: B
- Bottom line: If you haven’t already bought a PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 or Wii, Electronic Arts is asking you to lay out $40 for updated rosters. Even a few changes to the graphics and play-by-play would have made a big difference. Overall: B-
