Remarkable Graphics, Hard Hits, Has potential and NO it's NO MADDEN, but it gets the job done killing time till Madden11
User Rating: 6.5 | Backbreaker X360
First off I must say I'm tired of players complaining saying it isn't like madden or can contest to madden or that it's even better then madden because none of the above apply. There are a lot of mixed reactions felt when playing this game, first off. I understand the game designers going out on a limb to change things up with graphics and what not but the way the set up the camera system to where you have to hold down LT to focus on the running back is just a head scratcher. Some may think so what, its a camera angle but its one of those odd things you have to experience yourself to fully understand what is being said. I'll give the game props it does have great potential but the over all feel while playing makes me feel as though i'm in playbook creator in a Madden game and trying out new plays. And whats up with the playbook? I understand you can choose your audibles to specific plays but thats it other then that its as though they tried to impliment to much simulation into the game and took away the key point to majority of football games, PICKING your own plays. That is why this game is a 6.5 and the developers at 505 Games took a big leap in creating a next gen football game and seemingly fell into quick sand. The game to me was worth buying just to evaluate it myself and see what the mixed reviews were all about. If I had a blockbuster card or account I would have probably rented this first. I suggest you do the same. It is not for everybody and certainly not for die-hard cry baby Madden fans. Basically It has been and will continue to be a time killer for me until Aug 10 when Madden 11 comes out in which I can return it for store credit to help with the over priced $59.99 Madden series. However if you like hard hits, with odd but loads of camera angles, this game is for you. I believe that 505 Games should take all this 5.0 and 4.5 critic ratings and turn it into a must buy football game in the next 2-3 years I believe this can be accomplished every first year game especially one with a shadow casting over it the size of Madden series struggles hard. All in all its a 6.5 mainly for the variety of tackles and hits, and the next gen graphics. It's a long review but its a much needed one to be put out there to hopefully make some other gamers decision easier then mine was.
6.5
PROS:
-Great next gen graphics
-Incredible Create a Team option set up
-Decent soundtrack during in game play
-Hard hits, countless variety of tackles to be mad
CONS:
-Over-priced is putting it lightly should sale for only $29.99 but hey all that time and money spent on the graphics explains the over pricing
-Odd camera angles almost interfere with gameplay
-Learning curve, a little longer then you would want
-The feel of the game sends out mixed reactions and leaves you scratching your forehead
-Only one camera angle on instant replays
-AI is to EASY
KICKING FG HEADS UP-
*This bugged the heck out of me during my first game all the way up until I googled it, yep googled it in the 4th quarter of my first game to kick a FG,PUNT OR KICK OFF, hold down the RIGHT ANALOG stick you will hear a ticking sound wait about 3 seconds then a power meter around the kickers feet will light up set power as needed. ,
IF NOTHING ELSE BY CREATING A GAME LIKE THIS ONE, MAYBE IT WILL PUT EXTRA PRESSURE ON MADDEN DEVELOPERS TO FINALLY MAKE MUCH NEEDED AND DRASTIC CHANGES TO THE MADDEN GAMES!
