I've been playing this game since it's release (about 2 weeks) and have found too many glitches and undelivered promises
Let's look at the pros, first.
*The game looks GORGEOUS! Hands down, this is the best looking NFL game ever made. I play it in HD on my computer screen, and it looks better than live games on my SDTV. That's just the truth. It's outstanding graphically, and EA deserves their props for this.
*The kicking game, although never that bad to begin with, is easier and user-friendly.
*Lead blocker, in my opinion, could not have been better. It runs smoothly and is a joy to play. Great job, EA.
*The crowd looks great and reacts well.
*The highlight stick is fun, easy, and seamless. Outstanding!
*Returning punts is more realistic now. In previous installments, the cpu seemed to always have nothing but the user controlled player in front of it. It seemed that the rest of the team simply got pancaked. Now, you have a mix of returnable and nonreturnable punts, as does the CPU.
*Challenges - runs very quickly with the hit of a button.
*Fake snap - I know it's run like this in previous versions, but it seems to run smoother in this year's installment. Admittedly, I've jumped offsides a few times. Good job here.
*Finally, the screen pass works great! This is about time for this. Finally you don't have to wait for 3 seconds while your back catches the ball and tucks it away. He usually just catches it and starts to run. Beautiful. I've been waiting a long time for this.
Okay, now let's get into the ugly. I don't know if EA's testers simply didn't notice this stuff, or if EA simply couldn't get this in the game, but certainly there are several things that are not "IN THE GAME.!"
*Challenges - The cpu has NEVER made a challenge against me. Even when the cpu CLEARLY didn't fumble, yet I pick it up and run it in, they don't challenge. Second, when the player makes a challenge, it doesn't ask you what you'd like to challenge. It automatically runs the challenge as if it assumes it knows what you want to challenge...annoying.
*When there is a fumble (legitimate or not) sometimes when you recover it, it automatically calls you down. It doesn't matter if your knee, elbow, or butt are on the ground. I picked up a fumble with Ahman Green on the run, and the play was called dead as soon as I touched it. This happens frequently.
*No substitutions - this SUCKS!!! You can't go in and change your packages manually. You have to either hope there is a defensive package you want, or really get tricky with the depth chart. In other words, I can't have A.J. Hawk as one of my nickel linebackers unless I do some shifting in the depth chart...this is simply inexcusable.
*There are NO first down markers.
*Fatigue doesn't work (well, technically it does, however, the meter that shows the level of fatigue is maxed out all game, regardless of how fatigued the player actually is - so, you have no way of telling how fatigued anyone is at anytime).
*You can't save the game during the game! This sucks a LOT. I like to play for about 30 minutes before I leave for work in the morning. Unfortunately, I can't play a franchise game because I can't finish a whole game and there is no way to save it! I don't want to bring it down to 3 minute quarters either.
*When players call for a fair catch, they don't waive for it - the announcer simply says they do.
*Before EVERY play, there is a slight freeze in the framerate. So, there is always about a half second hic-up...not annoying at ALL.
*Occasionally, the game decides randomly to turn on the passing cone. When this happens, your qb also doesn't drop back automatically. This can happen at anytime. This is usually good for at least 1-2 sacks a game.
*When you unlock a member from the hall of fame, they are automatically added to your franchise roster. I discovered this little fact when Brett Favre's consecutive start streak was interrupted by the magnificent comeback of 92 year-old Sammy Baugh!!! He took up about 13 mil in cap space, too. I couldn't release him cuz of the cap hit. That sure was pleasant. WTF?!?!?!
*No Gang tackling
*When the cpu is running the 2-minute drill and a play has just ended, occasionally they are INSTANTLY back up to the line of scrimmage. So, for instance, if the Saints complete a 15 yard pass with under 2-minutes. The SECOND the play is whistled dead, you will see everyone back to the line of scrimmage a nanosecond later.
*Superstar mode is simply a disgrace. The camera angles are TERRIBLE and is not adjustable. The controls are a nightmare. Also, I understand they want you going to the NFL like a regular rookie, but this is a game, I just want to play for my favorite team. That option could have been put in there. This was easily the biggest disappointment for me.
Bottom line, I noticed that this installment of Madden has sold more in the first week than any other Madden has in it's first week. I actually see this as possibly being problematic for EA. Considering that the game basically is worth a 7 out of 10 (as observed by many other raters), I think gamers (including myself) may be much more willing to rent before buying the game in the future. EA screwed me in 2005 (long story - not related to the gameplay, but a shipping error that overcharged me that they refused to take care of), and I, therefore, did not buy 06. I'm not saying that I will NOT buy '08, but I am saying that it will be rented before I buy it.