I am constantly reading back-to-back negative reviews and bashing of this game everywhere I go, different websites and forums I see people constantly crying about the new Madden.

I don't know what everybody is complaining all that much about, I read a review that Madden isn't a pick up and play type game and requires some learning, of course it is. Most games nowadays you require some learning, especially with football as a sport, there is much involved with it so it's not going to be your typical button mashing game. There is actual strategy involved, you have to pay attention and you can't just throw constant long balls.

The weapons system is simply an extension of the roles that they had in Madden '07, while it's nothing exceptional it's a nice little bit to have. The franchise is improved, as are many other things... the tackling looks smoother than ever, group tackles are even in the game.

Another constant complaint I am reading is the 30fps compared to the Xbox 360's version, which has 60fps. Honestly, if you compare them side-by-side, yes, you can notice the difference quite easily. Is 30fps enjoyable and playable? Yes, easily. Just because the game runs at 30fps does not mean it is of less quality, sure some moments may be less graphically intense, or slightly less smooth, but the bits of a glitches don't seem to be there. The only time my screen skipped was during an onside kick that took a bounce high up into the air, other than that, it has been fine.

Madden '08 is definately an improvement from '07 & '06... there are people constantly bashing it, I say give the game a chance. I must admit, when I first started playing it I was a bit skeptical, just because there was new controls, the layout was very different and much more. But after playing it for a few hours, I grew to enjoy the game more and more.

If you want, you can listen to all of these reviews bashing Madden '08 and choose to not give the game a chance, or go out, rent it even - and play it. I wasn't disappointed and it is still easily a very enjoyable game.