Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

40 to 100 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"All flash, no substance"

INTRODUCTION

Let me start out by saying that this is a thorughly entertaining game. However, it has some very serious fundamental erros that effect my ability to enjoy this game as much as i would like to.

MOTION CONTROLS

The controls were what that got me most excited about this game. I thought that the game would use innovative controls to make you fell like you were actualy tackling, ripping, catching, swatting or blocking. In a way- I was right. The catching and swatting mechanics are pretty realistic, but ripping past blocks feels more like arm flailing and the "big hit" mechanic isn't very realistic.

Another concern is that the controls are either to sensitive or not sensitive enough. For example, sometimes I shift my nunchuck, and I call an unwanted audible. Others, I move my remote up for a snap and nothing happens.

My largest concern is that sometimes it takes a second for my players to react to my commands. This may not seem like much, but in the fast paced action of football, you can't rely on that second.

GAMEPLAY

First, I would like to note that this is using All-Madden setting, on default AI settings.

I would liek ot start with passing the ball downfield. This is a smooth and simple system, but half the time I cannot see anyone but my prime reciever, so if he is covered, I have to guess which secondary will have the best chance of making the play. The running game is little better. Constantly I am faced with blocker losing blocks at the exact moment I try to cut off them, or the quarterback stbornly refusing to hand the ball off. Pass coverage is nearly impossible. This is largely due to the fact that the camera is focused on the ball, so I cannot see who I am covering (with the exception of superstar percepective). Then, when you try to deflect a pass we come back to the poor reaction time of this game. Usualy I rush on defense. Rushing is basicly pressing forward on the nunchuk and waving your arms in a dangerous manner.