To start things out I want to give credit to "HerkGamer" and his "review". Read his last line. Game review debates are very well deserved. But please think about your comments before opening your mouth. We can agree to disagree, there isn't anything wrong with that. That’s what makes this great!

Madden football, the yearly sales winner, comes to the table with a new and intriguing package. Everyone has heard about the "Playmaker" controls and new owner mode. Just how good are they? For this reviewer, it was mixed feelings. The Playmaker control isn't genre changing, but overall is a solid new feature. It may take gamers a while to get used to this new feature. Mainly on running plays, as it is often difficult to control a blocker and your RB at the same time! This control, and changing receivers' routes on the fly are really the only new features of this playmaking ability. At some points, it seems that it's almost a cover up for questionable AI? Why doesn't the fullback block who is logically in front of him? An issue that has bothered me in most EA football games, NCAA included.

Staying with the usual Madden style, the controls are fairly solid. However, is it me, or does it sill feel like the momentum and physics still need work. As with most EA football games, very questionable tackles appear often. I still prefer Sega's gameplay style to Madden, dating back to the Dreamcast days. It just doesn't look natural. I'm a stickler for clean and pretty gameplay, if you couldn't tell. On the plus side, the kicking game is top notch. Very challenging. Hitting receivers breaking on slant patterns is extremely smooth and very enjoyable. This doesn't mean it’s a gimmie everytime though. AI in this year's version is a step up once again. You really need to call the right plays and read coverages. Also, this is the first football game I've played that gets the scrambling QB right. Player ratings may be a bit over the top, perhaps because of this years "Playmaker" theme. Numerous times, when playing with my Vikes, Kleinsasser gets bowled over by a blitzing Urlacher. Come on now.

Visually, this year's Madden isn't to far removed from past games. Maybe a little more shine on the helmets, (which isn't needed!) and better skin textures are noticeable. Coaches look spot on and stadiums are improved. But the crowd still remains below expectations compared to what I've seen in ESPN Football this year. I've never been a big fan of the visuals on any of EA Sports' games. Others love the style. To me, it still seems to cartoon like. I'll take player models in Sega's games anyday!

In the audio department, well what can you say? Not too many people I know are fans of the commentary. Nothing has improved to make this year's version any better. Its not Michael's or Madden's fault though I believe. It's when they say their lines that just aren't right. A bit over the top for me. Just not a smooth offering when you hear Al say "It’s the RAMS!….versus….the VIKINGS!"

Here is where the game really shines for me. The Owner Mode. This is an excellent addition that many games will implement in the future. By now you've heard of managing all financial aspects of your team, from Fan Appreciation Day to parking prices. It's really a blast if you're into the sim side of games. The NCAA create-A-team feature is also available; the only downfall is that you can't put your created team into owner mode. Owner mode just has too many features to list. Contracts now include signing bonuses, hire/fire/promote assistant coaches, even relocate your team and watch the fan base shrink after hearing the news. Extremely deep and addicting. Overall my value rating would have been higher, but no online mode available for Xbox.

I like my sports games on the realistic/sim side. Madden does a fairly good job of mixing it up for both sides. I recommend giving it a rental at, and may I plug my new favorite website, Gamefly.com! If you’re a gamer, check it out. You may never have to purchase a game again.

For me, Madden 2004 will stay on my gaming Q rotating between ESPN Football and NCAA 2004.