Madden NFL 06 E3 2005 Hands-On

We got a chance to play an early build of Madden NFL 06 for the PSP on the E3 show floor. The current build of the game is approximately 40 percent done, and it only includes two playable teams: the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots. As you might expect from such an early build, the graphics are still fairly rough, particularly the grass and field textures. At this point, the game looks like a late-generation PlayStation 1 game, but hopefully that should improve as we get closer to release.

The feel of NFL 06 is similar to more recent Madden games on the larger consoles. Ball carriers run with momentum, so you can't make cuts or stops on a dime, and there isn't a noticeable ice skating feel. As far as the running game goes, the small size of the screen can make it somewhat difficult to follow the blocking scheme, but with some practice we started to get a better feel for it. The passing game in Madden for PSP does not use the passing cone like its big brothers on console and PC, so its feel is much more similar to older Madden games. You can still place the ball on specific sides of the receiver by pressing directionally on the analog stick as you make your throw.

As far as features go, the most exciting one we learned about is the ability to take your PS2 franchise on the go and continue it on the PSP version. This will be possible through the EA Locker feature, which will allow you to upload franchises, rosters, and other data online, and sync things up between your PS2 and PSP. So imagine syncing up your PS2 and PSP franchises before heading off to work in the morning, playing a game or two during your commute and your lunch break, then heading home and syncing up those results with your PS2 game. The possibilities are quite exciting to say the least. You will also be able to save a game in the middle and continue it later, which is an important feature for a mobile sports game.

Wireless networking will be included, both ad hoc and infrastructure mode. Neither of these modes were available in the E3 build, unfortunately. The inclusion of infrastructure mode is exciting news indeed, as you'll be able to play against other PSP Madden owners from any wireless hot spot. Ten minigames will also be included in Madden for PSP, including punting inside the 20, rushing the quarterback, and defensive back cover drills.

It still feels a little rough at this stage, but we've got high hopes that Madden NFL 06 will provide a satisfying portable football fix when it's released this September on the PSP. Stay tuned to GameSpot Sports for more details as they become available.