This is a sports game. The Wii controllers make Madden a sport. Newbies ... get a used version of 07 .. great value.

User Rating: 8.5 | Madden NFL 07 WII
I've tried to play Madden with a game controller on a PC and failed miserably. The Wii controller is a much better way to play the game for the uninitiated. Hiking the ball, passing, running, kicking, are all pretty intuitive. I still make dumb errors, but the game is very fun to play.

The graphics are fine on the Wii ... not stellar but that is not why we have a Wii. The music is the same old, tired Madden rock score. I just turn that way down.

My biggest complaint is navigating into things like the Franchise mode, where there is no explanation and I am left wondering how to get started. I can't start training camp because I lack a full roster. But I can't figure out how to fill the roster. So for now, I am not using franchise mode.

All of this is probably very obvious to Madden old-timers, but I am a newbie and I can't figure it out. The manual is no help.

The game is much easier to play in offensive mode than defense. I can't seem to do much yet on defense. The computer's AI makes most of my tackles. Gradually, I am sure I can learn more. Right now I play a defensive end and I try to rush the passer to no effect.

On offense, though, I am getting the hang of running the ball, calling audibles and finding open receivers. There is a steep learning curve, but it is learnable and a nice experience.

In summary, the Wii version is newbie friendly. And I think the 2007 game, which is the first using the Wii controllers, is a great choice given the cheap price you can find on eBay. Much more fun for your dollar than the later versions.