EA to launch Madden NFL 08 next week

EA readies Madden NFL 08 for release next week despite criticisms that the game has recently become more of an "NFL Roster Update" than a true next-gen video game.

"For '06 we had some rough ratings, it was wasn't the biggest shining moment but we figured out the technology ... and this year we think we've come full circle," lead producer David Ortiz said in an interview with Reuters. "When you look at how old the franchise is and how long we've been doing it, we are held to a really, really high standard."

Last year's Madden sold 5.5 million copies and accounted for roughly seven percent of EA's revenues. Many criticized the game, however, as it failed to live up to next-gen expectations on newer, more powerful consoles.

Still, a turnaround may be in store for EA. Madden NFL 08 won the Best Sports Game award from the Game Critics Awards last month with some calling the it the first real next-gen-worthy version of Madden.

Gamers won't have to wait long to find out. Madden NFL 08 debuts on August 14 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, PC, Wii, and DS. The game promises "smoother visuals, finer control over players, and more dramatic gridiron action, such as gang tackles and mid-air hits," according to Reuters.

Comments [0]

post a comment

Post a Comment