Madden NFL 10 (Wii)

by Dalton Kolkmeyer
August 14, 2009 00:00 AM PST

Madden NFL 10 Wii is instantly discredited due to its assigned system, the technologically inferior Nintendo Wii. Granted, the game is different than its console counterparts, but included in this year's iteration are numerous and unique game modes that you won't find anywhere else. With multiple 'play calling' and throwing options, Madden NFL 10 Wii emphasizes on the 'pick up and play' fashion while also catering to the more dedicated and simulation-hungry audience, even though it suffers from a few minor tribulations

While he didn't find it as rich of an experience as it's 360 and PS3 brethren, Dalton still found plenty to write home about in Madden's latest Wii iteration.

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Look at me mom, I'm animated!

The Wii edition of Madden NFL 10 strays away from last year's approach and presents us with a Blitz-esque style (minus the leg drops and power bombs). This new visual style is in no way atrocious to the franchise and immediately registers as this appealing cartoony look. Although the new presentation has a pleasant charisma, it does get bland every now and then, especially when you're show-boatin' after a touchdown. The style isn't over-the-top and falls between the lines of simulation and arcade, which is cool and all, but its design is far from perfect. I couldn't help but get this feeling of playing a downgraded Madden that realizes its inadequacy and tries so hard not to be the substandard title. Nevertheless, with my casual expectations and 'pick up and play' perspective, this comes as inconsequential.

Plenty of game modes to go around

One of the most satisfying aspects about Madden NFL 10 is the various game modes, which provide a wide assortment of arcade and sim-like gameplay. My favorite being the new Road to the Super Bowl, which allows up to 4 players to battle cooperatively through an 8- (5v5) or 17-week (11v11) season. Users are rewarded points for their actions and rated on a red-to-green scale. If a user drops past the red, he's benched. Teammates can then spend points or raise the momentum (score a TD, catch an interception, etc.) in order to get the player reinstated. The more friends you have, the easier and more fun this game mode is. Going in single-handedly may give you enormous frustration since the game is lost as soon as you're benched; the CPU cannot reinstate you.

With every favorite comes a least, of which is Huddle Up. The mode allows another player to throw offensive blocks or trip receivers using the cursor. The game reminded me of Super Mario Galaxy, which allowed player 2 to collect and shoot star bits. Huddle Up doesn't induce aggravation like playing as Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but I can't imagine someone actually having fun with a cursor while watching player 1 make decisions, return kickoffs and complete passes. Then again, I guess it's better than just watching somebody play (i.e. mom, girlfriend).

In addition to the two mentions above, gamers are graced with replayability in Madden Showdown (5v5 or 11v11), which permits players to alter the rules of football; 8 options to choose from. I'm not too fond of this feature myself, especially with Fumblitis enabled (you'll start punching babies instantly). Although, I do appreciate this mode being incorporated and complementing the more authentic types of play.

If you still haven't found your niche, take your game online or keep playing in order to unlock the 'classic' game modes: Franchise (faulty fantasy draft included), Superstar and Situation. Needless to say, Madden NFL 10 provides a huge variety of options that accommodates multiple audiences, and with that I congratulate the development team.