Madden NFL 07

Madden NFL 07 is one of those games that makes you think you can hold off on that decision to buy a next generation game system for just a little while longer, at least until after football season.

And this year, the PS2 and Xbox versions of Madden execute well on cool new gameplay features.

(Click here for the Xbox 360 review.)

Blocking 101

Madden 07 is going to pound out the yardage. The game plan last year was Vision and Precision Passing, but that feature's more or less sitting in the options menu in favor of the running game. Lead Blocking Control makes the running attack a thinking man's game. When you call a running play you have the option to select a lead blocker to control. You can make a block and then switch control back to your runner to take advantage of it.

The feature's pretty slick and it's a powerful offensive weapon when you do it right, but it takes a lot of practice to master the move from blocker back to ball carrier has to be quick. It you don't time it right the savvy and aggressive A.I. defense (which gets a brain boost this year) swarms over your hapless runner.

Great Escapes

If you get into trouble, though, 07's new Highlight Stick gives you some nice escape moves. It's really a simple press up on the right stick, but you have to time it correctly. When you do, your ball carrier busts a righteous open-field animation. Get good at it, and it's usually enough extra yardage for that critical first down. If the Stick doesn't save you, you can pull a last minute-fake. Press the right stick quickly left and then right to pull a cool double move.

And no worries if you're defensively minded: Madden NFL 07 has some great run-stuffing options for you. First of all, your defensive teammates seem just a little bit smarter. They'll pull off a block a little more quickly and attack a running play with more intelligence. Also, if you sniff out a run, you can commit your defense towards it by simply pressing the right stick in that direction. All your defenders move to help to that side.

Hall of Fame Credentials

When you need a break from on-the-field action, Madden gives your NFL Superstar: Hall of Fame mode this season. This is an RPG-like create-a-player game that lets you go from DNA to HOF. Just select your parents and you're on your way to Canton.

Hall of Fame is a commitment, but it's pretty impressive. You can pick the position you want to play, and then you play games from the perspective of that position including on the line. Nice! Madden NFL 07 is packed and feature-rich. It shows depth, talent, and imagination. Everything any winning team needs

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