Madden NFL 09

Another year, another Madden

Another addition to the Madden series is out, and as with tradition, the portable version is released along side its console siblings. Because it's a hand held version, it's safe to say that it's destined to be sub par, right? Nope, not necessarily. Madden NFL 09 for the Nintendo DS is a pretty solid addition to the football simulator series, and though it has many things that keep it from being perfect, it's still an okay choice to choose, if you have some patience, or haven't bought the '08 version.
There are many things fixed from the previous version, Madden NFL 08. There were a lot of glitches and bugs in the other game, and EA has taken the time to fix those problems that plagued the previous installment. However, this does not mean that they also upgraded the game play for the better. No, the game play is still in tact, but what we had hoped for in the 08 in still no where to be found in 09. The title provides a standard Madden experience, but you'd think that with the DS' capabilities, we'd see some touch screen plays, or other things that fans of the DS were wishing for. Touch screen plays are not seen outside of mini games, and the game's AI is not the most realistic. Don't get me wrong though, the folks at EA have taken the time to improve on the computer's behavior during matches, but idiotic AI is still present, though to a lesser extent.
Sometimes when newer versions of game are made, players enjoy them because they retain the good points of their predecessors. You can't blame yourself for expecting a better game sequel when the previous one carried so much promise. I guess that's what may put off a lot of return players; the fact that it does get better, but not by much. The game isn't too much at fault in this case because with a portable game, you just can't expect it to integrate every single player of the sports roster AND add new features than before. But when you bear to mind that the console versions have included new features like the Madden I.Q, and new ways to play, it seems to be a pretty stale effort when this game fails to innovate. All in all, the game play is not bad for a hand held, but it can tend to seem a little stagnant when you start pondering, 'what could have been.' Now it may be apparent by now, the Nintendo DS is not capable of high polygon, cutting edge graphics. The 3D athletes get the job done, and though the menu screens may not be eye candy it's forgivable.
They have also included an all new rec room mode, but it's basically a time waster. What good are mini games when you are engrossed in the rest of the game? Still, the game have about as much features as you'd expect, and while they may not be features you like, you can't fault the developers for wanting to add a little more value for your buck. Problems aside, this game is a fair DS title to pick up.
Now if you're a fan of Madden games, I'd suggest you pick this game up. It's a little better than average, and delivers what it sets out to do: bring the football experience of Madden to you on the go. It's more of the same, so the roster, and modes are really what will pull you into this game if you've played 08. You won't be missing much if you pass this one up, veterans, because it probably doesn't have what you wished they would implement, but, just like the console counterparts, it all depends on how much you like the sport.