It's the third try for EA Sports on the Xbox 360 with the venerable Madden franchise. Simply put, they nailed it. Not only is this a truly deep, involving simulation, we finally have the feature rich backdrop ever so lacking from previous entries. At times it sounds repetitive, but this it the best Madden effort to date.

It starts on the field, with a tighter feel progressing from what started in '07. This feels refined and the tweaks will be noticeable to cynics and fans alike. This is a true update, not just a release with a new year slapped on the end of the title.

Noticeably improved animations are everywhere, and add to the feeling that this is a fresh experience. Players' models have been re-modeled to appear sharper, with superb details in the jerseys. The field and sidelines require desperate attention in future editions, though the vast array of reworked tackles makes these exceptions to the rule acceptable. A deeper edition of the Hit Stick returns (aptly titled Hit Stick 2.0), leading to some truly brutal blows. Some do feel over the top, though this doesn't take away from the game play.

As usual, the A.I. has been tuned. Deep passes are difficult this time out, as defenders handle their task with no compromises. It does lead to some awkward plays in which the defensive back will appear to "warp" to where the ball is thrown for an interception, but this is more of a visual hitch than a cheat. If a defender were close enough to make the catch, it would have happened regardless of how it looks in the game.

While players are still designed around layers of statistical categories, including a record number of rating areas this year, Player Weapons have been added to the fray. These are additional skills, highlighting strengths in specific categories with a stunning balance on both sides of the ball. On the field, they appear as icons below the player making it easier to read the play set and find critical weaknesses.