There's hardly anyone who would consider last years Madden entry on the DS a quality addition to the franchise. It was obviously rushed, and even as a port, it wasn't very successful. Significant strides have been made this year, both visually and gameplay wise. They're immediately apparent, and for die-hard fans, this isn't such a bad choice.
Game modes have been fleshed out, adding in franchise play, create-a-team, custom leagues, and more. The new mini camp is short-lived fun as almost every game here features innovative use of the touch screen. On the field is where the major improvements have come though.
Gameplay has been slowed down, giving the game a tighter feel. It feels like you're in control this year, unlike the previous attempt, which made running up field a chore. Passing hasn't changed, the new QB vision feature from the console games simply wouldn't work here, and mercifully, they didn't even try to implement it haphazardly. Running is on the easy side, as the juke moves are brutal on the defense that has trouble coming up with a solution to counter them.
That can all be fixed by tweaking the AI settings, and after a few games, you should find a balance to provide at least some challenge. Kicking has been completely revamped, now relying entirely on the touch screen. One of the mini-camp games serves as training, it's simplicity making it too easy to kick the ball off, and onside kicks easier to recover. If you're in a car bouncing because of a road, it's almost impossible to kick with any degree of accuracy.
The second screen still has other uses, including a well-implemented audible system. Play selection can be accomplished with the screen or buttons. Either way, it's simple to pick up. Instead of just the basic X's and O's, the full plays (including routes) are shown during play. This makes it easier to read the defense before the ball is snapped. It still doesn't offer much while the play is running, but this is a nice add-on to ensure the play is run properly.
Article comments
1 - WTF
My "Grand" nephews and nieces are down for a couple of weeks. Hmmm.. Playstation 2, hmmm, scads of gaming here. What's this Madden 2005.
Hey Jesse, throw that in and show me your stuff... so he does.
Darlene comments, hey... all the players have the same body. I look, sure enough cyberclones everyone...
Where's the helmet-getting-peeled-offa-your-head-play? Or, the Hulk completely devastating your 250 pound halfback squash.
Hopefully 2006 will have all the "tools" to properly get one into the season.
Of course, my "grand" nephew, being the properly spoiled kid that he is, will probably have it soon enough... his parents are super geeks.
2 - Frustrated Fan
I loved madden 05 and was told that i could create a team then play it in franchise mode, when 06 comes out. Lo and behold that info was wrong. Oh sure if you like to play the game on one of the box games you can. But i prefer PC over boxed any day. Would be nice if they could come up with a patch that would let you play a created team in franchise mode. Am I ranting? Yes. I understand the salary cap, but hey if your created team goes over the cap, its not allowed to play until you get it down. I guess thats why ESPN, ugh did I say that, i like their style. If Walmart would let me return it i would. I have 05 and like it and to mew there was really no change.
3 - Copperti
The "No-Salary Cap" is missing and is a stupid thing to leave out. Some people like overpowered play. Leaving it out is lame.