With the Madden series, you pretty much know what you are getting. The game play itself is little changed from any of the recent versions of the game, and it likely won’t be changing anytime soon, as EA seems to have all their bases covered. It’s still not perfect though, and in some places – such as the game’s AI – there is room for improvement.
One aspect where the Wii version is lacking is in graphics. Not only do all players look the same height on the field, but the graphics clearly look a bit dated. Like Gamecube dated. Given the incredible graphics of the Xbox 360 version this is a big disappointment, but it’s not necessarily something that will ruin the game experience for you. The game’s soundtrack is as licensed and vibrant as ever, and the in-game sounds are still good. One interesting thing of note is that the Wii version makes use of the Wii remote’s speaker, emitting any signal calls from the QB before the snap.
The variety of modes in Madden 08 for the Wii, and hopefully an online mode without server issues, give this game plenty of replay value, regardless of if you are a hardcore or casual gamer. However, the more casual gamers you have around you, the more you are likely to get out of this title.
Despite its new features, the lack of some standard ones make Madden 08 feel like a step backwards from last year’s version, which is a damn shame. If you have a bunch of Madden newbies around and want to get them playing the game, you might want to pick the Wii version up. But keep in mind that the 360 version not only has all of the game’s features, but runs at a very nice 60 frames per second.
Pros: Controls are still generally the same from Madden 07. Family Play and Party Mode will help make the game accessible to just about everyone. Makes some use of the Wii’s online capabilities.
Cons: Graphically weakest of three current-generation versions. Lacks depth of options that 360 and PS3 versions have, as many longtime Madden features (create-a-player/team, for example) are cut from the Wii version.
Madden NFL 08 is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. This game can also be found on: GameCube, Nintendo DS, Mac, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox and Xbox 360.
Article comments
1 - Ray
For the love of God can we get past the damn graphics already! We know that any Wii game will not look as good as xb360 or ps3 ... we don't care ... it's fun!
The graphics could be much better if programmers put some time and effort into it. Anyone remember Rogue Squadron or Resident Evil 4 ... they were gamecube games the Wii is capable of more. It's a known fact programmers are rushed and write sloppy code.
2 - Don
Can reviewers please note that the graphics and the game processor on the Wii are only slightly better then the gamecube. Please stop talking about graphics. Compare it to the XBox and PS2 versions if you must. It would be like rating the Hoda Civic and knocking points off because it's not as fast as a Formula 1 car. You can't compare apples and oranges. No one compared consoles to computer games. No one compares PSP and DS to PS3 and 360. No one compares cell phone games to console versions. So please stop comparing the graphics off the Wii to the 360. Talk gameplay to gameplay.
Let me finish the review for you. Gameplay on the Wii will have you wondering why the 360 uses all of those buttons. Playing on the Wii is more intuitive then on the 360. This is the way football should be played on the consoles.
3 - Ken Edwards
Interesting, I thought playing the Wii version to be awkward and all I wanted was a damn controller. I will take the 360 version over the Wii version any day of the week.