Madden 09 is Live: Do You Care?

By Brian Crecente on August 13, 2008 at 3:00 AM

Late last night people crowded into stores and at least one Rose Bowl to snatch up a copy of Madden NFL 09. This marking the 20th anniversary of the game, Madden has been getting even more hype than usual this year round with mainstream press pointing to the game’s successes as proof that video gaming has gone mainstream.

And of course, Electronic Arts is quick to point out that this Madden is a keeper.


“Madden NFL 09 truly embodies the rich history of Madden NFL football,” said Senior Producer Phil Frazier. “With adaptable gameplay, stunning visuals, and beyond broadcast presentation this game is a fantastic and competitive experience for all types of gamers.”

Personally, I’m not much of a sport fan which means I’m also not much of a video game sports fan, but despite that I play a bit of Madden every year when it comes out and, more importantly, I enjoy it.

Before sitting down to the latest Madden I always think, sometimes even write, that this year’s Madden can’t be worth the price of admission, that it can’t possibly squeeze anymore nuance into a game that’s been recreated 19 times before. And every year I’m surprised to find just enough difference to make it worth while.

This year the game promises 85 new enhancements including a Virtual Training Centre, Adaptive Difficulty Engine and of course another boost to graphics.

But is it worth it? I haven’t yet sat down to see this time around, but have you or are you planning on buying Madden 09?

Tagged:

Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)

  • Codman24
    August 13, 2008 at 3:56 AM

    @JustJake:

    $20 for a better game too



    Codman24

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  • TRT-X
    August 13, 2008 at 3:36 AM

    PS: "Adaptive Difficulty Engine" is code for - "This game will get cheap"

    Example: 75% of fighting games have AI that once you start getting better transitions to simply blocking 90% of the time.

    TRT-X

  • fokin_pikey
    August 13, 2008 at 3:36 AM

    @ysleiro: Or call it National Felon League

    fokin_pikey

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    nfl 2k5 is all i will ever need

    MINIBOSS

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    August 13, 2008 at 3:34 AM

    So wait. Did they go ahead and update the game at release to shift Favre to the Jets? Or is that just a screen from some random person playing the game?

    TRT-X

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    August 13, 2008 at 3:32 AM

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    August 13, 2008 at 3:13 AM

    Yawn. Casuals, etc.

    Altima NEO

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    August 13, 2008 at 4:00 AM

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    [deadspin.com]

    dmcshinobi

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    August 13, 2008 at 3:59 AM

    @Karunamon: Took the words right out my mouth. I hate EA for reselling the same game every year for the Madden Sheep to buy.

    SuperSplashBro

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    August 13, 2008 at 3:57 AM

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  • Juthan
    August 13, 2008 at 4:54 AM

    Madden 09 is Live: Do You Care? A resounding NOPE!

    Juthan

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    Bah, I want a new Blood Bowl video game.

    Oyn

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    August 13, 2008 at 10:38 AM

    I care. I picked up a copy on my way back from work today at Target (also got 2 1600 microsoft points cards for 14.99 each).

    mikeko10

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