Metareview - Madden NFL 07 (Xbox 360)
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Aug 25th 2006 at 1:55PM }
What can you expect from the first "next-gen" Madden to hit the virtual gridiron this year? Well, it's certainly gotta top the wackness that was last year's rushed 360 attempt. RIght?The current verdict seems to indicate that EA Tiburon has yet to discover where snazzy new hardware can take this franchise. Not only that, but Tiburon still can't seem to figure out how to include all the features of the Xbox version in the 360 version. What up with that? Perhaps, with a guaranteed $60 contribution from each blindly fanatical loyalist, EA's in no rush to sort out this mess. And why should they be? It's not like there are other gaming options out there for football enthusiasts...
- Yahoo! Games (80/100) offers the key to improvement: "EA's challenge is not to simplify their simulation or stop adding detail, but to integrate those features so well that players can simply marvel at how advanced the game has become."
- Gamespot (79/100) concludes rather bluntly: "There's no denying that Madden NFL 07 comes up short on delivering all the improvements one would hope for after last year's disappointing debut on the 360."
- 1UP (70/100) suggests that maybe the Xbox version is a better buy: "...those who plan on spending most of their time offline in solo play will want to take a long look at the arguably more polished and superior current-gen versions before committing to one or the other."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pelon @ Aug 25th 2006 2:02PM
Is it me Or is 06 version a little more next generation than this years ??? A little dissapointed with graphics & gameplay, but we say the same crap everyyear.
Paul P. @ Aug 25th 2006 2:10PM
If this is so bad, and the reviews seem to say so, why the hell are they handing out 70s and 80s? That's ridiculous. It's like 7/10 is the lowest possible score for a game now.
ill trooper @ Aug 25th 2006 2:11PM
Usually I come on these Madden things and defend the 'once a year' release, redundant gameplay, etc., but it really does appear that EA is now 'dropping the ball,' which makes you wonder, how long can 'Madden' and EA hold an exclusive if they lose the mindshare of the average football videogamer?
With no other franchise to select from, customers have no option, and the NFL is going to have to eventually see this happening from behind those huge stacks of EA money.
Blufingaz @ Aug 25th 2006 2:14PM
Why are they only showing the lowest reviews? IGN gave it a 8.5. Maybe a little bias going on?
Will @ Aug 25th 2006 2:15PM
"If this is so bad, and the reviews seem to say so, why the hell are they handing out 70s and 80s? That's ridiculous. It's like 7/10 is the lowest possible score for a game now."
It's not like the game is unplayable. It's still a solid game, it's just not as good as it probably should be.
Duscrom @ Aug 25th 2006 2:18PM
Basically it's Like NSMB, it's not anything new, that dosen't mean it's not fun.
Jared Penrod @ Aug 25th 2006 2:24PM
I don't understand how they bagged the old game so much and still gave it 7's and 8's and the new one comes out and it is a lot better and they are still bagging it and giving it 7's and 8's, that doesn't make any sense.
VF @ Aug 25th 2006 2:25PM
@ #6
But NSMB gameplay is about level design. Hell, even adding deathmatch maps to a FPS gives it something new. Madden 07 is the SAME GAME with an updated roster, slight graphical tweeks and some tacked on extras.
broseph @ Aug 25th 2006 2:29PM
"With no other franchise to select from, customers have no option, and the NFL is going to have to eventually see this happening from behind those huge stacks of EA money."
I'm pretty sure that the NFL knows that customers have no option. You know-- signing that whole exclusive agreement probably tipped them off. Bottomline is they got their money and could care less about what Madden means to consumers.
Will @ Aug 25th 2006 2:29PM
Just a fair warning to all DS owners:
Don't buy Madden '07 for DS. It's probably the worst game I've ever played in my life. Awful graphics, sketchy play control (there's no way to make a sack), kicking using the stylus is annoying, and players get injured way too easily.
Stick with console Maddens, except this isn't looking so hot...
desistyle3 @ Aug 25th 2006 2:30PM
IGN gave the game an 8.5, which is pretty good. Even with the features it's missing, they rated it better than current gen.
Yes, it doesn't have all the features of the current gen version, but when it comes down to it, it's next-gen football and the gameplay is just as good as the current gen if not better (IMO).
I think that people are extremely unforgiving when it comes to the Madden series...
NOEEM @ Aug 25th 2006 2:37PM
Gamerankings.com has Madden 07 getting an average of 83% from 15 different sources. Which is a good score for ANY game. I swear people are so f****ing upetty when it comes to the game. Can somebody who's actually played it list a better football game? Not really. I've heard and played with diehard 2k sports fans say madden is the best by far, and I completely agree.
I hate when people compare the 360 version to the xbox/ps2 version, because 9/10 people whould much rather play the 360 version. The reason why every single litte feature from the current-gen version isn't on the 360 is because they are building it from the ground up. Whereas current-gen systems are just updated versions of previous games, on the 360 it was almost a complete redo. Madden 06 was a first step but anyone who played it knows it was incomplete on a basic level (never mind the abscent features).
I've played every football game back since the sega master system and I think this is a great game. It's not perfect at all, but it's the best yet.
Jason W @ Aug 25th 2006 2:40PM
This game is a hell of alot better than last years version. I play mostly online so dont really care about what was missing from last years version much less the minor things that are missing from this years. I loved the cool animations they have added to this years game.
Now for the DS version. I must say it is the most playable of the 3 Madden games on the ds. The graphics are way better than the other 2. Its not as nice as say Madden on the PSP but it is a hell of alot better than the other 2 Maddens on the DS. The game is a nice football game for a hand held. It loads and plays better than the PSP version but does not have that shine.
Ryan @ Aug 25th 2006 2:42PM
@8
You are missing the point. Many times updated rosters do change the game completely. Especially if you play with your fav team every time. Strategy changes and while it's not a big one (and they could really have done it on current gen madden's as well) it is something.
Along with this they actually did add new gameplay content in the 07 version. It's called Superstar mode and it is an entirely new way of playing, along with the "slight graphical tweaks and some tacked on extras." Also, some tacked on extras doesn't give justice to the "run to daylight" mode. This also adds a whole new element to strategy within the game. They also fixed many bugs that plagued 06. I think the 06 madden was overrated and this madden is getting underrated. While there are bugs in this version (which is something that should never happen) they don't really effect the casual gamer. Just...make sure you know what you are talking about before you add criticism. I think EA did a good job with this installment in their series and while this game definetly isn't a 9, it easily hits the 8+ range (IMHO).
dvdguy @ Aug 25th 2006 3:25PM
Franchise mode sure is a lot of fun when Hall of Fame players win all the Rookie of the Year awards. Great new feature EA! [/sarcasm]
Ben @ Aug 25th 2006 2:57PM
This game is decent. I think a 8 is a fair score. It still is missing a lot but does provide an entertaining football game. Superstar mode and the lead tackle "Run to daylight" are nice additions.
Honestly though, this situation is not going to get better until they dump current generation support. This should happen next year but will probably actually not happen until Madden 2009. It's just too easy to sell on the large installed user base of PS2, Xbox and Gamecube. EA loves money.
socrates @ Aug 25th 2006 2:57PM
#8: Yeah NSMB was fun...for about 15 minutes. It had *worse* level design than SMB3, which is kind of sad.
I have read all these Madden reviews, since my friends are big players, and I am kind of sad they can't even make the more expensive 360 verion incorporate all of the ps2/xbox options. I mean, normally the only times designers call it in that badly is when they're making ripoff movie game....luckily I can't stand NFL. NBA2k7, however....looks interesting.
Goose @ Aug 25th 2006 3:01PM
LOL They used the 3 lowest scores from their source article. You wonder why negative reviews are giving out 7 and 8's? That's because they were postive reviews completely spun by this site's declining credability.
But if you read the comments, as with most EA news, the only people complaining are the ones who don't play the games.
nojok3 @ Aug 25th 2006 8:31PM
I whole heartedly agree with these ratings
Mez Jr @ Aug 25th 2006 3:46PM
Man, I was a Franchise junkie with Madden I loved owner mode. Not the setting the prices of hot dogs too much but more the hiring and firing of coaches, and seeing retired players show up as coaches. Then there were little extras that went with that, the local & national paper, the weekly updates on your pda about what player was pissed or who to watch out for next week.
The depth and the detail was what did it for me, '06 was so terrible on the 360 and while this game does seem to be better, I already bought NCAA '07 and where I used to buy both, I just cant see myself doing so this year. Hot graphics and 3D grass are great but considering that you play the game so far out most of the time that you dont see all this detail unless its in replays or when your team comes up to the line they should have focused more on the Owner mode / Franchise play.
SuperStar mode is nothing new either it was there last year on old gen.
Bottom line is this to get "Next Gen" NFL football you have to pay $10 more and not have all the features of the old gen games.
It shouldn't be a game of compare & contrast old gen with next it should be next gen has all the old gen has and more, ESPECIALLY considering the higher price tag.
Todd H. @ Aug 25th 2006 3:18PM
I own the 360 version and if your just looking for a straight up football game then I think it's fine. I'm not sure what else people expect from a football game...
Has anyone played this game with the rain effects? It's crazy, the field animations are sick...All I can say for a football game I can't really ask for anything more other than building on the animations and graphics which seem to be improving from year to year. I think if they enhanced the game so it was more like a TV broadcast and increased the framerate to 30 FPS consistently, then it would cure a lot of the complaints.
Todd
http://www.proxbox360.com
Rondo @ Aug 25th 2006 3:23PM
What about adding that sweet NaturalMotion animation system that the new Indiana Jones game is using. I'm sure you have all seen this tech demo, but it kicks ass http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6715656699288287390&q=NaturalMotion+football
Thryon @ Aug 25th 2006 3:29PM
A quick note. Madden 07 score of 83 is not so bad when considering Dead Rising, a game I cannot let down, only got a score of 85. Also notable are
Hitman: Blood Money at 82
Condemned: Criminal Origins at 82
Kameo: Elements of Power at 80
All these games are amount my favorite games for this console. I purchased Madden to play football, and I get what I paid for....a good football game.
desistyle3 @ Aug 25th 2006 3:33PM
Yeah, the framerate seems quite a bit smoother and the controls seem more fluid than 06 for the 360.
Anthony @ Aug 25th 2006 3:48PM
Ok, obviously these people haven't played the other modes in 07. The Superstar mode is great, plain and simnple, and the mini games are excellent too.I think EA made great strides this year in graphics(particularly the degrading of the field as the game goes on)
Minor gripe: I would have liked to see footprints and the the sloshing of the water on the field when it rains and running through puddles too.
Yes the game could run smoother (60 fps please!!) The game looks great, regardless of what all of you EA haters think, and online is great too, espescially playing the new mini games.
All in all, EA did a good job with this one, I would give it an 8.8 out of 10.
All's I can say is, I can't wait for NHL 07
Jeff @ Aug 25th 2006 3:57PM
"Can somebody who's actually played it list a better football game?"
That might be possible, if EA didn't have a contractual monopoly on football games.
Guest @ Aug 25th 2006 3:58PM
I DID see this in a store today, but in special edition. What's the difference between that and regular?
Thryon @ Aug 25th 2006 4:04PM
@ANTHONY
AMEN! hockey brother...AMEN!
I hope they introduce a SuperStar mode in NHL 07 also.
Snap @ Aug 25th 2006 4:06PM
Madden 07 Xbox 360 > NCAA 07 Xbox 360 x 100.
With that said, Madden is really the only football game for 360. So, I deal with it.
PeteL @ Aug 25th 2006 4:30PM
A few things ruin any hope of a sim football game on live:
No fatigue.
No penalties (other than offsides or if you rough the kicker).
No challeges.
Lots of bad (phantom) tackle animations.
Otherwise its OK.
Mike K @ Aug 25th 2006 4:38PM
Fucking stupid. The game is highly enjoyable to play. End of story. All that camp, mini drills, fantasy, it's all bullshit. The gameplay and on the field action is where it's at. The other crap just dorks it up a bit. Personally, I wish they'd delete all the BS and just put more time into the game instead of wasting effort on puss feautres like choose your DNA. The only that'd be masculine is if you could sim fuck the mother and even then it's still a little gay. Football is football and football with Madden on 360 is fun. Bye bye.
Mike K @ Aug 25th 2006 4:38PM
Fucking stupid. The game is highly enjoyable to play. End of story. All that camp, mini drills, fantasy, it's all bullshit. The gameplay and on the field action is where it's at. The other crap just dorks it up a bit. Personally, I wish they'd delete all the BS and just put more time into the game instead of wasting effort on puss feautres like choose your DNA. The only that'd be masculine is if you could sim fuck the mother and even then it's still a little gay. Football is football and football with Madden on 360 is fun. Bye bye.
WamBam @ Aug 25th 2006 5:36PM
This is why I wish that EA didn't buy out the rights to the NFL and there was some actual competition instead of just Madden and *shudders* the god awful Blitz games.
I've long since stopped getting terribly excited by Madden releases which seem more like updates then full fledged sequels. They can boost graphics, add some modes and tweak the controls but I'm not sure it's worth $60. Which is what it really comes down to. Madden could utitlize the 360's harddrive and XBL's updating capabilities, as I'm sure they could with all the next gen consoles. But rather then charging $20 for the updates annually, they'd rather people pay 3 times that. We're getting hosed by the Madden monopoly.
Buckshot @ Aug 25th 2006 5:41PM
The game is great, and 1 up sucks a$$. End of story.
Belcho @ Aug 25th 2006 8:36PM
What the fuck is up with you having to buy the alternate jerseys on the marketplace?!?! Can someone confirm that the alternate jerseys are included in the current-gen game?
I don't mind buying little add-ons if it's something new, but this is something that's been in every Madden game for the last 10 years, yet EA sees an opportunity to strip it out and bleed consumers for more cash
FUCK YOU EA!
Mike K @ Aug 25th 2006 9:23PM
Actually, I'd pay upwards of 10 bucks if I could buy a transparent ticker to save my plasma.
NOEEM @ Aug 26th 2006 12:00AM
@25
"That might be possible, if EA didn't have a contractual monopoly on football games."
EA has only had the license for a year. I'm sure that football games existed prior to that, right? My point was that this is the best football game yet, so why the hell do people complain so much.
As a gamer I always want more, but I try not to be an a**hole about it.
saboola @ Aug 26th 2006 12:06AM
Meh, give me Joe Montana Sports Talk Football any day.
Jude Vincent Brown @ Aug 26th 2006 12:17AM
I really enjoy the game play - I think its great. With that said I haven't bought a madden game in about 4 years.
What drives me through the roof is the BRUTAL menu system that causes my machine to actually chop at times. Are you serious? New 360 chopping in the menus? Absolutely brutal. My inability to easily navigate also causes me to lose my temper every time I need to do really difficult things like change the difficulty level or quarter length.
Solid 7 out of 10. Good game that should be great. Unfortunately I am stuck with this bad boy for at least 2 more seasons as I try to reduce my lemming like response of purchasing the new madden every year.
dc @ Aug 26th 2006 1:38PM
My roommate and I were playing it last night and had to quit a game because the play selection menu stopped coming up. WTF? The clock would still count down, but nothing worked. Couldn't call a time-out, no menus, nada.
Roger T @ Aug 28th 2006 3:32AM
I have been searching the web for Madden NFLTournaments and I found only a few:
EAS Madden Challenge (held here I'm all there)
BallersClub.com (they are linked in with a few sites, but no big cash. Delaware cool I’m in New York.)
str8gamers.com ( I can’t figure out where to sign up)
LasVegasEntourage.com (big dollars, lot’s of prizes but they are in Las Vegas)
Is there any other Madden Tournaments out there. I’m looking to compete on the East Coast in as many as I can get in. I’m looking tomake some easy money I’ve been playing madden since the PC days. I’m doing the challenge in philly but local would be great.
John @ Sep 4th 2006 10:59PM
For all of you people who are defending Madden, stop now while you are ahead. Madden 07 is without a doubt, one of the worst disappointments for the 360 so far. Its a great game? No way. There are over 10 known glitches, bugs and holes in this game. Fatigue? No such thing, Fantasy draft? nope. Defensive playmaker come back? No again.
BUT WAIT!!! There are SOME POSITIVES!!! Like an HUGE disconnect glitch, where people can give you a loss and disconnect rating at any point during the game! yay! How about using the line crash option and run stop option and having your DT's move around like butter on a hot plate and going offsides every play! alright! How about saving your audibles in-game and it not saving anything at all? Disconnecting during XBOX Live when you have no feature team set?
2 words for you... exclusive licensing. You know the old saying, competition is good for everyone? Its completely true and especially true in this case. EA flat out does not care about their consumers on this front. Dont get me wrong, EA is a great company and they can make a great product when they care, but in this case, they dont. They have the licensing for an NFL product, and they know they dont have to work to earn your loyalty or business. They are the only show, and they know it. O well... hopefully their "next-gen" offering wont suck so bad.
Lombardi @ Sep 4th 2006 6:57AM
Okay...I've been playing Video football since Techmo bowl. I was a player when Frontpage Football dominated the arcade like Madden and then it melted down. After that a Madden player who has treid and bought nearly other football game.
This years 360 version has some faults...but some are dead wrong on what they list as glitches.
Penalties...I get plenty...seen offsides, false starts, Pass interference, roughing the kicker on default settings...have yet to see a face masking or many others called.
Graphics/gameplay...great...very smooth and I feel in control. Some rare phantom tackles. No issue with players going offsides every play...that has to be the user. fatgiue does not seem to show..EA says its there but the bar does not work. 'm unconvinced though I have seen the CPU sub in a few players. I like the lead blocking and the training to affect stats is kinda cool.
Online - I have yet to have a disconnect ...loss or win due to it. Though I do not care for the selection process.
Downsides - I would like a fantasy draft (minor). Difficult to update own rosters. Hall of famers going into the FA pool (currently running all teams to avoid that one). Needs more defensive schemes and indivual reassignments. Needs a dupe button to hide play picks when 2 play at the one console. The fatigue issue could be huge for those who like franchise mode.
I'd give it an 80%...would be higher if some of the above were fixed. But I do love the feel and play of the games vs CPU, online or at the cpu vs a friend.