Madden 10 Does Not Disappoint

In 1988, Electronic Arts released a computer game called John Madden Football. The unlicensed game featured no NFL teams or players, and while it had some customizable features like difficulty and weather, you couldn't even play a full season.

In 1994, the sixth release of this video game series would change the world of sports gaming forever. It was then that EA first acquired a license from the NFL to use team names and logos in the game. They added a license from the NFL Players Association so they could use real names in the 1995 version. Every year since, EA Sports has rolled out a new Madden game in time for football season.

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This year, EA is trying something new. The game is being released on a Friday, as opposed to the more "traditional" Tuesday. One would think that EA is going for the kind of buzz movies have when they open over a weekend.

Madden 10 is available on XBox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP and Wii, as of August 14. Before you rush to your favorite electronics store to buy it, here's a look at the latest -- and potentially greatest -- version of the transcendent game.

Getting Started

The open for the game has been completely overhauled. This year, it spotlights cover boys Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald, with highlights from their respective teams' seasons as they made their way to the Super Bowl. The highlight package is extremely well-done, and it's neat to hear the players talk about the intensity of the moment.

It's a cool bit that will get intense football fans excited for the season, and equally excited to play the game.

Buyers will also notice a ton of diverse music in the game. The normal fare of Sam Spence/NFL Films music is there, but the makers also included some popular stuff.

Older songs by bands like Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Pantera are featured, flanked by newer rock from Killswitch Engage and Airbourne. Hip-hop artists Cypress Hill and Public Enemy are also featured.

Playing the Game

You may notice some changes in the menus as you get started. They're mainly cosmetic, and there really isn't anything negative about the overall functionality. It's just as easy to get around as it usually is.

Once you start playing, however, the changes become less subtle and a lot more meaningful.

EA was wise to listen to consumers on a couple major points. First off, the game speed has been slowed considerably. No longer do defensive ends run 4.3-second 40-yard dashes in the game. Instead, players move at a much more realistic speed. If you prefer the faster pace, it can be changed in the game's settings.

The other major change involves the player ratings. The elite players are still the elite players. What is noticeable the more you play the game is the increased gap between elite players and good players. Generally, playing Madden in franchise mode meant you could afford to lose your starting quarterback, because while the backup wasn't as good, a guy in the 70s could lead a team in a pinch.

Look at the Packers, for example. Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a respectable 86 rating, more than good enough to be a solid starter. Backup Matt Flynn rates at a 54, and third-stringer Brian Brohm is a paltry 50. Play in franchise mode as the Packers, lose Rodgers for any length of time, and the season is in serious trouble, which is just like it should be.

What this means is that the premium players will become a huge priority when it comes time to hand out new contracts, and a gamer will have to make the same kind of tough decisions NFL general managers are saddled with.

Those differences are also noticed on the field. No longer will that mediocre defensive end whip your All-Pro left tackle and sack the quarterback before he's completed a five-step drop. Instead, players will generally get at least a second or two to make a decision with the ball. Same goes for the running game. Set your difficulty a bit higher than last year, because running the ball is actually possible in this year's edition.

Looks Like Football

It's a video game. It's never going to play like a real-life football game, and that's okay. Every year, EA seems to add more realism to Madden, and 2010 is a huge year for improvements in this area.

Not only has EA tweaked the ratings system and the game speed to provide more realism, but you'll notice more realism in the look and feel of gameplay.

Simply put, players move more fluidly. They run better, the jukes are more realistic, and the new gang-tackling animation is awesome. Not only that, but while running backs are able to power through hits and gain extra yards, their ability to do so is not beyond the realm of reason.

One of the things about EA games is their lackluster crowd animation. That really hasn't changed much on this version, but the stadium art is still rock-solid. If "crowd animation" is the biggest complaint one can draw up about a video game, things are going pretty well.

After a season where the Miami Dolphins became all the rage, the "Wildcat" formation has been added to the game. It takes some practice, but the formation is functional, and it works, if executed properly, against vulnerable defenses. Don't plan on running it exclusively, though, because there's a reason it's not Miami's base formation.

Franchise Mode

There have been some tweaks to Franchise Mode. No longer do you set ticket prices and decide how much fans will pay for hot dogs and souvenirs. Instead, the job is simply to play the games, sign players, make trades, and deal with drafting college kids.

The scouting interface is much easier on the eyes now, and it's much more user-friendly. Players no longer are practically a sure bet to pan out simply because they were drafted in the first round. There is bust potential, just like in real life.

Developers also messed with the trade system. It's harder to fleece teams for deals to help your squad, and it becomes much more important to scout and draft well for long-term success.

One of the major negatives with the game has been the inability to expand your team's roster for preseason. The rigid player limit of 55 remains in effect. While it makes sense to keep gamers from having bloated 80-man rosters to pare through, it sure would be nice to have a couple extra players on hand should someone get hurt, or just in case you want to evaluate a player on your team.

This issue has not been resolved, as rosters are still frozen at 55 players.

Again, though, if this is the biggest gripe with Madden 10, it's a very good game.

Overall Thoughts

EA did some really good things with this year's version of Madden. The gameplay is much better, and it was improved without any significant sacrifices being made to the ancillary elements of the game.

Hardcore gamers will still notice the occasional Superman effort by an otherwise average defensive lineman, and there are glitches here and there (players can walk through officials, which looks really odd). However, this is easily the most improved edition of Madden to come around in years.

Instead of working around unrealistic gameplay, wonky animation, or the lack of a gap between top players and average players, the developers put some serious thought and effort into improving the game.

It should be enough to quiet many critics who have claimed EA doesn't put enough work into improvements, now that they have the exclusive license to produce NFL video games.

They picked a good year to do it. Madden 10 has received a lot of mainstream hype, and fans who flock to buy it early Friday morning should be pleased with their decision.