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Good: Gameplay still solid as ever

Bad: Sixaxis controls feel tacked on, no significant upgrades to the experience

I really think Madden games are the hardest games to review in the entire industry. What's to be said about this series that hasn't been said before? Everyone knows that late each summer, gamers get presented with a slightly upgraded version of the same game they played last year. Yes, it has new rosters. Yes, they tried to add a couple new gameplay additions. When it comes down to it, however, the gameplay experience is almost identical to the last few installments.

Not only is it almost identical to Madden 2006, 2005, 2004, etc., it's also nearly identical to the 360 version in every way. Considering that the PS3 is supposed to be an absolute graphical powerhouse, this launch title doesn't really prove that. It looks fantastic for sure, but no better than the one on Microsoft's console.

EA did include a few Sixaxis options with this version, but you won't find yourself using them that much. You can fake snap, control your lead blocker, jump the snap, and use the hit stick by moving the controller in certain ways. Personally, I prefer using the right analog stick to activate the hit stick, and found that I used the motion only for fake snaps (albeit rarely).

The Run To Daylight feature is the most significant update, but it's nothing too useful or revolutionary. You get the option of controlling your lead blocker, but I found myself ignoring it most of the time and playing the game the same way I have for the last several years.

Despite my complaints about charging $60 for a minor update to last year's game, it's still a hugely solid football experience. There's a wealth of plays, control options, and attention to detail. I had trouble getting the Chiefs into the playoffs, so it's obviously realistic as well.

It doesn't matter what I say in this review. People are going to buy it in droves whether I give it a 1.0 or a 10.0. It's still a great NFL gameplay experience, but I really hope EA isn't getting lazy now that they're the only game in town.

Graphics: 8.0

Sound: 8.0

First Play: 7.5

Replay Value: 8.0

Gameplay: 8.5

Overall: 8.0