VGT Review : Madden NFL 09

VGT reports:

''Describing how split the Madden fan base has been since its arrival on next-gen consoles isn't an easy task. Every year a newly polished model has to be rushed to hit the shelves and features some can't live without end up missing. Depending on your skill level the game can be too easy to a flaw or too difficult to be any fun. The graphics have been better than the old-gen counterparts but they're not exactly what we had been promised. The only constant about the Madden franchise or any football game in general, is the fact that every gamer has different expectations and different things about the game that could make or break it for them. Has any Madden ever truly been perfect? I don't even have to dignify that with an answer. The question we all want an answer to is if Madden is finally good enough to be enjoyed without some sort of constant frustration.

If you want the straight shot here it is. Madden 09 is the best iteration I've seen in years. It tries very hard to pull in some of the gamers who have been frustrated by the games difficulty in the past, but that's not to say the game isn't without at least some flaws. Overall I think most of you will be very pleased.

The first and arguably the most important change to the game takes place before you even get a chance to play. To keep players from giving up due to the difficulty, you'll now have to play through a Madden IQ test on a virtual football field that's slightly reminiscent of Tron. You'll be tested on defense and offense with both running and passing. The difficulty of the game will be fabricated to suit your personal skill level.''