|
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| GENRE | |
| Sports | |
| DEVELOPER | |
| Tiburon | |
| PUBLISHER | |
| Electronic Arts | |
| WI-FI ENHANCED | |
| yes | |
| WII EXCLUSIVE | |
| gcn | |
| EXPECTED RELEASE DATE | |
| August 14, 2003 | |
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I’m going to be honest. Sometimes, I have a hard time with Madden videogames. I mean, you have to think while you play. You have to plan, prepare, and then execute complicated plays just to get a few yards closer to a first down. You can play an entire game and only score two dozen points. Kickoff return touchdowns are rare. Madden is just that realistic.
Undoubtedly, that is why Madden is so popular. Over the last 13 incarnations Madden has evolved into a football simulation that has the deep modes, beautiful graphics, and a realistic television-like presentation. This year’s game, Madden NFL 2004, takes the gameplay that has made the series famous and raises it another notch, adding a healthy helping of new modes and Game Boy Advance connectivity.
Media
Impressions
Madden was one of the first football franchises to appear on home consoles and it has remained fantastic over the years by constantly improving the gaming experience. This continuous innovation has made it so that every year the game has something new to offer beyond simple roster updates. Madden NFL 2004 is no different and adds several interesting new modes to an already deep game.
In addition to the regular franchise mode this year introduces the new Owner Mode. Basically the Owner Mode makes Madden into a simulation along the lines of SimCity. The played takes control of a club owner and has the ability to control everything from ticket prices, to the price of food at a concession stand, to the hiring and firing coaches, managers, and players. While this mode might seem to take away from the football that is the core of the Madden franchise it adds a level of depth for players who want to experience absolute control over their team. You now have the ability to micromanage a team and use every input you have to build the strongest franchise imaginable.
The controls on the game have been modified, using the right analog stick to make it possible for abrupt changes to plays. A player can choose a play and then modify it on-the-fly after the ball is snapped to compensate for or exploit the decisions of the other team. This works for offense as well as defense. Imagine being able to spot a hole in your opponents line and direct one of your players in for a quick sack. Or think of how much easier it will be to complete a pass when you can tell your player to cut sooner than normal. On top of an extremely complete playbook for each team this new feature makes it possible for entirely new strategies and a whole new style of Madden gameplay.
Perhaps the biggest feature for Nintendo Fanboys to brag about, the GameCube version of Madden NFL 2004 includes exclusive bonuses that can be unlocked by connecting your Gameboy Advance. Hooking up a Game Boy Advance to your GameCube allows you to see up-to-the-minute statistics during the game. You can also use it for picking or modifying plays. If you own a copy of Madden NFL 2004 for the Game Boy Advance you can unlock GameCube exclusive bonuses such as additional uniforms.
The graphics in the game have also been taken up a notch for this year’s outing. The game looks extremely smooth and polished in motion. Best yet, it supports Progressive Scan on the GameCcube allowing for the smooth, sexy appearance that anyone without the right television is missing out on.
Word on the Street
Madden is a title that people look forward to every year. With a mess of new modes and exclusives, this year’s game will shine on the Gamecube and give die-hard Nintendo fans a great way to show off connectivity to their casual gamer friends.
From the Horse’s Mouth
In its 14th season, Madden NFL Football remains the undisputed leader in authentic NFL football simulationˆ. This year, players can make adjustments after the snap and create championship caliber plays with revolutionary Playmaker Control. Madden NFL 2004 is the most complete, authentic sports video game ever, making it The Ultimate Judge for gamers.
Conclusion
So the GameCube version might not have online play. Yeah, the memory cards are small and this limits how much you can get out of the EA Sports Bio. These are minor faults that don’t diminish the rousing football experience that is Madden. Bottom line: if you like football, buy Madden NFL 2004.
media
impressions
word on the street
press release notes
overall
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Mark Martinez Staff Profile | Email "Unless you're being ironic, turn that off." |
