On the Gridiron

Published August 12, 2008

Every year Madden veterans must acclimate to the new version's "feel," adjusting strategy in lieu of new mechanics and embracing the new entry's many refinements, tweaks and brand-new features. In this, Madden™ NFL 09 is no different, but the shift in this year's game lines up so neatly with the flow, speed, and tactics of real-life NFL football, that any period of adjustment should be minimal.

The legend's about to don a different shade of green.

For details on many of the game's groundbreaking features, including EA Rewind, Madden IQ, Backtrack, and more, take a look at our E3 2008 preview. While we'll still touch on a few of those features here, our focus now is on the on-field action.

When the whistle blows and you face off
against a Rival, you'll notice your opponent
plays even beyond their normal potential.

Pure Movement

Never before has running with the ball required such dedication to patience, lane selection, following your blockers, and precise usage of the Highlight Stick, and it's this shift in game feel that slots in perfectly with the ever-more-realistic mindset of Madden NFL 09.

Avoiding would-be tacklers now, more than ever, requires you to make the choice between sprinting and juking rather than attempting both simultaneously. Sprinting is now useful really only when you're out of arm's reach of a tackler and breaking away, and that's as it should be.

Expect the spectacular in a Rivalry game.

Likewise, chaining moves together is now necessary if you hope to break open a big play. For example, if you've got two defenders bearing down on you, juke to one side to avoid the first, then immediately trigger a spin to leave the second defender grasping at air as you fly by for the score.

So Many Little Things

You'll find that Madden NFL 09 is filled with small touches that add immeasurably to the gridiron experience. For example:

• Bobbled catch: For the first time you'll bobble catches, as a ball rifled in between defenders catches a receiver by surprise.
• Dynamic camera: If you break away from the defense for a long run, you'll be treated to a close-up "shaky cam" following your player into the end zone. Likewise, a field goal attempt at a critical moment will trigger a dramatic slow-motion camera following its flight.
• Added personality: You'll find much more time spent on highlighting the interactions and reactions of players between plays. A running back will wobble to his feet, shaking his head after a huge hit, opposing players help each other up, there are more extensive celebrations after a great tackle, run, or catch, and more.
• Slide protection: Your offensive line's protection focus can be shifted to the left side, right side, pinch in the middle, or just be classed as "aggressive."
• One-button hints: Hovering over each player are button icons that change dynamically to suggest your next course of action. Take control of a powerful defensive tackle and you'll likely be prompted to perform a power move when you engage a blocker. Pursue the ball-carrier from behind and X may appear, reminding you to dive for the tackle.
• Formation audibles: In the past, an audible might have shifted your personnel out of position, perhaps causing your fullback to play wide receiver. Now, the new formation-specific audibles allow you to confidently flick the stick for a quick pass, run, draw, deep pass, and a few more options besides while maintaining your original formation.

Best Super Bowl of my lifetime.

Rivalry Intensity

Games played within your division are Rivalry games, and they're not just highlighted to reinforce their importance in the standings. Rather, when the whistle blows and you face off against a Rival, you'll notice your opponent plays even beyond their normal potential. You'll see spectacular catches in the clutch, extraordinary efforts in short yardage situations, and a great deal more besides as your rival amps up for the confrontation.

If you think facing off against the Patriots is tough while playing as the Seahawks, try playing them as the Jets, Bills or Dolphins. The difference is tangible.

User Celebrations

There are few games that lend themselves so well to trash talking and bragging rights as Madden, and the new user celebrations allow you to add a bit of personal touch when you gloat.

When you score a touchdown, blue squares appear in the end zone. Run into any of these highlighted sections and tap Y to unleash a flashy celebration. Do so on the sides of the end zone and you'll likely break out in a dance. Trigger one in the middle, and you'll perform a fancified dunk or layup through the uprights. You can even rush up to the fans for a Lambeau Leap, or, perhaps best of all, steal a celebration from one of your opponents (yeah, I'm looking at you, T.O.).

Madden NFL 09 is the twentieth anniversary for the franchise, and from the groundbreaking new features like Madden IQ, Backtrack, and EA Rewind, to the flow of the game on the field, EA's latest offering lives up to its enormously successful pedigree.

Article by Ryan Treit