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Madden is back and slightly better than ever! The Madden series has consecutively outdone itself each and every year since it debuted, however this year's update seems to lack any major progress. Sure, the game does feature some really neat additions such as Superstar mode and a few other tidbits, but compared to past releases this one seems to have failed to reinvent the wheel. You have to give Madden a break though, I mean, even the best slip up every now and then.
So, what can you expect from Madden '06? Well, expect most of the same and a little of the new. As I mentioned, there is an interesting, yet very time consuming new addition called "Superstar" mode. In a sense it has taken a page from the Franchise mode, but instead of managing an entire team you are simply managing yourself as an NFL player. The "Superstar" mode begins with you choosing your mother and father. This first step is very important and will ultimately determine whether you become a failure or the ultimate MVP. Your mother and father make up your DNA -- you should try to find the best match of intelligence and physical attributes. After this you can edit your player in some ways and then move into a cramped apartment, just like any other NFL player might do. Although in reality I would expect they could afford a little better living accommodations considering their extravagant paychecks. This mode can be very fun and rewarding if you can guide your player to Superstardom. I must admit I have yet to accomplish that feat.
The only other major update in Madden '06 is QB Vision and Precision Passing. I have been playing for countless hours and really have not noticed that much of a difference. It could simply be that I am not skilled enough or more likely that it really just hasn't changed the game in any considerable way. The QB Vision is in essence Madden's way of telling you where to throw the ball. Does he really help? Yes and no. You will, indeed, have more successful throws if you use the QB Vision and can find an open receiver. However, there are many times that you may actually have more success not throwing in the QB Vision. This addition to the game is a very welcome addition that I do believe could be a tremendous help in the future once improved, but in '06 it isn't crucial and most definitely shouldn't have been what the developers relied on to reinvent themselves.
Overall, I am somewhat pleased with Madden '06. Like so many of you, I have been anxiously awaiting '06 since the release of '05. My favorite part of last year's game was the Franchise mode. I was very disappointed to see that there weren't any major or even minor improvements to this mode. I continue to love playing this mode and being in control of my favorite NFL franchises, but I think there are endless ways to improve this, so for Tiburon to completely drop the ball and not even attempt at taking the mode further is a bit of a disappointment. One of the most annoying parts of Franchise and Superstar modes is the amount of time it takes to simulate games and such. I like to play at least two complete seasons in Franchise mode each time and usually only play the actual game if my team makes it to the Superbowl and this takes hours even when I don't get to play the Superbowl. I am sure that this is also a frustrating point for many of you and one that Tiburon really needs to work on before the release of '07.
- Chad Kennedy, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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