Madden NFL 2006

Reviewed by John Burrell Jr.
January 10, 2006

Developer: Tiburon Publisher: Electronic Arts Website: Click Here Platform(s): PS2, X-Box, Gamecube, X-Box 360, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS, GBA Players: 1-8 ESRB Rating: Everyone

“Boom!” a word that resonates in the mind of any football junkie. A phrase coined by the perennial voice of football, John Madden. That’s right the newest version of the best selling football title ever has come. Madden 2006 is back at it with the same great game play as previous years. There are improvements to the passing game, defensive coverage, and even a new mode.

Random tackle. Click image to enlarge.

One of the Madden strengths over the competition has always been the A.I. that has presented a challenge. This version is no different as the A.I. still provides the great opposition to even the best wannabe football coaches. The new passing mechanic called QB Vision is a good addition. It takes into account the quarterback’s awareness. This in turn produces a cone of vision that represents where the quarterback can see and receivers inside of the cone can be thrown to with accuracy. This addition adds realism because it forces the player to look at the field like a real quarterback. The defense received the Hit Stick last year, so in response, the offense has received the Truck Stick. The Truck Stick allows for offensive players to try and break tackles with devastating force. This is a very welcome addition especially to a Tampa Bay Bucs fan like myself (Alstott comes in very handy now).

The defense also got an upgrade. The new shade audible gives the ability to cover routes much more effectively than before. The new Superstar Mode is single player. It brings the gamer into the life of an NFL rookie. One gets drafted by a team and picks an agent. From there it's up to the gamer to be a Brett Favre team player or a big-mouth egomaniac like Terrell Owens. One goes through a career guaranteeing wins or reading for movie parts, it's up to the player. The drawbacks to this game are very few. The special teams A.I. lacks substance. Players will watch as they allow 3 or 4 opposing players through to the receiving player forcing one to make a fair catch or let the ball bounce where it may. The computer is still pretty stupid about negotiating trades.

Madden has taken the winning formula from years past and added new ingredients that bring added dimensions to the series. This game can be played over and over again against friends or online opponents, at least until Madden 2007 shows up.

More Screenshots (click image to enlarge view):