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Madden fans have learned to temper their expectations with each new handheld version of their favorite game. It may say Madden on the cover, and it may say Madden on the title screen, but when the ball is snapped and the play commences, a completely different game emerges. Madden NFL 2005 showed promise, but that potential faded faster than Ryan Leaf’s NFL career thanks to an ugly presentation, limited modes, and poor AI. Nintendo DS sports fans will be elated to hear that Madden NFL 06 improves on Madden NFL 2005 in several key areas. Of course, when you start with the game equivalent Freddy Kruger, even a drop of makeup can be considered a resounding makeover. Madden NFL 06 has nowhere to go but up.

Beefing Up

Madden NFL 2005 was lighter than Calista Flockhart in terms of features, so the developers have added a smorgasbord of modes. There’s now a franchise option, and while it lacks the depth found in the console versions, you can still perform the basics like trading, releasing, drafting, and signing players while trying to stay under the salary cap. You can also compete in a single season, create a single- or double-elimination tournament, practice a specific play or a situation, create a custom league for up to eight players, participate in a two-minute drill, or try to change history by competing in one of the NFL’s “great games.”

Flick to Kick

Madden NFL 06 also supports custom teams and plays, and includes a new mini camp mode with five stand-alone games based on kicking, passing, running, tackling, and navigating an obstacle course. Once again the action takes place on the top screen, while the playbook and an overhead view of Xs and Os are displayed on the bottom screen.

The controls have been tweaked to include the stylus, but the majority of touch screen additions are more a hindrance to gameplay than a benefit. The most interesting use is the kicking interface, which has players drawing a line during field goals and kickoffs (adding new meaning to the term “draw play”). The speed and direction of the line influences the strength and accuracy of the resulting kick.

Fumbling the Ball

The graphics are less blocky and the animation more fluid, but the gangly players still look like genetic experiments gone awry. Camera angles are especially disappointing; they are either positioned too far back or a little too close, limiting your vision on passing plays.

Yet, gameplay is still the biggest flaw, with inconsistent AI (the computer never runs and doesn’t manage the clock effectively in the second half) and electric football-style physics. Players are fast and slippery, like they are skating on ice, and it’s not unusual to see ball carriers slide back five or more yards after contact. Tackling is especially dodgy, and the computer can still be exploited by moving diagonally instead of vertically.

Maybe Next Year

Madden NFL 06 is a step in the right direction when it comes to value-added features, but the in-game action is woefully inadequate when compared to its console counterparts. Instead of trying to recreate the console experience, the developers would be better off designing a game from scratch to take better advantage of the system’s dual screens and interactive features. Unless you absolutely have to have football on the go, it’s best to follow cover star Donovan McNabb’s lead: pass and enjoy a nice bowl of soup instead. Mama will be proud.