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The most successful franchise of all time returns for its 20 year anniversary, and gracing this year's cover is former Packers legend and new Jets quarterback, Brett Favre.  The next-gen Maddens have been accused of being lazy with little to no improvements but Madden NFL 09 should put critics to rest. 

IT'S GAMETIME!

Gameplay is always a vital part of any sports franchise.  The running and tackling engines have been upgraded making the game more fluid than previous editions. Madden NFL 09 has made tweaks to all aspects of its gameplay from jukes to collision detection. The animations feel lifelike, with linemen undercutting the offensive line so you can run up the middle with Brandon Jacobs for an easy touchdown. Weather plays a vital role as well.  Rain and Snow will cause your players to slip, slide, or bobble the ball when going deep.  The improved running game takes an important role under these extreme weather and conditions.
 
The game also brought back some classic Madden features like bluff plays and slide protections.  In-game button instructions are also available, letting you know what to press in order to intercept a pass or to finesse your way to a QB sack. 

For all the Chad Johnson fans out there, user celebrations are also available in Madden 09.  Yes, you can even Crank That Soulja Boy in the end zone.  "EA Rewind" has also been introduced, letting players replay a faltered possession.  Though this new option isn't exactly popular with the Madden pros, it can be turned off.  Rewind is also unavailable during online play, so all you Falcons fans out there, prepare to take a hit.

GOING ALL THE WAY

Madden NFL 09 is not just a roster update. Many improvements have been implemented into 30-year Franchise Mode as well as the superstar modes, which now allow players to control the incoming rookie class such as Darren McFadden.  The game also features the new Madden Moments, where NFL fans can replay real life conditions from last year's season.  Remember Devin Hester's two touchdown returns against the Denver Broncos?  You have to try and duplicate this phenomenal performance in Madden Moments. Good luck. 

Another major addition is the Madden IQ.  Players go through four rigorous virtual training modes (Rush, Pass, Tackle, Defense drills) in order to measure their skills.  The better you do, the higher your "Skills" difficulty level is.  As you go through the season, your Madden IQ will fluctuate based on your performance.    Taking on other players with better skill levels wont affect the gameplay, as the game features a handicap system which allows users with different IQ’s to take each other on an equal playing field. 

EA has also answered the call to their fans by introducing online leagues that can support up to 32 players.  All the important features make it online from team schedules, in-depth statistics, trades, and salary caps.  There is even a virtual trophy for the Super Bowl winner, which adds that extra incentive to annihilate your friends. 

GRIDIRON INTENSITY

The presentation in Madden 09 is superb.  The graphics have been improved tremendously.  The player models, stadiums, weather, lighting, and field goal nets look authentic and not glossy.  The cameras play a big part in the action as well, shacking when landing a thunderous hit or swinging back and forth on breakaway touchdowns.  You can even be a show off, creating highlight clips of your TD run and upload it to share with the world. 

The team of Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond head the Play by Play commentary and do a fantastic job.  John Madden makes his appearance as well, giving away tips on defensive and offensive possessions with "Madden’s pick" along with a few lines for the Madden IQ test.  Improving the overall broadcast is the all new "Backtrack" replay, where your offensive mistakes are broken down in a televised style analysis.  From the audio to the visuals, this game definitely delivers a TV quality experience that immerses people to each weekly match-up. 

Electronic Arts and ESPN have also teamed up, letting gamers access ESPN shows as well as daily news updates when connected online.  And let's not forget about the music.  The classic NFL music returns during replays as well as a vast soundtrack that features The All-American Rejects, Franz Ferdinand, The Offspring, and Busta Rhymes.    

CLEAR PATH

The game does have a few minor flaws.  The Rewind feature is not going to bode well with the hardcore Madden fans, as it takes away from the realistic NFL sim experience.  There are some slight glitches in the game. The occasional online lags can be experienced and your players might magically teleport through the other bodies hanging out on the sidelines.   But with the vast improvements and additions made to this year's 20th Anniversary addition, it deserves the highest of praises.

With EA owning the NFL license till 2012, they could have easily milked the franchise with minor tweaks and the occasional roster update till their deal expired.  Madden NFL 09 actually reinvents the series with upgrades to previous modes as well as the introduction of new ones like Madden IQ, Online Leagues, and Madden Moments.  The new commentating team, Backtrack replays, soundtrack, and improved graphics really packs that extra punch of realism making this game a must buy.

Review by: Albert Iskander