Presentation-wise is where I feel is  the greatest improvements have shown up. From the additions of  color commentating by Chris Collinsworth,  Play-by-Play from Tom Hammond, and the Refereeing of Ed Hochuli, the feel of watching a TV Broadcast instead of a game really presents itself.  Though as with each year, eventually you almost want to turn it off, as there are only so many voice overs you can record, and we still saw a few errors in choice of play verses what they were announcing.  The Play Calling has been enhanced with a PIP system, though this can be almost a drawback for real Madden fans, till you get use to it.  The new cameras angles for me though really didnt do much and yes the improved sidelines were interesting and did react somewhat better to what was going on on the field, I don’t know why the sideline action bothers me, but I’ve always looked to Madden as the NFL simulator, and the sidelines have always taken something away for me. Granted, gone are the cardboard cut-oust but I still feel more can be done.

Without Graphics, Madden wouldn’t be anything and they have done some great improvements.  The players look more phenomonal than before, their movements seem more human and the lighting is a very much improved and realistic, though be careful, you could get blinded by all the camera flash within the stadium. One of the biggest touted features was the "realistic" weather.  EA claims that the weather effects were greatly improved, and I have to support them on this. Snow now builds in volume, swirls in a realistic way and the player footprints are actually showing in the snow.  The Next-Gen graphic capabilities are finally being used,  though I’m sure we haven’t seen the best yet.

The one thing I haven’t been able to see at this point is the online gaming. Now, once others get this game, I’ll have to get you a further review on that when I get a chance. But since there is still so much to see and play offline, I’ve been too busy to even really try the online anyway. There are two major features they are prophesying to be great. The Online 2.0 which claims to add more depth including statistic tracking. There will also be a Video Highlight area where you can upload your own highlights and share with friends.

There are still MANY features, I didn’t cover and you’ll have to get it to see them all (Yes, you need to get it) because I really don’t want to bore you, and keep me from playing some more Madden. Most will keep the hardcore fans happy, but yet the casual player can get in on the action also, and not feel too intimidated.  I am not going to write that this is the messiah of the sports genre, but it is finally good to see that huge improvements have been done and Madden made the game more pleasurable.  Thank you EA Sports for finally listening to us, the fans, and improving the game, I almost can’t wait to see what is in store for next year.