Madden 06 Review

After a couple of weeks playing the new Madden, I will honestly say that Madden 2006 is much better than 2005. Madden 2006 is more refined than 2005. The new QB vision is an awesome addition for the offensive gameplay. The precision passing feature allows better control when passing to a reciever that is single or zone covered. You can pass over, behind, or short of the receiver to minimize the risk of incompletion or interception. The running game has also been improved with the addition of the truck stick, better AI for the offensive line and lead blockers, and using both trigger buttons as juke buttons instead of just one. The "truck stick" is awesome! When you play with a half back such as the beastly Jamal Lewis, you can run people over like a truck using the "truck stick". It is very satisfying to see your HB flatten defenders as he gains major yardage.

I also noticed more penalties being called this year when I was playing online. In Madden 2005, there were barely any penalties besides a few off sides here and there. You will hear the whistle being blown more often this year which is great. It makes sense. Defenders make more mistakes especially when he has been beaten by the person he is covering. In 2005, the refs were blind. In Madden 2006, you cannot get away with cheap shots, refs makes more calls against foul plays. The overall menu system has also been improved. It is quicker and smoother than last year. I like the new online menu design much better than the one that was used in 2005.

Although most critics argue that this year's Madden is no better and perhaps worse than 2005, the average rating for Madden 2006 is still a high 87%. Madden 2006 is a great football game. Most reviwers are expecting the developers to add one mind blowing feature and overlooked the overall improvements in various areas that make Madden 2006 so much better than its predecessors. If you like Madden, you will like 2006. If you like football, you will like 2006. Yes, there is a reason to upgrade from 2005. Madden 2006 is a more refined and better football game than others before it.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10