Madden NFL 2004: Do Not Purchase Unless.....

Ok, I am usually not one to write epinions on video games. In fact, this is probably the first on I have written on any games. I was fortunate enough to get an early release or bootlegged copy of Madden 2004 from a friend- who will remain nameless in order to keep his job. He can, will, and does have the ability to get pre-released games all the time, but I never ask him to do so.

Why? Well, first of all, I am not much of a game junky. Madden football is all I play with any sort of frequency and really the only game I remotely enjoy. The second and main reason is that I have a compulsive personality (What, you couldn't tell after 8,593 epinions?) and the last time I seriously played any sort of video game I became somewhat addicted. Yes, back in the late '90's I spent more time playing Madden NFL than I did working. No need to tempt myself.

Yet, I wanted something to relax with in this wild year. The stresses have included: planning a wedding, parties for the wedding, honeymoon plans, a new first house, and a busy year at work. Hence, when we were discussing work one night at our favorite watering hole, I asked about Madden. A week later, Madden NFL 2004 was hand delivered more than two weeks ahead of the August 15th release date.

What I found was a game that had really changed since the late '90's. I have seen and even played a few times since then, but never really paid too much attention to the changes. I found that the game had literally passed me by. Yeah, seriously.

First of all, the graphics are simply amazing. The players, the ball, and the stadium backdrop are much improved and even over the two year old versions. The players suddenly look somewhat real and the ball has a true quality to it as well. You can even name your own staff in order to coach and train the players. The stadium backdrop is similar to what you would expect, rather than the stagnant background that I remembered. Heck, you can now build your own stadium and set ticket prices. Just be sure to remember to include water fountains; our hometown Eagles forgot to do so in the new stadium. The sound is also much improved. Previously, the sound seemed to be muffled and difficult to understand at times. Madden and Al Michaels were often difficult to understand and, at the least, annoying. This is no longer the case with Madden 2004.

The second area of improvement is the playbook. The playbook has improved year over year, but the jump over the past two years is significant. All of a sudden, you have a full playbook that is easy to navigate through. You can select running, passing, or trick plays depending on the teams tendencies. You could always do so, but the difference is that the audibles are now so easy and able to be pre-snap.

The stats and standing are also a cool upgrade. In my day and age, the stats would show you a few simple options (Rushing yards, touchdowns, passing and receiving yards, etc.) and that was it. Now you have many more options available and can track virtually everything that a true NFL team would track. You can even track all this information to include training camp. Yes, I said training camp.

Yet another plus is that the players are more updated than before. I guess this is because the game is not released until later in the year. Hence, the guys who get cut or traded are actually on the correct teams. Starters get the respect they deserve, rather than being seen by the computer as a backup. Additionally, unsigned draft picks are on the rosters (Not able to be used until signed) and this- I am told- is an improvement over years past. Another player improvement is that one player rarely will but up ridiculous numbers anymore. In my day I could take Eddie George and run him constantly and he would finish the season with 3,600 yards rushing. Steve Young might be able to throw for 7,300 yards. You cannot compile ridiculous numbers any longer and this simply adds to the reality of the game.

Finally, the leagues are amazing. I never imagined that you could join a league and play against others. When I was addicted to the game, you simply played with a group of guys at the same machine and kept track of how each other's team did. You played an entire schedule over a period of time and if your team made the playoffs you eventually came up against each other. In the end, there was one team left standing.

In this day and age, you can play in a league that has a fully "manned" group of 30 teams. Everyone has a team and you play against each other rather just playing the computer. The negative to this is that you rarely will win 77-0 like you could do against the computer. Suddenly you have some competition. The positive is that you can still beat up on the computer. However, the computer is a better player than before. Previously, you could blitz on every down from the same formation and the opposing team would seldom make adjustments. Now the other team will make adjustments quickly.

But, back to the leagues. Think fantasy football with the difference being that you actually call the plays and decide who is going to get the ball. Your opponent does the same thing while trying to stop you. Heck, you can even set up leagues with your friends and gamble in a manner similar to fantasy football.

Ok, so what about problems? None. I cannot honestly say that, but the problem is one that is my own doing. I had a little difficulty getting used to the various controls. I do not think they are difficult to those who actually play a decent amount of games, but for someone who has been away for a while, it took some getting accustomed to. Otherwise, I could not find anything wrong with Madden 2004.

Hence, my recommendation to purchase Madden 2004. I love it and just might find myself in trouble again- playing too much Madden and not doing enough of the stuff I need to do to stay engaged. Regardless, she can wait. The game is that good.