Madden '07 (Wii) Review
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 12.21.2006
Could this be the best Madden in years?
Title: Madden '07
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Type: Sports
Players: 1-4
I've been a Madden fan for many years now and though I find myself buying the newest version every year, it seems like it's growing a little stale. Sure there are roster updates, pretty graphics and some tweaked gameplay such as Lead Block control, QB Vision etc., but I no longer have that sense of anxiety that I used to when waiting for the next installment. Enter "Madden Wii'. While I had some hands-on time with the Wii version at E3, it still felt a bit rushed and honestly I didn't expect much out of it. About a few weeks before its release, EA began offering some video interviews and tutorials that apparently got the job done; it got me hyped once again. As a launch day release, I was quick to pick it up and have played quite a bit with both the multiplayer and single player modes.
Graphics
What started off looking like a Gamecube game, given that it was based off the GCN engine, ended up looking like an improved Xbox version. While it's no Xbox 360 version, the Wii does a pretty decent job here at what we'd expect. The character models look more or less last-gen while there are some added details to the field, and stadiums. I'm hoping that with more time to develop, EA will significantly boost the graphics for its '08 debut. The game looks a little better when playing on an analog TV set, but the ability to go widescreen should entice you to play it on an HDTV. I'd have to honestly say that I was a little disappointed as I would've like the game to look a bit sharper and have better detail with the players. There graphics look a little soft, almost as if the sharpness has been toned down on your TV set, and some of the models don't look like their real life counterparts at all.
Gameplay
Alas, though the graphics are definitely lacking, the Wii is all about gameplay right? The first thing every player should do is go straight to the training modes. EA offers some pretty good training sessions here for you to learn passing, playing defense, the running game, and kicking. Going straight into a game might sound tempting but believe me, you'll do yourself and your rep a huge favor by training a few times first. Each of the training modes has been very helpful and without them it would've looked like more of a tool trying to play the game. Madden for the Wii comes with all the extra modes we've come to expect such as Franchise mode, Superstar mode, Hall of Fame mode etc. The cool thing is that it also features some extra mini games. The mini games can be played with up to 4 players and they include 2 on 2, Y.A.C. (Yards after carry) and a kicking game where your opponent can mess with the wind resistance. I'd say it's pretty cool that EA decided to include the mini games as they are actually pretty fun on their own.
As for playing a normal game, you can use the Wiimote to point and click on the menus and playbook or you can opt to use the analog stick as well. To pick a play you can hit the trigger button to secretly select your real play, then use the A button to pick a phantom play. (Or you can just skip that all together and press A to begin with to pick your play) This is a nice little function for those who are afraid that your friends are looking to see which plays you've picked on the screen. Once you're on the field, you'll see why Madden for the Wii is looking like the first true next-gen experience.
On offense - To hike the ball, you simply motion with the Wiimote in an upward motion just as you would in real life. You can press the trigger button while making this motion to do a fake snap which has resulted in my friends constantly biting! Once you hike the ball, you simply use the analog stick to control the movement of your QB. You then either press and hold the A button, or one of the directional keys on the D-pad to select your receiver then motion to throw. If you make a fast throwing motion you will create a bullet pass; do a gentle motion to add some touch, or motion your arm somewhere in between to throw a normal pass. You can hold both arms in the air as the ball gets near your receiver to catch the ball, or rather, to better your chances that the ball is caught. Using the nun chuck you can move it left or right to juke or you can motion the Wiimote left or right to stiff arm. I must say that playing on offense is not only the easiest of the two sides of the field, but also the most entertaining. I found myself playing on offense while standing up as it's a lot easier to motion for throws and also makes it more immersive.
On defense - Going over the practice modes for defense is the most necessary as it's not very apparent at first what you'd have to do when your opponent has the ball. At the same time, playing on defense is actually very exciting as you have more physical control over what your players do. Let me just say that intercepting the ball off your friend is more exhilarating when you know you did more than just press a button. It's more of a pleasure to taunt your friend in his face when you just physically motioned to sack him as well. When playing on defense, you can make a swatting motion with the Wiimote to swat the ball as it's in the air. You motion both hands in the air if you'd like to catch it and you motion both hands forward towards the TV (think shock paddles) to make a hard tackle. You may also hold the A button when motioning to tackle for a Big Hit. If you are playing as a lineman, you can make a swatting motion with the Wiimote to swan-dive your way past an offensive lineman.
Kicking - Pumping out a field goal or a punt seems a bit awkward but works pretty well. You simply start by moving the analog stick to point in the direction of your kick. Then you hold the Wiimote such that you are pointing at the floor. You then hit the A button to begin the kick and with the Wiimote you make an upward flicking motion (as if your hand was your leg) and presto--a kick has been performed. The quicker the motion, the harder the kick will be.
Sound
All the sounds of gridiron action are here. Nothing really special of note, just the same stuff we've come to expect from a Madden game. The only major difference between this version however, is the inclusion of Al Michaels and John Madden. I'm not really sure why these two were included in this version, as they are excluded from the Xbox 360 version, but nonetheless, their presence makes for an enjoyable broadcast.
Lasting Appeal
With no online mode, this game really takes a hard hit in comparison with its competition. I'm not sure if it was because of Nintendo's development process of it's online service or what, but I think online play is sorely needed here and no doubt is one of the few caveats I have about this version. It somewhat limits the lasting appeal of playing solo, but on the bright side, multiplayer is a ton of fun. Whether you're playing the mini games or one on one contests, the game won't get old anytime soon.....so long as you have someone to play with.
Fun Factor
Bottom line, I have not had this much fun playing a football game since Tecmo Bowl for the NES. True there have been some good and entertaining football titles, but Madden for the Wii comes at a perfect time when we sorely needed something fresh and new. With its revolutionary controls, this game feels unlike any other Madden you've played before. Sure you can check it out with some hi-def visuals on the PS3 or the Xbox 360, but playing it on the Nintendo Wii is so entertaining that I'd give up my "next-gen" versions for this new-gen title any day. This game was made for everyone in mind. Even for those who love football but aren't exactly in the best of shape to get outside and play, this game lends itself to anyone that wants to get their pigskin on.
You can even high step by making drumming motions with your hands and add some end zone dances to your touchdowns by motioning with the controls. Now do all that right in your friend's face; it just doesn't get anymore fun than that.
The 411
If you even have the slightest interest in football, you NEED to own this game. Wanna make like Brett Favre and throw one deep down the field? Well you can do just that with the Wii's motion controls. EA has done a fantastic job especially for it's first Wii offering to capitalize on the technology available to them. They steered away from simply porting a last-gen version and decided to build it from the ground up. I sincerely hope that other studios follow form and realize that building from scratch will ultimately result in a better execution for Wii-specific titles. At $49.99, $10 cheaper than it's 360 and PS3 counterparts, and with the motion controls and added mini games, THIS is the definitive Madden '07. Now go out there and try it out..hut..HUT!
Graphics
6.5
Meh, last-gen graphics with some added environmental details. Madden '08 should look better.
Gameplay
9.5
You can't experience this kind of football unless you're at the park.
Sound
8.0
What you'd expect from a Madden game.
Lasting Appeal
7.8
You'll play this non-stop, so long as you have a real life opponent. Lack of online play really hurts.
Fun Factor
10.0
This is what a football game should be. Fun for you and your friends.
