An eye-opening experience on the digital gridiron

Here we go again. With the National Football League scheduled to start, the John Madden series is back with another excellent sequel.
I must admit that I was a bit skeptical before playing the game on my computer; I have always preached that sports games are best played on game consoles.
Now that I have had the unexpected pleasure of having played this game on a computer, I must detail my first impressions of this eye-opening experience.
This game epitomizes the phrase “nearly perfect.”
With that said, I must note that any shortcomings were likely due more to the platform on which I played the game, rather than to failings of the game itself. Playing the game on a small screen without the controller subtracted from the playing field reality.
The actual game action, the most important part of any sports game, is nothing short of excellent. The player must consider strategy before making a move against the computer.
The artificial intelligence of the game has improved to the extent that the gamer will suffer a penalty if she chooses to employ the same plays repeatedly.
It is the same on both sides of the ball. Call the same defense for each situation and the computer will punch holes through it like swiss cheese.
Learning the different keys to maneuver players is the hardest part. Computer keyboards are so cluttered that pressing the correct buttons is tricky. I also miss the playbook from which to choose formations that came with older versions of the game.
It is probably safe to say that those who purchase this game should be hardcore fans. As far as I am concerned, however, console games have the real edge.

by Brian Lee