Are We Mad to Believe in Madden 2008?

The era of the next generation systems brought joy to the hearts of all gamers. However, fans of the sports simulation genre were especially anxious. Would the new systems, especially PS3, truly bring what is in the sport’s universe to the video game world? We gamers are used to far out predictions. However, one company has managed to deliver—EA. They did this by tying their prosperity to a promise. Remember, the EA spin doctors rousing us with this stirring call: “If it’s in the game, it’s in the game.” As a football fanatic, I feel in love with that statement. The Madden football series has allowed me to be my favorite football player or own the team I love. I still bask in the warmth of that possible reality. All fantasy, I know, to believe I could ever do that in real life but fantasy is the stage upon which we gamers build our monuments.

The new systems promise to offer us more, and with the dual introduction of PS3 with Madden 2007 those dreams were on the cusp of becoming reality. I brought into the promises and paid my sixty dollars for the honor of inhabiting the Madden universe. Unfortunately, the joy that I anticipated turned to despair as EA force down our collective throats a video game culinary fiasco—Madden 2007. I don’t know how EA, whose track record is pretty spotless, managed to create one of the worst games in history. Was it laziness? Did they believe that forcing the PS3 to mimic the game play found on Xbox’s version would go unnoticed? I certainly found myself bewildered by EA’s total failure.

Of course, EA is a very lucky company. In contrast to other genres, the sport genre inspires tireless patience on the part of fans. In any given season in any sport, there are more losers than winners. This being the case we have all chanted this lament: there is always next year. And, for EA, next year has arrived.

Madden NFL 08 will arrive to the PS3 in the late summer. The flagship game for EA promises to erase the memory of last year’s debacle, but will it? After an early examination, EA seems to be heading down that road. Redemption for EA will be driven by their rededication to game play. Executive Produce of Madden NFL 08 Ian Cummings, in IGN interview, stated “If it's on the field -- laterals, gang tackles, diving catches, strips, shutdown corners, hurdles -- it's in Madden.” This recommitment to game play has inspired the following features to be included in Madden NFL 08: a) mid air collisions, b) big time catches, c) hurdles, d) improved hit stick, e) gang tackles, f) improved line of scrimmage mechanics, g) greater relevance of fatigue on game play, and h) real time in game celebrations. Along with the improved game play, the Madden universe will be visually stunning as it will be present in 60 frames-per-second.

Madden NFL 08 will need to impress. A second failure could mean doom for the company’s bid to keep the exceptionally profitable NFL license away from its competitors like All Pro Football 2K8. However, EA isn’t the only one that is being tested kiddies. We, as gamers, will also be tested. Are we mere hordes of mindless NFLites (which proved to be the case with the commercial success of Madden 2007) or refined gamers looking for the most immersive sporting experience. The arrival of the final product from EA will tell that story. In the mean time, I will stick by EA. Pain is part of any relationship, and last year’s disappointment is beginning to wane. I only hope Madden NFL 08 proves to be EA’s morning in America moment.