Product Description

In Madden NFL 07, you'll control the running game like never before. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers - as you fight for every yard. Innovative rushing controls give you a game-breaking ground attack featuring all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs. Between the tackles or in the open field, run to daylight with Madden NFL 07. Smaller backs escape and break tackles, while bigger runners bowl over defenders in the open field Scout collegiate prospects with the all-new NFL Draft Scouting System and during the College All-Star Game Watch players impact their teams with the new Franchise Player Roles feature Team-Specific Defensive Playbooks - For the first time, use actual plays from your favorite team's defensive playbook to shut down the running game, pressure the quarterback, or force key turnovers

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4552 in Video Games
• Brand: Electronic Arts
• Model: 15228
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Platform: GameCube
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• For the first time ever, control the lead blocker on running plays
• Throw the perfect block to create a running lane, then take control of the tailback and rip off the big gain
• Play your way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame by taking complete control of any position on the field
• In NFL Superstar - Hall of Fame Mode, your actions on and off the field determine your impact on the game
• Use the all-new Highlight Stick to evade defenders with new jukes, cutbacks, and power moves

Customer Reviews

Worth every penny!!!
I got this game a week or so after it came out, and I was impressed instantly. Sure, the updated rosters are always a nice treat, but the smoother gameplay and sharper graphics make it more enjoyable, even if they are minor. The running game is more improved, and the runners are easy to control, plus the highlight stick is so awesome! It is so fun to watch your favorite RB literally throw off a defender or make moves to have a defender look stupid. The franchise and other modes have some new features, but Superstar is much more improved. You play as only yourself, and I mean this, ONLY YOURSELF! You see the game from your player's perspective, and will only play as your player the entire time. Example: you are the QB and throw a pass. No matter what happens, you retain control over your player, which is very realistic. So, if you've liked the last few Maddens, you will be very happy with this one. Only two minor complaints; 1) The game will freeze sometimes at the end of plays. No issues there. 2) You have influence in Superstar, but if your teammates mess up, it hurts YOUR influence. This is the only, and I mean only part I found frustrating. However, except for those two things, this game exceeded my expectations greatly!

But The Ball Wasn't Even Thrown to Me!
The Hall of Fame mode rocks! Being able to create a character, go through the draft, and work towards making the HOF is an absolutely great addition. You can create any position and play the game from their perspective.
The part I enjoy is knowing you actually have to WORK to get a decent spot. There's no "you're the player, so you're going to get a starting spot."

The lead blocking feature is great. Being able to open up a hole in the defense and then switch to the ball carrier to race through it is great.
One issue I have is that your HOF mode influence is impacted by the hits and misses of your teammates. It's not too fun seeing your influence drop because the WR has butterfingers or your offensive line is made of tissue paper.

If You Were Waiting, This One Is Worth It
Madden '07 is definitely a winner in this fabled franchise. EA Sports added some really cool features. I bet they researched their butts off for this one. The market has become so competitive for these sports games nowadays because every year is a new season! Got to beat the Joneses, apparently.

The makers of Madden '07 really tried for realism. My favorite idea that they explored (and put into the game) was the lead blocker concept.

Basically, you have the option to do what you couldn't do back in the 90s - take all those controllers out of your Multi-Tap and play everything by yourself! You get to lead block for yourself - after you (hopefully) open up a hole for yourself with your lead blocker, you automatically switch to your ball carrier and see what kind of new juke is featured for your running back. (Assuming you didn't blow the hole wide open.)

The jukes and deeks have definitely been upgraded, and EA Sports made the character models greatly resemble their real-life counter parts. The running style of the backs is pretty well mimicked.

Another cool feature is the role-playing feature which actually includes a type of story line! I guess that all that market competition required EA to make a sports title really in-depth.

Now you get to create a player who tries to be a starter for an NFL team and eventually rise to Hall of Fame status. You don't play as any other person on the team, just yourself. As your team (not just you) performs well, the greater your Influence.

I read some people criticize this, but in reality (in my mind, anyway), the greatest running backs of all time (for example) didn't always have the best line or quarterback. Simply put, they were just great.

(Don't tell me Barry Sanders had everything handed to him; don't tell me Dan Marino needs a Super Bowl ring to be in the Hall of Fame; etcetera.)

My only negative criticism in a game so wonderful as this is pretty minor when you contemplate the overall picture.

The game is more fun from the offensive viewpoint, I believe, because that is where so many of the new features were upgraded or new. The game almost plays like NFL Blitz (from Midway), but more realistic in the rosters, graphics, player moves, franchise settings, etc.

I think that is a very minor offense because I prefer playing this game one-player. The multi-player feature usually has my defense sucking eggs while the offenses have better plays.

Anyway, I did want to recommend this title to the video gamer who appreciates the mix of genres evident in Madden '07. The player creation, role-playing, development, and all the realistic action (including real NFL playbooks!)... they have an old RPG gamer like me having a good time as I play my favorite sport on my TV.

As the price comes down to make way for Madden '08, I recommend you buy it - any platform. Twenty-five dollars ($25) or lower is fair, but thirty dollars is kind of pushing it, in my humble opinion.