Product Description

Every Sunday in the NFL, an epic battle rages between the offense and defense. Every play is a struggle, with each side relentlessly pursuing every single yard. In Madden NFL 10, you will join the fight and experience first-hand what it’s like to Fight For Every Yard. With the all-new Pro-Tak animation technology, you will have more control over the outcome of a play than ever before. Whether driving your receiver towards the first down, or battling for a fumble at the bottom of a pile, the play won’t be over until the whistle blows. Madden NFL 10 also lets you take your fight online with an all-new Online Franchise mode, complete with 32 teams, NFL-style drafts, and a custom league webpage. Add to that the most immersive broadcast presentation to date, and Madden NFL 10 gives you everything you see on Sundays, minus the grass stains.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #57 in Video Games
• Brand: Electronic Arts
• Model: 19023
• Published on: 2009-08
• Released on: 2009-08-14
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .59" h x 5.40" w x 6.79" l, .30 pounds

Features

• A revamped play calling system and menu options that take you to kickoff faster than ever before and speed up online matches with accelerated clocks, presentation and more.
• Pro-Tak animation technology providing unprecedented control over the outcome of every play via the dragging and dropping of players, a new blocking system and more.
• The most comprehensive list of online offerings in franchise history, including new modes like online co-op, to satisfy the needs of every football gamer.
• New TV broadcast-style presentation and cinematic cameras bring the suspense and intensity of the NFL to your living room.
• Enhanced franchise mode allowing you to draft players, sign free agents, manage the salary cap - just like a real GM.

Amazon.com Product Description

Every Sunday in the NFL, an epic battle rages between the offense and the defense. Every play is a struggle, with each side relentlessly pursuing every single yard. In Madden NFL 10, you will join the fight and experience firsthand what it is like to fight for every yard. With the all-new Pro-Tak animation technology you will have more control over the outcome of every play than ever before. Whether driving your receiver towards the first down, or battling for a fumble at the bottom of a pile, the play won't be over until the whistle blows. Enhance Pro-Tak control. View larger. Improved franchise mode & new co-op play. View larger. Ultimate realism. View larger. Madden NFL 10 also lets you take your fight online with an all-new Online Franchise mode, complete with 32 teams, NFL-style drafts and a custom league webpage. Add to that the most immersive broadcast presentation to date, and Madden NFL 10 gives you everything you see on Sundays, minus the grass. Pro–Tak This all new animation technology provides unprecedented control over the outcome of every play. Drag defenders towards the first down marker, including up to 9-man gang tackles, fight for a fumble at the bottom of the pile, and evade the rush with all-new quarterback avoidance actions. Enhanced play at the line of scrimmage features a new blocking system that allows the quarterback to step into the pocket and gives the defensive line more control over the rush. Fight for Online Dominance One of the major improvements of Madden NFL 10 over its predecessors is its improved online franchise mode. Battle for franchise dominance online with leagues of 32 teams, with functionality featuring real NFL scheduling, live fantasy drafts and draft options, player transactions, league message boards, and more - all manageable from your console or your league's custom web page online, making your Madden NFL 10 online franchise always just a click away. There are even iPhone and other smart phone apps in the making to help Madden fans keep a hand in managing their team when away from their console and computers. The Extra Point Show The realism of Madden NFL 10 is about more than just for the action on the field. With the introduction of the game's postgame show, the Extra Point, every game feels even more like a real life gridiron contest. Check out the happenings around your online franchise league with its dynamic, network-style reporting and commentary hosted by Fran Charles and Alex Flanagan of NFL Network. Featuring news and information from each week's games, The Extra Point recaps all the excitement of your franchise. Online Co-op For the first time in Madden NFL franchise history, players can team up with a friend online and battle against the CPU. This co-op mode supports the headset accessory for communication in and out of the huddle and allows players to play any position on their squad, switching anytime before the snap of the ball. In addition, the mode features a variety of camera angles specific to the chosen position, allowing players to work on game strategy, practice plays and experience the game from a new point of view. Madden NFL Your Way Madden NFL 10 is the most customizable version of Madden NFL to date. Now players can alter gameplay options to adjust the experience to their liking. A revamped play calling system and menu takes you to kickoff faster than ever before. Players in a hurry can even speed up online matches with accelerated clocks, streamlined presentation and more. Unprecedented Authenticity From referees peeling players off a fumble pile and the chain gang rushing in to measure for a key first down, to authentic throwing and kicking styles, all-new player equipment and pre-game ceremony for every game, including the Superbowl, players can be sure that if you see it on Sunday, you'll see it in Madden NFL 10.

Customer Reviews

Best next-gen version of Madden, albeit the flaws.
Graphics/Visuals

I know this sounds cliche', but this year's version of Madden is better than ever, albeit the flaws. There are many new enhanced graphics and visuals. The experience can be additionally enhanced with a HDTV, such as the LG 37LG30 37-Inch 720p LCD HDTV. Overall, the whole game is a lot more lively and vivid than the last. Many visuals seen on the game are usually seen on Sundays.

The new player models are excellent and the uniforms look superb. On one cutscene, the texture of the uniforms can be seen. In the previous next-gen versions of Madden, many of the player models were kind of bulky looking. Now, the players are built more realistically. New uniform accessories have been added, such as towels, hand warmers, team colored gloves, and team colored cleats. They are not the same boring black and white cleats, which was on the previous versions. For the first time, uniforms can be interchanged, as well.

Seen on Sundays

During the game, many details and animations can be seen on the game, fan interactions, QBs talking on the phone, coaches ranting, players talking on the sidelines, kickers practicing kicks, players riding the exercise bike, referee interactions and chain gains. One of the coolest features is seeing fans leave early, if their team's game has gotten way out of hand. It is also quite funny.

The most exciting feature is the referees interactions on questionable TDs. The two refs will look at each other and talk. Then, they will either throw their hands up or decline the TD. Sometimes, it is a lot of suspense, while waiting to see the decided call. How many times have fans been in suspense, while waiting on the referees in a real game? Some may call some of the new visuals gimmicks, but it is what you see in real football.

The halftime presentation is great. You'll love the different angles, which the highlights are shown. Unlike M09, they show just about every relevant higlight. It is creative. Plus, the commentary during the halftime show is not that bad, either. This new feature is an upgrade over the dull halftime features of last year's version of Madden.

Game Play

The game play is better. First off, the game speed can be adjusted. Many of you played the demo and didn't like the speed of the game. Well, it can go from very slow, slow, normal, fast and very fast. Also, EA has added a new threshold differential. This means setting to the higher the level will give the player less of a disparity between the fast and slow players. A lower setting will increase the disparity.

The player animations and movements are realistically fluid and not robotic, such as the previous versions.
I noticed on some movements, the players use more momentum. Players can't just break out and turn different corners, quickly, like they are on wheels. They actually bend and don't stay upright, while turning a corner. Sometimes, the player may have to make a cut, in order to head up field. The best animations are while going through the hole. Pressing the directinal buttons will make the RB make many different cuts. Time them right and the defender can be juked. Typically, juking could only be done by spinning.

The phyisics has improved. Players fall many different ways. Sometimes, it even seems as if they are going to break out of a tackle, then they start to fall. There have been times when I was on the edge of my seat because I thought my player was breaking the last tackle in order to "take it to the house", but he goes down. That is very realistic.
The Pro-Tak is realistic. The players pile up, when necessary. It is not an every down occurrence. Keep in mind, different modes carry different Pro-Tak results.

The defense is improved. Controlling a player in the secondary is a lot easier. The best defensive experience is at the line of scrimmage. DTs and DEs can penetrate a whoooole lot better than ever before. This makes the players more likely to be more successful in the sack and run-stopping department. In fact, many different moves can be made by using the R3 stick, instead of the R1 button (PS3 version) on the previous Madden games. For example, on last year's version, I could barely penetrate with the best DT in the league (Albert Haynesworth). Now, I can make more impact plays.

The game is very competitive!!! Even this year's version of All-Pro is a lot harder than the previous versions. Players cannot expect to just dominate the game above the Pro level. Many glitches from the previous version have been neutralized, as well. Also, the computer does not make themselves sitting ducks for hit-stick tackles, such as previous versions of Madden. They do more weaving on this game, which is fine.

Another cool feature is the roster update. For those who like to keep REAL rosters updated, don't bother to do it yourself! The automatic roster update does it for you. Players will be automatically added to the teams, which they actually play for. Players who aren't even on the game are added on the roster update. For example, Michael Vick and Brett Favre were not on the original rosters. Well, in the roster update, they were added to their new teams. In addition, the player's ratings will fluctuate, depending on the seasons, which they are having. Players gone for the year will be put on IR. It is just great.

With all being said, you have to have an online account, so you can have access the roster updates. This also means you must have a router. I recommend the [[ASIN:B00004SB92 Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch (BEFSR41)]. Assuming you have the router, you must go to online mode on the main screen. Click on the depth chart, a sign will pop up, which prompts you to update the roster. Agree and the updated roster will load. You can save this and play with updated rosters in exhibition or other modes.


Flaws

There are a few things that disturb me about the game. The first issue is the new running motions of the players. It seems like they run with their heads down. They also look as if they are just struggling to try to run. In addition, every player runs in the same motion. The previous Madden had at least 3 or 4 different running motions.

The next issue is the new "fight for the fumble" feature and the chain gang. "Fight for the fumble" is a joke. It is like a mini game, which you have to press various buttons rapidly in order for possession to be gained. There was a play, which the player fumbled and two of my team members dove on the ball. Clearly, I had possession of the football. Unfortunately, I still had to fight for the football and lost possession of the recovery. Of course, this feature can be turned off. The chain gang will drive you crazy. Every single time you have a nine yard play, the chain gang comes out. I mean, lots of times, you know that you didn't get a first down. What is worse, this feature cannot be skipped.

Some of the cutscenes get repetative. During the game, you will constantly see the same cutscenes, which involve the same position players. For example, when you see the QB talking on the phone, you see the FS over his left shoulder, each time. Then, you will see the triplets sitting down (QB, RB and WR). Then, when a play goes awry, the coach will be ranting at a player who had nothing to do with the play going wrong. For example, if the QB throws a pick, the coach will rant at the OL. Why not the QB? If the QB throws a pick, he yells at the OL or the FB. That makes no sense. They should have had at least 20 cutscenes, which involves different position players.

Depending on what level you play on, you will experience some of the issues, which was on the other Madden games. You will still see makeshift tackling. This goes on during "Pro-Tak" animations. In modes other than Pro, you will NOT see double-hit tackling. In All-Madden, the AI of your teams just goes out of the window, such as OTs ignoring blocking assignments. In addition, many of the issues become more magnified. All-Madden is totally unplayable. I would suggest playing on Pro or Custom and tampering with the settings.

The commentary is just dull and scripted. It would be nice to have a Madden, which has some loud an exciting commentary. For example, if someone makes a spectacular catch, I want the commentator to have excitement in his voice, when the play happens. I compare this to how it feels when watching Sunday Night games on ESPN. Hearing exciting commentary, while watching a game makes it more exciting. The dull commentary takes away from that experience.

Though the half-time presentation is good, the highlights are shown out of order. When watching real football, half-time and post-game shows at least have the highlights shown in sequential. This could have made the half-time presentation more organized.

The Verdict
Everything on the game has been improved in many ways. In fact, it is a complete turnaround from the last version. If it were not for the flaws, which I mentioned, the game would be even more superior. Of course, no game is going to be perfect, no matter what. Many critics need to realize this. Therefore, if you loved M09 (2008 was horrific), you will absolutely love this latest installment of Madden. Keep in mind, this finished product is a lot better than the demo!!!

Destroys Last Year - Still is Lacking
When you play the game the first time you immediately notice the difference in graphics. There are so many more details than ever before, the towels the refs socks, and the players names are much more focused. Then you see the trade off when it has a cut scene and focuses on one player the other players that come into the screen are completely out of focus. This is a minor annoyance but very unrealistic none the less.

The game play is overall much improved over last year. It is still rigged a bit towards allowing you to pass and get random plays off but overall it has been tightened up quite a bit. The gang tackles add a lot to the game and not getting sucked in and actually having to aim for the tackle is nice. One very large improvement is that there is an actual pocket adds to the realism in many ways. It is more realistic as far as the quarterback actually getting sacked as well he won't break every tackle. Also, when you are in the motion to throw the ball and get hit you will actually throw the ball which has never been in a Madden before which was in NFL 2k5 which is still better than this game in a lot of ways.

That is what it comes down to all of these things should have been in the game for years it finally caught up to 2k5 in many aspects only surpassing it in details which should be a given since it has been five years. Running you actually do have to earn it in this game as well and passing the ball is a bit harder but it still favors the receiver much too much in this game and also the computer. If they want a pick to happen it will a defensive player will speed up much faster than a human can and catch the ball at times. Something that shouldn't happen after gamers complaining for years about it. Overall it was a great improvement over a lack luster game from the year previous.

New I.E. makes for great NFL realism
Disregard all these reviews of jaded people slamming this game because they either won't be satisfied unless they actually GET a bloody nose when their tackled by Ray Lewis, or they've foolishly went out and bought this game EVERY SINGLE YEAR since its birth (no wonder this is one of the best selling series' of all time).

I went from Madden 2006 to 2010 and I played 2009 and decided to wait until 2010 to upgrade because... 2009 was the first ps3 version and I figured they needed a season to fully put the ps3 to use.

Given, I have had to do some tweaking. When I say tweaking, I mean that it starts you out on the pro level and I was having WAY TOO MUCH success. It took me about an hour to get used to the controls and once I did, I was scoring 55 points a game with the KC Chiefs... who only had 1 first down on opening day. So, I decided to upgrade to All-Pro. When I did that... the game was tremendously difficult. It went from WAY TOO EASY on Pro to WAY TOO HARD on All-Pro. When I say hard... I threw 6 passes... 5 of them were intercepted. Only 1 of them was one that I knew was intercepted when I threw it.

So, I settled on All-Pro and turned down the interception sliders and managed to find my comfort zone. That was wonderful. I like defensive oriented games. Some people may like 51-42 games between the Chiefs and Ravens, but I like that you can adjust it... cause I like realism.

The upgraded artificial intelligence is amazing. The amount of time that went into the computer intelligence is mind-blowing... and once you find your comfort zone with the sliders... there is no better football game on the planet.

I could care less about the added fluff around the edges... the flyovers, the national anthem, the coach belittling the Offesive lineman when the QB screws up. I don't know what that's about?? What I care about is what happens between the out of bounds lines and that part is spectacular.

There's a lot to say about this game and I'm sorry if this is long, but there's a few more things I'd like to add. I like the time runoff on each play... makes gametime more real. I like that LATE HITS and HITS OUT OF BOUNDS are now flagged.

As far as I'm concerned, they can get rid of all that fluff on every game and give us a truly ridiculous SUPERBOWL like we get in real life. Aerosmith, No Doubt, Janet Jackson's boob (just kidding)... but just spectacle. Fireworks. A streaker.

Ultimately, the low sales on this game have nothing to do with its quality. People are broke. This game is excellent.