'NCAA Football,' 'Madden' take small steps forward
I always wonder why people buy people buy a new sports game every year. Is it because of gameplay changes? Roster changes? Or are they just that obsessed?
I realize it's probably not much different from buying sequels of other games, but at least those have storylines that change. Every year, it seems as if games such as ''Madden'' and ''NCAA Football'' aren't really that different from previous years - and people still buy them.
For some perspective, this is the ''Madden'' series' 20th anniversary. Yes, for 20 straight years, a new ''Madden'' game has appeared.
Not that there haven't been massive changes. Obviously today's ''Madden'' and 1988's ''Madden'' are totally different. And each new console brings a wave of improvements.
Still, it seems to me every other year would be better, both for the consumer and the companies. But maybe I only say that because I'm not a football fanatic.
Anyway, back to this year's games. Both ''NCAA Football 09'' and ''Madden NFL 09'' felt like more of the same to me, which is what spurred my rant.
''Madden'' probably feels the most different, though many of its changes are subtle, more involved with the on-field gameplay than new game modes.
The big addition is Madden IQ. Commercials have boasted that this ''Madden'' is accessible for everyone. The game, the ads say, will take into account how you're playing and adjust accordingly.
Sounds great, yes? Well, it doesn't work.
Case in point: Upon starting the game, I took John Madden's quiz to see how high my Madden IQ is. I, knowing little about the details of football, expected it to be pretty low. Instead, the test was more about pushing buttons when told than knowing anything about football. And I can push buttons with the best of them.
The result: I was supposed to play at All-Pro and All-Madden levels.
Um, no. Definitely not.
Still, I thought I would give it a try. Maybe the game had more faith in me than I did. Besides, it was supposed to adapt, so I figured if I did badly, it would ease up.
Wrong. My first few games were pathetically awful: interceptions, fumbles, failed plays. Unfortunately, the game takes so long to balance it out that I would have been better off just starting on rookie.
One other aspect of this new ''everybody can play'' emphasis is nice, though. The BackTrack feature replays your failed attempts, with commentator Cris Collinsworth explaining what went wrong and why.
Then, if you want, you can actually start that play over. Seems kind of cheap, yes, but as a learning tool for someone like me, it's useful. Just don't try the restart against a flesh-and-blood opponent; it probably won't go over well.
''Madden 09'' introduces online leagues, which are a good idea but in this case aren't implemented well. Computer opponents can't fill out the rest of the league, so if you have few friends, you have a tiny league.
Franchise and Superstar modes return, but they feel like more of the same. If you didn't like them last year, you still won't.
''Madden 09'' has been visually upgraded, though. It's very pretty, especially the stadiums, and players have much more natural movements.
Personally, I preferred ''NCAA Football 09,'' possibly because I care more about college football and possibly because the game had more life to it.
However, ''NCAA Football 09'' is even more of the same than ''Madden.'' Campus Legend mode returns, but it's exactly the same as last year.
''NCAA Football'' does presentation better, and you can really feel the emotion during games. In some cases, it will actually affect how your team plays. This is a good thing.
The biggest change - and the most welcome for many people - is online dynasty mode. Up to 12 players can merge their football dynasties and play together. Unlike ''Madden's'' online leagues, online dynasty adds computer opponents if players drop out.
''NCAA 09'' also has many customization options, including choosing the music that plays in various on-field situations.
Don't get me wrong; both of these games are well done, with (for the most part) tight controls and interesting game modes, and they continue to evolve visually. The bar has been rising for years, and both games have answered that challenge.
But if you bought ''Madden NFL 08'' or ''NCAA Football 08,'' there really isn't a lot that's different. A game without many changes might still be a great game, but it's not a new game.
But who am I kidding? You're going to go buy it anyway.
Reach Aimee Green at (402) 473-7326 or Aimee.Green@lee.net.
Madden NFL 09
Electronic Arts, for Xbox 360 (also on PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Xbox, PSP, DS)
Rated: Everyone
Cost: $59.99
Score: 8/10
NCAA Football 09
Electronic Arts, for Xbox 360 (also on PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP)
Rated: Everyone
Cost: $59.99
Score: 8/10
Scores based on an evaluation of gameplay (4 points), visuals (2), sound (2) and replayability/value (2).