Madden NFL 10 Review (PS3)

This is the least flashy Madden to date, and I mean it in a good way. With no crazy 3D menus, VR practice modes, over-the-top hip-hop presentation, this year Madden seems to be more about the sport of football and less about the attitude portrayed by its advertisers. The game looks and plays clean, and this is possibly the best Madden to date. It's simply too bad they try to nickel and dime you by charging for game modes and cheat codes that are already on the disc. This isn't downloadable content -- EA wants you to pay extra for things on a disk you've already paid $60 for. Foul, unsportsmanlike conduct.

Alright, let's talk difference. Madden is always going to be big football, but this year we get a more subtle presentation and a very interesting/scary micro-transaction scheme. We also get a new, bigger / badder tackling system.

Madden's menus have (finally) been streamlined. Rather than being a 3D virtual space, the menus are, well, menus. These simple lists with better organization not only make Madden easier to get into, but far less annoying as well. With a standard NFL background, the focus is on the game and not context surrounding it.

Pro-Tak, having multiple players drag down the ball carrier, works every bit as well as advertised. It's fun to play as a d-back ganging up on a receiver and even more fun to watch. On the flip side, when running and breaking through a large group of defenders. One can't help but feel a little pride.

Unfortunately, not all is good in Madden 10. In fact, some of it is darn right wrong. I speak of Madden's new obsession with micro-transactions. Now downloadable content, or DLC, is a popular way for game companies to both extend a game's life, make money, and involve the player in customization. New content is produced after the game is published, and people pay to download it. Madden has twisted this and now charges for items on the disk. Is your favorite player going to retire in the game? Pay EA a few extra bucks and they'll bend the rules and let him stay on longer. That's right, they are charging for the use of cheat codes. From player improvement to extra-scouting and faster healing, you pay you get a competitive advantage. Again, this isn't new or more content, this is being charged to fully enjoy a game you've already paid $60.

So there it is, a solid, more mature version of Madden with a wonky marketing scheme slapped on it. Madden 10 is a bipolar experience.