Madden NFL 08 for Xbox 360 Reviews by Gamers

Pro's:
Excellent Graphics
The A.I. keeps it challenging
Emergence of Weapons - Relievers, QB, etc.
Variation of Catches, Tackles, Moves
Lots of Pre-Snap Options
Franchise Mode - Solid
Superstar Mode - Create one or Take your Idol

Con's:
Pre-Game by Marshal Faulk - Is Weak
Ask Madden - Doesn't always match suggestion
Same EA announcer - Where's the Real Announcers
Online League Play - This would be a Huge Addition

This game is just as highly enjoyable as last years release. The upgrades this year make the actual game play as simple or advanced as you would like to make it. The emergence of Weapons make it easy to spot which key players you or your opponent will be utilizing. Weapons are players that excel in key areas (i.e. Chad Johnson making spectacular catches). If used correctly these weapons make for great distractions for making plays with other players.

There have been noticeable changes to the animations for tackles and catches. One hand catches and high-low tackles make this game look as real as ever. When you see a receiver jump over a defender for a one-handed catch you can't help but say "Wow". There are more pre-snap options than some would know what to do with. This allows players to customize their plays after selection. Don't get caught calling the same play too often, or the QB or DB will be able to read your play.(LT+RB)

Franchise mode allows you to customize your involvement with drafting and depth charts. Superstar mode is very similar and allows you to take a current player instead of creating one.

Overall this game is very enjoyable, and with a few changes (broadcasting, and Online Leagues) the next addition could be near perfect.

I stood in line in a back town walmart for this game, that alone tells you that the hype for this game was huge. With all that hype could madden possibly live up to it? They can and did! This game adds a much more personal touch to madden allowing you to again create a superstar and take him to the promised land. On top of that they allow you to seamlessly take your NCAA 08 character and plug him right into all the pre-draft shenanigans. like last years version you go through some individual workouts with much more added content and a more direct and personal training regiment set out for your specific talent. In addition to the outstanding graphics intense new hit animations and a level of detail that will leave your head spinning it allows you now to create a team or even just do the plain and simple franchise mode. In franchise mode though they have added far more detailed tweaking and the ability to spot a "Gem" or a "Bust" after the draft, and the situations you put them in will either cement the pick as the Gem or turn his bad luck around and remove the Bust label. The only reason I didn't give this game a 10 is because I thought they should have incorporated some of the good things they did in NCAA 08 like a more "superstar" specific trophy room where only your individual you created trophies were stored, instead they are all very generic and somewhat arcade like. Also the icons underneath each player in the field, are necessary for identifying players strengths and weaknesses but are also a little arcade like for a hardcore fan. Extreme simulation junkies may find some of the more elaborate arcade like features a little annoying, while the average madden fan should LOVE the new additions and enjoy the vast on line capabilities. All in all madden is doing nothing to dissuade the masses from standing in line next year and grabbing this gem!