CIS 587 Game Review: Madden 2004 for PlayStation 2

Basic Information  Game Title: Madden 2004 for PS2  Company: Electronics Arts  Producer: Jeremy Strauser  Game Type:Sports  Price:$49.99 new, $29.99 currently  Hardware: Playstation 2

Quick Overview  Latest edition of series since 1989  Benchmark in football video games  Players can assume the following roles: –Owner –General Manager –Coach –Player

Story Line  Build a winning franchise  Take a NFL team to a Super Bowl victory  May be the only chance to ever see the Lions win a Super Bowl

Player’s Role  Take on as many roles as you wish  Major role as player and coach  Player actions include: –Pass to open receiver –Stiff arm a defender –‘Swim’ past a offensive linemen for a sack

Player’s Role (con’t)  Franchise Mode –Player acts as a NFL franchise ownder –Send players to training camp –Scout, draft, and sign new players –Monitor fan support and revenue

User Interface

Game Play  Four levels of difficulty –Rookie, Pro, All-Pro, All-Madden  Rookie level is conducive to big plays  Big play likelihood reduced as difficulty increased

Artwork  Realistic action  Actual NFL players used as models  Facial features, dreadlocks, and tattoos

Artwork (con’t)

Sound & Music  Al Michaels play-by-play commentary  John Madden color commentary  Realistic public announcer  Realistic crowd noise

Strengths  Realistic gameplay  Realistic game presentation  Licensed by NFLPA  Realistic player capabilities –Michael Vick speed represented

Weaknesses  Time management not realistic –Drive down field in less than 2 minutes with no timeouts with full playbook  Computer play selection questionable

Summary  Realistic action and gameplay  Leader in football video games –ESPN game needs pricing strategy to break into Madden following  Recommended for NFL fans

Questions???