For two decades, the Madden NFL series has been one of the most dominant gaming franchises to be found on consoles.
America's National Football League, otherwise know as gridiron, is a game made to measure for the TV.
With the action tightly confined to the field, ample breaks to accommodate the advertising and the game play pre-programmed by coaches so that every player on the field follows an intricate route, it really is made to measure for the medium.
And, so too, has the Madden series been for consoles.
Madden, who took the Oakland Raiders to Super Bowl supremacy in 1977 and retired as the youngest coach to record 100 victories only to go on to become a much loved and respected commentator, is the lifeblood of the series.
Each year, Electronic Arts has built and tweaked the game, making it more intuitive for first timers and more rewarding for veterans - and Madden 09 continues the trend.
The NFL is a console natural and Madden offers a range of ways to play, but the best development for players of all levels is the arrival of what EA calls Madden IQ.
At the start of the game, the player is run through a series of drills that allows it to establish the player's ability.
Once completed, this gives the player an IQ, which then allows allows the gameplay to match the ability of the player.
Once established, the IQ constantly shifts and adjusts as the player improves, creating a challenging game that never becomes too demanding.
Madden is packed full of all the expected options, from creating players, building franchises and network play online.
It's an interface EA uses well and will be familiar to players of other EA franchises.
But the key to the game, played on a PS3, is it is beautiful to watch - particularly for those with an HD TV.
The players look and feel real and the gameplay, whether you are fighting for a few inches to secure a first down or launching a Hail Mary pass downfield to snatch a last second victory, matches the visuals.
And, as always, there is the Hall of Fame coaches' wry observations always in the background.
The NFL may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for console owners of every hue, Madden NFL 09 is a treat.
(Credit: The Australian)
SPECIFICATIONS
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Price: $99.95
• Rating: 8/10
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