After carefully playing the game for the first time for about an hour, I could tell right away that Madden NFL 09 is very similar to Madden NFL 08. One minor thing I noticed is that it had slightly improved visually over last year's edition.
I believe one thing they have improved in substantially is the visual effects. The faces, in my opinion, have been enhanced to fit NFL counterparts better, as well as jersey and arm muscles have been modified to look more realistic. I also noticed a little improvement on the stadium and player shadow to add more clarity and visual. Moreover, I like how the field has more fuller precipitation, footprints in the snow, and better looking field grass than Madden NFL 08.
As a Madden NFL fan, I believe there are not much difference from Madden 09 to Madden 08. I still think Madden 09 needs to improve more on the animations and better camera presentation. But overall, I believe Madden NFL 09 is slightly better than Madden NFL 08, but the improvements on made on Madden NFL 09 is not at all significant.
I haven't had this much fun playing Madden since the days of the Sega Genesis. EA did a solid job with this. I have bought the last two versions of Madden for the 360 only to feel like I got ripped off. This year it has made up for a lot. I took a chance buying it. I debated on whether to get it or not to invest the $60. I am glad I did. I only play on Xbox Live so I can't say how it is playing the computer. I find it more fun playing against live competition anyway. Get this title, you will not be disappointed.
My son and I reviewed all the reviews for this game AFTER we had purchased online and we were both thinking it would have the Mr. Freeze issues. We had even pre-arranged to send it back immediately after receiving it because I could not cancel the order due to arranging for overnight shipment. My son kept reading the reviews and noticed where a few people said "they must be one of the fortunate ones" and considered we are a pretty blessed family and said I don't think I will have the same problems and I will fall into the fortunate category. Well, this is exactly what has happened. We have had the game four days now and it has become his first game choice.He has had no issues at all. I had also purchased him Madden 08 as well which he has played this week and loves both versions. He found out that you can create a team on the 08 version and then go to the Madden 09 version and push transport and the team you made in 08 will appear in 09. He states to stop the safety's from running forward when the ball has been intercept to push B when the intercepting team has the ball in their possession. As he plays more I can add more information. I think you have to get accustomed to the game as with any game and be an avid player to overcome the frustrations in the game. In additon, these games are not geared toward the pac-man era which made gaming so much simpler in my opinion.
"Madden 09 is an excellent game, in great condition and very good quality and fast and excellent service."
"Good graphics bt takes time to figure out if you are new to the game..."
