MADDEN XX NFL ’09, COLLECTOR’S EDITION
Review by Rick Tittle, host of the "Video Game Review"
rick@ricktittle.com

Has it really been twenty years since we first heard John Madden’s name associated with a football video game?  Well, with Madden NFL ’09 Collector’s Edition, that makes it an even twenty, alright.  And it’s a fact not lost on the people at Electronic Arts.  For not only have we now been presented with a brand new version of the game, but a twentieth anniversary collector’s edition is on the shelves, as well.  Actually, it’s the XXth anniversary edition, since our Super Bowls love the Roman numerals.  Included in this special edition are various features and highlights, plus and entirely independent game, NFL Head Coach ’09.

So what’s new?  I mean, if EA wants us to shell out sixty bucks every year for the same title, then what is so different and improved?  For one thing, we have a retired/unretired/active player on the cover wearing Packer duds.  He’s on the Jets now, for those of you hiding under rocks.  Also, the game promises to adjust to your ability level, which mean that if you stink it will get easier and vice-versa.  Now that’s artificial intelligence, right?  I don’t know – I saw some pretty stupid players running out of bounds and doing other such boneheaded things.  But the graphics sure are pretty.  No doubt about that.

This time you can celebrate your touchdowns, pull off new moves whilst running with the ball, and initialize your own “My Madden” feature.  The announcers are Hammond and Collinsworth, which makes for a true television broadcast feel.  Personally, I think Collinsworth is total jackass and his voice is like fingernails on the chalkboard.  But the replays and breakdowns of plays are very clean and smart.  The stadia look beautiful and accurate, as always.  Remember, any criticisms are just me being nit-picky.  This is still the Cadillac of football video games.

Think about the other football folks who once lent their names to games.  Elway, Payton, even the Tecmo Bowl titles.  Those games never got near lasting twenty years, so something must be said about staying power with EA and Madden.  However, this game is only marginally different than the ’08 or even the ’07 version.  I have those already, and they fill my football fix.

So as usual, this Madden title is clean, put together well, and fun.  But I already have almost the exact same thing.  I’ll spend my cash on a different game, thanks.
The only version I would recommend is the bundle with the exclusive blue PSP.  If you have been thinking about picking up one of those, now is the time.  My rating: 8.0

Now, onto the full version of NFL Head Coach ’09, which comes along for the ride in this big box.  Let me begin by saying that this game has a solid foundation for a great title.  Think about it: no more mashing buttons whilst dodging would-be tacklers or chasing down runaway tailbacks.  No, all you have to do in this game is call the plays and watch what happens, just like a real head coach.  Cool, right?  In that regard, the game does that very well.  But here’s where it fails and fails miserably: the game is supposed to involve real-live situations with free agency signings, mini-camps, OTA’s, trades, the combine and draft, as well.  They botch all of those things.

I was expecting a realistic combine and a realistic draft, and why shouldn’t I?  This is Electronic Arts, for Pete’s sake!  The combine consists of just a page full of numbers.  I wanted to see my prospects in the 40-yard dash, the cone drill, performing the Wonderlic test, etc.  Nothing.  I wanted the draft to capture some realism, too, because I love the draft.  Nada.  Just some names on a board.  No commissioner, no videos, graphics or your pick putting on the hat or holding up the jersey – what a let-down.  And when you simulate the time between calendar days between any of the important dates in the off-season, you are forced to watch the clock tick by and see rain falling on your front office building. I wish I was kidding about that.  Also, while the head coaches are real, the general managers are fictitious in some cases.  Lame.

Obviously NFL Head Coach ’09 was an afterthought that was shoved into the anniversary edition’s box merely to justify the increased price.  If EA had only put a little more effort into this game and made it even a tad more real, they might have had a hit on their hands.  Instead, it’s plain to see that Madden got all the attention whilst Head Coach got almost none.

I give it a 5, since it’s a title half-baked.

As for the third disk, it delivers what it promises.  Lots of real NFL footage and fun.  It has a nostalgic edition of Madden ’93, a game that still delivers the goods in its own retro way.  There are also in-depth looks at NFL stars past and present.

So, taking into account the two game disks and this one as well, I would give Madden XX NFL ’09 Collector’s Edition an overall 7.

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