Madden 2005 excites gamers

It has become an annual rite of autumn along with the start of school and the fall of the leaves. The release of "Madden 2005" by EA Sports (retail price: $49.99) marks the game's 15th year in existence, a 15 year span in which Madden has become the best selling sports video game franchise of all time. This year the game is just as innovative as ever, and it remains the best sports video game money can buy.

The graphics have improved yet again, and, unlike old games in which players could only move at angles, the player movements here are real. There are numerous new features that make this game far superior to even last year's version. The user is now in complete control of the defense, and you can change assignments, double team or create one-on-one matches for any defensive player on the field. It is also more difficult to throw the ball because, as Adam Wright '07 said, "they changed the way defensive backs react to the ball when it's in air." There is less time to throw the ball and make a decision, but at least the computer is no longer incompetent at rushing the ball.

Additional improvements make the game more similar to real football, and stats are more believable. There will be no more seasons where your punt returner has 40 touchdowns, as you now have to fair-catch the ball more than ever. The creators also added the "hit sick," which allows the user to tap the right analog stick in order to make a big hit or force a turnover. The defense in this game is simply much better than in years past, and it is what will win you games, as evidenced by this year's cover player, Baltimore Ravens all-pro middle linebacker, Ray Lewis.

There have also been huge additions to non-game features highlighted by better online play. The franchise mode is simply amazing. Players now react to everything that is going on around the team in franchise mode, and your games are now impacted by the storylines that surround your team. The team crowd is now even customizable with create-a-fan mode, and you can get the scoop on your team by listening to a weekly radio program, reading newspapers and getting the inside word from coaches, trainers and front office staff. Updated rosters can be downloaded, and playing over the internet is easier than ever, as improved EA Sports fair play keeps the playing field equal. The little things have improved as well. Lighting is better, and it does make a difference, and John Madden and Al Michaels are back doing classic play-byplay. The hip-hop soundtrack is generally good, as are the menu screens.

This all does not mean Madden is perfect. It still has some glaring flaws. The game still takes too long to load, the player models are different and it takes a while to get acclimated. Statistic overlays and halftime shows are still as boring as possible, and it is just frustrating when a box of stats covers a third of the screen while you are trying to run a play.

There are also still some minor glitches that every videogame possesses, but they are minor nuisances. It is as if the people at EA Sports spend nine months listening to user's complaints and adjusting the game accordingly, so it is likely any old problems have been solved and any new problems will be solved in future editions of the game as it continues to evolve.

If you were a fan of the high-powered offense and inept defense in Madden 2004, then you might not be totally thrilled with this game. The fact is, though, the new game is more realistic, and that's what you get when you purchase any Madden product. This game is the best football game I have ever played, and it is, as of now, the best game of the year. It is a must-have for any true sports or video game fans.