Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this game is in many ways the same game that was released earlier for other consoles. The same quality football is present, as are some of the negatives, including in-game ads, a soundtrack that promotes real bands, and the availability of some unsportsmanlike moves. However, the Wii version puts the Wii remote controls to very good use. Young players and those not familiar with the series may be drawn to the ease of the new controls, but the game still features a complexity that may challenge those players.
Families can talk about what makes a sports video game fun. Does moving your body help draw you into a game? What makes a football game interesting, the on-field play or details like real players and a focus on business elements of the game? Families may also wish to discuss the importance of good sportsmanship, both in facing video game opponents and in real-life athletics.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Chris Jozefowicz
By now, Madden fans are familiar with the drill: each year the number-one video game franchise releases a new version with updated rosters, some new polish in the graphics, and a few gameplay tweaks. But MADDEN NFL 07 for the Nintendo Wii offers something unique; a major evolution of the series. The addition of the Wii remote controls to the Madden mix is one of the most exciting developments in sports games in some time.
Players now have the ability to control their representative on the football field by mimicking some of the real motions they might do if they were playing football. To hike the ball and throw it, players jerk the controller up and then mime an overhand throw. To tackle, they throw both arms forward as if reaching to grab someone. When players punch with the controller, a defender attempts to smack the ball from a ball carrier's hands.
To be sure, some of these controls work better than others. Offense is a breeze, but defensive controls, which have never been a strong part of Madden games, can feel sloppy. Trying to get a blitzing player to evade a defensive linesman by jerking the remote and nunchuck while simultaneously navigating with the thumbstick rarely works and never feels natural.
Beyond the new controls, players will find a very similar game to the versions released earlier on all major consoles. The game sports the same modes: practice, single game, franchise, and a career mode focused on playing one position. New features like lead-blocking, in which players control a blocking linesman and then switch to a running ball carrier, are also present. Returning, too, are some annoying parts of the series, like a handful of unnecessary ads from companies like Sprint, and an intrusive soundtrack trumpeting real-life songs.
The only major feature lacking from the Wii version is an online mode. Nintendo has never proven themselves to be fully on-board with online gaming, and Madden veterans who have played other online versions may miss being able to challenge real people over the Internet.
As if making up for the omission, Madden NFL 07 for the Wii does have a few brand-new multiplayer modes. The standout is a stellar two-on-two game that many people may remember from the school yard. This mode distills the offensive and defensive controls to their essence since there aren't nine other men to worry about on each side. The simplified game is also a great way to introduce new players to a game in which the depth of options may feel intimidating.
All considered, Madden NFL 07 for the Wii is a very impressive game. The new control system should attract new players. Even those who already have Madden NFL 07 for another system should at least check out the Wii version to experience the new controls. A little more polish (particularly on the defensive side of the ball) and an online mode could make the next iteration of the series truly great. The achievements of Madden NFL 07 on the Wii lead to an unfamiliar experience: actual anticipation for the inevitable Madden NFL 08.
Players who prefer the college game to the pros might be interested in NCAA Football 07. Players looking for a less complicated but still exciting sports game might want to check out one of the Mario sports games, such as Super Mario Strikers.
Platform Notes
Nintendo Wii
By now, Madden fans are familiar with the drill: each year the number-one video game franchise releases a new version with updated rosters, some new polish in the graphics, and a few gameplay tweaks. But MADDEN NFL 07 for the Nintendo Wii offers something unique; a major evolution of the series. The addition of the Wii remote controls to the Madden mix is one of the most exciting developments in sports games in some time.
Players now have the ability to control their representative on the football field by mimicking some of the real motions they might do if they were playing football. To hike the ball and throw it, players jerk the controller up and then mime an overhand throw. To tackle, they throw both arms forward as if reaching to grab someone. When players punch with the controller, a defender attempts to smack the ball from a ball carrier's hands.
To be sure, some of these controls work better than others. Offense is a breeze, but defensive controls, which have never been a strong part of Madden games, can feel sloppy. Trying to get a blitzing player to evade a defensive linesman by jerking the remote and nunchuck while simultaneously navigating with the thumbstick rarely works and never feels natural.
Beyond the new controls, players will find a very similar game to the versions released earlier on all major consoles. The game sports the same modes: practice, single game, franchise, and a career mode focused on playing one position. New features like lead-blocking, in which players control a blocking linesman and then switch to a running ball carrier, are also present. Returning, too, are some annoying parts of the series, like a handful of unnecessary ads from companies like Sprint, and an intrusive soundtrack trumpeting real-life songs.
The only major feature lacking from the Wii version is an online mode. Nintendo has never proven themselves to be fully on-board with online gaming, and Madden veterans who have played other online versions may miss being able to challenge real people over the Internet.
As if making up for the omission, Madden NFL 07 for the Wii does have a few brand-new multiplayer modes. The standout is a stellar two-on-two game that many people may remember from the school yard. This mode distills the offensive and defensive controls to their essence since there aren't nine other men to worry about on each side. The simplified game is also a great way to introduce new players to a game in which the depth of options may feel intimidating.
All considered, Madden NFL 07 for the Wii is a very impressive game. The new control system should attract new players. Even those who already have Madden NFL 07 for another system should at least check out the Wii version to experience the new controls. A little more polish (particularly on the defensive side of the ball) and an online mode could make the next iteration of the series truly great. The achievements of Madden NFL 07 on the Wii lead to an unfamiliar experience: actual anticipation for the inevitable Madden NFL 08.
Players who prefer the college game to the pros might be interested in NCAA Football 07. Players looking for a less complicated but still exciting sports game might want to check out one of the Mario sports games, such as Super Mario Strikers.
Reviewed: 02/07/2007
Rate It!
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ViolenceIt's football, complete with some hard hits and illegal tackles and blocks. |
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Social BehaviorFouls are not always penalized and can help a play. |
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CommercialismThe NFL and its teams are (obviously) heavily promoted. A few companies such as Sprint and Motorola pop up in in-games ads. The soundtrack announces artist and song names. |
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Educational ValueGamers will surely learn something about the game of football. |
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