Madden NFL 2004 - E

The primary area of concern with this game is its commercialism.

Publisher: EA Sports Category/Genre: Video Games - Sports Platform: Playstation, PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox Price: $49.99 Graphics: Excellent graphics, both in gameplay and settings. Playability: This game offers all levels of complexity. You can focus on one player or, using the new "playmaker" controls, you can control units such as your defensive line or offensive blockers. While the game has a variety of playcalls to choose from, it also offers suggested plays and has numerous training opportunities. Reading Level: 8+ Release Date: 11/25/2003 ESRB Rating: E

Common Sense Note

The primary area of concern with this game is its commercialism. It advertises other products and game tie-ins, uses NFL licensed players, and even its soundtrack (with introduction of each song) appears to be a commercial.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Erik Lande

MADDEN NFL 2004 is the most recent in a series of popular and realistic football arcade-style games. It provides great depth of football strategies and possibilities, including star teams that must be earned and ways to enhance players and teams. It also provides a great deal of control over the team, from ways to control multiple players on the field to ways to control the team franchise off the field. Young football fans will enjoy the ability to draft and trade players, hire coaches, build new stadiums, and monitor fan support.

The game allows almost unlimited gameplay, according to the player's interest. One can simply play a football game, or build an entire football franchise. Controls can be complex at the highest levels, such as when one is trying to control both the running back and blockers, but this is not required. If one wishes to play in a simpler format, they can let the computer control the rest of team, and even have plays recommended for the particular situation they are in at that moment.

While the game provides an immense amount of depth in its playcalling and its ability to control the team, rampant commercialism is a major concern. As expected the game uses licensed NFL players, but it also advertises music, and encourages the player to get other EA sports games and additional equipment, such as that required to play online.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Half-time cheerleaders wear revealing outfits.
Violence Football can be a violent sport, and this game displays all of the grunts and sounds of bodies slamming together. However, there is no blood and injuries are not graphic, i.e. player walks off field holding shoulder.
Language Some brief profanity on the soundtrack only.
Message
	Social Behavior
	Commercialism Soundtrack is presented as an advertisement. Also advertises other games and products.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco You can set the price of beer at your stadium.
	Educational Value May educate kids about football strategy, uncertain if it will encourage kids to play actual football.