Madden NFL 07 (Wii version) (Wii)

MADDEN NFL 07 for the Nintendo Wii gives players the ability to control their representative on the football field by mimicking some of the real motions they might perform if they were playing football. 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.

The addition of the Wii remote controls to the Madden mix is one of the most exciting developments in sports games in some time. To be sure, some 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. 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; Madden veterans who have played other online versions may miss being able to challenge real people over the Internet. But 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. All considered, Madden NFL 07 for the Wii is a very impressive game.