EA Madden NFL 10 Madden NFL 10 for PlayStation 3

Blurring the line

Football video games have traditionally been, well . . . obvious about the fact that they're video games. EA Sports has a goal to change that, so that playing Madden NFL seems like a real football game. They took a big step towards accomplishing that goal this year with the release of Madden 10. In the new game, many adjustments have been made to remove the scripted style of past games and provide an authentic NFL experience.

Fight for every yard

One of the biggest improvements to Madden is the implementation of the Pro-Tak animation technology. In Madden NFL 09, tackling was improved so that sometimes tackles could be broken. This was part of the larger Pro-Tak (Procedural Tackling) umbrella. Here's how it works: Originally, the animation was created using motion capture technology. This is great because it provides realistic movement. However, each situation will be a little bit different so cookie-cut motion capture animations alone will result in very scripted action. Using a fulltime engine would enable an infinite number of situations, but that wouldn't be truly authentic. However, combining the two will allow a limitless number of outcomes with astounding accuracy. The run-time manipulation will make adjustments to the motion capture animation based on realistic physics, so lifelike animation is seen based on real-life action. Because of this, players now have far greater control over a play's outcome. Factors like a player's size, statistics, speed, direction, and number of players all come to life in Madden 10. This allows things like gang tackles with up to 9 players pushing on both sides, fights for fumbles at the bottom of a pile, better pocket simulation, and more realistic tackle physics. Chances are a back like Brandon Jacobs will be able to topple a safety for an extra yard or two while a speed player like Darren Sproles will be stopped short. Every tackle will be a little different, and thanks to the Pro-Tak technology in Madden NFL 10, every tackle will be authentic.

No detail spared

Aside from the most realistic physics system ever used in a football video game, there are quite a few improvements that make Madden 10 the most authentic experience yet. First of all, the five-minute quarter system has been sidelined in favor of accelerated fifteen-minute clocks. That way, the two-minute warning becomes a lot more relevant, and not just a mid-quarter warning. The presentation itself has been re-worked for a more cinematic presentation which allows you to experience the emotions of a real game. And then there have been more realistic inclusions like referees peeling players off fumble piles, chain crews rushing in to measure close spots, unique throwing and kicking styles, improved visuals, and updated equipment. Also revamped was the player ratings system for more noticeable differences between players and the implementation of more realistic actions, so that fast players can't break world records in the 100-yard dash.

Control your destiny

So the game now plays like an NFL broadcast. But . . . what if you liked the arcade style of Madden games from yesteryear? Fear not. In Madden NFL 10, there are more options than you'll probably ever use. It's the most customizable Madden yet; you can adjust everything from individual CPU skills to playclock acceleration to game settings. No matter your gripe about the game, chances are you have the power to change it. But like other Madden games, you can't adjust the ratings of other players to make the game a cakewalk for you. However, let's say your favorite team was an underrated bunch of players this year. That can be taken care of. You see, if you're connected to the PlayStationNetwork, you can easily download updated player rankings as well as game fixes as they become available to make your experience that much more realistic.

Pair up

Some of the NFL's best players have come in duos. Joe Montana and Jerry Rice are unquestionably the best duo in NFL history. Current pairs like Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne, and Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora all team up to roll over opponents. Until now, though, Madden only let you and your friend play as a dynamic duo if you were on the same console. That deflates a super-pair pretty quickly. But with Madden NFL 10, you and your pal can team up on the PSN to play against the CPU. This provides a new experience, offering single-player camera angles while you and a friend can work on specific aspects of your game.

Best of the best

Speaking of online play, you can use the PSN to take your season to a whole new level. Rather than the same old week-by-week season progression of a local franchise mode, Madden lets you form an online franchise of up 32 teams. You can then enjoy real NFL scheduling, live drafts, player transactions, league message boards, and more, all from your console, or your league's custom web page. Prove that you're the best in online an online franchise on Madden NFL 10.