Madden NFL 09 All-Play Wii
Metascore
82 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Nintendo Power
    90
    So while EA may not have lived up to its marketing directive, it's succeeded in creating quite possibly the best, most fully featured sports sim available on the Wii. [Sept 2008, p.85]
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  2. Video Game Talk
    90
    But if solid, enjoyable game play is more important to you than high-end graphics or being taunted by 12-year-olds, you can't go wrong with what Madden '09 is offering up.
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    87
    The best Madden yet. [Nov 2008, p.102]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.1 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 3 out of 9
  1. DarrenZ.
    9
    Short and sweet, this is one great playing game. The Wii controls are executed very well and make you wonder why you ever thought it was fun to just push buttons. Flick the remote up to snap, swing it forward to pass, shake it to blow past a defender: it all adds up to a wonderfully immersive experience that'll have you jumping to your feet during big plays. And don't worry, the gamplay isn't watered down. You still have all the strategic play calling depth you expect from a football sim. Then there's Call Your Shots which is an amazing feature that lets you reroute any receiver on a passing play and will have you shredding the defense in no time. There are a few niggling criticisms, like the lack of precipitation when it's raining or snowing (the only affect weather has is to slightly alter the color of the field) and the fact that Franchise and Superstar modes are identical to last year, but the game is otherwise solid with a noticeable absence of bugs and glitches. If you haven't bought Madden in a few years, or like me you've never owned it before, then 09 is easy to recommend. It's nice to see EA actually deliver on the Wii for a change.… Full Review »
  2. dariazzo
    5
    Let's define who plays what. Football addicted play Madden. They don't care if it is on WII, PS3 or else. They want something close to reality. Now, imagine you played a whole season with your team, and after having achieved a 5-11 record, you look forward to the draft, and enter the combine to watch some of the prospects in action. To see how good they are, you must play some minigames, like passing the ball with a QB, returning a ball with a RB/WR, or else. Some of these minigames (great idea) are completely messed up by the WiiMote use! You'll never be able to pick the right reciver, the right cornerback, the right guard. It is just not possible to come up with good results. And that obviously translates also in the career mode, when you play a single man. If it is a DB, you'll never get the hang of that, you'll always be thinking how to swat a ball!
    Another dreadful defect: presentation. It is not possible to have Miis as umpires, it kills any kind of atmosphere, and it is also a shame to have such small fonts in the screens, especially in Dinasty mode.
    Even if it uses motion controls, this version is for these reasons way behind the others for HD consoles. The graphics is good, sounds too, and some aspects of the game are too (Runs, passes), but will NFL maniacs close an eye on too many flaws?    … Full Review »
  3. BrianK
    4
    The all-play version of Madden is probably more fun for casual gamers who are new to the series. However, as someone who is quite familiar with Madden, I was very dissapointed. The controls have completely changed from the previous versions. Before, for example, you could stiff arm by extending your arm. Now, you have to hold Z at the same time. It's that kind of needless difficulty that bothered me. Another problem was the graphics. The players look great, but the field and animations are worse than previous Wii games in the series. Furthermore, there are little things that bothered me, like seeing my quarterback lined up too far to the side of the center or accidentally calling a timeout (minus button) when all I wanted to do was get out of call-your-shot mode. Also, there were a few times when my player threw the ball without me actually making the corresponding movement with my arm. My last complaint would be the ridiculous dancing with the remote and numchuck that is required after a TD or INT. Now for the good features. The new 5 on 5 mode is a fun. Party mode games can be done alone (but it's better with friends) and it can be addictive. The most important thing is that some all-play settings can be turned off. Call-your-shot mode is good for those times when you just can't find the exact play you want in the playbook. Conclusion: All-play has basically none of the improvements that were made for Madden 09 on the other systems. Unfortunately, these were the improvements that seemed most appealing to me. Graphics and controls are worse than in previous years. Incorporation of Miis as refs is kinda cute, but doesn't help or hurt the game. I'd say that if you have some experience with video games or are familiar with the Madden franchise that this game isn't for you. However, if you've never played Madden more than once or twice and/or want something simple, this game is probably a good way to introduce yourself to the Madden franchise.… Full Review »
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