Madden NFL 09 All-Play Wii
User Score
7.1 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 5 out of 21

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  1. [Anonymous]
    Aug 12, 2008
    0
    The game would be good if not for the dumbed down controls. There are times when you are trying to throw to a receiver and the game confuses that receiver with another one in the near by vacinity. How in the world can a quarterback accidently throw to the wrong receiver just because he got confused about who he was throwing to?? EA needs a patch or I'm done with them. I have no idea why All Play is getting so many rave reviews considering the lack of intelligent play. It doesn't make sense.… Expand
  2. BrianK
    Dec 21, 2008
    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.… Expand
  3. PeterC.
    Aug 25, 2008
    3
    Was expecting better. The call-you-shot feature is by far the only highlight. Graphics are similar to N64 Madden editions. Play controls are marginal at best and most frustrating in passing mode where routes un-predictably break off depending on how you 'throw'; you'll throw INT after INT on any mode above Pro. Oh, the A.I. is terrible without a happy medium of balanced A.I play. It's either a blow-out 16-0 season or a 4-12 season where you'll give up turn over after turn over calling a conservative game. So unbalanced and un-predictable I stopped playing and reverted back to my playstation sports games...now there are some fined tuned engines. Better luck next year EA, but I won't be buying again.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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]
  2. IGN
    86
    EA is showing a serious investment on Wii, and Madden NFL 09 All-Play truly delivers. Whether you're a gaming rookie or seasoned veteran, there's something here for everyone, and that's what All-Play is all about.
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  3. GameDaily
    80
    It comes up short in certain areas when compared to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, but that doesn't stop it from being the best Wii football game.
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