Madden NFL 2004

G4 TV

Knocks the chin strap up around the nose of the competition. It's simply the most realistic simulation of football available, and once again, the industry standard.

GamePro

Of course, the game feels best when played with the PS2 controller. The Xbox and the GameCube are fine, too, but their button layouts force sometimes awkward finger stretching.

PSX Nation

The most complete and polished piece of football software I've ever spun (!) on my PS2.

Play Magazine

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

GameNow

Without question, the year's best football game...again. [Oct 2003, p.61]

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Yep, Tiburon's gotta go and give us a new greatest NFL game ever made. Again. And they'll probably do it again next year. [Sept 2003, p.99]

PSM Magazine

Simply the deepest sports game ever made. It's got almost everything a football fan could ever want in a game - and then some. [Sept 2003, p.24]

Game Revolution

Madden 2004 for the PS2 may be the most complete game I've ever played, period. There is more virtual football reality available in this game than you could ever hope to find on TV, in the newspapers or on the internet.

Playboy

Looking for more depth? Take the owner's seat and relocate your team, set concession stand prices in your new stadium and hire your coaching staff. Ditka: Send us your resume. [Sept 2003, p.33]

Entertainment Weekly

Adding a mind-boggling level of depth is the Owner Mode, which lets you negotiate salaries, build a stadium, and - for the detail obsessed - even set prices at the concession stands. [5 Sept 2003, p. L2T 22]

Cinescape

The best football game of the season. Unlike a lot of football games, the changes to this game aren’t just cosmetic. The result is the most realistic football game you can own.

GameZone

The online mode that is included is nothing short of "sweetness."

Sports Gaming Network

It's so good, I find it humorous that ESPN uses Madden for its pre-game show.

IGN

The game introduces the two best new features found in football games since the Franchise mode, as Owner mode would be a fun game on its own, and Playmaker control is simply the most useful new gameplay tool introduced into the mix in many a year.

GamingWorld X

Simply THE pro-football title to buy this year, no matter what system you own. If you happen to have a choice, go with the PS2 version. It’s the only one with the awesome online play, and it controls like a dream with the Dual Shock controller configuration.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The Playmaker Control feature...gives you an unprecedented amount of control, so you actually feel like you're commanding the whole team, not just the QB. [Sept 2003, p.124]

Game Informer

It may be management freaks like myself who derive the most from this year's Madden. [Sept 2003, p.105]

GameSpot

Covers nearly every facet of professional football, but what makes this year's entry in the series so special is the fact that it ties all its components together seamlessly. Even the new gameplay features have been integrated incredibly well.

Gaming Age

With airtight controls, improved defensive and offensive AI, more animations, a deep and rewarding franchise that allows you to actually own a team this season, John Madden football looks to big in a great position to continue their reign as the undisputed champs of video football.

Yahoo! Games

Just about the only bad thing about Madden NFL 2004 is the bar that it sets. EA Sports has one hell of a challenge waiting in the wings, trying to improve on a masterful title like this.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Because of its tight game-play, depth and dizzying amount of features, Madden is still the one to beat.

Inside Gamer Online

Other than the amateur commentating made by John Madden, the sounds of the game are awesome.

GMR Magazine

04 offers more of the same, but also takes encouraging steps toward true innovation... It's superb in every regard. [Sept 2003, p.72]

Cheat Code Central

Perhaps one of the more interesting modes is the Owner mode that exists as a kind of parallel universe with the Franchise mode. It would make a good game by itself although the focus is on business and not on football gameplay.

Adrenaline Vault

The new owner's box adds astonishing depth and replayability to a franchise mode that is already dangerously addictive, while the playmaker controls only serve to better immerse the player in the experience.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Another sprawling, complex, but absurdly playable chapter in the Madden saga - but now online sexiness. What's not to love? [PSM2]

All Game Guide

The changes aren’t substantially different from Madden NFL 2003, and the excitement level has diminished since the release of "NCAA Football 2004," a game that offers better commentary, more diverse modes, and simply more "energy" than this chapter in the long-running Madden series.

Gamestyle

Along with the balance issues, unrealistically high numbers of turnovers and frequent worst-moment-possible penalties shatter the illusion of simulating an NFL game.

TotalGames.net

With all the new franchise options Madden 2004 is a definite must for anyone who likes to get into the nitty-gritty of the game, but otherwise you might be better of waiting for the rather nifty-looking "NFL Street." Overall though, this is the best American football game you can get.