Madden NFL 08 (wii: 2007): Reviews

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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Madden NFL 08


6.8

based on 29 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 26 votes
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GAMES:

Madden NFL 07

GameSpot Guide

All-New Read & React System: New player skill icons identify on-field strengths and weaknesses, providing an immediate read on what your opponent is giving you. Quickly react, create mismatches, and exploit opponent weaknesses before every play. All-New Front Office Mode: Take full control of every aspect of an NFL franchise. Construct a state-of-the-art stadium, set concession prices, hire your coaching staff, draft players, and manage the entire operation from the top down to build your dynasty. Your Ring of a Champion: Increase your Madden Gamer Level to help create and customize your own in-game championship ring. Madden Unmatched: All-new player moves, including auto-motion, backward passes and low-hitting tackles, plus ultra-smooth gameplay provide the most realistic NFL gaming experience ever. Control receivers and make spectacular catches or key possession receptions, or roam the secondary and jar the ball loose with big hits and ball-stripping tackles. [EA Sports]

PUBLISHER:	Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:	EA Tiburon
GENRE(S):	Sports, Football
PLAYERS:	4
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	August 14, 2007

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

If you already own "Madden NFL 07" then for once we do actually think it's worth trading it in because there are so many new features that it's improved in almost every way. [Oct 2007, p.86]

Game Chronicles

I have played Madden on PlayStation and Xbox and this is by far the most fun and interactive way to truly enjoy this game.

IGN

The game makes great use of motion with better-implemented and easier to pull off moves than 07, it has more modes, far more multiplayer both locally and now online, and is generally superior in nearly every regard. On the flipside, Wii’s second Madden still suffers from a ton of last-generation bugs, with everything from moronic AI and cheap pass defense to disappearing pass icons and odd camera glitches that cloak the entire playfield in blur effects.

Cheat Code Central

A great game. The new additions to the title are innovative and impact the gameplay positively. Online play will prove to be a boon for Wii owners, the Party mode helps make the title stand out on this console, and the high quality graphics make it competitive with the other versions.

GameZone

Madden NFL 07 for the Nintendo Wii is a great game. Even though this game has its fair share of glitches and the graphics engine is not updated, it still remains a blast to play. The inclusion of all of the multiplayer modes is a great treat and will make this a game not to leave your Nintendo Wii for some time.

GameShark

The new “player weapons” feature is just a gimmick.

Nintendojo

Madden NFL 08 isn’t the quantum leap that last year’s version was, but in most respects, it’s better.

The Wiire

If you're a serious football fan, you need this game. The increased pre-snap options on defense and the more aggressive secondary AI make the game much more balanced, and the Weapons make finding and exploiting mismatches easier than ever before.

Games Master UK

Another good addition to the series but this isn't the 'next-gen' Madden to blow you away. [Oct 2007, p.79]

GamingTrend

This version has taken some strides ahead of '07, and it makes sense to have it.

Armchair Empire

It doesn’t have the total package that Madden NFL 08 on the Xbox 360 brings, but nonetheless the Wii version of the only NFL football videogame around certainly succeeds in giving Wii gamers an excellent football game.

MEGamers

Very robust online multiplayer coupled with hours of party mode fun.

Zentendo

Wii controls draw players into the game more than before, though some sensitivity issues arise from the Wii's control scheme options for certain actions (like kicking). Visuals are below expectations, which is something EA needs to work on more in the next version.

GameSpy

Considering the strong debut we saw last year, we're not quite as impressed by what's been added to the experience.

NGamer UK

An improvement on last year's release in almost every regard, but don't think EA's push to bring families to the game will help you convince your mum to play sift through the huge play book. [Nov 2007, p.52]

Nintendo Power

Control hiccups aside, this year's Madden delivers another excellent game of pigskin. [Oct 2007, p.87]

GameDaily

Don't purchase Madden NFL 08 expecting beautiful visuals and slick looking menus. Buy it because you crave a more interactive experience as well as modes that you can't find in the other versions. With 22 mini games, trivia and fun controls, this gridiron giant runs the pigskin into the end zone.

GameSpot

It's not the revelation that last year's debut was, but Madden NFL 08 is a worthy follow-up and a fun game in its own right.

The New York Times

Madden’s Wii version cuts out some of the artificiality inherent in sports video games, allowing you to play the game through physical movement. I don’t understand football, but I do understand what it means to throw a ball.

Gamer 2.0

While Madden NFL 08 is definitely a good game, it's pretty much the Wii's version of what Madden NFL 07 was to Madden NFL 06 on the Xbox 360. It's just the same game with a few updates here and there with nothing else really added.

Game Over Online

The game still is not much to look at, however, and still does not even come close to the other next-gen versions in terms of options, creating players and teams, etc. If you're new to the series and looking for some fun, go pick this one up, but if you're a hardcore Maddenite, I'd recommend going with one of the other two next-gen versions.

Game Informer

After having a year to settle into the Wii's brand of pro football, this branch of the Madden franchise is certainly less alien, but at the same time it's not necessarily more comfortable to deal with. [Oct 2007, p.122]

GameCritics

It doesn't re-invent the wheel, but it does provide a solid football experience.

AceGamez

There really is a wealth of options for all types of gamers to get stuck into, be it the accessible but hugely fun mini-games or the incredibly in-depth Franchise mode.

Games Radar

Traditionalists will cringe at the new controls, but we applaud EA's attempt to simplify things so more folks can get involved. It may not work perfectly, but it's the right thing to do (and the right console on which to do it).

Game Revolution

The main issue with the Wii is that in order to play Madden 08, you basically have to learn an entirely different control scheme, and the payoff for that depends on whether you think using the motion control system is worth it, because rather than the step up in graphics the 360 and PS3 versions provide, you get – at best – a sideways graphical experience.

NintendoWorldReport

The problem is that they haven’t invested nearly as much time in the game that exists underneath the control scheme. The AI, the playbooks, and the presentation are still inexorably rooted in the PS2 design that might have been compelling four years ago but which is now really starting to show its age.

GamePro

While Xbox 360 and PS3 owners get a slick upgrade over Madden '07, Wii owners get a mediocre and lackluster version. Diehard fans and series n00bs alike should avoid the Wii version, as it's inferior in just about every single way.

1UP

In the end, there's absolutely no reason to choose this one over these other versions: Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Xbox, or even PSP. If you're a Madden beginner, just play an easy level on a different console.

The average user rating for this game is 6.8 (out of 10) based on 26 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Craig gave it a4:
I love football games, and always find myself playing this game, but I do find a lot of problems with Madden 08 for the Nintendo Wii. Especially with the online play. First off, the passing...is horrible when playing online. Im not sure if its due to the excessive lag you have when you play online, but when you press a certain receiver(left, right, down, up) id say 60% of the time will not pass to the receiver you want. It gets very frustrating when this happens. Thats really the main problem with this game. The passing is horrible, especially for online play. The game itself is fun, but once you start playing online, its a whole new ballgame. Your play changes so much its ridiculous. Whether it be just trying to connect to the server, getting disconnected while playing, excessive lag, very poor passing(possible due to lag), not being able to let go of the ball faster than you want. This all leads to a very miserbale, non-fun, non-competetive online play.

Wii M. gave it an8:
This is a great new way of playing Madden. I personally don't have '07 so I wanted to get the latest and greatest. Good choice, even though the Metascore was not as high as 07, i think that is because 07 was a big leap. I like the controls, you just have to be patent. I like how when you hold down A you can use the joystick to choose the player on Defense. The online play was good, but slight lag in the picking of plays. Sometimes kicking messes up too. Oh and, I haven't been able to finish a single online game because my opponents connection was lost. Very very annoying. Thats why i give it an eight and not a ten.

Jargon J. gave it a2:
As long as the Wii doesn't become gimmicky, this system will be fine. Unfortunately for the Wii, it's become gimmicky. If you are going to have graphics of such a poor quality, you must deliver with intuitive gameplay and a unique and perfect control scheme. The inability of EA to adapt PERFECTLY to the game. There shouldn't be any issues with moving the controller after the snap. In the NFL if the ball is still at the QB's waist he's not going to throw the ball of his back leg, for no apparent reason. That's it - plain and simple.

Chris J. gave it a10:
i think the game is difficult and that is a plus. I have been playing Madden since 1992 and I will say that the game thru out history has had a problem with it being to easy. The wii is great exersive and well as what I have been waiting for all my life " A REAL VIDEO GAME " where you actually have to move to comtrol the players. We have really steped in the next century with this madden. to all of the ones that say they are not happy with the game you are lazy and not like to be challenged. And lets be real people don't like things that are different than the norm. I don't think that I will master the game on ALL MADDEN after playing one regualr season like all the other maddens. In my eyes this is the best madden ever. Keep up the good work EA sports.

P. B. gave it an8:
So many bad reviews for this game. One complaint heard over and over is the blur effect. If you don't press (A) while your linemen are walking up to the ball the blur effect will never happen again. Another complaint is the QB is throwing the ball without the command of the remote. This happens because the player is unknowingly lowering the remote after the QB snap. Just keep the remote pointed up until you intend to pass. The 1up reviewer said he was slapping himself in the face while attempting a kick. WOW. Not only are you a horrible reviewer, but your also a horrible player. He also made this ignorant statement, "For most sports gamers, the Wii is little more than a novelty; an amusing yet insubstantial distraction that can't keep pace with the big new-gen hitters." Well I am a sports gamer and your a joke. Madden 08 for the wii is a fun NEW way of playing an old favorite.

Chris S. gave it a3:
What a huge disappointment. no create a player? this "game" seems so haphazardly thrown together. it's really disappointing. have the game has been thrown out. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING EA? i'm shocked that they would release a game that's so much worse than 2007. i wish EA would lose their NFL liscense. i want 2K sports making my NFL games after this piece of crap.

Vlad V. gave it an8:
i'd love to give this game a 9, but there are bugs.......... OVERALL: it is very fun to play (but some bugs), and the controls are great (but if you're working for EA, don't settle, they could be made better). THE MYTHS: there IS online play (dont listen to Brian G); and the passing is just fine (CA probably hasn't gotten used to the motion yet, does it too rapidly at a downward angle), though it does help to be standing for ANY Wii game, but i manage fine even sitting; and it should be hard to strip the ball while running at someone, so don't complain that the #1 button is so far, boohoo (JS probably never played a corner position). THE BUGS: Some bugs in franchise mode. The menus froze on me 3 times already (it's only been 2 weeks). In online play mode, kicking the ball is buggy to the point of sometimes completely failing to make the kick (it doesn't happen often, but it is still unacceptable). the infamous blurring bug is not as annoying as you would think, but it's annoying enough to knock down points. i haven't played a 2player local game, i bet CA's comments at the bottom are absolutely on point for that, just because of how the plays get chosen, but the hot-route can be hidden if you do it fast enough i bet. I'm sure there are many features to be discovered in this game that resolve some of CA's valid complaints as you gain expertise --- the key here is that the Wii Madden was made for rookies to be able to easily pick up and have fun with it before they know all the complex controls, and the Wii madden succeeded in this (family play mode, natural movement juke moves and throws, etc). But as you learn all the controls and gain expertise, the game is still great. I really think some of the complaints here arise from not knowing the game well-enough.