Madden NFL 09 All-Play (wii: 2008): Reviews

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Madden NFL 09 All-Play


7.0

based on 19 reviews
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How did we calculate this?

based on 18 votes
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GAMES:

Cheat Code Central

Official Website

Madden NFL 09 All-Play features fun, approachable and innovative gameplay by unleashing the power of the Wii Remote through the all-new EA SPORTS Call Your Shots feature. Call Your Shots allows the player to create his or her own plays on the fly and direct receivers where they should run. Gamers of all skill levels can also enjoy an all-new fast paced 5-on-5 mode which has a reduced field length and big head NFL players. Experienced Madden players or rookies to the game can utilize the all-new play calling system. No matter the skill level, players can be competitive with three playbooks to choose from, ranging from Easy to Advanced. [Electronic Arts]

PUBLISHER:	Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:	EA Tiburon
GENRE(S):	Sports, Football
PLAYERS:	4
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	August 12, 2008

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...

Nintendo Power

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]

Video Game Talk

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.

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

The best Madden yet. [Nov 2008, p.102]

IGN

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.

WonderwallWeb

Madden NFL 09 All Play improves greatly on last years Wii effort, there is a bit of retreading on old ground, especially in the Party Play area but in all it makes for a great family game, keeping a sensible balance for beginners and experienced players.

Nintendojo

The improvements are welcome, however, as the 5 vs. 5 mode is great for playing with friends locally, and the online interface is another step in the right direction for Wii.

Da Gameboyz

Madden NFL 09 All-Play for the Wii is a game that really took me by surprise. With solid graphics, solid sound, and great gameplay that can be tailored for any level of gamer, this game scores a huge touchdown.

Cheat Code Central

As much success as EA has had on the Wii, though, All-Play is a mild disappointment with its lack of upgrades within the Franchise and Superstar modes.

GameFocus

If you’re a football fan and only have a Wii at home but still hesitating before picking it up because Madden 07 and 08 left you “unsatisfied”, you will be pleased with this years’ version.

NintendoWorldReport

If you don’t want to invest the time to learn the complex controls of football video games or aren’t concerned with learning the rules and nuances of the game, then this is the version for you.

GameDaily

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.

Games Radar

It’s an undeniably fun experience that will please many in its target audience, and even includes roster updates and online play. Not to mention we’re really starting to like a little waggle with our football.

GameSpy

Madden NFL 09 All-Play is not a dumbed-down version of this year's best football game. Think of it more like a specialized version that successfully refines the crucial elements of football and distills them into a final product that is at once accessible and plenty of fun.

G4 TV

Madden NFL 09 is a big improvement over last year's version, if only because it's more playable. The new features aren't earth shattering, and it's hard to fathom why the five-on-five mode wasn't juiced up to provide an even more arcade-like experience.

GameZone

Discovering which control system works for each player can be a little difficult at first, mainly due to a lack of information on choosing the advanced controls over the easier All-Play methods, but there are choices and people of all skill levels will enjoy playing a game of football on the Wii.

NGamer UK

If you have the 07 or 08 versions then only get this for online play. If not, it's worth a punt. [Nov 2008, p.58]

Worth Playing

It's certainly not perfect and could use some work in a few important areas, but if you have nothing but a Wii and need to get your football on, Madden '09 is your best bet, and you'll probably have some fun while you're at it.

PALGN

Madden for the masses. It's fun, easy to get into and a great fit for Wii.

GameSpot

Simple controls and a number of newcomer-friendly features make Madden 09 on the Wii a good game for beginners, but there's very little new here for series veterans.

The average user rating for this game is 7.0 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Brian K gave it a4:
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.

Darren Z. gave it a9:
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.

Edward B. gave it a9:
This is the best football game out there the all play contorls are good and the best mode in the game is the 5on5 monde but i don't know y they have more to do with the nigechuck and not the wii remot olwy you know

S W gave it a9:
EA has made many improvements on last years Madden for the Wii. Simply choose not to use the "All Play" feature and you will find your self a deep and well thought out game. [Anonymous] who scored the game 0, obviously has "All Play" activated which explains why the game doesnt make any sense to him. Without it, the game is great fun. With it, my wife can choose to use it and jump in totake a few snaps with me. Win - win.

Peter C. gave it a3:
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.

Ohshi A. gave it a10:
A solid football game for the Wii, the dumbed-down controls make it easier to play than the next-gen versions.

John T. gave it a9:
Finally, EA has done it right. It isn't the BEST football game in the world, but it is SUPER fun, and plays like a breeze! If you are wery of this game because of the lackluster showing that was NCAA--don't be. Night and day, really. Which makes me sad because I prefer college to pro--but if you are any kind of football fan and have a Wii, you need to pick this up.