Madden NFL 2004

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]

GamePro

On the field is where Madden is money. All the player models have received another megadose of polygons. The PS2 looks even better than last year's version, but the Xbox and the GameCube really shine.

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.

Play Magazine

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

Deeko

Nearly every facet of the game is flawless, truly capturing the feel of running and playing in the NFL.

IGN

It has taken 14 years to get to this point, this peak of performance, and I can say, as someone who has actually played all 14 years of the series' various incarnations, that Madden NFL 2004 is the best playing, deepest, most complete Madden to date.

Operation Sports

With the tightened game play and unbelievably deep owners mode I honestly believe this is the best version of Madden yet.

GameZone

If there was anytime to purchase Madden for the first time, it’s now as this is by far the best of the bunch.

Sports Gaming Network

The advanced controls let you take unprecedented control of virtually every aspect of the game. With it the running game is improved and the defense rises to a new level. All this boils down to one great football game.

Armchair Empire

One of the most in-depth and enjoyable football titles to have ever hit the market, with the exception of "Joe Montana 94." Sorry, but that’s the greatest game of all time.

Game Revolution

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. The lack of online play is a disappointment, but even so, this is a great football game.

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.

GameSpy

With added depth to the on-field action and expanded management options, Madden 2004 is a game worth picking up regardless of whether you're a rookie to the series or a diehard veteran.

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.

Talk Xbox

With the addition of Playmaker controls, Owner Mode, custom sound tracks, and much more, it is clear that Madden has set a new high for games to follow.

Game Informer

Madden is still excellent, but has left the door open to its competitors. [Sept 2003, p.117]

Cheat Code Central

The game has several improvements and new features, which adds to the replay value. Although the owner mode may not appeal to everyone, the game offers plenty of other features to keep any football fan happy.

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.

eToychest

I defy there to be a better football game this year.

Xbox Nation Magazine

Aurally and visually stunning, Madden 2004 is easily the best re-creation of digital football ever made. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.94]

Cincinnati Enquirer

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

Official Xbox Magazine

The problem is simply that there's no online play, and that's huge considering that the other guys do it, and do it well. [Oct 2003, p.72]

GamingTrend

The big thing to talk about in this section is the Owner mode section of the Franchise mode... This honestly is an unprecedented move by EA and it is really an exciting section of the game.

Team Xbox

The only gripe I have is the lack of a fully customizable control scheme. With playing all the various available football games, it becomes a nuisance to get used to each game’s specific control scheme.

netjak

I was a bit disappointed in some of the bugs that existed in the title. At least once a game I noticed a flicker... It didn't hinder any gameplay, but it was noticeable... The bottom line here folks, is that Madden has once again set the bar high for its competitors and has flexed its digital muscles.

TotalGames.net

To say that Madden 2004 is challenging would be a massive understatement. It has an uncanny ability to leave you shouting at the screen when your opponents seemingly know what you are going to do even before you do it.