Madden 2009 for the Wii

Despite the Wii being incapable of handling the new-age graphics that come with the newest seventh generation of console, the Madden 2009 really did hold it own this time around. I was impressed with Madden 2007, I was under impressed with Madden 2008 but this time around I was enthralled with the game. First, being that it allows for players of all different skills levels to get together and allow them to have a pretty interesting game(this feature is found in all verisons.) Secondly, the Wii's control movements are pretty well timed this time with passing the ball, running the ball, juking, kicking(however I did have a problem with catching the ball, I will explain later.) Due solely to the lack of hardware that the Wii possesses, the Wii does not have the back track feature and replay downs such as the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 has but it does have the telescreen and allows you to draw, point out the obvious, and annoying people just like the most beloved JOHN MADDEN. The Wii also allows for a cool five on five feature, it is basically a backyard football where your players are capable of having huge heads. Five on five is basically a water-down Madden game that you just play for fun or allowing for those who are not into the Madden franchise just to have fun at a slower paced game. There are roster updates available online (depending on whether or not you can get to a wireless source or have a built-in USB Internet.) Now for the downside. . . The control scheme is pretty good overall but when compared to 2007 calling audibles on the fly is a little bit annoying when you are used to doing things very "quick-like" like on the other two systems or 2007. I am a big blitzer, so I normally call one 3-4 or 3-2-6 scheme and change my line and linebacker before the ball is hiked for an amazing shutdown the Quarterback plays. Catching is also a bit of a pain because the Wii makes you do some funky raise the controls(nun-chuck) at the same time. This motion does not always register with the Wii bar receptor, causing a lot of missed catches and ball busting third and forth down plays. The new call your own shots audible does not always throw the ball where the receiver is but rather throws the ball where the player should be, which leads to a lot of interceptions if you are not watching what you are doing. Also the create a team feature and create a player character features are now gone in the Wii verison. In order to create players, you have to edit someone who is already alive on a roster or a free agent. It is not the same as creating a player but you still kind of get that same feel. Despite the down falls this is a pretty solid game definitely a buy for Wii owners alike. 8.3/10