Game Overview
NFL fans all around the world will be buzzing about this title like they are every year when the new version is being released, this year though there is more than ever to be excited about, with a new game mode, graphics that will delightfully caress your eyeballs and a soundtrack to match! Madden 07 officially has it all!

It actually disappointed us at first with no starting video sequence to wet your appetite, it was something we sat around waiting for so we could all let out manly screams of excitement but it never came which was a bit of a let down, needless to say it didn't get off to a good start! But it soon compensated for the loss of entrance video by blowing us away with everything else!

The new game mode this year is a NFL Superstar Hall of Fame mode where you create your own character and basically play a career with that player. they have one designated position which is determined by what your parents were like as people i.e. jobs, IQ, hobbies etc. You then have to go through daily training (which does get a little tedious), take press conferences, sign and sack agents and of course play in the games! It's not actually as involved as it sounds but it does make for good entertainment. The only problem being is that because your trying to get your player to legendary status you control him and only him in games so you aren't always playing, this did annoy us a little bit but if anything its points added for being more realistic.

As we said earlier the graphics will caress your eyeballs until you leave a dodgy stain in your pants! They are magnificent, especially when you have your state of the art console plugged into a state of the art HDTV, it makes us quiver just thinking of it. The detail in the player’s faces, clothing, the pitch and the shine on the players helmets is unbelievable! Much like a kebab after a heavy drinking session, it's something that everyone has to experience!

What did have us confused (for once it wasn't the rules) were the cut scenes between plays. You'll be happily playing along with your mates, you make the 1st down and it's time to chose a play from the extensive play book and all of a sudden a shot of a wall will appear on your screen, or some rocks piled up in the corner of the stadium. To be honest we aren't quite sure what was trying to be achieved by this but is really weird!

In game is where the fun really lies with Madden 07, and every other sports game! This year to add to the big hits, a huge amount of plays, great sound effects (which have got even better), touchdowns, field goals and punts there is the new influence points system. Every time you complete a pass, gain yards or pull of a crunching user tackle you will be awarded with "Influence Points", these can be used throughout the game to increase players abilities on the pitch to make it a little bit easier for your team mates to catch a 75 yard pass, whilst being tailed by two blokes who call themselves “Brick" and "Wall"! Thank god we don't play American Football!

One great thing about Madden 2007 is the achievement points, unlike last year they are fairly tricky to get hold of this year (which is a bit of a pain if you are addicted to them like we are) but the good thing about this is that it keeps you playing the game over and over again until you accomplish what seemed impossible! Yes, they are tricky to get but that’s all part of playing games, it would be boring if every game was easy!

Our Conclusions
We aren't going to recommend this game to everyone, although, seriously, you have to get a load of the graphics! Madden 07 is again, as last year, a game aimed at people who do know a bit about American Football, it does help to know the rules and the terms used within the sport otherwise your going to be lost within 2 minutes of switching your console on. Other than that it's a top game!

Overall Score: 8/10

Thanks to Shaun at EA.