Madden 09 PSP Review

Let me preface this review by saying that I'm not the biggest fan of EA Sports Football. I feel that EA has taken huge steps backwards the last few years in their football gaming department, while their hockey and soccer gaming departments have taken huge leaps forward. Call me an EA hater, call me whatever you'd like, but I hold EA to the same standard that I hold every single other gaming company in the industry, and the fact of the matter is that EA's next gen football efforts have been lackluster at best.

That having been said, Madden NFL 09 for the PSP is the single finest effort I've seen in sometime from EA as far as a football game goes, and it's a far greater effort than NCAA Football for the PSP. The difference is almost night and day.

Let's start in the graphics and sound department. The graphics seem largely improved over the 08 version for PSP. The player models have more detail as well as the stadiums. The sound
is as per usual with John Madden, a bit ho-hum. It's the same tired commentary that we've heard for years, and I certainly hope that the new commentary team from Madden 09 on the big consoles makes it to the small screen next year.

Gameplay for Madden 09 is amazing and with the right combo of sliders (Rodster's from our very own forums), and it makes for a very enjoyable playing experience.

Madden 09 plays so well and has so many options on the PSP that at times you forget you're playing on a handheld system. I saw no issues with fumbles or interceptions and short of a few dumb AI decisions, I have had several great games. The Franchise mode has all the
options that you've come to know and love from it's console brethren: training camps, preparation, preseason games, trading block, etc.

At times, the computer AI doesn't make wise decisions with clock management, but it's not an issue in all games and only happens on occasion. I had no trouble running or passing the ball and saw no franchise or other issues.

The bottom line is that Madden for the PSP is one of the best versions of video game football that I've played. I give it a 9 out of 10.