Madden 2005

When it comes to sports game it doesn?t get any bigger than Madden Football. The Madden Series is the most popular console game in North America. The series has spanned over 15 years and since the inception of the latest generation consoles EA's Madden has never looked closer to the real thing. Next month Madden 2005 is set for release on September 16th in New Zealand. This year's instalment focuses heavily defensive side by introducing the hit stick, this gives the player to ability change the momentum of a game with a well timed hit from a defensive player.

This instalment of Madden looks to return bigger and better than even before. Past Madden's have made the offensive side of the ball the key to winning. With the rise of defensive teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots, this years emphasis is on D, and D is for Defence. This is where EA's Promo slogan kicks in Fear the D, with NFL's 2003 Defensive Player of Year Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens) gracing the cover.

Features :

Defensive Innovations

• New Hit Stick: Use the right analog stick to deliver the big hit. Time your hit right, and you can cause the key fumble. The Hit Stick can change the complexion of the game, paying off with new visual and audio elements as well as big time animations that will only occur with Hit Stick tackles.
  
• New Defensive Playmaker Controls: Use Playmaker Controls on defence to modify the assignments for any or all defensive players on the field, including receiver jams, blitzes and QB spy calls.

Franchise Mode gets even more Immersive

• Storyline Central: Tony Bruno hosts a weekly radio talk show, discussing current stories regarding your team and the league to make Franchise Mode deeper and more compelling. You can also view hundreds of stories regarding team personnel and league events in local and national newspapers, giving you key information to act on. Check your e-mail for important news from your coaches and staff. When your star player goes to the papers to complain he's not getting the ball enough, trade him or make him happy it's your call.
  
• Player Personalities Come to Life: Player morale become a factor, as players react to everything that happens to them in Franchise Mode, on field and off.
  
• Franchise Mode Enhancements: The all new in-season progression system rewards players for their performance during the season. Name team captains, tag players with the franchise tag and sign away restricted free agents to build your team.

Unprecedented Depth and Upgrades

• New Create-A-Fan: Create your favourite team?s fans by customizing your fan appearance with thousands of possible options for clothing, hats, face paint and wild team specific items. See your fans come to life in new in-game fan scenes.


• Enhanced EA SPORTS Online: Compete Quick Tournaments or a mini-game. Earn trophies and medals for special accomplishments.
  
• Authentic NFL Gameplay: Hundreds of new animations, an all-new balance based running system, an all-new pass blocking system, custom packages, custom hot-routes, formation shifts, playbooks with option routes and improved AI make the game look and feel more realistic than ever.
  
• In-Stadium Presentation: All new skies and amazingly realistic lighting, new dynamic weather that can change mid-game, and completely revamped sidelines with player celebrations change the look and feel this year. Feel the Super Bowl excitement from pre-game warm-ups to post-game celebration, including fireworks and confetti.
  
• New Commentary from John Madden and Al Michaels, joined by Jill Arrington: Get in the game with advanced analysis from the top announcing football booth including Game Story where they will set up the key match-ups and critical factors; Player Profile, where John gives his thoughts and opinions of today's greatest athletes as you control the action; and Franchise Commentary, where John and Al know the playoff implications of every game. Get the latest updates from the sidelines with new announcer, Jill Arrington.
  
• New Gameplay Modes: New Two Minute Drill, Practice and Situation game modes.
  
• Expanded Season Mode: Conduct trades, sign free agents, check team, and season stats, or become the NFL Champion.
  
• Get On the Trailer: Earn game MVP honors as John Madden?s Horse Trailer Player of the Game.
  
• The Real NFL: New team logos and player rosters for the 2004/2005 season.

For all the gamers who say Gridiron is too complicated for me?. The Madden tutorial sessions are the way to go, after you?ve learnt the tactics involved, put them to the test in the training mini camps. Ever felt Rugby 2004 and SJRL wasn't tactical enough, Madden 2005 is the definite way to go.

EA's Madden 2005 will be available from 16th September on PS2, Xbox and PC. The Gamecube version is delayed till 23rd September, pre order a copy from any good retail outlet at RRP $99.95.

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