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I just read this article, posted on the Official Xbox website and it's excited me...
I can't wait for Madden NFL 09!

Like the gunslinging, risk-taking Brett Favre on the cover of Madden™ NFL 09, it's refreshing to see EA shrug off the comfortable check-down pass and toss up a long bomb, risks and all, injecting the twentieth anniversary edition of this most storied franchise with welcome innovation.
While there's no time for marathon sessions during E3 to dig deep into the Franchise and Superstar modes, even just a few minutes of hands-on time reveals a number of features that leap off the screen.

Don't bring that in here, rookie.

Look and Feel
Not since the shift from Xbox to Xbox 360® has EA executed such a dramatic upgrade to the game's look and feel. From the player models to field degradation, stadium ambience, fan detail, weather effects, a host of new animation routines, and a great deal more besides, Madden NFL 09 stands head and shoulders above any of its predecessors.
There are subtler changes at work here, too. For example, player control feels more grounded than ever. Rather than glide across the field, now you get a sense that every step connects with solid turf, every change of direction requires a real effort to change momentum, and every bone-jarring hit, is, well, just that.

Madden Test
The first few moments in-game find the player face to face with Madden himself as he not only offers up an introduction but challenges you to a four-part Madden Test. Upon completing these mini-game challenges Madden NFL 09 custom-creates your own My Skill difficulty setting as well as defining your overall Madden IQ.

I believe this is what you were looking for, number 11.

Gone now (if you choose) are the days of static difficulty settings like All-Pro or All-Madden. Rather, you'll face a different difficulty level for each facet of the game, such as passing defense or rushing offense, based on your test results. Your My Skill rating is re-evaluated after every game you play, readjusting each of the four categories based on your performance.

Collinsworth's Backtrack
Madden NFL 09 marks a return to the classic TV-style presentation, complete with an all-new broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Tom Hammond and the always straight-shooting Cris Collinsworth. Collinsworth in particular comes to the fore with his no-bull color commentary, highlighted by the brand new Backtrack feature.
Critical plays that swing the balance of a game are often given the Backtrack treatment, featuring Collinsworth's dissection of the play from start to finish. Complete with highlighted players, diagrams, and appropriate pauses for Cris to expound on a point, Backtrack isn't just entertaining; it's genuinely informative.

Add one to the tackle stat.

What's more, this feature highlights the play from several different angles, even ending by showcasing which play each team called while positing the selected play's percentage chance of success in the given situation.

Do Over!
Every Madden player has seen their carefully cultivated margin of victory brought to grief by some bone-headed mistake. Whether it's forgetting to pause when the phone rings, only to have the play clock run down, calling a Special Teams defense on mistake, or any number of other slipshod errors, it's human nature to goof on occasion. That doesn't mean it should cost you the game though.
Madden NFL 09 offers a bit of welcome leeway though with the Rewind feature. Depending on the assigned difficulty level or your own custom options, you're given a set number of plays to Rewind at your discretion, allowing you a second chance to dodge a Hail Mary bullet or simply correct a blundered decision.

Madden NLF 09 is a touchdown in any playbook.

Beyond the aforementioned meatier upgrades, here are a few subtle additions sure to catch the Madden veteran's eye:

• Active icons: During play in Madden NFL 09 you'll spot button prompts underneath whichever player you're controlling. For example, you might see LB Finesse under a Defensive End prior to the snap or RT Sprint when controlling the running back. Impressively, the button prompts shift to highlight the strengths of a given player.
• Madden moments: These historic recreations allow you to relive some of the NFL's most astonishing moments. For example, the Mile High Miracle asks you to drive Green Bay 82 yards down the field for the winning touchdown in overtime against the Broncos.
• Huddle Facts: Highlighted now on the play-calling screen are a number of features accessible with a flick of the right thumbstick. For example, you can immediately view a replay without having to pause the game, see a few highlighted stats pertinent to your situation, such as sacks or takeaways, and even view a tip or two.
• Fantasy integration: Not only can you now download Madden-specific Fantasy Football tools to host your own offline draft, but you can then upload the results of your draft online, view live stats on gameday and even play your fantasy team in-game.

Madden NFL 09 takes seriously its responsibility for greatness, and for that we can be thankful. Look forward to more coverage as Madden NFL 09 nears launch.

Article by Ryan Treit

What do you think? Is anyone else from the UK community looking forward to this game?

Find out more about it by visiting the Official Madden NFL 09 website (link).

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