Texas Gamer hits the gridiron with Madden '07

This years title, is head and shoulder pads above last year's effort from Electronic Arts.
Graphically, the game still manages to impress, especially the Xbox 360 version and assuming of course you've got a really nice HD set watch it on. But, even the current "gen" consoles have received a bit of a visual upgrade proving there is still just a little more power left to squeeze out of our soon to be dated current crop of consoles.
To the seasoned Madden player, there aren't a whole lot of changes in the actual game play though, save for a few tweaks with the controller layout, but then again if it aint broken, don't fix it.
There was one significant change that I found very useful: The new "kick control". Gone is the old button mashing method of kicking where you weren't exactly sure if your timing was going to be right or not thus ruining that last second field goal attempt to win. Now, gamers can use the right analog stick by pulling it back for power and pushing it forward to keep the kick in line, keeping a nice fluid control on your kicks. It is a little frustrating at first, but rest assured with a little practice you'll find yourself forgetting how it used to be done.
Another interesting addition is the introduction of the lead blocker control. Players can now choose the lead blocker, or maybe an offensive lineman, before the play starts and attempt to pave the way for the shifty guys in the backfield to gain some yardage. Although interesting in concept, this feature is a little difficult to grasp. During the first few attempts I was having issues remembering that I wasn't actually controlling the running back and by then I was 10 yards down the field and my running back wasn't! This is a great feature that will definitely take some getting used to but, I believe EA is on to something with this total control type football.
The franchise mode and NFL Superstar modes are still available, yes, even on the 360 this time around. Both revamped with new tools for the really intense "Maddenites". Players are now assigned "roles" for their team, which can come in handy when you're trying to find out who to keep on the team and who to dump! Watch your trades though, players now react to new contracts, team captains being named, and what the game refers to as "shopping players around" and sometimes it can be detrimental to your success. Of course it's no surprise when you start a franchise with the cowboys that T.O.'s morale is already dangerously low.
Madden continues it's tradition of being the premier NFL title , of course being the only one helps too!