The franchise player of the EA Sports team goes deep and scores yet again.
Madden NFL 2004 wins on and off the field and improves upon an already great title.
Cover boy Michael Vick became the latest victim of the Madden curse. Vick, like predecessors Marshal Faulk, Daunte Culpepper and Eddie George had a less than memorable season after appearing on the cover.
I wonder who will get the kiss of death in '05?
Back to the game. Its realistic gameplay has evolved with the inclusion of Playmaker allowing you to change the game on the run and is as immersive as ever.
Off-field developments allow you to relocate a franchise in owner mode wherever you desire. There is no expansion mode as yet and I believe this would be the next logical step. However you have the chance to relent to common sense and finally bring football back to Los Angeles!
Comparing this game to its competitors is like comparing the aforementioned Mr Vick to NFL colleagues Drew Brees and Kordell Stewart – the other two are high on promise but haven't delivered.
The biggest compliment you can give a sports sim is this: When you watch the real thing on TV, do you instinctively reach for the controller???
This is as always the benchmark and a must for any sports game lover.