Madden '97

Review by: Gene Silva

My review of Madden 97' is as follows. I'm very dissapointed with the new release.

GRAPHICS 6/10

The graphics are nice and the stats are also impressive. But it doesn't make up for the gameplay.

GAMEPLAY 2/10

The game is too offensive minded and almost all the defenses stink. You can't even flip your defenses from left to right. To be successful in this game you have to play like a run and shoot team. Passing is the key to victory in this game. I feel the defenses should have been more solid and a receiver shouldn't be able to catch a ball between 4 defenders, the passing is way too easy. Another thing is that it's impossible to run back a kick return or punt return because even lineman can catch your kick returner on a straight sprint down the field! The speeds of players aren't implemented. Me and my friends have to make rules in order to make the games realistic. Like mandatory punt if it's 4th down and 2 or more. You must run the ball once every 3 downs. I think John Madden would have wanted a more defensive game.

SOUND 4/10

The sound effects are O.K. Not the type of sound effects you expect from a CD.

OVERALL 3/10

This game stinks. It might be fun for the younger kids who don't really care if it's realistic or not, but for football fans and for gamers who like a realistic game this game is not for you. I'm still in shock over the good reviews this game received! You figure after so many years of Madden games they would finally get it right. If you got money to waste, buy it. Cause that's what it is A WASTE.