Madden NFL 99


by

EA Sports (1998)


Obviously this is a football game. You have the option of playing single games, seasons, or even multi-year games.

This has become one of my favorite sports games. I really have enjoyed a lot of different things about the game (although it can be frustrating at times). First of all, the graphics are excellent, with or without the 3D graphics turned on. It tends to run a little slow on my computer with the 3D graphics so during important games I turn that option off. Afterall, there is nothing worse pressing the throw button to a wide open receiver for the game winning touchdown, when the computer decides its a good time to choke on the graphics. Naturally, your receiver then can't make the completion, but I digress. As I was saying, the graphics are outstanding and they do make quite an impression.

As for the gameplay, it is done really well also. Although there are some difficult moves to pull off, the gameplay does work. I would also have to say that Madden 99 has the best gameplay of the various PC football games that I have played. As for controllers, you can use either the keyboard or a game pad (I use the Gravis GamePad Pro).

Something that can't be overlooked in this review is the ability to play multiple years with one team. One of the coolest aspects about Madden 99 is that players retire, and you are forced to draft rookies, or make trades with other teams. Plus you can use a salary cap to limit the "super" teams of previous games. Finally, there is the nice feature of multiplayer support. My roomate and I used to play alot, and although there would occasionally be some lag, it was still an enjoyable game (for whomever was winning that is).

Perhaps the only negative to this game is that the commentary on the game is pretty weak. You get tired of Madden saying "whoa, he didn't see that hit coming!" or stuff to that effect. Another possible problem that some people have suggestes is that the game only lets you play a certain number of seasons before making you reset (I think it is 14). This isn't a problem for me, but some purists, object to any limits on the number of seasons played.

Rating

Graphics 9.2
Gameplay 8.5
Realism 9.5
Overall 9.1





Bottom Line: I haven't played any of the new (2000) football sims, so I don't really know what they are like. However, if you want a medium priced, but great football game, I would strongly recommend Madden 99.

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