Madden NFL 06

At launch time last year, EA Sports helped kick of the Nintendo DS lineup of titles with games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Madden NFL 2005. Last year’s Madden game on Nintendo’s new portable wasn’t quite perfect but it did bring us a slightly more enhanced version of the game and slightly better graphics than the Game Boy Advance version. Now Madden NFL 06 is here and, while very little has changed since the last outing, this is still the best way to get your quick portable NFL fix.

The Nintendo DS just doesn’t rely on better graphics, wireless multiplayer capabilities and an inventive feature like a microphone. It’s the touch screen that stands out and while it was used (sparsely, I might add) last year Madden NFL 06 gets a newer kicking and passing controls via the flick of a Stylus or a finger. Ok, so it’s not a breakthrough gameplay-wise but it’s better than nothing.

Kicking requires you to move the Stylus to a starting point and draw a line down the center of the screen while attempting to do it quickly and as straight as possible to make the kick a good one. With the touch of the screen you can access player positioning, yardage and all the tools you need to call a Hot Route or carry out an audible. You also use the touch screen to control the replay view and speed. Passing requires you to direct your throw by using the Stylus and directing it to the player you want in the Field Radar. Ah, maybe next year we’ll see even more uses for the touch screen but what’s here works well enough.

For those who missed the 2005 game, this year’s game brings back the surprising number of game modes and mini games that might not rival the console version but its still enough to satisfy fans of the game. Once again there’s Season, Tournament, Two Minute Drill, Custom League, Situation, Great Games and Practice mode. Then there’s the new addition of Franchise mode that fans having been craving for and a round of applause is definitely needed because it’s deliciously deep. You can use your favorite team or create your own team (designing everything from uniforms to what type of stadium) and control their every exploits in Franchise mode. There are weekly stats, league news, manage rosters (by signing free agents or making trades) and keep track of your team’s overall morale. 

The other mini games and features are a football gamers dream come true. There’s Situation, a mode that lets you set up your own game situation and play off it and then there’s Great Games where you’ll play historic games (such as the 1957 game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers) and change the course of football history. Two Minute Drill places you in a timed situation and offers a real challenge. And speaking of challenging the opponent AI has stepped up their defensive plays, which makes even the normal setting really tough.

As for the visuals the game looks as good as it did last year only now there are more animations and a much prettier presentation when it comes to menus, stat screens and replays. The players still look a bit too pixilated but it’s still way better than what we see on the Game Boy Advance. What doesn’t work is the camera angles that often obscure receivers and becomes something of an annoyance. Still there are good tackling animations and that’s not bad ... just a bit disappointing.

The game’s sound brings a few tunes to the main menu but you’ll hear them repeatedly each time you bring up the main menu. Good thing there’s more stadium sounds with all the usual bells and whistles only just a tad toned down thanks to the sound limitation of the DS. The Al Michaels and John Madden commentary is more pronounced but then again you’d hear Madden repeat the same few phrases often.

What we have here is one of the most loyal portable versions of the much loved and much sought after Madden franchise. Madden NFL 06 on the Nintendo DS is far from perfect but for the die-hard football fan you might overlook its little faults enough to enjoy the game’s best features. Until the PSP gets a Madden game, this is the handheld version sports fans will want to own. 

Gameplay: 7.5
The feel of last year’s game is back and that can be seen as a blessing or a curse. Still (if you’re able to work around its shortcomings) Madden NFL 06 plays good enough. Unfortunately the touch screen isn’t put to better use again but what’s here isn’t that bad.

Graphics: 7.0
There’s a slight visual improvement from last year’s game but the issues with the camera angles are still a major pain. Still, with the slight improvement we see nicer animations and the players are more distinguishable on the field.

Sound: 7.0
Madden and Al Michaels have a more prominent presence in the game and that’s a good thing but the stadium sounds filled with cheering fans and the rival team barking at other teammates is the clear winner in this game. There are tunes for the main menu that keeps recycling and that isn’t cool.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
The opponent AI is just a tad sharper this time around and, if you’re not careful, the defense will crush you faster than you can blink. There are challenges a plenty so you’ll be glad there’s a Mini Camp to hone your passing skills.

Concept: 9.0
Once again EA Sports has managed to cram most of our favorite game modes into the Nintendo DS version so there’s plenty to return to again and again. The touch screen still isn’t utilized effectively or creatively but with wireless multiplayer and some improvement from last year it’s not a bad package for football fans.

Multiplayer: 8.0
Wireless multiplayer is where its at and who doesn’t like taking on a friend without having to take out cables to hook up each system like, um, the Game Boy Advance crowd? There are even a nice number of mini games to share with a friend.

Overall: 7.5
While it's not a major departure from last year’s launch title, Madden NFL 06 still has enough goods to make this one a mighty decent portable football game for the armchair quarterback in all of us. It’s just too bad that EA Sports hasn’t really stepped up the game’s minor faults from last year. Still, this one is worth the purchase price.