BlackViper's Full Review: Madden NFL 2000 for PlayStation 1
The Madden series of football games is the greatest series of football games for any platform. Games have tried to overcome Madden, but none have been able to. So, just what does Madden do for the new millenium? EA Sports managed to improve the series even more!
First of all, the graphics have improved a bit from the Madden '99 game. Controls have improved a little bit, too. The sound, as always, has improved with the players having something to say after they do something big, such as "I got you all day..." or "Quarterback must think I'm playing on his team!" Excellent. I've never really been a big fan of rap music, but I have to admit that I like the opening song of Madden 2000. It just fits football so well. (Man, get out my way and watch out as I come through... Coming in your line and busting helmets in two...) Heh. Sorry about that.
Second of all, Madden 2000 features a Franchise mode in which you get to take the coaching position of your favorite team and lead your team through as much as 30 NFL seasons, each complete with drafts at the end of each season. You also have to negotiate contracts with your players... It just gives you a more realistic feel of the frustration of being an NFL coach.
You can run a team practice in which you can try different plays against different defenses. Madden 2K features a play editor in which you can create your own play, however, I think that it is a little difficult to come up with a unique play that actually works well. If you can get used to it, however, it can be very helpful, as you can even create your own playbook.
The best addition to Madden 2K has to be the Madden Challenge. You earn challenge points by completing certain tasks that were pre-set, such as "Complete a 30 yard pass" or "Complete a 20 yard run". There are many, many tasks that you must complete. Once your points reach a certain level, you can unlock codes which give you special teams, special stadiums, and many other features.
I have to admit that Madden's announcing has gotten a little bit worse this year, however. Some of the things he says are just plain stupid, and I think he could have had some more things to say. The announcing needs some work.
Overall, Madden's new features more than overcome its minor announcing problem. Madden just refuses to stop getting better, and this year Madden delivers a huge tackle to all of its competitors. Will anybody be able to take the behemoth known as Madden down? I don't think so...
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.