Madden NFL 13 Review

Game Reviewed: Madden NFL 13

Release Date: August 28th, 2012

Developer: Tiburon

Publisher: EA

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox 360], PlayStation 3

Genre: Sports

Rated: E for Everyone

If you’ve ever been a fan of Madden NFL, this is the year to get up and do some back flips, tailgate at your home when you power up your XBOX 360 or PlayStation 3, and grab your war paint to prepare for the occasion. Why? Madden NFL 13 has personified what it means to redefine and recreate a masterpiece. All that’s to say, if you’ve been waiting for the right year to buy Madden, that year has arrived.

Madden NFL 13 was a struggle to write as it was difficult to put down the controller. There are more updates to this year’s edition than anyone could have expected. It’s a genuine classic well in its prime.

It all begins with the seasoned CBS commentary team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, calling play action from their very own 3D booth. Jim and Nantz real life partnership in commentating makes each and every play feel that more exciting.

Supporting the team and calling all of the action are the new camera angles. Anywhere from replays to the highlight reels, there are plenty of new angles to make all your big plays shine.

When discussing the play action on the field, it’s imperative to mention the beating heart of Madden NFL 13, the Infinity Engine. There are so many mechanics that work within the engine, you’ll almost never experience the same play twice.

There has been plenty of plays that made my eyeballs almost pop right out of the socket. When using my HB to run up from some yards, I’ve literally tripped and fell over my own blocker. Other times, I’ve been lucky enough to fluidly gain my stance after being tackled, but not knocked to the ground. True this happened in previous Maddens, but NEVER like what you’ll experience this year.

At the same time, some tackles have resulted in more frequent injuries. The physics in a player’s build of the body can make all the difference in plays; just as much as the tackles themselves. While to a few it may look silly to see players climb over each other in a rush to get off the ground, it’s actually the engine giving realistic reactions to interactions between  the players impact.

The QB and receivers play like a hand and glove this year. While it may take a bit of adjustment to those used to being able to make those impossible catches, Read and React will make you take your time with play action.

Receivers can’t catch what they can’t see! So, when dropping back – which also received plenty of new animations –  you have to keep an eye on the receiver acknowledging you for the ball.

At the same time, defense works the same way. They can read and react to the play for a reflection or interception. Don’t expect them to just swat what they can’t see or catch miracle-like interceptions.

When playing Madden for XBOX 360 you have the ability to call audible and change your plays with Kinect. I’d recommend using the Kinect tuner will help voice recognition as initially the sensor didn’t properly pick up every call. Simple calls like “Set Hike” or “Alert” picked up, where as simple calls like “Timeout” we’re inconsistent.

When looking to develop time into a player you’ll once again have the Franchise Mode, Madden Moments to relive some of NFL’s most memorable moments and the biggest add-on for Madden NFL 13, Connected Careers (online and offline).

Connected Careers places you under the scope as either a football player or coach. As a player, you’re striving to make it to the top and reach the pinnacle of  your career, claiming Hall of Fame status. In duration, you’ll be mentioned in top stories and live Twitter feeds from Adam Schefter, Skip Bayless and plenty others.

If the Connected Careers alone didn’t amp you up, how about the all new Game Face. For the first time ever Madden NFL 13 allows you to put your face in the game. EASports.com/GameFace has an updated, 3D technology that truly puts your real life textures, scars, freckles and bumps in the game. If you have them, they’re there in HD. You can make all the minor changes like skin tone, eye color and hairstyle. The final result is so pristine, you’d swear you were at EA Studios for a photo shoot.

Graphics in Madden NFL 13 are beyond expectations. Controls are easy to gather, with the addition of speed burst being added back into the control scheme.

In the end, Madden has given everyone the chance to create their own Monday night footballs, Sunday NFL specials and more with the most innovative engine available only on Madden. The mechanics without a doubt will win gamers over this year confirming yet again, Madden is the big bad wolf. NFL gaming will never be the same, literally.

The Scores

Gameplay: 4.75/5

Visuals: 4.5/5

Audio: 5/5

Controls: 4.5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.75/5