Gets all the little things right. A must for any sports fan.
Gameplay- completely revamped this time around. Animations are slick, smooth, and you don't see the same ones every time. Spectacular Catch has been toned down, which is a lot more realistic. Running backs' jukes dont go across the entire O-line and running is a lot more realistic. Some complain that it is impossible to do, it is just something you must get used to. Getting 100 yard rushing games in every game isnt possible anymore. When your receiver gains a little bit of room deep, the lob pass doesn't work every time anymore. Overall, the game play is a lot more realistic and life-like. Although one problem with the AI is that when they have an open field to run to, (possibly for the first down) they run out of bounds. This has occurred a number of times, but EA is addressing the problem.
Graphics- Amazing. EA delivers again with its visuals in madden 2009. Player models are amazingly unreal and weather visuals are unbelievable. Shots outside of the stadium add a very nice touch. Although fans in the stands still look pretty average, you only really see them during a touchdown. They aren't much of a worry. Bench players are improved, but not completely different.
Audio/Commentary- Commentary in the game is vastly improved over the radio announcer, but still has improvement to be made. While the main commentator (his name slips my mind) is very well drawn out, the other who speaks from time to time is monotone and sometimes annoying. You can hear the break in his voice when he comments on some plays. Lets say that tom brady completes a pass, the commentator would be like brady...completes a pass for 15 yards. It is just something you can hear when you play. Audio is great in the game, gameplay sounds are nicely done. I can't say much about the soundtrack because I don't like rap very much. I just shut off the rap songs and put on the classic NFL songs.
Differences from Madden 08/Features- The biggest and newest feature in this madden is the madden IQ. You take some tests, and based on your results, the game makes a personal difficulty for you. Very user-friendly. User-controllers touchdown celebrations exist now as well. For the first time in a madden game, you can break out of a tackle after making contact. The new cameras give gameplay a new feel. On a break away, the camera slowly zooms in a somewhat resemblance of the camera when you sprint in gears of war. On a big hit using the hitstick, the camera shakes the screen a bit. Before the preplay, there can be a camera in the huddle, above the line, or showing the linemen set up. On a deep pass, the camera doesn't automatically show the receiver, it zooms out a bit and then comes in on the receiver. I like the new views, its a nice touch.
Online- I have played quite a few games online, and I have had no problem with lags or disconnections. I honestly don't know what other people are talking about. My online experience was smooth. I am not in a madden league yet, but i heard they are underwhelming. I can understand that since this is the first year they are set up.
Last words- This is must for a hardcore madden fan, person looking for a football game, sports fan, ANYBODY! This is the first madden that truly feels next-gen. Overall, a great game that any newbie or hardcore fan can play and have fun