Madden Nfl 08 By Lindy Smith on Feb 11, 2008 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

I've been a die hard Madden player and football fan since 1992. Every year that a new version of the long running franchise is released, there are some growing pains transitioning from the previous year's model. With Madden 08, the learning curve is that much steeper. You not only have to deal with changes from last year's version, in some cases, you have to overcome the switch from PS2 to PS3. For me, that has taken away some of the luster of an otherwise fine game. The sounds and graphics are incredible. The players and coaches look exactly like their real life counterparts and Marshall Faulk provides opening game remarks. The gameplay is the only place where the game lacks.The focus seems to be on the defensive side of the ball and it has been skewed a little too far. The clairvoyance exhibited by some of the defensive players leaves me shaking my head more than once a game. There are cornerbacks who can jump a buttonhook route faster than the wide receiver who is supposed to be running the route. Interceptions and costly fumbles at the most inopportune times leave players frustrated and wondering what you have to do to win the game. It seems as though momentum plays a huge role because when it rains in the game, it pours. No matter what team you use, once you start making mistakes, it's very difficult to turn it around and pull off a victory.