American football is a game of four quarters (strage that). Its rough, its' tough and only the fittest survive! Can you make it big on the gridiron? John Madden football is your chance to find out.
On the title screen there are a variety of options that let you choose a side from a list of the sixteen most famous NFL and AFL teams or a John Madden all star team, choose the whether the game is sudden death, a play off or a regular season, select one or two players and set the quarter time.
Once those are chosen its on with the game proper. The action is displayed in 3D, viewed from above and behind the offensive team. As the game progresses the screen scrolls up and down the field and left to right in a realistic multilevel parallax to follow the ball.
There are a huge range of plays available to the player, and are chosen using a series of easy to use menus. First of all the main team is selected (big, fast, hands on and so forth), which gives access to a variety of plays (shotgun, running, pro-form etc.). Once a play is chosen a further set of windows open detailing an assortment of movements. Chose one of those and play begins. When the ball is snapped, the player takes control of the quarterback who then either decides to run or pass the ball. If the ball is passed player control is switched to the player controlling the ball, during the game you can control any player.
Although this seems very complicated at first, it's surprisingly easy to pick up and the sheer number of possible players is staggering giving you huge scope to develop your own playing style and you will need to do this to get all the way to the super bowl.
Music
John Madden's football features some amazing sampled sound effects. Who's responsible for this aural feast? Rob Hubbard, Rob is one of the most well known chip-tune composers. He started making music on his Commodore 64 in the mid 80s and has since made music for a number of consoles and computers like the Amiga, ZX Spectrum and Playstation 2.
Ive never been a fan of American football – after all, any game called football where you carry the ball has got to be wrong. But John madden is simply stunning. The sprites are brilliant – all the moves are there and the players jump, fumble and dive just like the real thing. The sound is staggering and you will be stunned when you hear "Its Good!" when you make an extra point. Despite all its features madden really shines in playability, don't expect to master this game in a few hours you will still be learning after weeks of game time.
Presentation – 4/5
Superbly presented throughout, with easy to use menus, a one or two player games and loads of options.
Graphics – 4/5
Incredible multilevel parallax-scrolling 3d graphics and superbly detailed and animated sprites.
Sound – 4/5
An array of excellent soundtracks and utterly brilliant sound effects.
Playability – 4/5
The controls take some time to get used to but once you can call yourself a master you will be totally hooked. Pro-tip, read the well-written manual.
Last ability – 4/5
With its play-off and two-player options, this is a game that you'll be playing for years to come.
Overall – 4/5
This is the most stunning sports simulation ive ever seen! Its perfectly recreates all the thrills and spills of American football. There are so many amazing touches, I just don't know where to start: the gob-smacking 3d graphics which have to be seen to be believed, the superlative music and sound effects, the incredible amount amount of play options ... I could go on, but im sure you've got the message. John Madden's football is the best mega drive games ever.
A truly superlative sports simulation that's both highly addictive and technically stunning.