“Madden '12”
Xbox, Wii, PlayStation 2 and 3, Sony PSP
4 out of 5 Pitchforks
Released: Aug. 26, 2011
At an early age, the future seemed set. A highly successful career as quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals was laid out before me and life was glorious, but as I watched my childhood hero Boomer Esiason lose in the waning seconds of Super Bowl XXIII to the evil Joe Montana and his loathsome San Francisco 49ers, I knew then that nothing in life was guaranteed.
As the years went on, what once seemed within grasp slipped through my hands, unlike that infamous catch made by No. 82 John Taylor with 35-seconds left in the game on Jan. 22, 1989.
Where my physical attributes failed to impress even Pee-Wee League coaches, less seemed enticing at the middle school and high school levels. Coupled with parents who wouldn’t sign the permission slip, years of soccer and marching band were all I had.
Until one day, the discovery of playing football via video games came into my life.
Since its inception, the “Madden” NFL franchise has dominated the sports video game market. Each year that the game has been released, hordes of people both young and old have proven that they too have what it takes to be great in what has truly become America’s greatest game.
“Madden ’12” makes its way into the consumer marketplace today and fans around the world will sit back with their feet up and become legends of the gridiron all over again using only their thumbs.
Of course, the game itself hasn’t changed much. Yes, the graphics are better. Yes, the playbooks are expanded, but the truly awe-inspiring aspect of the game is the completely revamped “Franchise Mode.”
Once selected, the player will be in complete control as acting owner, general manger and head coach. Every decision in the back office is yours to make, good or bad. Coaching staff, trainers, depth-chart structuring (and re-structuring), the draft — even Pro Days, scouting, and the NFL Combine are presented to you with near flawless execution.
You can be as involved in the game as you want to be. If time or responsibilities limit your ability to micro-manage your team to the epic proportions made available, simply simulate to the next stage. You can develop young players through each of the four-preseason games. You can designate players with specific roles like “Team Mentor” (Chad Pennington) or “Franchise Player” (Larry Fitzgerald).
As cliché as it might sound, everything is literally at your fingertips. If you are unsatisfied with how your team is doing, you can jump ship and join another without starting over, even if you are three-years deep into the process.
A word of warning — establish legitimate depth at every position. The injury setting can only be set to “on” or “off,” and where only true students of the game will ensure that it is set to “on,” heed my advice — you will have injuries to deal with, routinely.
Be mindful of rewarding kickers and punters for having a “good” year too. For whatever reason, money turns these athletes ice cold.
Your reality is in many ways your dreams come true, so now, only one question remains — are you ready for some football?
Reach the reporter at jbfortne@asu.edu
