Madden NFL 11 Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: X360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: EA Tiburon	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: EA Sports	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Aug. 10, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Much like last year, outside of the exhibition and franchise modes, the real highlight of the game has to be the Superstar Challenge mode. This mode provides the player with a series of challenges, taken from actual events that occurred in the last football season. You can then either help to relive the event by making sure it plays out the same way as it did, or you can play the part of the spoiler, controlling the other team and ensuring that history is changed.

Madden NFL 11 screenshot

This is a great mode that gives any fans with regrets from last season (which should be everyone but Saints fans) the chance to stick it to the opposition after the fact, with a nice rundown of how history would have changed had things not gone the way they did. However, just like last year’s Madden, this mode has one flaw that severely detracts from the experience. Instead of playing through these events with the appropriate last year’s roster, you will be forced to tackle these events with the teams’ current rosters, effectively eliminating all authenticity.

All the modes aside, once you get on the field, the gameplay is as satisfying as it has always been. Though you won’t enjoy the same level of animations or physics as you would in the console versions of the game, this version does a respectable job of making the gameplay feel realistic. Actually, the only real complaint I have with how the game plays comes from the awkwardness during some running plays. When trying to execute a running play through the middle of your offensive line, instead of finding a seam or being tackled by waiting defensive linemen, sometimes you will find yourself stuck in a massive group of teammates and adversaries, unable to move. While this does break the immersion, it eventually rectifies itself, with one of the horde eventually managing to make contact with you so that you can move on to the next play.

As always, Madden on the PSP isn’t as fully featured or graphically impressive as its console counterparts, however, it still manages to pack an enjoyable football simulation experience onto a tiny UMD that can be played anywhere. If you played or own last year’s Madden, this game may be a tough sell for you as not much has changed outside of the roster and a new mini-game mode. However, if you’ve been away from the series for awhile or are a newcomer, Madden NFL 11 for the PSP is a solid football experience that shouldn’t be missed by fans of the sport.

By Adam Brown
CCC News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.8

Graphics
While the crowd looks pasted on, the models of players show a good amount of detail.

4.0

Control
Everything works well except for powering kicks with the analog nub, which can be awkward.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Cris Collinsworth does a fine commentary job once again and the soundtrack is great if you are into music from the likes AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne.

4.2

Play Value
Although you can’t play online and the only new mode is just a mini-game challenge, between the lengthy franchise mode and always entertaining Superstar Challenge mode, there is a ton of football enjoyment to be had.

4.0

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Exciting New Commentary: Gus Johnson, one of the most electrifying play-by-play commentators in sports, joins Cris Collinsworth in the booth, bringing a whole new level of excitement on every play.

Build an NFL Dynasty: Build a roster from the ground up or play with your favorite team year after year in a quest to dominate for 30 full seasons in Franchise mode.

Change History: Jets vs. Chargers in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Colts vs. Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. Relive these classic moments and the best from the 2009 season while playing the role of Hero or Spoiler in Superstar Challenge mode.

Fight for the Fumble: After making a big hit and jarring the ball loose from the ballcarrier, or when a defender strips the ball away from you, fight for the fumble against your opponent in a fast-paced mini-game that may determine the outcome of the game.

Design Game Changing Plays: Become the architect of an unstoppable offense or ball-hawking defense by creating your own custom plays. Customize your team’s playbook to fit your playing style and live out your masterpieces as you take down your biggest rivals.

Survive Mini-Camp: Put your stamina and skills to the test by challenging up to four friends in Mini-Camp Competition mode. Featuring up to three rounds of action and 19 drills, see if you have what it takes to come out on top.