Madden NFL 08 is the series’ third Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 console generation installment. It includes standard roster updates, control tweaks, and various new features.
A new read-and-react system is the critical gameplay update. Star players are awarded “weapon” categories that describe their specific skill set. On the field, a button press reveals mismatches that account for these weapons, signaling when to make last-minute play alterations. The franchise mode has been improved and now features mini-games for player training and a Front Office Mode (similar to Owner Mode in previous editions). A new rookie potential feature labels players as “gems” or “busts” after a few years in the league based on their draft potential, and these labels influence their numbers.
The previous year’s Madden points have been replaced with the Rings of a Champion system. Task completion results in rings and trophies. Trophies can be risked in games against both the CPU and human opponents.
