Madden NFL 09

Critic reviews

• GRGames Radar+

  Rich Grisham · Jun 24, 2012

  8.0

  We’ll happily play all season long, during which we’ll invent a thousand more reasons to love and hate it all at the same time. No matter what, though, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t a tad disappointed that this year’s version didn’t make the same jump we’d gotten accustomed to the last two years. We were ready for the ’73 Dolphins, but got the ’84 ‘Fins instead.

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• DDestructoid

  Brad Nicholson · Aug 28, 2008

  7.0

  As a whole, the game is improved, even if the Madden IQ cover has been blown. The new camera, net, play disguising and celebrations are good additions. But the real problems still exist in the core of the game. The AI will still consistently screw you on either side of the ball and the same issues like quarterback speed, pump faking, and throwing mechanics are still present.

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• CCheatcc

  Jonathan Marx · Aug 12, 2008

  8.8

  As you can tell, there are a lot of new features this year, but none of them are of much consequence. If you own Madden 08, there is no truly outstanding aspect that makes a repurchase necessary. In fact, the Superstar and Franchise game modes are nearly identical, and the Online Leagues aren't impressive enough to outshine the excellent online play of last year. However, if you've got money to burn, Madden 09 is a great game to have in your collection.

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• IIGN

  Nate Ahearn · Aug 12, 2008

  8.8

  Madden 09 could easily be swept under the rug by the casual onlooker as being, “just another release.” And, for the most part, it is, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of your cash. Madden NFL 09 is the most loyal translation of America’s favorite sport I’ve ever seen. It looks great, plays great, and despite its few moments of inaccuracies, is still one of the best sports games in memory.

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• GGameSpot

  Aaron Thomas · Aug 11, 2008

  8.0

  Madden 09 could have been better. For every addition, like the backtrack feature, Collinsworth, or improved visuals, there's a problem that rears its ugly head, like the unchanged Superstar mode, poor pass coverage in the middle of the field, or underwhelming online leagues. Newcomers will still face a steep learning curve, but if you're a football fan or series veteran, you can't go wrong with Madden 09.

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• EGEuro Gamer

  Dan Whitehead · Oct 30, 2008

  7.0

  Like most EA Sports releases, Madden 09 is a good re-entry point for anyone who's skipped a few years, but less than essential for anyone who picked up last year's edition. The changes may be numerous, but few feel essential and you're always aware that many of them will be back next year, in a further refined form.

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