App Aims: Madden NFL for your iPhone; need we say more?

Reviewer’s Comments:
Few would deny the most recognizable franchise in sports video game history is Madden NFL. EA Mobile is now delivering this legendary gridiron action to the iPhone and iPod touch. The first thing you will notice in Madden NFL 10 is the stunning visual detail. The quality of the colors and textures is impressive considering the platform. Plays can be selected by either play type (run, short pass, long pass or special teams) or formation (single back, I-form, shotgun, etc). Defensive plays can also be selected by type such as blitz, short pass, etc. Because it is built on a touch screen platform, EA Mobile built Multi-Touch controls that allow you to select hot routes for passing plays. After selecting a passing play you can go in and edit the hot routes for each receiver to design your own custom plays.

One complaint that seems to come up often in user reviews is the lack of in game instruction. We didn’t have a problem with this, however. This game is easy to just pick up and play if you understand the basic functionality of an iPhone or iPod touch. Touch the screen to select plays, and touch the player to complete a pass. We don’t find this process difficult at all. Minor details are also evident such as the customary touchdown dances and after tackle taunts. There are a few minor inconsistencies we noticed during game play. In a few separate games we noticed the announcer saying “puts it in for his second field goal,” even though it was only the first field goal of the game. Also, there are no injuries in Madden NFL 10. We also noticed that the directional controls are not very responsive. The sluggish response makes it difficult to make good running plays or punt/kickoff returns. This being said, it appears EA Mobile intends to release an update in the near future that will include features like multiplayer mode and the ability to get roster updates and authentic throwback jerseys. We can only assume EA Mobile will also address minor playability issues as well and we look forward to the improvements.

Overall this is a great game. Even though it is not as elaborate as the console version, Madden NFL 10 for the iPhone and iPod Touch offers much of the same great gridiron action on the go. Also check out our mobile music and movie download reviews as well as our other iPhone App reviews to help you get the most out of your iPhone or iPod touch.