Madden NFL 07

GamePro (US) (5 out of 5)

Room for improvement exists for any game, though there isn't too much here. The clever new minigames utilize unusual button arrangements and can be tough to control, while the in-game commentary tends to feel sparse and bare-boned, especially when compared to the constant broadcast chatter of NCAA. Rarely do a new platform's first generation titles live up to their potential and hype--but with Madden NFL 07, the second- and third-generation entries in this stellar series are going to have some mighty big cleats to fill.

Totally Gaming Network (9 out of 10)

In closing as an NFL fan, EA have given me a huge smile to walk around with. Madden NFL 2007 does have its slight problems but the gameplay is top notch and well worth your pounds and pence to experience what its like to be part of the NFL.

AceGamez (9 out of 10)

The more I play Madden NFL 07, the more I love it. It seems like every single time I play, I see something new, do something new and enjoy something new. Single player has never been deeper and more varied, while the online and multiplayer play is just as wonderful as it has always been. I haven't enjoyed a football game like this in a few years; this may be the only NFL simulation on the market, but you'd never know it by playing it - EA went above and beyond with Madden 07. There's no doubt that this will end up being one of the top selling 360 games by Christmas, if not the top, and both casual and hardcore fans alike should waste no time in grabbing hold of it - even if this means tackling that guy with the last copy who's making his way to the checkout!

Cheat Code Central (4.5 out of 5)

Madden has graced us with the greatest update of the genre since ’04, and once you pick up this year’s version you can never go back. This, of course, is no more true than on 360, where last year’s version was a huge disappointment. Madden ’07 is still a tad lighter than its console brother’s in the content department, such as the Madden Card and all the rewards therein, but this is easily forgiveable. This year will be the greatest Maddenday ever, Madden be praised!

PGNx Media (9 out of 10)

Madden NFL 07 manages to add new features, include previously removed features, and make the gameplay more solid than already was. Although not quite a revolution, it is an enjoyable and undoubtedly worthwhile evolution in the next-generation Madden franchise.

GameZone (8.8 out of 10)

A truly robust next-gen console experience. The build received for this review had some frame-rate problems and the load times seemed long (perhaps because of the anticipation of playing the game), but this is generally a top-drawer title, with great graphics and sound, and game mechanics that are very close to real life.

360 LIVE (8.8 out of 10)

(...) Zur Grafik und Atmosphäre sparen wir uns große Worte. Die Bilder sagen alles. Besitzer einer Röhrenglotze sollten sich noch schwarze PAL-Streifen dazu denken, und dass die Sprache im Spiel englisch ist und bleibt, wundert uns nicht wirklich. Dafür ist sonst alles großartig. »Madden NFL 07« ist eines der besten Sportspiele für die 360 und eigentlich ein guter Grund, sich bei bisherigem Desinteresse am Football vielleicht doch mal vom Fieber anstecken zu lassen.

GameTrailers (8.7 out of 10)

Madden NFL 07 for the 360 is a huge leap forward for the series, especially compared to last year's game. But it still falls a little short thanks to some annoying bugs and some gameplay issues that have been around for the past half decade. It's loaded with modes--some good, some bad, and if you felt burned by last year's game, the 07 iteration will restore your faith in the franchise, if only a little bit.

Da Gameboyz (8.62 out of 10)

Madden NFL 07 certainly lived up to my expectations and is a significant leap from last years version. The graphics are superb and the sound is sharp. The Superstar and Franchise modes are engaging and add further depth to this game. The overall gameplay has also been improved and it what makes this one of the highest selling games. There is certainly lots of room for improvement but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Eventually, EA will put out the perfect NFL game; unfortunately it’s not this year. That being said, every NFL fan with a 360 will likely own Madden NFL 07 and so they should as it has finally entered the realm of Next Generation.

TalkXbox (86 out of 100)

Madden NFL 07 is everything we hoped 06 to be and more. The gameplay is loads of fun, and the game is packed with numerous features. Madden fans of any size have no reason to avoid purchasing this one, and newcomers to the franchise will probably be sucked in for good.

IGN (8.5 out of 10)

The more I played Madden last year, the less I liked it. I've had the complete opposite feeling for Madden 07. Sure, there are still some flaws, but even if you just played Superstar mode, Madden is worth the money. This is the year EA Sports finally shows 360 owners what the series is all about, the trash talking, the head-to-head competition, the ability to create yourself and become a bigger star than the Seahawk on the box. Forget the curse, I'm headed to the Hall, one block, one IQ test, and two athletic parents at a time. This is the Madden gamers have come to know and love. Welcome back. Only next time, remember to bring Owner mode.

Atomic Gamer (85 out of 100)

Overall, my recommendation of Madden 07 on the Xbox 360 is conditional – if the items I’ve presented in the above list aren’t game breakers for you, the 360 version is a very worthy heir to the Madden throne. If, however, you’d really miss the ability to have a fantasy draft or playing with your buddy on the same team, you might just want to wait for Madden 08. Hopefully, EA gets everything right next year and brings out a full-featured game – the community likely won’t be as forgiving of these types of omissions next time.

GamingTrend (506 out of 600)

Does it matter? I mean, really. I’m having a hard time thinking what I, or anyone writes about Madden is going to have no impact on anything. Not that I think I have some kind of power over anyone at any time, but this game is in its own world. You’re either getting it, or you're not. By the sales numbers every year, I’m going to assume you’ve already got it. While it’s a better game than it was last year for the 360, it really isn’t THE football video game that we hoped for. I’ve always said that the best day of Madden football you will have every year will be the day before it’s released. At that point, there’s all sorts of hope and dreams running through your head. You have this vision of the greatest gaming experience of your life in just 24 short hours. Then the reality hits and you’ll settle into a pretty good football game that leaves you wanting more and waiting for next year.

Gamesmania.de (84 out of 100)

Madden NFL 07 ist eine Football Neuauflage mit guten, aber viel zu wenigen Verbesserungen. Während echte Fans der Serie vermutlich in jeder noch so kleinen Gameplay Optimierung einen Grund für eine Neuanschaffung sehen, können Gelegenheitsspieler beruhigt ein Jahr aussetzen und auf Madden 08 warten. Wer bisher kein Madden besitzt oder sich mit der abgespeckten Xbox 360 Version begnügen musste, sollte dagegen zugreifen. Madden NFL 07 ist eine gelungene Simulation des Sports, die jedoch als Vollpreisupdate zu wenig Neues bietet!

Game Over Online (84 out of 100)

Overall, this game is your standard Madden, with a standard amount of improvements and beefed up graphics and animations. It looks great, and the new gameplay features make this title well worth the purchase for Madden fans. Online play adds to the bundle, making this an easy recommendation for football fans. After all, it is Madden.

FileFactory Games / Gameworld Network (84 out of 100)

Madden 07 is a much improved offering over 06. Strides have been made as far as gameplay modes are concerned, but there is still plenty of room to improve the frame rate and online play. Not perfect by any means, but definitely worth the purchase.

TeamXbox (8.3 out of 10)

Madden NFL 07 is undoubtedly jam-packed with things to do, and most of them are enjoyable additions, but I would have preferred a better framework to begin with. With a bit more attention to in-game fluidity and detail, and the inclusion of core extras such as online leagues and co-op, Madden NFL 07 could have been stellar. It’s good for sure, but Madden NFL 07 isn’t a lock in this gamer’s Hall of Fame.

Gaming Age (B+)

As we watch the current gen engine fade into the stratosphere, will EA truly deliver the most comprehensive football title known to man for the next generation gamers? I guess we will have to see what the team has in store next season as they not only will have to please Xbox 360 fans, but the soon-to-be rabid PS3 fans as well. For this year, it is another solid year of football gaming with enough lasting appeal to get you by 'til next season's opener.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (B+)

As you can see, a lot went in to this year's Madden game, and it gives gamers a lot of stuff to wrap their hands around. The Lead Blocking adds an all-new dimension to the game, the Superstar Mode lets you live the life of a NFL player, and the countless number of options and features add up to hours upon hours of enjoyment. You would think that sooner or later, EA Sports would run out of ideas for a football game, but each year they manage to come up with something new. Madden NFL 07 is definitely an improvement to the series, not as much as some may like, but it is still an improvement.

Gamer 2.0 (8.3 out of 10)

The Xbox 360 version will be the recommended one because it’s the one that takes a big step, but you won’t get the true bang for your buck because the game’s franchise mode isn’t as polished as the older console versions. So if you’re more inclined to pick up one of the older console versions, we’d recommend the PlayStation 2 version because its controller is probably the most user-friendly, and it has a connectivity feature with the PSP that allows you to transfer an entire season in Franchise Mode from the PS2 into your PSP. To those who, for some reason or another, have never played Madden, this one is definitely a must-have. To everyone else, either rent the game first or buy it later. Simply put, it’s everything you expect--another year of football with another year of Madden.

Gamers' Temple, The (82 out of 100)

Overall Madden NFL 07 is enjoyable and football fans will enjoy their time spent with the game. It’s just a bit disappointing to see so many quirks in the game. Hopefully they are already working on ironing these out for Madden NFL 08.

Gamernode (8.1 out of 10)

In the end, Madden NFL 07 is an improvement on the series. With some new running features and an Xbox 360 version worth the price of admission, it seems EA is trying to prove that they still care about improving their game, even without competition. Sadly, the 360 version fell short of what was expected of it, and the current-gen versions are still superior. If you plan to play Madden '07 until next year's version comes out, you'd be better off getting it for the PS2 or another current-gen console in order to get the most features available in the franchise mode, allowing you to play the game longer. However, if you plan on picking it up just to have a football game to play on and off, by all means get it for the 360. It's not perfect, but the better graphics and better online play make up for the shortcomings -- as long as you aren't looking for a huge franchise mode.

ZTGameDomain (8 out of 10)

While Madden 07 is far from perfect, it really does take plenty of steps in the right direction. EA has given 360 owners a reason to rejoice as they finally have a pigskin title worth playing. The addition of Superstar mode alone makes Madden a worthy purchase for fans of the series and the online component really seals the deal. If EA can fix the lag and perhaps give next-gen gamers all the same features that their older console brethren have we will certainly be in for a treat. While everyone will buy this regardless of reviews, I can honestly say that EA has really made some great improvements to make up for last year’s rushed effort. It is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of the series or football in general.

Video Game Talk ( )

Madden 2007 isn't an overt joy to play, but it's not necessarily of poor quality. In many ways, this version of Madden seems eons above the debacle of last year. Electronic Arts have injected the much needed Superstar mode, a fun collection of mini-games and a more involving, personal experience into professional football. The effort put forth into Madden 2007 thankfully erases the horrific memory of the 2006 version. Adversely, the game is still missing gameplay modes such as the Owner mode and the achievements are nearly as abysmal as the previous year.

Official Xbox Magazine (UK) (8 out of 10)

Visiting every option screen and conveniently explaining all Madden 07's new features will take an age. Suffice to say with Xbox Live play, leagues and mini-games you're never going to be bored - unless you just don't like American football. If you do know the rules, you know Madden's the biggest and best NFL game around.

videogamer.com (8 out of 10)

There's no doubt about it, Madden 07 is far superior to its predecessor in just about every way, despite some glaring issues that prevent this year's gridiron game from being a true classic. The problem here is that Madden is still in desperate need of a makeover and although this year's NHL looks to be doing just that, Madden continues to be just another step in the right direction. However, its solid gameplay and ultra addictive Superstar mode more than make up for its blunders.

Xboxic (8 out of 10)

Madden is the best selling game in the world at the moment, so is it worth that title? Well, yes and no. It’s also the best NFL game on the Xbox 360 but that’s not so hard since it doesn’t have any competition. I’ve pretty much got the feeling that this is the Madden we were all waiting for when the Xbox 360 came out. Madden 06 was just a stripped down version of its current gen counterpart with upgraded graphics, but Madden ’07 is the complete experience with High Definition graphics. It’s pretty much the same but here and there are a couple of improvements that make this a better game. Animations and movements look awesome, gameplay is changed in a good way and the durability is improved by the Live franchise mode and by making your own superstar. If you’re a fan of Madden it’s a must-have, even though it’s not entirely perfect.

Wham! gaming (8 out of 10)

Don’t feel ripped off buying Madden this year, even if you have last year’s version. Here’s hoping, though, that ’08 brings some bigger changes to the field.

XBox Solution (XBS) (8 out of 10)

There is no sugar coating it: Madden 07 is not the Madden die-hard fans expected. However, it shows big changes overall from last year’s version and for that I give the team credit. Perhaps the play book editor and throw back uniforms will show up in the marketplace. In any case, looking back at both versions to hit the Xbox 360, Madden 07 looks the best and has more achievements that make sense. Here is hoping the third year will be the break out Madden we want as fans!

GameSpy ( )

It's not without its issues, but Madden NFL 07 is definitely a move in the right direction after last year's uncharacteristic misstep. The Superstar mode alone is almost worth the price of admission, although we wouldn't mind seeing it fleshed out just a bit more before next year's game. Hopefully, next year will bring even more features (Owner mode?) as well. That said, after playing this game, it's impossible not to daydream about spending lazy autumn Sundays watching football. The NFL season is upon us, and this is the perfect way to kick it off.

GamesRadar (8 out of 10)

When it comes down to it, next-gen Madden doesn't quite live up to standard set by current-gen. The game looks the part, but pieces of it just aren't right. The presentation, for instance, is beautiful, but baffling (the play selection menus are downright terrible). It'll get the starting job eventually, but Madden next-gen, like Bills second-year QB J.P. Losman, still has to bow to the veterans.

GotNext ( )

The best part about this travesty of the Superstar mode is that it doesn't bother me one bit or lower the score, because I don't care about it - nor does anyone else I know that loves Madden football like I do. All we want is a solid, fun, sweet-looking football game that we can play against each other in person or over Xbox Live. So while this year's game may not be perfect, it's more than solid and leads us all to believe that full-blown next-generation Madden greatness is not too much farther away.

Darkstation (8 out of 10)

You can see that after Madden 06 which was somewhat of a disappointment, Madden 07 is a game that is taking the series in the right direction. For those fans that just love Madden and are wondering if this version is worth picking up, I would say that the answer to that is yes. There is plenty of depth in Madden 07 to make this game a good solid purchase.

Yahoo! Games ( )

EA's challenge is not to simplify their simulation or stop adding detail, but to integrate those features so well that players can simply marvel at how advanced the game has become. The Superstar revisions are a step in the right direction, since they allow players to focus on the entire game one player at a time, but otherwise that's just not the case. As it is, Madden NFL 07 represents a solid buy for 360 owners, but we'd like to see the series really evolve along with the hardware that plays it.

Extreme Gamer (8 out of 10)

Madden has returned with a more solid offering for the Xbox 360. Fans will have lots to talk about this time around and the new features are all welcomed changes. I'm sure most Madden fanatics have already played a few season through by now, but for the others curious about this years Madden, it's not flawless, but it's worth the purchase. Until next year, this is as good as its going to get.

GameSpot (7.9 out of 10)

There's no denying that Madden NFL 07 comes up short on delivering all the improvements one would hope for after last year's disappointing debut on the 360. However, it does at least push the series in the right direction. There's no one big, game-changing feature added to this year's game, and the bugs are certainly going to hamper your enjoyment, but the culmination of re-added features and control upgrades give the necessary oomph to make the 360 version feel like more than just last year's game all over again. If you skipped 06, definitely give 07 a look, as it's far more representative of what a football game on the 360 ought to be like.

4Players.de (79 out of 100)

Die gute Nachricht gleich vorweg: Die 360-Fassung von Madden NFL 07 ist nicht mehr so stark kastriert wie im letzten Jahr. Trotzdem müssen sich Xbox-User immer noch mit deutlich weniger Inhalt als PS2- und PC-Besitzer zufrieden geben - und das obwohl sie für ihr Footballglück am tiefsten in die Tasche greifen. Mangels grundlegender Neuerungen werden sich aber wohl auch PS2- und PC-User fragen, warum das neuste Madden nicht als kostengünstiges Add-On, sondern als Vollpreistitel in die Läden kommt. Na ja, die Konkurrenz wurde erfolgreich eliminiert, Preiskämpfe sind nicht mehr nötig und der Druck von außen, sich ständig zu verbessern, gehört der Vergangenheit an. Schade für die Fans, schade für den Football. Versteht mich nicht falsch, Madden ist nach wie vor eine grundsolide Simulation, mit der Fans und Neueinsteiger nicht viel falsch machen.

Gamebrink (78 out of 100)

If youre asking yourself if you should buy Madden 2007, you need only ask yourself a single question: Do you like football games? If the answer is yes, then purchase it, if the answer is no, then dont. Its really that simple!

Kombo.com (7.7 out of 10)

We gave this title a high score the first run simply because of its presentation aspects, but hindering gameplay nuisances, bugs, and content absences will continue to keep the series from truly earning its famed status. This is the best football game on the Xbox 360 right now, but that's still not saying much.

411mania.com (7.5 out of 10)

There is good news and there is bad news for the future of football games. The bad news being that for at least the next year, gamers are without a football game that has much good worth. Once you’ve played through a half on a game, you’ll begin to get tired and disinterested. The good news is that EA is making progress. From 2006 to 2007 a lot of improvements had been made, but unfortunately not enough were made. There is a ‘back-to-school’ list of things that need to be redone for Madden 2008, and EA only has a year to do them. As far as Madden 2007 goes, it’s merely a rental.

Deeko (7.5 out of 10)

Madden 2007 isn't going to surprise you. If you've ever played a football game in the past 5 years, you know pretty much what you're getting. I've heard people yammer on about fatigue glitches (which admittedly I wouldn't notice unless I was looking for), missing commentary (I actually prefer the "EA Radio" announcer to Madden), and some little graphical quirks, but when you really get down to it, it's a fun game. End of story. Plus, as we all well know, it's gonna be the only NFL game for the next year. Love it or leave it, it's all we've got -- and it's not half bad. Not stellar, but not half bad.

Digital Entertainment News (den) (7.2 out of 10)

In all, Madden NFL 07 is an improvement over last year's severely-abbreviated effort, but in the final analysis, the game may have all the modes this year, but there's still a lot of catching up to be done for Madden on the 360 to really be as complete and polished as Madden on the original Xbox. Boo, EA!

Eurogamer.net (UK) (7 out of 10)

As always, all you're paying for here are some minor updates, a couple of simplistic new modes, and that new season / franchise data. Unless you're an absolute addict, there's no need for this game. If you are an absolute addict, there are better games out there. If you insist on buying this, just remember; if you want to play any multiplayer, in a year's time you'll probably have to buy another one.

Daily Game (7 out of 10)

It's still the same old Madden, emphasis on old. The mini-games are fun, but next time focus on fixing those bugs and giving us some more meat, OK guys?

Game Freaks 365 (6.7 out of 10)

I love this series. I look forward to the annual Madden game more than most games throughout the year. Madden NFL 2007 looked like it would be the bright spot for Xbox 360 sports games, but it ends up swimming around in the same frustrating waters that it did last fall. Madden NFL 2006 got away with some of its flaws, simply because it was a launch title. Madden NFL 2007, which came out nine months later, can’t escape the same flaws and some of the other new ones caused by Superstar Mode. EA Tiburon needs to re-work its million-selling baby before the 2008 series.

Game Revolution (B-)

That’s par for the Madden course. While the series is definitely far from its prime, it manages to prove once again that EA and Madden know a good game of football, just not a very new one.

1UP (B-)

Exactly where all that leaves Madden fans this season presents a tough question. Those with HDTV can't be blamed for wanting the 360 version on the strengths of its presentation alone. And with friends playing on Live and accomplishments, there's ample added incentive for those intending to play mostly online. But those who plan on spending most of their time offline in solo play will want to take a long look at the arguably more polished and superior current-gen versions before committing to one or the other.

The Video Game Critic (C+)

Purists will notice lot of minor elements missing (like nets behind the goal posts) and the coach's challenge feature is so schizophrenic you never know when it's going to be available. It sure is easy to nit-pick Madden 07, but there's no disputing one thing: the game is fun. There's a lot of room for improvement, but Xbox 360 owners should be satisfied overall.

Game Shark (C+)

As far as this game rates versus my expectations of a football game on the 360, it is a major disappointment. I expected more – online leagues, prior generation features brought to the 360 as well as the eye candy. I only got the eye candy. If you are comparing it solely against Madden NFL 06 for the 360, it’s a much better game. Personally this year, I prefer NCAA to Madden, but your mileage may vary. Overall, I was disappointed yet again with Madden but with no other NFL options available, it will probably tide you over for another year. I guess it could be worse (like Madden 06).

Gamenikki (5 out of 10)

If the fatigue bug had been fixed the way EA promised it would be, and the game had the same options that other versions had, I’d give the game the same score I gave last year's version: a 7. As it stands, with the lack of features, the lack of innovation with the game play and the higher price tag; I don’t feel comfortable giving this game anything higher than a 5.

The Review Busters (1.5 out of 10)

I didn't like playing Madden 2006 for the most part and I hated playing Madden 2007 even more. Don't play this game. If you like football games then I am sure you will give me a hard time since I am ready to give this one a bad score. My gamer score went up only a tad, it was pointless to even put this one into my system. If I liked these games I would just stop myself from buying them for a year or two, it's all the same anymore, I'd play the older one. After time goes by I won't feel as dumb buying another Madden game. I will stick to my favorite sport game, wrestling. At least WWE games make more than one to two changes every year.