[Valdarez]

I played the demo of Madden this year, and there were some improvements. Most notably was the grass, which looks amazing, the new player models, which look better, and the commentary, which was refreshing to get in a demo (who usually have no commentary).

Still, after playing the demo, I see no compelling reason to purchase the game, as many of the problems with Madden games of yesteryear still persist. The game play still feels the same, you don't get the feel of throwing on a slant, in/out, or any pattern (passing game needs work). The animations are still not smooth or life like when viewed in progression, and the transitions between them are extremely awkward and appear scripted.

Until Madden addresses the game play, the animations, and the transitions, it's always going to feel more of an arcade game and less of a football game to me even though it's the only NFL game in town, and while I may rent it, and I can see purchasing it.