Madden NFL 07 [PS3]

What a difference a full development cycle makes. Less than a year since the first next-generation Madden game -- which seemed like a crippled second-stringer, rather than an All-Pro athlete -- Madden NFL 07 on the Xbox 360 is a totally different beast, thanks greatly to the new Madden Gamer Level system, which joins the refined Superstar mode and blocking controls from other versions.

The Madden Gamer Level adds a specific flavor to achievements, while Superstar Mode is a dramatic step forward in single-player football. With a more streamlined implementation of the running game, this 17th incarnation would be among the series' best.

Once again, the presentation is stellar, with improved crowds and jumbotrons, and deformable fields that show weather and the prolonged effect of trampling feet. While the current-gen version has begun to show its age, the 360 Madden finally looks something like the promises EA made so many months ago.

Over the past few years EA has attempted to add new features to every edition of Madden, with a long-term goal of improving every aspect on-field. Some have worked extremely well (the truck stick) while others have met with less enthusiasm (the QB cone of vision). Both are further developed here, and the cone of vision is less distracting, if not more useful. But for 2007 it's all about the running game.

Playing a superlative running game in the past has posed many problems, mostly that blocking hasn't been something gamers could direct. Now it's possible to take control of a specific blocker at the start of any offensive play; successfully prevent defenders from breaking the line and control will automatically drop back to the QB. While taking control of the blocker, you'll have a tighter view of the action, which helps keep focus on your coverage.

While the blocking doesn't have a huge effect on single-player games, especially for players who like to throw the ball, it does open up a lot more viable running options. And when playing against friends, it adds an extra jolt of competitiveness. Taking a friend off at the knees with a well-timed cut block is hugely satisfying.

The specific controls of the new blocking system also lead into the revamped Superstar Mode. On the surface, we've seen this mode before. Your parentage, drill performance and IQ all play into the character creation, then it's all about picking agents and saying the right thing as well as performance on the field.