Madden NFL 07 [X360]

All of these improvements to the running game can be found in every version of Madden NFL 07, from current to next gen. But there are still some distinct differences and feature sets between each system that fans will need to be aware of.

NFL Superstar Hall of Fame (Current Gen only)

Last year, EA introduced Superstar mode, and it ended up being a complete mess. This year, they pretty much started over, listening to feedback of fans and players on what it should really mean to be an NFL superstar. The thing about last year's mode, beyond cycling through countless screens of text, was the fact that when you were playing the games, it didn't really feel any different than playing a game in your franchise, other than the fact that you were trying to get your created player the ball so you could blow up his stats.

That's why the main goal of NFL Superstar Hall of Fame mode was to put the emphasis back on the superstar, both on and off the field. That means when you create your player, you only play as that player in games. So if you create a wide receiver, you actually play only as the receiver, complete with a different camera angle showcasing your player, with special moves tied to the right analog stick for every position. That means you don't call the play (you're not the coach). You don't throw the ball (you're not the QB). And you don't play defense (you simply watch the game and cheer for the D to play strong). For those gamers who don't want to watch the defense, you do have the option to take over the D and play that side of the ball like a normal game, but if you decide to watch, the gameplay is sped up so you don't have to sit and wait too long.

Playing receiver, you can call for the ball ala Randy Moss by waving your arm, but as a rookie, who is going to listen to you? The better you play, the more influence you gain on your team and around the league, so as you build up a rep, that QB will start looking your way more often. Each play, you're given your route assignment, so it's your job to work your way open to get the ball.

Create a cornerback and jam receivers at the line playing bump and run. Create a tackle and level the D-Line, then run down field and blast the secondary as you see the halfback running past you and start to high-step down the sidelines. You can create punters, kickers, tight ends, safeties…whatever position player you want, with the goal to one day make it to the Hall of Fame. Making it to the Hall as a quarterback or running back is going to be a lot easier than a tackle, but that's the challenge. Can you make it to the Hall with created players from each position?

Influence points are built up by what you're able to accomplish on the field. If you're an offensive lineman, earn points through pass protection or opening up running lanes. As a defensive back you'll want to shutdown your opponent, and to help you out, as you line up, you'll see a bubble appear to show your zone on the field so you know your assignment.

As you play, you'll quickly realize that even if you have skills, your teammates play a major role in shaping your superstar. If you're created receiver gets drafted by the Colts and Peyton Manning gets injured, obviously your stats are going to take a hit as Jim Sorgi throws the ball at your feet instead of hitting you in stride (although you won't have to worry about the passing cone this year as it's still there, but now turned off by default).

Before every drive, you select your role in the scheme. Using the receiver example, you can play as a Possession Receiver, and this will increase your catching ability and the QB accuracy. You can play as a Burner, and this will send you deep, affecting not only your speed and awareness, but it will also negatively affect the rating of the CB trying to cover you one-on-one. Or you can be the Lone Wolf, forgetting about the team game and trying to rack up as many yards and catches as possible. As a cornerback, your roles are Coverage DB, a Blitz Specialist, or again, the Lone Wolf. This all leads to character development and how you're viewed as a teammate, adding extra depth beyond simply catching passes over the middle or picking off a pass and trying to take it to the house.

Earn enough influence, and one day you'll be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But you won't be the only legend in the game as EA Sports went out and signed approximately 160 legends this year for you to unlock in Madden. Players like Barry Sanders, Steve Largent, Walter Payton, Earl Campbell, Deacon Jones, Dan Fouts, and Sonny Jurgensen. Some, like Sanders, have dominated Madden games in the past. Others like Earl Campbell, might just make those Truck Stick moves more lethal than ever.

In terms of additions to franchise mode, you'll now be able to scout collegiate prospects with a new NFL Draft Scouting system as well as a College All-Star game. There is also a new feature called Franchise Player Roles that will show how different players impact their teams throughout the season. And for the first time, you'll finally be able to get your Ron Rivera-on with team-specific defensive playbooks.