Madden NFL 2006 [X360]

Which Madden do you want? A half-arcade football game full of big hits, impossible passes, and some truly outrageous defense? Or the strategic version, featuring team management and planning? If it's the arcade version, then the 360 debut will fully satisfy. But anyone hoping to enjoy some next-generation football strategy will have to wait until next year because on the 360, Madden 06 doesn't have it.

Typically, we'd judge a game like this simply on what's in the box, not what's missing. But when there's a regular Xbox game on the next shelf with the same title, a lower price, and many more features, it's impossible not to expect more out of this release.

So we've got an obligation to run down what's not in the box. There is no owner's mode or training camp; in franchise, forget about the spring training details, goals, morale, and the cool details of team management. The min-camp? Buh-bye, at least until next year.

What's left is exhibition mode, a reduced franchise mode and the ability to play online via Live. To replace all the missing bits, there's a new kicking meter, which marks a small step forward for the franchise. A large arrow must be set to aim the kick, and two button presses follow. One sets accuracy and the other power; the system is intuitive and works quite well.

All those missing features pretty much kill Madden's appeal for anyone who shows up for something other than the on-field play. The good news is that those aspects will likely all return in improved form next year.

For anyone who just likes slightly over the top football action, however, this Madden 06 is hard to resist. The same action that has defined the series is here in spades, all powered by a revamped engine. The cone of vision from other versions of Madden 06 has been disabled from the start, but can be activated easily. Calling audibles and hot routes is easier than on the Xbox thanks to the 360's better controller; every offensive and defensive trick except for this year's playmaker defense is on deck.