Madden NFL has field to itself

TUESDAY was a national holiday. Didn’t you hear? Folks lined up at stores the night before, hearts aflutter. Then on the big day, these same people took off from work to celebrate an occurrence that happens only once a year.

The reason? A new version of the uber-popular pro football video game series was released, this year dubbed Madden NFL 07. To those in the know, we wish you a belated Merry Maddenoliday.

So exactly how does a game earn its own holiday?

For starters, Madden NFL is the only fully licensed NFL game on the market, with Electronic Arts having bought the exclusive rights to the league in 2005, squashing any competitors. It’s also celebrating its 17th anniversary; the first John Madden Football came out for the Apple II computer in 1989. And it has spawned a cottage industry of its own, such as the recent $19.95 pay-per-view TV show hyping the game’s new features. Add that to the anticipation of a new season of the most popular spectator sport in this country and you’ve got reason to celebrate.

But it’s still just a video game, right?

Well, yes and no. Even before EA effectively bought out the competition, it was the best pure pro football simulator out there. Real NFL players became huge fans, and some even took exception to the way their cyber versions were portrayed (“I’m not as slow as that guy!” they’d complain).

And the supposed Madden cover jinx meant that if your likeness landed on the cover, you had all the pleasures of a real-life injury-marred season ahead (for examples, see Michael Vick in 2003 and Donovan McNabb last year). It’s more than just a game; it’s an institution.

SO what sets this year’s installment apart from last year’s, besides the updated rosters? After all, the franchise is the best around. How much can they truly improve without rival football games spurring competition and revolutionary ideas?

Not a whole lot.

Gone from this year’s game is the much-derided quarterback vision feature from last year, in which the QB had to have the receiver in his sight before he could attempt a pass. It’s been replaced with the ability to control your running back’s lead blocker. (Hey, what’s next? The ability to control the guy who fetches the kicking tee?)

The quirky and amusing “create a superstar” mode has been added to the visually superior next-gen Xbox 360 version (it was only on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions last year), and the visuals and gameplay are still top-shelf.

The only other major addition is the Hall of Fame feature, in which players can unlock videos, bios and stats of players who have been enshrined at Canton, Ohio.

And because of John Madden’s induction this year, a special Hall of Fame edition is available for those willing to tack on $10 to see more highlights and biographical info about the game’s namesake.

Yet even with the new features, the game still feels very serious, and at times intimidating. (All those formations and plays to choose from! Help!) It successfully strives to be the ultimate NFL simulator, albeit one that’s not for laughs. Even the mini-games, whose sole purpose is a change of pace, are all business, such as running the 40-yard dash and doing bench presses for scouts.

Still, none of this will matter to Madden-aholics. They’re too busy enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.

Details: All platforms. $69.99 to $49.99. Rated: Everyone.