Madden NFL '08 Grade: A

Who would have guessed that the last name of a heavy-set, 71-year-old man would become synonymous with football and cutting-edge video-game technology?\nThe greatest sports video game in history has done it again. "Madden NFL '08" is the best version to date. \nLast year's "Madden" was the top-selling game in 2006, selling more than 7.4 million copies in North America alone. This year's edition was released on 10 different consoles and meets the hype generated by football-starved fans.\n"Madden '08" isn't just last year's game with a roster update. Almost every aspect of the game has been tweaked, and if it is to your distaste you can likely customize it to fit your every need. One change to the game is Hit Stick 2.0, which allows you to take out a defender's legs or lower your shoulder and hit the defender between the shoulders … Mmm, violence.\nWith all of the new features in "Madden '08," picking a particular favorite would be like choosing one girl to spend the rest of your life with -- impossible. But the complete player control is unlike any other sports game. The player movement possibilities are endless. You'll be able to re-enact Reggie Bush high-school highlights until your thumbs blister over. Believe me. \nAnd the improved graphics and uber-realistic game play isn't all "Madden" has to offer. The Franchise and Superstar modes have also received significant face lifts. You can make decisions like Bill Polian for 25 years, or you can live the life of an actual rookie (JaMarcus Russell) until you retire.\n"Madden" has also reincorporated several features from previous versions. EA Sports has brought back Marshall Faulk to do the pre-game and post-game analysis. He knows little about football, but I personally would have chosen Charles Barkley for the part. \nAnd unlike other years, the sound track is actually tolerable. It has everything from Brother Ali to Ozzy Osbourne. My question is, do you think Madden personally selected Swizz Beatz's "It's Me Snitches" to play in the background during games? Me too. \nFinally, the Player Weapons feature allows you to see which players on the field are specifically skilled and separates the superstar from the average NFL player. For example, Ray Lewis has a large brick wall under him to indicate he is a great tackler. So large in fact, you might think a heavy-set, 71-year-old man was behind the game. \nEnjoy "Madden." It's all in the game.