A Guide to EA Sports' Madden 07

Madden 07, The latest edition of the Madden Franchise comes out today, August 22nd, 2006 and it looks to be the best Madden game to date. With realistic graphics and excellent gameplay powered by the latest in gaming technologies (read: XBOX 360 Version), today’s Madden is nothing like the Madden that we played on SNES or Genesis.

There are different ways to play the game, you can decide to play as a player with a camera mounted on a players head or you can play as a GM where you manage a teams balance, drafting, and salaries. Here are the official list of new features from Electronic Arts (XBOX 360 Edition):

•    Lead Block Through the Lanes - For the first time ever, control the lead blocker on running plays. Throw the perfect block to create a running lane, then take control of the tailback and rip off the big gain.
•    The Season Begins in Mini-Camp - Create a player then build up his attributes by running him through skill-based, combine-type mini-games. In the off-season, use Mini-Camp games and drills to condition players or to rehab injured players to get them back on the field faster.
•    Madden Gamer Level - Track your career accomplishments in Franchise Mode to earn Madden Gamer Points, then wager your rewards against the computer or live online opponents to reach the ultimate reward - the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
•    All-New Running Moves - Use the all-new Highlight Stick to evade defenders with new jukes, cutbacks, and power moves. Smaller backs escape and break tackles, while bigger runners bowl over defenders in the open field.
•    Run Like the Players Run - All-new running styles match those of your favorite NFL running backs.
•    Replay Challenge - Throw the red flag and challenge any play. Overturned calls or plays "that stand" play a huge effect on the outcome of every game.

The game coming out today means you have 9 days to prep your skills for the Madden Challenge.  The Madden Challenge is a EA Sports sponsored tour which winds through the nation seeking the best of the best Madden players to find out who truly is the greatest. According to EA, “the winners from the 26 U.S. cities and five NFL international tournaments will advance to the Finals, held during Pro Bowl week (week of Feb. 8, 2007) in Honolulu, Hawaii.” With the winner winning $100,000.

Here is the schedule for the 2006 Madden Challenge

DATE                 CITY                        VENUE

    9/1/2006              Denver                   Invesco Field
    9/3/2006            Minneapolis                  MetroDome
    9/9/2006           Indianapolis                  RCA Dome
    9/10/2006             Chicago                  Solider Field
    9/16/2006            Green Bay                Lambeau Atrium
    9/17/2006             Detroit                   Ford Field
    9/23/2006             Atlanta                   Lenox Mall
    9/24/2006           New Orleans                  Superdome
    9/25/2006        New Orleans - MNF               Superdome
    9/30/2006           Cincinnati              Newport on the Levee
    10/1/2006           Pittsburgh                  Heinz Field
    10/7/2006             Boston                 Gillette Stadium
    10/8/2006          Philadelphia            King of Prussia Mall
   10/14/2006           New Jersey              Jersey Garden Mall
   10/15/2006            New York              Grand Central Station
   10/21/2006            Baltimore              M & T Bank Stadium
   10/22/2006          Washington DC                Fed Ex Field
   10/28/2006            Charlotte                 Concord Mills
   10/29/2006              Tampa               Raymond James Stadium
    11/4/2006             Houston              Reliant Stadium Park
    11/5/2006             Dallas                   Texas Stadium
   11/11/2006             Phoenix                Cardinal Stadium
   11/12/2006            San Diego               Qualcomm Stadium
   11/18/2006           Los Angeles            Hollywood & Highland
   11/19/2006             Oakland                 McAfee Coliseum
   11/24/2006             Seattle                   Qwest Field
   11/26/2006          San Francisco                  Metreon
    1/13/2007         Toronto, Canada                   TBD
    1/20/2007        Hong Kong, China              EA Experience
    1/27/2007       Mexico City, Mexico                 TBD
    2/4/2007          London, England                Superbash
    2/4/2007        Frankfurt, Germany           Commerce Stadium
    2/8/2007         Honolulu (Finals)               Pro Bowl