Madden NFL 08

Title: Madden NFL 08
Developer/Publisher: Electronic Arts, Inc.
Video Game System: Play Station 3
Number of Players: 1 to 4
ISBN: 0-14633-15428-3
Rating: E
Suitable for Ages: All Ages
Media Type: Blu-Ray Disc
Copyright: 2007
Genre: Sports






Reader's Annotation: Pull the curtains and draw the shades because the realistic graphics and player modes will have players doing touchdown dances in their living rooms.

Plot Summary: There are three options for playing Madden NFL 08. The modes include franchise, career, and quickplay. In the franchise mode, a player will be responsible for running the front office in addition to playing on the field . Pertinent tasks include making draft picks and maintaining salaries. The ultimate goal for this mode is to create a team that will win year after year. In career mode, a player's focus is to develop a football player in a specific position. The character will start with minimal skills and the player must develop the character in order to get drafted, make a professional team, and become a starter. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a character that will become a pro-football superstar. Lastly, Madden offers a quickplay mode. A player can simply choose a professional team to play on and will play against other Madden players or against the computer.

Evaluation: (A) With realistic, convincing graphics and different mode options, time flies when playing this game. The career mode is especially entertaining as it is a challenge to create a full fledged superstar from a low skill unknown. Overall, Madden NFL 08 is believable with applicable modes and makes for a competitive gaming experience.

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Skate

Title: Skate 

Developer/Publisher: Electronic Arts

Video Game System: Play Station 3

ISBN: 1-4633-1541-8

Rating: T

Suitable for Ages: Appropriate for Teenagers (Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Language, Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference)

Media Type: Blu-Ray Disc

Copyright: 2007

Genre: Sports









Reader's Annotation: Kick flip, ollie, and blunt slide. You won't find any NO SKATEBOARDING ALLOWED signs here.

Plot Summary: The objective in this game is to unlock different skateboarding areas and learn cool new tricks. With new areas comes unique landscapes and new opportunities to practice skills. Players will want to hone their abilities in order to jump higher, skate faster, and exhibit the best tricks among the rest of the skater boys. Players can also show their own style by unlocking clothes and different skateboards.

Evaluation: (A) Skate is unique since it utilizes the joystick feature on the PS3 controller. While most games require a player to push buttons, this game demands more thinking as each direction of the joystick is reserved for a specific skateboarding trick. One trick may be more appropriate than another with respect to the specific skateboarding facilities; therefore, this game is worthwhile since it facilitates critical thinking.

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