Entry # 3 - Madden 2009

Preliminary Elements:

Title: Madden NFL 2009
Publisher: EA Sports
Release Date: August, 2008
Game Type: Sports

Game Summary:  This is the 2009 version of one of the most successful video game franchises ever developed.  The Madden series is a football game that takes you beyond the basics of the game.  While you can play games as your favorite team, there are also mini-camps where you can improve certain offense, defense and special team skills.  This is a very accurate portrayal of football as it takes you beyond the basic plays and allows for a more intricate and complete understanding of the game.  In season mode, you can manage a team through a season while controlling everything from drafts and trades to worrying about the depth chart and salary caps.  It is also just fun to play a random game and call the plays.  

Educational Value: I really see the educational potential in this game from numerous standpoints.  On the most basic level, this is a great introduction to football in physical education classes.  Through simple play, a teacher can really explains the rules and gameplay.  In addition, for a more advanced PE class, Madden is a great tool to learn specific plays and see how they may look if used.  Aside from football itself, I think this could prove useful as older students are introduced to basic business practice.  As football is big business and goes beyond the field, Madden gives the player the ability to manage a team including financial decisions.  While this has limited value, this could be a great tool to engage students with a topic that they may be more interested in than traditional business principles. 

Opinion: I had never played Madden before looking for sports games for this assignment. I am glad I tried it though as I quickly learned how to play and my competitive side rapidly emerged.  While I am a casual football fan, I found myself understand far more of the game than from watching all season long.  I was surprised at first but then remembered that this is the whole point of the class!  I'm excited that I could see first hand that actually playing was making me learn a new skill set that I never had previously considered.  The gameplay was fast and the graphics and design were nothing short of enticing.  At times, it almost feels like you are controlling a real football game.  It has all the necessary elements for a great game and what better incentive than watching your player do an endzone dance following a touchdown!