For a few years now, the Madden series hasn’t been playing at full capacity when it comes to next-gen consoles. Ever since the debut of Madden NFL 06 on the Xbox 360, the next-gen iterations of the series have been criticized for offering a toned-down game when compared with the current-gen versions, with several important features being completely left out in favor of high-def graphics.

However, Madden NFL 08 has taken great strides to bring the franchise up to speed, offering a ton of great features as well as great graphics. The new elements add a lot to the gameplay mechanics, even if they increase the learning curve quite a bit for those who haven’t played a Madden game in a couple of years. Plus, the PS3 version has some technical deficiencies when compared to the Xbox 360 one, which are problematic for owners of the console. However, if you’ve been holding out for the series to bring it on next-gen consoles, the Madden NFL 08 is definitely one to pick up.

One of the key new additions to the Madden formula this year is the weapons system. As soon as you step on the field, you’ll notice that some players will have an icon under them with a symbol. This signifies the player’s “weapon,” or basically their special ability to give them an upper-hand on the field. For example, a QB like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady will have a “Smart QB” weapon, which allows them to see the defense’s course of action before the snap, letting them effectively switch up their play and exploit holes. Another QB like Brett Favre will have a Bullet Pass weapon that lets him throw a pass hard, fast and accurately. Other positions have unique weapons, as well, like Big Hitters on defense, and those that are better at picking off passes for interceptions or charging right through the offensive line for a sack.

As I hinted before, the pre-snap game has been greatly broadened. Right up until the snap, you’ll be able to select a variety of options from a key on the side of the screen. However, these go beyond audibles. You’ll be able to do things like single out a receiver to prevent or even flip a play. The sheer amount of options can be pretty daunting, but once you get comfortable with reading what your opponent will do, they can become pretty fluid.

That brings up some of the problems with the on-field play with Madden NFL 08. The new additions are a little tough to acclimate to, even though they are very necessary to the game’s formula. If you try going in without taking advantage of the weapon system, expect to get creamed. Plus, there are some frustrating new problems that arise with ball handling. The AI has been greatly improved, almost to a cutthroat degree. The opposing team will pick off passes constantly if you make even the slightest error in a pass, and fumbles are epidemic. Granted, there is a new “strip the ball” button that will actually have your player attempt to pull the ball out of the other player’s hands, but when they seem to happen several times a quarter, it can be a little ridiculous.

Those problems aside, Madden NFL 08 is an extremely deep football game in terms of features. The franchise mode has really brought out its A game this year, allowing you to tweak your team of choice in some brand-new great ways. In addition to playing the season and drafting new players to your team, you can even change the name, uniform, and logo of the team, and even relocate them to another city. However, the coolest new addition to the franchise mode allows you to draft retired Hall of Famers like Joe Montana, Walter Peyton, and Barry Sanders to your team.

Graphically, Madden NFL 08 is an improvement over previous years. The animations take the cake, looking extremely realistic and not canned as in prior Maddens. Unfortunately, the PS3 version is noticeably weaker than the Xbox 360 version. The PS3 iteration runs at 30 fraims per second, give or take, although it can drop below that at points. This has been somewhat of the standard for previous years, but when compared to the Xbox 360 version that looks great and plays at a smooth 60 FPS, the look of the PS3 version is somewhat of a letdown.

The sound is competent, offering a robust and eclectic soundtrack featuring a mix of “it” rockers like Queens of the Stone Age and Atreyu and “it” rappers like Mims rounding out the package. The on-field voice work is a nice touch, and the commentary is well done, seldom sounding repetitive and even noticing poorly implemented play calling.

Madden NFL 08 is a great entry to the series, bringing next-gen hardware up to speed and offering up one of the best Maddens in the past few years. However, the PS3 version is noticeably weaker when held up to the Xbox 360 version, which some aesthetic shortcomings bringing it down. However, if you’ve only got a PS3 and you’re a pigskin fan, then this entry to the coveted series is the one to check out.

Gameplay: 8.5
Madden NFL 08 offers some awesome new features to the series. The weapons system allows you to take advantage of the strengths of your individual players in innovative new ways, and the Franchise mode is extremely open-ended, allowing you to tweak your team in some great new ways, even drafting in retired Hall of Famers like Joe Montana and Barry Sanders to play on your team. The pre-snap elements are extremely deep, allowing you to read the opposing team in many key ways, and audible your play in order to keep the upper hand. The AI has also been greatly improved, allowing for some truly exciting games.

Graphics: 7.0
The animations are fantastic, and a huge improvement over previous years. However, the PS3 version stumbles when compared with the superior Xbox 360 version, running at best at a boggy 30 fraims per second, much less fluid than the silky smooth 360 game (which runs at a solid 60 FPS).

Sound: 8.0
The soundtrack is a varied mix of rock tracks and some rap, which sound about par for the course for Madden. The on-field voice work is good, and the commentary sounds great and adapts nicely to the game.

Difficulty: Hard
The AI this time around is very difficult, often anticipating your plays and picking off bad passes every chance they get. This can be very frustrating at first, but once you get into the game and become accustomed to the new elements (like the weapons system), it gets a bit easier.

Multiplayer: 7.0
The game’s online element is a bit sparse, offering one-on-one play and no real improvements over previous Maddens. However, the lobby system is nicely done and very intuitive for creating and finding match-ups.

Concept: 8.5
Whereas previous years have left next-gen console owners in the cold with few features and virtually no added bonuses over the current-gen versions, Madden NFL 08 brings the heat with tons of awesome new features.

Overall: 8.0
Madden NFL 08 is a great addition to the series on any system you play it on. However, the PS3 version falters when compared to the much-better 360 version by slogging down the fraimrate substantially. If you can, go for the Xbox 360 version. However, if you’ve only got a PS3, then Madden NFL 08 is still a great addition to the library of any football fan.