I have to say that after the previous installments, the Madden franchise is back on track. I have every single (yes EVERY) Madden game to date, dating all the way back to the Apple II series — I have a nostalgia problem!

Every time I have ever played a Madden game, the very first thing I went into was the create-a-player system. I have to create myself, because in reality, I dominate in football, so why not in a videogame, too? I max out all my stats — except Injury, which I drop to 0-, and make myself ripped. Now I have to establish where I usually put myself; generally, it is either Line Backer or Safety. I love the create-a-player system this time around; it seemed a lot more robust with more things to choose from. Though, honestly I would like to see more options, but that boils down to licensing and other things.

Graphically, Madden NFL 11 is a looker. I loved the details that were put into each and every stadium. I made a point to go through every single team and check out the level of details at each stadium. I was actually impressed by it; I personally have been to Ford Field in Detroit many times — I practically have the placed memorized — and the detail was awesome. I was also amazed by the fluid animations by the players; everything seemed life-like.

Controls were as always great. Not on any occasion did I have a single problem with them. The ball went exactly where I needed it to without any hiccups. Everything was really smooth — even the tackles.

I found the AI to be incredibly unaware on “rookie” mode. Once I stepped up a difficulty, it became more aware, making me have penalty after penalty. I cannot help that I like to crowd the line of scrimmage on defense. Sure I may SOMETIMES line up right next to the line and sometimes jump offsides, but that is OK in my book. I am getting done what I need done. Just because I want to get a few sacks in the game does not mean all the time that I am offsides. A man has to get his cut somehow, right?

If there was one thing I found good about Madden NFL 2011, it was the soundtrack. It had an excellent soundtrack ... music that fits mainly everyone’s needs. I loved the fact I could customize it the way I want it.

All in all, the Madden franchise is going on the right track. If you’re an NFL fan, then you should get Madden NFL 2011, because you should want the start of something great. I say start because the franchise is constantly changing; and the next installment would only need a few tweaks to be excellent. Although, you cannot make Madden NFL 2011even more excellent, besides roster updates, of course.