Foremost among the upgrades this year is a newly revamped touch screen interface that better employs the strengths of Nintendo's handheld. From a brand new kicking mechanic to selecting players on defense or choosing which receivers to throw to, the touch screen connects gamers directly with the on-field action (the top screen shows a zoomed-out, top-down, 2D view of the field). According to EA there are also new player models and animations to spruce things up.
The most surprising addition to this year's game is a paper football mode. That's right, the game you played across the lunchroom tables of your youth is coming back with a new, mysterious 'ultimate mode' that promises to take the paper football experience over the top.
Of course the usual modes of play are all here for a standard game of pigskin: exhibition, season, franchise, create-a-team, custom leagues, mini-camp, and more.
Finally, EA has gone all out with the multiplayer modes this year, including something that fans have long been clamoring for: true online support. Via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, friends can game it up from anywhere in the world. For the less physically isolated there is 8 player local wireless play as well.
Madden 08 comes out August 14. Check NWR for our full review.
