Madden NFL 09 All-Play

 Wii
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Nintendo Power
    90
    So while EA may not have lived up to its marketing directive, it's succeeded in creating quite possibly the best, most fully featured sports sim available on the Wii. [Sept 2008, p.85]
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  2. Video Game Talk
    90
    But if solid, enjoyable game play is more important to you than high-end graphics or being taunted by 12-year-olds, you can't go wrong with what Madden '09 is offering up.
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    87
    The best Madden yet. [Nov 2008, p.102]
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  5. IGN
    86
    EA is showing a serious investment on Wii, and Madden NFL 09 All-Play truly delivers. Whether you're a gaming rookie or seasoned veteran, there's something here for everyone, and that's what All-Play is all about.
  6. WonderwallWeb
    85
    Madden NFL 09 All Play improves greatly on last years Wii effort, there is a bit of retreading on old ground, especially in the Party Play area but in all it makes for a great family game, keeping a sensible balance for beginners and experienced players.
  7. Nintendojo
    84
    The improvements are welcome, however, as the 5 vs. 5 mode is great for playing with friends locally, and the online interface is another step in the right direction for Wii.
  8. Cheat Code Central
    82
    As much success as EA has had on the Wii, though, All-Play is a mild disappointment with its lack of upgrades within the Franchise and Superstar modes.
  9. Da Gameboyz
    82
    Madden NFL 09 All-Play for the Wii is a game that really took me by surprise. With solid graphics, solid sound, and great gameplay that can be tailored for any level of gamer, this game scores a huge touchdown.
  10. GameFocus
    81
    If you’re a football fan and only have a Wii at home but still hesitating before picking it up because Madden 07 and 08 left you “unsatisfied”, you will be pleased with this years’ version.
  11. GameDaily
    80
    It comes up short in certain areas when compared to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, but that doesn't stop it from being the best Wii football game.
  12. GamesRadar+
    80
    It’s an undeniably fun experience that will please many in its target audience, and even includes roster updates and online play. Not to mention we’re really starting to like a little waggle with our football.
  13. GameSpy
    80
    Madden NFL 09 All-Play is not a dumbed-down version of this year's best football game. Think of it more like a specialized version that successfully refines the crucial elements of football and distills them into a final product that is at once accessible and plenty of fun.
  14. G4 TV
    80
    Madden NFL 09 is a big improvement over last year's version, if only because it's more playable. The new features aren't earth shattering, and it's hard to fathom why the five-on-five mode wasn't juiced up to provide an even more arcade-like experience.
  15. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    If you don’t want to invest the time to learn the complex controls of football video games or aren’t concerned with learning the rules and nuances of the game, then this is the version for you.
  16. GameZone
    80
    Discovering which control system works for each player can be a little difficult at first, mainly due to a lack of information on choosing the advanced controls over the easier All-Play methods, but there are choices and people of all skill levels will enjoy playing a game of football on the Wii.
  17. Worth Playing
    78
    It's certainly not perfect and could use some work in a few important areas, but if you have nothing but a Wii and need to get your football on, Madden '09 is your best bet, and you'll probably have some fun while you're at it.
  18. Nintendo Gamer
    78
    If you have the 07 or 08 versions then only get this for online play. If not, it's worth a punt. [Nov 2008, p.58]
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  19. PALGN
    75
    Madden for the masses. It's fun, easy to get into and a great fit for Wii.
  20. GameSpot
    70
    Simple controls and a number of newcomer-friendly features make Madden 09 on the Wii a good game for beginners, but there's very little new here for series veterans.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Wii Game of 2008
45
#45 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
70
#70 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 6 out of 28
  1. DarrenZ.
    Sep 2, 2008
    9
    Short and sweet, this is one great playing game. The Wii controls are executed very well and make you wonder why you ever thought it was fun Short and sweet, this is one great playing game. The Wii controls are executed very well and make you wonder why you ever thought it was fun to just push buttons. Flick the remote up to snap, swing it forward to pass, shake it to blow past a defender: it all adds up to a wonderfully immersive experience that'll have you jumping to your feet during big plays. And don't worry, the gamplay isn't watered down. You still have all the strategic play calling depth you expect from a football sim. Then there's Call Your Shots which is an amazing feature that lets you reroute any receiver on a passing play and will have you shredding the defense in no time. There are a few niggling criticisms, like the lack of precipitation when it's raining or snowing (the only affect weather has is to slightly alter the color of the field) and the fact that Franchise and Superstar modes are identical to last year, but the game is otherwise solid with a noticeable absence of bugs and glitches. If you haven't bought Madden in a few years, or like me you've never owned it before, then 09 is easy to recommend. It's nice to see EA actually deliver on the Wii for a change.… Full Review »
  2. Jonnyblond77
    Dec 12, 2019
    9
    I absolutely love this game. The EA All-Play series are truly wicked awesome. Sure they made it easier and more accessible to people who loveI absolutely love this game. The EA All-Play series are truly wicked awesome. Sure they made it easier and more accessible to people who love sports but don’t want to be bothered with the depth of gameplay almost as deep as something like a capcom fighting game or two many things to just make one play or defend. Sure I own the most recent madden and it’s also really a great game. But I have friends who are casual and don’t play a lot of video games as much as someone hardcore so if it’s a night of drinking or a get together...pull out an all-play title and watch the fireworks explode. Everyone will be having a great time and not complaining like you have some advantage of owning the game and know some secrets. Sure you can play without the all-play controls but I find it’s just to much fun. Most times I play the 5vs5 mode and it’s just basically arcade football but is it ever fast paced and a good laugh. If your looking for a more easier going but fast paced arcade football experience that anyone can learn fast. Pick this one up. I know this came out in 2009 and it’s almost 2020 now but that makes it even better as it’s pretty much timeless and awesome.… Full Review »
  3. dariazzo
    Jun 17, 2011
    5
    Let's define who plays what. Football addicted play Madden. They don't care if it is on WII, PS3 or else. They want something close toLet's define who plays what. Football addicted play Madden. They don't care if it is on WII, PS3 or else. They want something close to reality. Now, imagine you played a whole season with your team, and after having achieved a 5-11 record, you look forward to the draft, and enter the combine to watch some of the prospects in action. To see how good they are, you must play some minigames, like passing the ball with a QB, returning a ball with a RB/WR, or else. Some of these minigames (great idea) are completely messed up by the WiiMote use! You'll never be able to pick the right reciver, the right cornerback, the right guard. It is just not possible to come up with good results. And that obviously translates also in the career mode, when you play a single man. If it is a DB, you'll never get the hang of that, you'll always be thinking how to swat a ball!
    Another dreadful defect: presentation. It is not possible to have Miis as umpires, it kills any kind of atmosphere, and it is also a shame to have such small fonts in the screens, especially in Dinasty mode.
    Even if it uses motion controls, this version is for these reasons way behind the others for HD consoles. The graphics is good, sounds too, and some aspects of the game are too (Runs, passes), but will NFL maniacs close an eye on too many flaws?    … Full Review »
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