Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. 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
45
#45 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
70
#70 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. 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. 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. 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 »