While there are many possible entries into various types of video game genres, there is only one name that is synonymous with console football video gaming: Madden. There have been other football games on the video game market over the years, but hardened gamers know that if they’re not playing Madden, they’re not playing the best.

The Madden Football Video Game Series
The Madden series, now with over 20 years of games to its credit, is famous for its realistic simulation of NFL football play, from its animations, to the skill levels of the players, to your management of your team. Your ability to control any player on the field and to adjust plays based on the formation of the other team is all part of what makes Madden great. There are also mini-games and different play modes to keep you interested hour after hour, day after day.

What’s New with Madden 10
Each year, a new Madden game is released. One of the purposes of this is to introduce the new players who have come into the league since the last game came out, but another is to upgrade and enhance the playing engine and features. In Madden 10, this is done through the “Pro-Tak” system.

In the old Madden, making contact with an opposing player was usually enough to result in both players heading straight for the ground for a tackle. With Pro-Tak, every contact is an adventure. Your tackle will change depending upon who is hitting whom, where on the body the hit comes and where during the play it happens. Each different type of tackle brings with it different tackle animations that enhance the realism of the game as well as possibly requiring some strategic adjustments.

Playing Madden 10
The Pro-Tak enhancements change many aspects of the game, including the running game and line protection. You’ll have to play it yourself to see how, which for Madden enthusiasts, who are always looking for a new twist, will be a welcome change. Most football gamers will definitely find that upgrading to Madden 10 is well worth it.