I just finished my first session of Madden Online. I won't go into detail of how the game plays, but instead, how the online experience is.
First of all, I must say I was shocked that I even got online with the game. As most of you know, the PS2 network adapter hasn't even been released yet. But I heard about how Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 went online with the PS2 last fall via a USB ethernet modem connection. So I pulled out my USB modem, plugged it into my PS2, and registered my IP and my USB connection. To my pleasant surprise I was connected to the Madden Server in a matter of seconds and I was ready to play. You can enter either the east room or the west room. Then, you can choose what level of difficulty you want to play on. When in each room or lobby, you can post messages that everyone will see, you can see other players stats and connection speed, and you can send private messages and make challenges. I made a challenge to some guy, without checking his stats.
Game 1: Colts (me) vs. Steelers (the other dude
)
I got to check out his stats before we started. He had won nearly 80% of his games. I knew I would have a hard time with him and his Steelers. And I did have a hard time. My Indy Defense full of holes got a pounding, but my offense came out with an explosion. Not even the new Steel Curtain could stop my constant and repeptitve attacks. Late into the fourth quarter I was down by a touchdown, when I took Manning, James and the bunch and went for one last drive. End result? Touuuuuchdown. Sent the game into overtime. I lost when he kicked a last minute field goal.
Bottom Line: This was the best game of football I've ever played.
Game 2: In the second game I thought I'd change things up against some Bears fan by picking their rivals and my co-favourite team, the Packers. I gave the kid (aptly named 'fatkid07') a beating to remember. 27-10, including a fluke hail mary he made at the end of the game.
Bottom Line: I played the game of my life. It was a LOT of fun, especially to win
Game 3: I wanted to use my Colts again, so I challenged a few people and finally someone accepted. I was playing a guy who uses the Steelers again, but I knew that their defense was nothing for the Colts' offense. And I was right. Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown. I won the game 42-28.
Bottom Line: I'm getting the hang of this 
Basically what I'm trying to get at is that Madden Online is better than I ever would have expected. It's a perfect compliment to a nearly perfect sports game. Way to go EA
Madden ONLINE Impressions
Linear Mode
