Every August, football fans around the globe begin preparing for the upcoming season in their own unique way. Some may choose to pore over reports from their favorite team's training camp and preseason games, while others might rank players for their upcoming fantasy drafts. Then there are gamers, who get pumped for the kickoff of the National Football League season by eagerly snapping up the latest entry in EA's hugely popular Madden NFL series. Last year, the first Xbox 360 title was a disappointment to many, as its detailed player models couldn't hide the fact that it was missing many of the features that we've come to know and love. Thankfully, the team at EA Tiburon has had nearly a year to work on the sequel, and while Madden NFL 07 doesn't quite live up to its full potential, it's a worthwhile addition to any football fan's game library.

One of the most notable omissions from the Xbox 360 version of Madden NFL 06 was the Superstar mode, which was one of the best things about last year's current-gen titles. Not only does this mode make it into Madden NFL 07, it's also one of the most compelling reasons to purchase the game. We've heard a lot of talk over the years about making gamers feel like they're stepping into the shoes of their favorite players, but Superstar Hall of Fame actually delivers the goods. You'll be able to create a player by selecting two parents whose combined genetic profiles will make you a natural at a given position. All you've got to do is roll the proverbial dice until your position of choice comes up, alter your avatar's looks, give him a name, then thrust him right into the pre-draft chaos.


You'll have to pick an agent before you can take part in the draft process, and you'll be able to choose from a list of sleazebags that bring their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. Unfortunately, the agents don't bring much, as they're mostly there to demand trades for you and work out new contracts. The amount of money you make doesn't really matter one way or the other, so you're better off just signing with whatever team you like. Maybe next year we'll be able to see the size of your contract affecting your standing in the community or on your team. One benefit of having a top-notch agent is the ability to visit the performance institute, which allows you to take part in several mini-games that can boost your player's stats. The same thing happens during training camp, where you'll take part in running and weightlifting drills, as well as several that are specific to your player's position. All of the mini-games can also be played against a buddy offline, the perfect thing for those times when you don't feel like playing a full game.

The most intriguing part of the Superstar Mode, however, is evident as soon as you step onto the field. Rather than controlling the whole team as you would in the standard games, you'll only control your player during games. As a running back, you'll take the handoff on running plays or protect the quarterback when the coach chooses to pass. If you're a defensive back, you'll be tasked with shadowing your receiver or going in for the tackle. The wideout must precisely run his routes, the linebacker must stop the run, and so on. It's an interesting way to play the game, especially when you're used to playing on both sides of the ball and switching between players. The game will actually play out faster when you're off the field, although you can turn on the option to play.