The following is a guest column by Amber Hensley

The return of football season falls into a comfortable and familiar rhythm; the latest Madden NFL game by EA Sports is released, giving rabid fans a chance to get their shouting-at-the-television-screen lung muscles warmed up, and a few weeks later, the real games begin. We track how the Madden NFL ritual began and evolved, becoming a celebrated part of football culture.

1. John Madden Football
   The first Madden game ever released in 1989 was for the Apple II series of computers, and featured single games with customizable weather conditions, injuries, and penalties. Although obviously based on reality, there were no real teams featured due to a lack of NFL licensing until 1994.
2. Madden NFL 99
   EA Games introduced the Franchise Mode with the Madden 99 release, which allowed gamers to control their team for multiple seasons. Gamers could trade, sign, release, and draft players. Thanks to earlier improvements, by the time Madden 99 hit the shelves, the graphics were also drastically improved with a 3-D rendering of game play and more realistic movement.
3. Madden NFL 2002
   Graphics took a leap forward again as Madden 02 put distinctive facial features on its players. A drag-down style of tackling, close-ups of huddles and replays, and stadium details gave the game a giant boost in realism.
4. Madden NFL 2005
   EA Sports Radio added in a much-needed storyline into the Madden mix, including fictional interviews with players and coaches. It was also the first Madden to be released for the Nintendo DS, and included major improvements in defensive playing.
5. Madden NFL 10
   The latest of the Maddens, it was helmed by a new design team and features new animation upgrades. Whether for good or for ill, game play speed has been reduced and player momentum recalculated for more realistic game play. The release also features an online playing mode which has been likened to Fantasy Football as friends can create their teams and play against each other.

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Amber Hensley is a guest columnist for The Biz of Football. She writes about the online school reviews. She welcomes your feedback at AmberHensley1980@ yahoo.com

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