NFL Head Coach 09 Review

This is the direction in which I always hoped Madden would go, giving the player more control and depth in running an NFL franchise.Scouting, salary cap and player/coach management, a solid draft experience, game planning - this game almost has it all.Unfortunately that also includes bugs.If any other game had as many bugs as this one, it would break it, but no matter how many times the game freezes up in the 4th quarter, I keep coming back.

No matter how much experience you have in football and sim games, there is insufficient official guidance on how to actually play the game, along with a very steep learning curve which may discourage the average gamer or football fan.It took me seven do-overs in my first franchise before I didn't completely mess up.Fortunately for those who like to read, there are hardcore fans of this game and external guides and advice are available.The best site for game information is, in my opinion, Operation Sports.The developers of the game actually read and respond to posts put up by gamers.Great community there - that could be a review in itself.

In general, the game paces itself nicely by having a constant clock/calendar running with only a limited amount of time to make decisions. My favorite part of the game is how much time and effort the developers put into the draft classes.To increase replayability and the connection you feel with the game, the developers have created four separate "draft tracks."You are put into one randomly when you start a new franchise.I believe a franchise lasts ten seasons.Each year's draft class has its own stars whose stories are told by in-game pop-ups from the menu screen by Adam Schefter as if it is coming from NFL Network.They've created stories for each draft's star players, going into where they are from, etc.Some are also based on real players (Johnny English = John Elway - same school, description, etc.).Long-time fans of the NFL definitely appreciate this.

When it's time for the actual draft, there is definitely a sense of urgency, even with 10 real minutes to make your pick.Do you go with the GM recommendation, or do you go over his head and pick someone else?Are you going to get the late round sleeper of this year's draft?Did you do enough scouting in the positions you need?Again, during the draft itself, Adam Schefter will be popping up frequently to let you know if a team's pick was good, a bust, or the "steal of the draft."Even stories behind the sleeper picks and the busts are here to add character to the players and dimension to the overall experience.Every time you make a pick and you hear the "Dadada, dadada" and Adam Schefter pops up, you're on the edge of your seat to find out if you made a good pick.

There are many bugs and issues with this game that can be a real pain, which keep it from a 5-star rating.Not everything was fixed with patches on either the 360 or PS3 version, but the game is at least playable.You need to constantly save in case of random freezing (most of which happens during an actual game).When actually coaching a game, it is hard to find successful plays, and even with an unbelievable RB and OL, I can rush for positive yards only once or twice a game.When simming games, stats are more realistic.Another issue is general menu navigation.Once you are in certain screens, critical information becomes unavailable and you can't cancel out of the screen to go find it.Also, with coach hiring/firing, you have very little idea of who will be available when you decide to fire or retain your coaching and support staff.And if you make the playoffs, all the other teams get first dibs.So if the owner wants you to fire the GM and you agree, you might end up with a complete piece of garbage as a replacement.

You can tell the developers put a lot of heart into this game, and I could gush on for much longer.While far from perfect, it's the best thing us fans of running franchises with real players may ever have on console.If you've ever bought a copy of Madden just to run a franchise and sim all the games (I don't think I played a single actual game of Madden 2005 for PS2), but you want more than what the next-gen console versions EA is giving you, then this game is for you.If I could pick only one game to play over the next several years, this would be it.

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Product Description:
In the NFL, the right coaching decisions combined with focused preparation can turn a last place team into a championship contender. NFL Head Coach 09 gives you the opportunity to make the decisions that can turn your favorite NFL franchise into a perennial champion. Not only can you design and call plays, but NFL Head Coach 09 puts you in the thick of managing players, coaches, and the front office. And of course your team will have to perform on the field if you intend to keep your job. Do you have what it takes to be an NFL Head Coach?

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