Madden NFL Football is a football game or Nintendo 3DS that offers semi-realistic graphics as well as some neat gameplay options.

The 3D aspect of this title really shines as players drop back to pass or as plays unfold.  The “behind-the-huddle” view gives a quarterback’s perspective on the action, and the 3D of the 3DS really helps with the depth.

Although there is a practice mode, the main part of Madden NFL Football is playing games.  You’ll choose real NFL teams with real NFL players.

Running plays are fairly straightforward, as the game will automatically complete the handoff, and you’ll use the circle-pad to aim your player in the direction you want to know.   You can press buttons to stiff arm, spin, juke or evade.  When you’re the quarterback on a passing play, you’ll drop back and receiving options can be chosen by using the A, B, X, Y or even L button.  Depending on how hard you press the button, the pass will be a lob or a bullet.

When you do play Madden NFL Football for 3DS, you have a couple choices on how the game will be set up.  There is the standard 11-on-11 NFL scenario, but you can also choose to play 5-on-5, which offers more of a backyard football type feel.

In the 5-on-5 mode, teams have four downs to score a touchdown.  There are no first down to gain, other than when you gain possession of the ball.  The field is also a little smaller, but they plays are wide open, and you’ll usually gain large chunks of yards on each play.

In 11-on-11, teams play with standard NFL rules, but teams have the choice to call their own play before each down, or let the game do it for you with GameFlow playcalling.  We think this is really cool, and Madden picks a play for you based on the down, distance and other factors,.  You can do this on both offense and defense, but on offense the players will line up and the game will let you know whether it will be a passing play or a running play.  Especially if you’re just looking for some quick fun, the gameflow play-selection is really nice.

If you’re more into calling your own players or even drawing up your owns, there’s also an option to “Call Your Shot” before a passing play.  You can select players and alter their routes based on the defense you are lining up against.

These two playcalling enhancements, GameFlow and Call Your Shots, really help bridge the gap between players just looking for quick fun and others looking for more detailed football strategy.

For players looking to take their team to the Super Bowl, Madden NFL Football offers a Season mode, in which you can choose your team and have them play a full season, half season, or start in the playoffs.  You also have the choice to play 5-on-5 or 11-on-11.

The one thing that Madden NFL Football does not offer is any ability to play multiplayer. There’s no versus mode, no head-to-head via multiple 3DS system options, nothing.

Despite the fact that it’s a single player only game, we still think Madden NFL Football is a quality 3DS title that’s enhanced by the use of 3D effects.  Hardcore football fans looking for a more realistic or detailed simulation will enjoy Madden versions on home consoles, such as Xbox 360, but for the NFL football fan on the go with a 3DS, Madden is a great way to enjoy the NFL all year round.  We recommend this one for tweens and up.

INFORMATION FROM COMPANY FACT SHEET:
Product Description

Madden NFL Football for the Nintendo 3DS brings your favorite NFL teams to life like never before, in 3D graphics. The action jumps off the screen as you compete in traditional 11-on-11 games or high-flying 5-on-5. Whether you’re a Madden NFL rookie or an All-Pro, three types of playcalling options provide the right amount of depth for every player. Madden NFL Football offers a comprehensive handheld experience in 3D, making it the perfect on-the-go game for every football fan.

Features
 
NFL Football in 3 Dimensions—Experience all the drama of Madden NFL with 3D graphics. Madden NFL Football brings the NFL to life like never before with a presentation optimized for 3Dviewing, including 3D specific cameras that provide all-new levels of depth.
 
Authentic Madden NFL Experience—Madden NFL Football delivers all 32 NFL teams and stadiums in 3D graphics, making Madden NFL Football the perfect on-the-go game for every football fan.
 
·         Football for Everyone—With three types of playcalling—GameFlow, Arcade and Classic—Madden NFL Football offers an enjoyable experience for gamers of all skill levels. The GameFlow feature automatically selects the best play for the situation based on authentic NFL team gameplans. Use Arcade playcall for more control over plays or Classic to experience the full depth of your favorite team’s authentic playbook.
 
Season Mode—Take the reins of your favorite team on a journey to the Super Bowl! Play 11-on-11 or 5-on-5 and see if you have what it takes to make it through the rollercoaster ride of a full NFL season.

·         Action Packed 5-on-5 Mode—In addition to the traditional 11-on-11 games, Madden NFL Football puts a new twist on an old style of competition. Take your game back to the neighborhood with high-scoring, fast-paced 5-on-5 action. No penalties, no play clock, just action-packed football where the first team to score a set number of touchdowns walks away with ultimate bragging rights!
·         Call Your Shots—Unleash the amazing power of the Nintendo 3DS Touch Screen to draw up your own plays on the fly! Whether on offense or defense, you can create the ultimate audible at the line of scrimmage.
 
Spotlight Moments— Experience the drama of game-changing plays with Spotlight Moments in 3D. During pivotal moments, cameras move in tight and gameplay slows down to allow you to influence the biggest plays of the game. Whether evading a sack, making an open field tackle, or leaving a defender in the dust, it’s up to you to make the key move when Spotlight Moments put you in the limelight.