'Madden NFL 08' is an improvement but still isn't great

MADDEN NFL 08, Xbox 360, EA Sports, rated E-for Everyone, score: 8.5 (out of 10)

So far, "Madden" for the Xbox 360 has been an exercise in frustration. Since the 360's launch, "Madden" has been underwhelming. The question is whether "Madden NFL 08" can finally get over the next-generation console hump.

EA loves to come up with new features that surround particular players — especially good players. Either they'll put a circle under them and tell us they are great or on fire or something. Sometimes the information is logical and works, other times it's nothing but window dressing. "Madden 08" does a similar thing but gives different weapon icons for great players.

Weapons are defined depending upon position. On offense, there are many different weapons. Spectacular catch receiver, for instance, shows up for a receiver who can make extraordinary catches. Some of the more beneficial weapons are cannon arm for the quarterback, and speed, which could work for many different players. Some interesting weapon icons on defense might be brick-wall defender and press coverage corner.

But for every weapon there is a counter. Your goal is to understand what you need to do in order to counteract a player's weapon. For example, a cannon arm quarterback may overthrow his receiver. So you might want to set up a safety to get the interception.

These weapons aren't the only things that define players. This year, players perform differently depending upon their skills. Fast running backs are good at taking a pitch and hitting the corner, while a hard-nosed power runner is better hitting the defensive line and pushing through. There is a noticeable difference between Reggie Bush and Jamal Lewis.

If all this isn't enough to remember, during presnap reads there are a handful of control schemes. Defense has many different blitz and coverage schemes.

A lot has been fixed with the offense. The collision detection is fantastic. The running back is probably one of the most improved positions. Yes, you will occasionally break free for a long run, but it's no longer a dash for the end zone on every offensive drive. It's rare to take a defender alone. Gang tackling has become the norm. One major issue is the increase in fumbles. Marshawn Lynch may be a rookie, but something tells me he won't be averaging two or more fumbles a game.