For a launch title, Madden NFL 2005 doesn’t look too bad. Given that this is the series’ first major jump into 3D on a handheld, long time fans can expect to see the same changes to the game that were seen when the game first went to 3D on the consoles, only on a much smaller scale. Madden 2005 doesn’t quite pack the same visual punch as the first PSOne and N64 versions did, but it suffices considering the system’s limitations. Players all share the same blocky appearance, whether it’s a kicker or linebacker. As they mode into the background, they fade into blurry stacks of polygons somewhat resembling players. This isn’t too much of a problem, but it does affect the gameplay at times since it can be hard to read coverage downfield. All action takes place in one generic looking stadium. It would probably be asking too much to see working replicas of all the league’s stadiums, but I’m sure the effect could have been faked to at least make some distinction between outdoor and indoor facilities.

Sound starts out strong, then kind of goes away as you play the game. The game’s intro song, which blares out in full, nearly MP3 quality sound, gives way to a white-noise sounding crowd. During a game, sounds are minimal except for the occasional whistle blow. Al Michaels and John Madden will also pipe in at times to point out what’s going on. Commentary is brief and mostly points out first downs or other main points in the game. Madden’s comments are very limited.

Madden NFL 2005 utilizes the DS’ dual-screen capabilities to deliver a game of football that is fundamentally the same as the game offered on other systems, but unique in its presentation. The primary use of the top screen is for showing the in-game action while the bottom screen functions as both a play-calling system and an X’s and O’s view of the game. Between plays you can use the stylus or your finger to choose plays. You can also use the screen to shift lines, change plays, or call a time out before the snap. Each is very easy to use and really shows what the DS is capable of.

As with every other system the game appears on, Madden NFL 2005 delivers a good game of football. Unfortunately, some of the features have been stripped down, hurting the game as a result.

The heart of the game is Season mode, which allows you to take a team all the way to the playoffs, after which time you must restart. A few franchise decisions can be made during the season, but are limited to mainly roster management.

Other modes include a Two-player mode, which makes use of the DS’ wireless linking capabilities, and some situational modes. Practice mode lets you practice getting used to the DS’ ways of handling certain aspects of the game, and Situation mode can help you try these skills out in a real game under whatever circumstances you want. Two-Minute Drill also lets you hone your skills by adding real pressure to the situation.

A few extras are also present. Record Book will give you stats on coach’s accomplishments and other historical stats. Madden cards also make their way onto the DS and can be purchased with tokens earned during games. When used, cards can alter gameplay to make players better or that affect the other team.

A big part of success in Madden NFL 2005 is learning how to juggle all of the information given to you by both screens. All of your down and distance information, as well as the play and game clocks, are on the top screen, as is the 3D action you’re used to seeing on the other consoles. The bottom screen will let you see patterns from a top-down view, letting you judge who is open and who is covered. Neither system gives you a good idea of separation; instead, you must judge this based on information gained from both screens.

Once you get used to quickly switching between the two screens, the game is a little easier to cope with. It’s not a perfect game of football, but it’s entertaining. A.I. is decent and provides a good mix of rushing and passing based on which team you’re playing with and against.

Considering the vast improvements and additions made to the Madden franchise in the past few years, it’s disappointing to see that none of them made it into the DS version. Controls are very old school Madden. The two shoulder buttons allow you to juke while the face buttons allow you to speed boost, dive, and spin. It takes some adjustment to get to know the setup and even after that, it doesn’t feel as responsive as it should.

The touch-screen is also used for more than calling plays. During plays, you can use the stylus to touch the X-and-O version of the game to quickly throw to a receiver. The screen is also used during the kicking game. Before a kicking the ball, the familiar kick meter pops up on the bottom screen. Tapping the screen will set the power and direction for your kick. The system lets you make long field goals, but doesn’t allow for coffin-corner kicks or on-side kicks.

Despite some missing elements and a few quirks, Madden NFL 2005 is still a decent handheld version of the game. Hopefully, the problems present in this version of the game are just a result of getting used to new hardware, and aren’t indicative of what to expect in future releases. If you can look past the more glaring omissions and problems, Madden 2005 is a good purchase for Madden fans on the go. Otherwise, you might want to sit this year out.