From the moment you fire it up in your XboX 360, it is abundantly clear that presentation was the core focus with Madden 06. While it doesn't match the "Madden Next-Gen" footage that viewers saw during this season's NFL draft, Madden 06 for the 360 is still a graphical showpiece. Stadiums are accurately modeled and include every little bit of detail found in their real life counterparts. Each person in the crowd is individually animated, a big step up from the flat, blurred mess that has rooted players on for so many years in Madden -- allowing EA to finally capture the feel of an NFL game.

Players, of course, also look great -- though they also feature a few flaws. All players look as life-like as ever thanks to improved poly counts and little details like glistening sweat and improved facial expressions. On that same token, the eyes once again prove to be something of a problem and call to mind the zombie-like stares seen when Madden first hit the PS2. In addition, while most of the animations are fluid and smooth, you'll also see a number of repeat animations during celebrations and some players will get "the shakes" during plays as if they can't decide which animation they want to go into. A few noticeable collision problems (something that has plagued Madden since its jump to 3D) are also still around.

Sound will come as a quite a shock to long-time Madden fans. For the first time in years, John Madden doesn't provide commentary during the game. Instead, a nameless EA Sports Radio announcer handles all commentary. This move is likely to cause a bit of a stir amongst players. Purists are sure to decry the loss of John's quirky (and sometimes insane) Maddenisms during each play while others, who have grown tired of the lifeless, “What game is he watching?” commentary, will enjoy losing it. Regardless of your personal thoughts, the commentary is actually very good. It is not to the level heard in 2K Sports' now defunct NFL 2K series; but at the same time, it is much more exciting than what we've heard in past seasons of Madden.

Madden 06 is short on gameplay modes, an unfortunate result of EA's rush to get the game out in time for the release of the 360. Nearly every mode added to the game, including NFL Superstar, Owner mode and Mini-Camp have been removed, leaving you with Exhibition and a reduced Franchise mode, as well as an online play option. Much like the game's mechanics, Madden 06 is in every sense a "return to roots" -- giving you only the basics. Unlike the mechanics, however, this move isn't as likely to improve the game in anyone's eyes. Even the most casual of fans is sure to see that the lack of Training Camp, which was a fun tool for teaching the game's core mechanics, is a big time blow to the series and detracts from the game's fun factor. Nearly every cool little detail that has been added to the game is gone. Even the option to challenge a play has been removed. I can understand removing some of the other modes, but to not include one of the more prominent rules in football doesn't make much sense at all. Thankfully, all of these modes will more than likely show up in next year's game -- so all is not lost.

Although the game has received a massive "from the ground up" graphical facelift, the core mechanics that made Madden the NFL powerhouse it is today are still present. As always, Madden 06 provides a fun, action-packed game of football, though the feel is more of a return to basics rather than the Hit-Stickin', QB Vision version of the game seen on current gen consoles. As with game modes, much of the polish that has gone into Madden over the years has been stripped -- returning the game to its roots. It's almost like playing the first PS2 version of Madden or even the PSP version in some respects.

One of the core concepts behind the Xbox 360 is that it is always “connected”, so you had better believe that online gameplay was something that was not left out. Overall, the online experience is fun, though the system feels a bit dated. The lobby system doesn’t feel as advanced as you would hope for a next-gen game, so it is a bit of a disappointment. In addition, online games weren’t the smoothest I have experienced, though I am willing to place some of the blame on my overworked wireless network for that little snag.

A.I. puts up a great game and is probably some of the more advanced A.I. seen in a Madden game. Players who have a tendency to run the same two or three plays multiple times will have a hell of a time moving the ball. The A.I. picks up on any patterns and will make sure it stops them -- forcing you to have to constantly rethink your approach. Of course, this doesn't mean that you won't be able to run all over a team with a weak rushing defense; you just won't be able to run it up the middle on every play and might have to throw it every once in a while as well.

Play-calling has been completely reworked. Plays can now be selected based on certain parameters like formation and situation, as well as based on coaches and John Madden's advice (in fact, the "Ask Madden" box is the only time you're likely to hear Madden speak in his own game). The new system is, like other things, something that will probably aggravate the more hardcore players, but casual players (like myself) will really like the clear, easy to understand presentation.

QB Vision, which was the big addition to this year's games, is the only notable "special mechanic" to make it to the Xbox 360. Of course, you don't have to use the vision cone if you don't want (it defaults at "Off"), but if you've grown to like the system, you can switch it on by flicking the R-Analog stick.

Other than that, Madden 06 features less of an emphasis on realism and more on the run-and-gun aspects of the game. More hardcore fans are the ones who will probably not like the "changes", while casual players, like myself, are likely to find that the "return to roots" strip-down makes for a more enjoyable game.

A redesigned kicking meter has also been included which is actually much easier to use than the "click-twice" meter seen in past games. The new system simply requires you to aim an arrow. Pressing the button once will activate a red meter that slowly goes up and down the aiming-arrow, indicating how much power goes into the kick. After a quick button press, you're done.

In the end, Madden 06 is more for those who want to show off their 360's graphical prowess to friends. If you are one of the many who have held out on your yearly Madden purchase waiting for the 360 version, you're in for a decision -- what matters the most to you? If you're looking for a great-looking game that plays more like the older versions of the game, the 360 version is the one for you. If features matter more, then you may want to wait until next year before taking the next-gen jump to Madden.