Madden NFL 06
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games, Sports |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | EA Sports |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Madden NFL series |
| Parent | Electronic Arts |
Madden NFL 06 is a 2005 American football video game and represents the 16th entry in the Madden NFL franchise by EA Sports, named in honor of commentator John Madden. This edition marked the series' initial release on both the PlayStation Portable and Xbox 360, serving as a launch title for the latter console. The cover athlete is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
The primary development was handled by EA Tiburon, while ports were managed by various studios including Budcat Creations (Windows), Exient Entertainment (GBA, DS), and Floodgate Entertainment (Mobile 3D). The game launched on multiple systems such as PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Xbox 360, Windows, PSP, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and mobile platforms. Its release spanned from August to December 2005 across regions including North America, Europe, and Australia.
As a flagship title within EA Sports’ lineup, Madden NFL 06 broadened its audience by embracing both next-generation consoles and handheld devices, solidifying its competitive standing in the sports gaming market.
Gameplay
Madden 06 debuts the Superstar mode, which enables players to create and guide an NFL athlete’s career from rookie status through retirement. Users can either generate new players by assigning attributes or import existing ones. This mode offers a more personalized experience compared to traditional Franchise mode by concentrating on managing a single player’s progression rather than overseeing an entire team.
A key gameplay innovation is QB Vision Control, which displays a cone indicating the quarterback’s field of vision. Successful passing requires that receivers remain within this cone, whose size depends on the quarterback’s Awareness rating. Players can manipulate this vision cone using the right analog stick or lock it onto specific targets. While enhancing realism, this mechanic raises the challenge level for teams with quarterbacks who have lower Awareness, as passes thrown outside the cone tend to be less accurate.
Complementing QB Vision is Precision Passing, which allows players to direct throws with fine control—aiming over, behind, ahead of, or at the receiver’s knees.
Another notable feature introduced is the highlight stick, an offensive tool analogous to the previous year’s hit stick for defense. It empowers ball carriers to break tackles forcefully but carries an increased risk of fumbling. Other returning mechanics include hot routes, playmaker controls, and expanded franchise options.
Online multiplayer functionality was available until server support ended on September 1, 2007.
The soundtrack featured EA Trax and included artists such as Avenged Sevenfold, Tech N9ne, Memphis Bleek, Slim Thug, Disturbed, and Foo Fighters, blending elements of hip hop and rock music.
Compatibility
Users can transfer their created player from NFL Street 2 Own The City mode into Madden NFL 06’s Superstar mode, beginning as an 18-year-old rookie with attribute points derived from NFL Street 2. Furthermore, draft classes from NCAA Football 06 are importable into Franchise mode. Additionally, possessing a Madden NFL 06 save file unlocks the Madden Challenge Bus in Burnout Revenge, which also includes a gameplay demo of Revenge on PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions.
Reception
Madden NFL 06 garnered a range of reviews, from mixed to highly favorable, depending on the platform. According to GameRankings and Metacritic, the PlayStation 2 version achieved scores of 85.26% and 88/100 respectively; the Xbox edition received 84.11% and 86/100; the GameCube release earned 83.07% and 86/100; the PC version scored 76.61% and 78/100; the Xbox 360 iteration obtained 74.55% and 74/100; the PSP version was rated at 74.14% and 75/100; the Game Boy Advance edition had scores of 69% and 71/100; the Mobile version scored 66.67%; and the Nintendo DS release received 63.22% and 66/100.
Although generally well-received, Madden NFL 06 is often viewed by both enthusiasts and EA developers as a franchise low point, coinciding with the launch period of next-generation consoles such as Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The controversial QB Vision passing cone mechanic was eliminated starting with Madden NFL 09. Critics highlighted the scarcity of innovative features and an uninspired soundtrack, noting that gameplay closely mirrored Madden NFL 2005 when the QB Vision cone was disabled.
The mobile edition received a score of 7 out of 10 from GameSpot, which commended its robust statistical engine but criticized its lackluster graphics and EA's limited experience with wireless gaming. IGN gave it a similar rating of 7 out of 10, observing that external developers appeared rushed to meet deadlines, resulting in a football game that was average overall despite having above-average visuals and commentary.
As the sole NFL-licensed football game in 2005—thanks to EA's agreement with the NFL and NFLPA—Madden NFL 06 secured official rights to player likenesses, stadiums, logos, and uniforms. Electronic Arts' longstanding collaboration with ESPN added complexity to the game's announcer roster; with John Madden transitioning to NBC's Sunday night broadcasts in early 2006, the Xbox 360 version excluded both Al Michaels and Madden from its commentary team. Positive aspects of this edition included QB Vision control mapped to the right analog stick and an updated soundtrack.
Sales
By August 2006, the PlayStation Portable version had sold approximately 590,000 units in the United States, generating $28 million in revenue. From January 2000 through August 2006, it ranked as the 48th best-selling title across Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, or PlayStation Portable platforms within the U.S. Overall sales for the game surpassed six million copies.
Awards
E3 2005 Game Critics Awards: Best Sports Game