Let's get this out of the way first: this game looks better and plays smoother than last year's. We say it every year, we mean it every year. For graphics, that means individual blades of grass sway in the winds and players run and cut fluidly, without some of those strange hiccups you saw in player movements last year. For gameplay animations, the attention to detail sticks out when players fight for deflected passes and bounce off tacklers at the line. Every level of experience is accounted for, too, from beginners who will go with one button play calling between snaps, to advanced field generals looking to create their own gameplan. EA's most popular franchise is in better shape than the league it simulates right now.   Madden 12 is scheduled for a August 30 release on the Xbox 360,PS3, Wii, PS2 and PSP.
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