It’s a neat idea, which not only makes sense but also speeds up the game but it feels more like a secondary feature than something proudly pronounced as the ‘must have’ feature for the year. Personally, I like calling my own plays.

The sound deserves a quick mention as I like the addition of Gus Johnson to the booth but he doesn’t mesh well with Cris Collinsworth mainly because the latter’s voice work is the same as last year so while Gus brings needed energy to the game, it doesn’t feel like a real two-man booth yet. Hopefully next year there will be better chemistry between the two.

Taking the game online is one of more popular ways fans enjoy Madden each year and while the online franchise mode is basically the same, the new Co-Op Team Play is brand new – and surprisingly entertaining. I make no bones about the fact that playing sports games online, unless it’s in a franchise mode, is rarely how I like to experience them, (Madden in particular) but it’s impossible to deny how competitive, infuriating and laugh out loud funny this mode is.

The idea is that up to six players can square off against each other in teams of three (three people can also take on the AI). Players select “units” such as receivers, linebackers, defensive backs, and then have at it. Now, when the opponent completes that 30 yard flag route for a touchdown you can blame the guy controlling the DBs…and he will likely yell at the guy who was controlling the defensive line because “the quarterback had all day to throw!” and then both will then yell at the guy controlling the linebacker because, after all, he called the damn play.

You need to trust your teammates because hot routes can still be called and if players go “off script” it can ruin a game. So it’s best to play with people you know. I see this mode as a way to have a laugh riot with your friends, while others are sure to take it more seriously. I will not play with those people.

So you have a game with improved gameplay, a somewhat listless set of new features, and a novel twist to playing online with friends. Is that enough? As much as I want Team Madden to tighten the screws on its franchise modes and ship the game in a state that plays more like real football before altering in-game settings, it’s impossible to deny that Madden NFL 11 simply plays a better game of football than its predecessor. For many, that will be enough to warrant another $60 purchase.

William Abner is the Editor-in-Chief of GameShark . He also co-runs a blog at The Nut and the Feisty Weasel .