I picked this up yesterday for the 360. When I first loaded it up, it kept locking up my xbox at various points (I was jumping straight into a franchise). I was getting worried that my 360 was dying (it's been over a year since I bought it), so I threw in NCAA 07 and went thru a game in my dynasty with no problems whatsoever. After the game was over, I switched back to Madden and was able to play a quick game, start a franchise and play one game, and run thru the mini-camp drills, all with no problems. Not sure why it was locking up before, but it seems to be working as of 10:30 last night.
Anyway, I haven't bought an NFL game since NFL 2k5 for the original xbox. After reading all the initial impressions, I was worried about buying Madden 08, but finally gave in to temptation. These are my initial impressions:
1) Audio/ESPN Radio - First off, I have to admit that the opening video montage got me pumped. With that out of the way, it's odd to me that they don't have real announcers since every other EA sports game has what I feel are quality announcers, but the radio kind of grows on me, since it's like listening to the game in the car when you just can't get to a TV. The emotion by the commentator is helpful. I can't comment on Marshall Faulk's addition because I just skip past his pre- and post-game analyses.
2) My first game I played on Rookie because I haven't played a Madden game since like '93 for the Genesis. My experience with NCAA 07 seemed to do the trick as my Saints destroyed the Falcons 98-0. I picked off Vick like 8 times (at least 2 returned for TDs), while Brees threw 0 picks. No fumbles on either side.
3) I then began a franchise with the Seahawks (screw the Steelers and the zebras in bed with 'em!) on Pro and won my first preseason game 35-14, or something close to that. 2 fumbles by me and like 6 picks between the CPU and myself. I didn't think they were outlandish as the throws were into heavy coverage or a DB broke on the ball well.
4) I was originally worried about the ability/inability to sport an effective offense, but even on Pro, the secondary can be beaten with good routes and decent timing. Plus the User Catch controls (tap Y for a catch on the run, hold Y for a possession catch) are nice. Running was decent as well (Reggie Bush was fun to run with on Rookie setting). Overall, I'm satisfied with the AI on defense and offense.
5) I'm very satisfied with the onfield presentation and the huge hits on receivers over the middle or running backs getting stuffed are very satisfying. The crowd is decent from what I can remember, but I didn't pay much attention to them (they're just kinda white noise). I do like that you hear players talking and such on the field.
Overall, I'm satisfied to this point. I don't have a LIVE gold account, so I don't plan to play this online (I may upgrade to Gold once MOH: Airborne lands). Graphics are good, animations are well done and the overall atmosphere on the field make it feel pretty realistic to me. This is a nice improvement over NCAA 07 and I can't wait to get some more time with it.