To Buy or Not to Buy?

Full disclosure: Despite my sig, I've never been a huge fan of sim games (i.e. Madden).  That being said, everything I've heard about the new Madden seems to make the game well worth it.  

Madden '08 features enhanced gameplay and graphics over Madden '07.  Given the fact that the Xbox360 is new, I'll assume Madden '07 is for and older-gen console.  The new 360 in addition to the new HDTV means very pretty pictures.  Plus, you get updated rosters and a news ticker at the bottom that will keep you updated about happenings in the real sports world as you play in the virtual one.  

The only con I can see about buying the game is one you mentioned: taking away playing time of NCAA '08.  The two games are essentially one in the same, and if you prefer the collegiate realm, then you might be better off sticking to that.

Alternatively, if you don't like either of the EASports offerings, you could get 2KSports' All-Pro Football.  Since it doesn't have the license to NFL teams and rosters, it uses fictional ones.  There are, however, a good handful of classic pros in the game, including John Elway, Barry Sanders, and even OJ Simpson (not sure of any past Texas players).  I hear the gameplay's not too bad, either.

Either way, think of the $60 as an investment to help wash away the sorrows that may follow failing to acquire that sought-after girlfriend.  The game will always be there for you, never gets jealous, and won't care how late you stay out or how unhealthily you're eating these days.

I bought it the other day for Wii. EA hasn't released NCAA football for the system, so it's our only real option for EA football this fall.
It was $50, and has good online play plus some new mini-games.
I've been happy with it so far, and you might be happy to know that Adrian Peterson is second on the Vikings depth chart.
As for the soundtrack, there are some terrible songs on there, including one about dreadlocks and another titled "It's Me, Snitches." Luckily, you can turn them off.

Here's what is being called a Frankenreview by the guys at gaming website Kotaku.  It essentially rounds up a couple of reviews from around the net and pulls excerpts from each one to give you an idea of how good (or bad) the game is.

I have so little interest in the NFL any more.

that may be a few more months. For now, I got NCAA '08 and I'm loving it.

Contrary to popular belief, NCAA and Madden are NOT the same game....nor is NCAA the previous years Madden. While they both have similar features, they have an entirely different mode/feel.

Personally, I really cant stand the Madden series since 2001. It's entirely too easy to Jack up 80 yard bombs with the likes of T.O. and such. It's really pretty ghey.

I really enjoy the NCAA series. Primarily because the gameplay seems smoother and more realistic, and the college atmosphere is spot on.

I will pick up the Madden (like I said), but only because VY is on the cover, and I'll be playing with Tennessee.

The PS3 version has half the frame rate as the 360--30 fps versus 60 fps.

Also, I guess excuse my attempt to group Madden and NCAA together.  Like I said, never been a sports sim fan, and I was just going off what I had heard/read in the past.

Yeah, fps means "frames per second."  Essentially, the more fps, the smoother all the actions are.  The movement in the PS3 version looks blocky and scripted as opposed to the more natural-looking 360.  

Some times I feel like I know too much about this stuff for my own good...