Introduction

The long summer lull gamers are used to quickly comes to an end around August. One of those games that traditionally begins the influx of titles gamers look forward to come late summer and into fall is EA's Madden franchise, which is back in full effect this year. Madden NFL 08, 2007's ode to NFL football on videogame consoles, fits like an old glove. Gamers will be familiar with how the game plays and feels, whether you're playing on a next-generation console or sticking with your Playstation2. But as usual, updated team rosters (with their inherent strengths and weaknesses), enhanced graphics, and new in-game features will keep you, the gamer, plenty interested.

Madden's depth is in its execution of real-life playbooks from all of the NFL teams, along with all of the teams' players, strategies and nuances. IGN Guides is here to help Madden newbies get on their feet by explaining the in-game fundamentals that will make any player a winner. Not familiar with the Madden franchise or the game of football itself? Check out the Basics and Football 101 sections for a brief synopsis of the game (double-entendre intentional). Want to get your bearings on the offensive or defensive sides of the ball? Check their respective sections of the guide. And, of course, a section of the guide Madden newbs and veterans alike can appreciate - the in-depth Teams section, which rips apart each NFL team's counterpart in the game, outlining their strengths, weaknesses and key players.

So grab your helmet, don your jersey, and get out on the field. It's pigskin season.

In this Madden NFL 08 strategy guide, you'll find:

• BASICS // In-Game Fundamentals.
• FOOTBALL 101 // Positions and key basics to the game of football.
• OFFENSE // A beginner's guide to Madden offense.
• DEFENSE // For stopping the pass game and the rush.
• TEAMS // In-depth information on each NFL team.

Guide by: Colin Moriarty