Madden 13 Release: New Features That Make This a Must-Have Edition

Even for the gamers out there that don't view the release of EA Sports' iconic football game as a "Maddenoliday," Madden 13 is a must-own. 

This isn't because the game is perfect, it's not, but it is a step in a new direction as there are changes in this version that mark the beginning of a new era for Madden. 

Here are three of the biggest. 

Infinity Engine

The debut of the Infinity Engine is the single-biggest reason why this is a whole new game. A new engine was long overdue for Madden. 

While recent additions have made improvements and tweaks, the game remained far too similar to past editions to feel anything but recycled. 

Madden 13 feels alive. The Infinity Engine allows players to react to each other. Objects collide off of each other instead of just going through their own individual movements. 

Everything is connected, as the law of physics stating "for every action there is an equal or greater reaction" has finally made its way to video games. 

There are no more canned tackles. There is now an infinite amount of ways a player will react to a tackle, and everything else in the game, as it is all dependent upon that actions that precede it. 

The Infinity Engine is not perfect, but it is good enough that it is not a distraction and the benefits are exciting. 

Presentation 

The presentation of this game is outstanding. The graphics are crisp, clear and realistic. There is noticeable improvements in the details of faces.

This doesn't apply for all faces. For example, the long snapper on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look fairly generic, but Peyton Manning is going to look like Peyton Manning. 

Check out the picture of announcers Phil Simms and Jim Nantz. 

There is also a noticeable improvement in the usage of light. The difference between a player standing in the sunlight, shadows, or stadium lighting of night games is more realistic than ever. 

Connected Career Mode

This is the game's attempt to beef up the styles of play, and it rolls them all into one universe. Not only that, but it allows players to take their created player, coach etc. online and link it to up to 31 other users. 

The players mode is not much different than the old Superstar mode. Coach mode allows you to handle coaching duties, and play the game as you normally would. 

This isn't a groundbreaking change, but it can be a fun feature when working in the new online possibilities.