TV SERIES REVIEW
It's in the Game: Madden NFL
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 4 x 45m episodes
Director(s): Nathan Caswell, Jeremiah Zagar
Where To Watch: available on Prime Video November 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: IT'S IN THE GAME: MADDEN NFL chronicles the evolution from a simple yet innovative concept into a dominant force in both the digital and sports worlds. This documentary doesn't just revisit the storied history of this landmark series; it throws us into the creative maelstrom that powered its rise. I’ve been a fan of the Madden series through many of its ups and downs over the years, and while mistakes have been made, the game itself is nearly iconic, from putting you into the game to letting you play as your favorite player or team.

In the heart of the 1980s, Trip Hawkins dared to dream of merging high-tech video gaming with the gritty realism of American football. Joining forces with John Madden, a luminary in football analysis, they tackled formidable challenges that would intimidate lesser spirits. The documentary recounts their early struggles with primitive 8-bit graphics unable to capture the essence of football, setting the stage for a relentless pursuit of realism that would redefine gaming expectations.

Viewers are treated to a detailed chronology of the series' technological evolution as the story unfolds. Each year, sophisticated enhancements are introduced, pushing the boundaries of what video games could emulate and achieve. These advancements are narrative milestones integral to the game's ascent and enduring appeal.

The journey of this game was full of trials. The documentary delves into pivotal moments of adversity, like the notorious 1996 setback when a highly anticipated version fell through. The candid exploration of these lows and the highs paints a portrait of resilience. It illustrates how the franchise used each setback as a springboard for innovation, continually securing its place at the forefront of the gaming industry.

The innovation theme extends beyond technical achievements to strategic gameplay developments, such as introducing "Franchise Mode." This feature allowed players to delve into managerial roles, adding depth that broadened the game's appeal and deepened user engagement. Couch co-op and online gameplay are perhaps the game's most outstanding achievements. Allowing players to play against their closest friends or those across the world.

IT'S IN THE GAME also explores the cultural impact of the Madden series, most notably through the "Madden Curse"—a superstition that has become as much a part of NFL culture as the games themselves. Through interviews and archival footage, the series offers an insider's look at how such phenomena are received and perceived by developers and players alike.

The documentary concludes by casting its gaze forward, speculating how future technologies like AI and virtual reality will continue shaping the franchise. This forward-looking analysis celebrates the series' past achievements and primes the audience for its potential to innovate further in virtual and real-world football.

IT'S IN THE GAME: MADDEN NFL serves as a historical document and a vibrant exploration of a video game's power to influence technology, culture, and how we experience sports. Engaging for gamers and non-gamers alike, it offers a comprehensive view into the relentless innovation and enduring legacy of a franchise that refuses to rest on its laurels.

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[photo courtesy of PRIME VIDEO]

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