-- Ken Smith";
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i++] = new Array("","'Madden NFL 08'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071109/Brill_TopSportGames/madden3_EA%20Sports.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "EA Sports", "247", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i-1].body = "
'Madden NFL 08'
If you’re talking about sports games, you have to mention EA Sports’ “Madden” franchise. It’s the Mount Everest of the genre. It’s hard to ignore, and not just because of all the publicity the game receives each year about its new cover player and the “Madden curse.” You have to take notice because the series is rock-solid-good – and this year, “Madden NFL 08” is even better.
This year’s version has some new features, including gang tackling – it takes multiple tacklers to take down a runner at full-speed, just like in the NFL – and the read and react system, which puts icons over players’ heads to indicate on-field strength and weaknesses.
Plus, the Wii version has a telestrator feature that lets you use the motion-sensitive controller to draw onto replays like a pen. That’s just cool!";
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i++] = new Array("","'Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071109/Brill_TopSportGames/tiger2_EA%20Sports.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "EA Sports", "273", "407", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i-1].body = "
'Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08'
Just like “Madden,” EA Sports ships a new Tiger Woods game every year. And every year, they’re solid – but also pretty similar. With that in mind, do you need to pick up “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08” if you already have “PGA Tour 07?” If you’re a fan and you have an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, the answer is yes, absolutely.
Both these systems have some really cool new features that the other “Tiger Woods” versions don’t have, like Photo Game Face, which lets players upload a picture of themselves right into the game (so much cooler than the old Game Face) and GamerNet, which lets you post your best games or shots, and challenge other players worldwide to beat you.
These two additions to the game really throw the fan into the “Tiger Woods” world like never before.";
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i++] = new Array("","'Skate'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071109/Brill_TopSportGames/skate2_EA%20Sports.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "EA Sports", "273", "393", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i-1].body = "
'Skate'
For years the Tony Hawk franchise has been the king of skateboarding games, but now that kingdom is under attack from Electronic Arts’ “Skate.”
The T-rated game focuses less on the insane stunts of other board games, and more on real physics of skating. That’s not to say you won’t be doing some crazy tricks – because you definitely will – but you won’t be doing any crazy combos that could only happen in zero gravity, simply because you mashed a bunch of buttons together.
The cool part is that you don’t have to play through “Skate” to unlock the best moves – you just have to take the time to learn them. Add in the giant cityscape that you get to roll around in and you got yourself a winner. ";
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i++] = new Array("","'NHL 08'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071109/Brill_TopSportGames/nhl08%201_EA%20Sports.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "EA Sports", "270", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i-1].body = "
'NHL 08'
Hockey games can be really hit or miss. Some strive to be so detailed that they become more of a sports simulator than a sports game. While on the other end of the spectrum, some titles are too simple and lose all of hockey’s nuances. “NHL 08,” by EA Sports, manages to walk that line, serving up a game that’s demanding, but always fun to play.
After you get over the learning curve (stick handling can be tricky at first) you’ll be rewarded with a great hockey experience, and a big part of that is because the game’s artificial intelligence is so good. It will pick up on your plays (on both offense and defense) and adapt, giving even the most experienced players a challenge.";
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i++] = new Array("","'Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer 2007'","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071109/Brill_TopSportGames/winning11%202_Konami.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "Konami", "239", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
games_Bestof2007_SportsGames[i-1].body = "
'Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer 2007'
Konami’s “Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer 2007” is more than a just game with a ridiculously long name; it’s one of the best sports titles on the market today.
Soccer fans will be impressed with the game’s smooth controls and its high A.I. Your computerized opponent will defend you very well one-on-one, and make you use your teammates to pass the ball around if you want to win (just like a team sport should).
Though “Pro Evolution Soccer” may not be as well known as EA’s “FIFA” franchise (or have the pretty graphics or all the licensed teams) it does give fans of the sport a great soccer experience filled with more substance than flash.
Tell us: What are your favorite sport games of 2007?
";
// END editorial data