As far as the other modes, Franchise is completely unchanged from last year, as you build your team up and create your dynasty. Mini-Camp challenges add a bit of variety in fun competitions that will have you competing against the computer or other players offline, completing different challenges and drills. Multiplayer is also available through either Ad Hoc or Infrastructure, allowing for a game no matter where you happen to roam with your handheld.

For those familiar with the last couple years of Madden, graphically you may not be as impressed with 09 as someone new to the series. However, the graphics really look good on the PSP.

Animations look fluid and stadiums are well detailed as the camera pans over the field and the crowd, and if you were looking at the screen from a distance, you might actually think it was a television broadcast. Looking closer, there is some stuttering and skipping during some between-play animations and it seems to lag somewhat as lines setup. Still, it's a visually pleasing game and definitely one that any football fan will have fun playing.

For those who have taken a hiatus from the Madden series during the past couple of years, the PSP version of NFL 09 is the perfect opportunity to jump back into all the excitement and variety of game modes the franchise has to offer on the handheld version. If you already own last year's installment, Madden 07, or even the latest NCAA Football title and don't absolutely need to own every single EA football title on the market, you may want to skip this year and wait until something really groundbreaking comes out. It's disappointing to give a somewhat negative review to an otherwise good game.

By Pete Richards
CCC Freelance Writer