Some nice quotes from IGN:
"The company has managed to open the game of football to a wider audience with simpler control, easier interface, and an "anyone can play" philosophy that actually does come through, while at the same time making the game entirely customizable and open for the hardcore gamers."
"5-on-5 mode is a new arcade take on the game, with big heads, smaller teams, and only four plays for both offense and defense."
"The hardcore users can still go in there, select plays by type or formation, and find exactly what you're looking for so All-Play isn't stepping on any toes in the play select section of the game."
"And really, that's all there is to the All-Play idea. It's different, yes, but it also works, and leaves enough options (on everything but Mii interface) for the hardcore to tweak."
"...with everything from 07 and 08, and its still really respectable. 5-on-5 is new, online is back and far more fleshed out, but then you've got the laundry list of other modes from previous games, including of course play now, party mode, multiplayer mini-games including the classic 2-on-2, kicking combine, YAC attack, rushing attack, and mini-camp competition, as well as franchise mode, superstar mode, a learn Madden section for newbies to the game, and a custom practice mode with in-game, solo, or customized situational drill practice."
"The hardcore shouldn't write Madden 09 off though, and there's a good reason why not. While EA didn't go into specific modes and tweaks for the hardcore players, the company did make global changes that improved the game for everyone, and they paid off in a big way. Characters look better in-game, now with more grit and uniform detail, the arenas look better, and the optional add-on visual effects (which I personally like, since they're a mix of arcade and classic Madden visuals) really give All-Play it's own attitude. Remember, they can be turned off if you aren't into them. More importantly though, the game is just cleaner. In our whole time previewing and reviewing the game we never had the random pass bug from 08, didn't have moronic frozen AI or route bugs, and only once had a play halted for a few seconds while some random player had to find his way back to the front line, and that was once out of over 40 hours of gameplay."
"The number one reason to pick up Madden 09 though, is the new Call Your Shot mode, and if EA realizes what an incredible gameplay addition it has on its hands with Call You Shot, you'll see dozens of features based on it for next year. Call Your Shot allows for active, IR-made hot routes during any passing play, so a simple tap of the A button lets you re-draw any receiver route pre-snap, and decimate the competition."
There's plenty more, I picked out positives but it's a really good fair and balanced review.
I would cite regulation, but I know you will simply ignore it.
