It took a couple of next-gen tries, but Madden has finally punched one across the pylons.

Electronic Arts' cash cow, Madden NFL 08, returns with a fresh arsenal of weapons and gameplay as silky smooth as a LaDainian Tomlinson scamper into the end zone.

The release of Madden 08 marks the first time owners of Xbox 360 have a truly complete version of the NFL franchise. The 06 iteration, released with the console's launch, was horribly thin on all fronts. Last year's release, while markedly improved, still felt liked a neutered version of older-generation versions because of little options.

On the surface, the releases on 360 and PlayStation 3 look identical. However, when you stack them head-to-head, it's clear which is better. Madden on 360 is fast and fluid, thanks to a sharp jump in frame rate that allows the game to move twice as fast.

PS3 owners, unfortunately, are greeted with a Madden that is sluggish in comparison. Action stutters far too often, particularly on injuries, penalties and turnovers. There's also a half-second delay between pressing the hike button and receiving the ball in your hands. Even close-ups between play look dull when lined up against the 360's sleeker cut scenes.

Game modes have broadened as well. Franchise mode adds a little more depth, and a much-needed fantasy draft option. Superstar mode allows you to not only create your own stud, but control one of this season's top rookies. EA imports the Supersim option from NCAA Football 08 onto Madden, letting you simulate portions of a game. The online offering remains solid, although a season mode involving multiple online players would have made it mode more robust.