With no Madden on the launch line up, any Nflfans will have to make do with EA’s urban rendition of the great American passion. However, despite having a similar control system to Madden, NflStreet 2 is no classic sports simulation. Rather, it’s a hip-hop-heavy mix of grunting and freestyle acrobatics that tries to extend the appeal of the game by adding EA’s patented brand of Street elements – but fails for this very reason. As a football title it’s acceptable, but the gamebreaker elements – combined with a repertoire of somersaults and wall-jumps – just gets in the way of any direct team control. And the incessant soundtrack may have you stabbing yourself in the ear with a pencil after a few hours’ play.

EA has at least added some incentive for purchase with three modes not featured in the PS2 version, and the 4-way multiplayer will enthrall anyone who can stomach the game itself, but beyond this NflStreet 2: Unleashed is unlikely to satisfy either sports fans or ardent gamers.