Madden 10 is now officially out.  Reviews around the web have been very positive, usually putting it in the 8-9 out of 10 range.  I've spent a few hours with the game and I'm finally ready to throw out some early impressions of the latest Madden on 360. (Note, I have not played online yet.)

Positives.

+  The game's visual presentation has finally caught up to the level of a certain NFL 2K5.  The game really singles out premier players and focuses its presentation on those stars.  Madden NFL 10's "game day" presentation is quite the visual feast this year.

+  Gameplay is very good.  The new Pro-Tak tackling system along with much better momentum models helps the running game considerably.  Strong backs can now eek out an extra yard or two after contact, sometimes more, depending on their skill.  In previous years they'd be hit by a diving tackler and be stopped in their tracks.  Also, elusive backs can squirt out of arm tackles and some defender contact using that elusiveness.  This is a very welcomed addition.

+  The passing game feels much better as QB release speeds seem to have been brought up to something resembling NFL reality.

+  The game's graphics are gorgeous.  This is the best looking football game we've ever seen on consoles.

+  Playbooks have seen lots of attention, particularly on offense.  Team offenses more closely resemble that of their real-life counterparts.

+  Ratings matter more than ever.  Play as Tom Brady, then play as Tavaris Jackson.  Yeah... you'll see it.  The same goes for all marquee players versus the rest of the league, but it is particularly evident with the QBs.

+  The "Pro-Tak" gang tackling is phenominal, and adds a missing ingredient to Madden that's been asked for since 2004.

+  Gameplay is top notch overall.  Highly recommended game.  A very must have football game this year.  The best console football game I've ever played, hands down.

Negatives
(mostly nitpicky ones, to be sure..except the first two negatives)

- The A.I. runs out of bounds too much along the sidelines when they could have picked up MANY extra yards had they not done so.  It is as if the momentum model is stricter for the AI team, causing them to not be able to alter direction on a pass catching/running route like you can when you are controlling an offensive player. This has been a long-standing issue, not just in Madden 10.

- Note to EA...  I HATE DBs who run my offensive patterns for me and are usually ahead of my WR cuts, particularly hooks, outs, and ins.  Listen, having the AI cheat and "know" your routes on what used to be high-percentage/gimme plays in years gone by isn't exactly "fixing" the AI problems.

- The Online Franchise "purchase" will confuse many people.  You don't have to purchase it, as there is a redeemable code for it on the back of your manual that you must register online to be able to use online franchise.

-  The "franchise accellerator" micro transaction options... give me a break.

-  The non-Chris Collinsworth voice work is un-inspired and robotic.  Kudos to Chris, but the rest of the voice work is sub par.

-  Certain plays involving ref-cut scenes end up being not reviewable by instant replay.

-  Defenders still get a "go for INT speed burst"