Thankfully, it doesn't fumble like other Madden debuts on Nintendo consoles.
The gameplay still clicks by most of the basics from previous games. You'll set up your pass routes, line up defenders in the hopes of blocking a pass or sacking the quarterback, and have your special teams ready to go when it comes to kicking a field goal or trying to run the ball back for a touchdown. But where the Wii U version stands out is, like I said, the GamePad.
Using touch-screen controls, you can actually do a few things to help change up your game on the fly, whether it's setting up a hot route for your receiver to go down (outside of their typical run) or lining up a defender to go a certain way, just in case you manage to "read" what the quarterback is up to. And it all moves in real time with the players on the screen, and remarkably so. If EA can continue this trend with future versions to come, we'll have a superstar on our hands. For now, it's fun to mess with, altering plays and scoring as a result.
As for general controls, they work very well with the GamePad's stick and buttons, responding to your passes with little error (depending on your team's skill, obviously) and running and jumping with your chosen receiver. There are a couple of minor glitches with the collisions (mainly due to the lack of Infinity Engine), but for the most part, this feels like a football game – which is vital, duh.
Along with the ability to challenge friends (once you download the update, only takes a minute) and set up some franchise runs, Madden NFL 13 also supports Connected Careers, so you can guide a superstar through the ranks. Though we prefer stuff being separate like in previous games, there's no question this'll keep you busy. Still, why Ultimate Madden wasn't included is beyond me…
