No Multiplayer for Madden 3DS

Madden is set to be a launch title for the Nintendo 3DS as it hits stores on March 27th. Unfortunately it appears the game is being rushed, and despite some positive impressions and what at first glance would seem to be a solid feature set it is missing one critical component that could very well sway purchase decisions.

Joystiq reports that Madden 3DS will not have any type of mulitplayer support. That is a huge disappointment to say the least. The system not only offers multiplayer gaming but many other social features that are being left out. Madden also will not utilize “StreetPass, gyroscopic motion control, or cameras” which are all advertised capabilities that come with the 3DS.

Madden 3DS features the option to use GameFlow play-calling, “Call Your Shots” as users draw routes on screen, “Spotlight Moments” where the action goes into slo-mo, a full season mode, and a 5-on-5 arcade mode. It will of course take advantage of the 3D though it can also be played in regular 2D form as well.

Unfortunately this will probably be the tipping point on whether I’ll purchase a 3DS. There isn’t much else that strikes me as necessary to have immediately. Madden had been that game but they’ve lost me with the lack of multiplayer while others of personal interest seem to be coming months down the line rather than at launch of the handheld system.