When the PS2 version of Madden 09 released in 2008, most people had already moved onto the 360 and PS3 versions of Madden. Understandably, if you had played 07 or 08 when they released, Madden 09 didn't feel any different at that time. However, if you're trying to figure out which of the 12 Madden PS2 games is best in present day, Madden 09 feels like the culmination of what EA accomplished on PS2.
Why is it better than 04 or 05? It has the 07 game engine which features better running controls and general pre-snap quality of life improvements.
Why is it better than 07 or 08? It has Supersim.
Why is it better than 10-12? The menu and UI design still feel like there was some effort put into them and they weren't just totally phoned in. It also still has Al Michaels and Madden himself on commentary (who were replaced by Gus Johnson and Chris Collinsworth by the end of the PS2's run).
Madden 09 is my pick for best the best Madden game on PS2.
Why is it better than 04 or 05? It has the 07 game engine which features better running controls and general pre-snap quality of life improvements.
Why is it better than 07 or 08? It has Supersim.
Why is it better than 10-12? The menu and UI design still feel like there was some effort put into them and they weren't just totally phoned in. It also still has Al Michaels and Madden himself on commentary (who were replaced by Gus Johnson and Chris Collinsworth by the end of the PS2's run).
Madden 09 is my pick for best the best Madden game on PS2.