It's a Mad, Madden world

Maddenoliday is the nickname for the game's annual release date, and this year's official launch at Times Square in New York featured a performance by rocker Ozzy Osbourne and former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber selling the first copy at a Toys "R" Us.

He's game

Brad DeVito -who runs Madden Online Football - on his Maddenoliday plans: "I will pick up my game at midnight, play until about 7 a.m., sleep for about three hours, and then hit the sticks for about 24 hours straight. And, yes, I told my boss that I was taking the entire day off to play a video game."

Brought to you by . . .

Pontiac and Old Spice are among the real-world sponsors for game features such as the coin toss, drive recaps and red-zone appearances.

What they're saying

Actual topics on the Madden NFL 08 discussion forum at EASports.com:

• "I'm 6 years old, and I will stomp you in Madden 08."

• How did Reggie Bush get a better pass blocker rating than Maurice Drew?

• How long will the Madden excitement last? Probably a week . . .

• Why in the world did you leave out defensive assignments?

• OMG . . . STOP WITH THE FUMBLING!

• My theory on the " excessive INT and fumbles" claim about this year's Madden.

Marshall plan

Before the start of each game, former NFL great Marshall Faulk will host Marshall's Minute, in which he will discuss key players and predict the final score.

• Friday in Spotlight: Brian Crecente reviews Madden 08.