I have owned at least one version of Madden since I received a copy for the Commodore 64 in 1989. And even as my video game skills continue to diminish, I still buy a copy of Madden every year. The 2009 version will reach stores on August 12.

Here is a preview clip showing the Cowboys and the Eagles. The highlight: Chris Canty records a sack. The lowlight, if that’s the right word: Donovan McNabb splits three Cowboys defenders to hit Reggie Brown.

This shows the evolution of Madden…

…though this clip doesn’t cover the real historical roots of the game…

Madden NFL C64