Surprisingly enough, I was wrong. Madden 99 is a fine game. Damn fine indeed. Since this is an EA Sports title, the most prominent feature is the graphics. All this 'polygoning' gives the game a look and feel that is close to perfect in terms of football realism.
Players move the way they are supposed to.
They dive when they should dive and it looks like they are diving. They juke, they cut, they pinch. It just looks good. Endzone celebrations and players gasping for air look believable. Offensive linemen block the way offensive linemen are supposed to.