A scene from 'Madden NFL Arcade,' courtesy of Electronic Arts

Let’s say you’re one of those folks who love football — the pageantry, the power, the hits and end-zone celebrations — but you’re not manic about it. The sport’s strategy mystifies you, and so you’re put off by the complexity of “Madden NFL” and haven’t bought it.

“Madden NFL Arcade” ought to be right up your alley.

In December, Electronic Arts plans to introduce this stripped-down, simplified version of its best-selling sports title for casual football fans. Instead of a full team on each side of the ball, there will be just five players. Instead of a full-size playing field, the gridiron’s just 60 yards.

Instead of laboring through down after down to score, players have just four tries to put points — touchdowns only — the board. The first team to reach 30 points wins.

Of course, there will be power options for players to help one team or another gain a slight advantage on the field, but here too, nothing will be excessive.

Nor is the price — a modest $15 for download onto PlayStation 3 or 1200 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360. The complete “Madden,” sold in a box at retailers, costs $60.

Consequently, “Madden NFL Arcade” won’t offer the rich visual experience of its bigger brethren; it will look a little cartoony by comparison. Still, for fans of the game who think the strategy is a pain, this “Arcade” may well set off your bells and whistles.