Madden NFL 25 review

Madden NFL 25 review

As a die-hard fan who’s seen more Madden games than I care to remember, let me tell you – Madden NFL 25 is like the Tom Brady of football video games: it just keeps getting better with age!


I have been playing Madden games for a literal lifetime, which tells you all you need to know about its staying power and ubiquity in the videogame sports scene. I remember being wowed by some of the generational jumps in the franchise – who can forget seeing it running on the 3DO? But in recent times, one could argue that there have not been any big earth-shattering changes year on year, even if the core of the game has always been a solid and enjoyable experience. Pleasingly, Madden NFL 25 has some genuine improvements and can lay claim to being comfortably the most enjoyable entry of the modern era thus far. Surfing on the wave of the similarly impressive returning favourite, College Football 25, there is enough here to satisfy long-time, year-in, year-out devotees – but also enough improvements to lure back lapsed fans or newbies.

In many instances when a fresh sports game debuts, there’s often talk about an advanced physics engine that significantly changes the gameplay. This isn’t exclusive to the NFL; it happens across different games as well. However, I’ve found that these claims don’t always meet expectations. But in the case of Madden NFL 25, EA has delivered something tangible and evidently a step forward. The highly-praised FieldSENSE and BOOM Tech technologies offer realistic physics-based tackling, accurately depicting the behavior and attributes of specific players. It’s fascinating to see the distinctive characteristics of your favorite athletes portrayed. There’s an astounding variety of moves at your disposal for both ball carriers and receivers, even the option to execute a spectacular one-handed catch. The tackling system takes into account critical moments before impact, the exact moment of contact, and tackle resolution.

In Madden 25, the hit stick function is used by raising the right controller stick at the appropriate instant. The impact of hit sticks depends not just on your timing but also on the position and angle of your defensive player. If you tackle too soon, too late, or incorrectly angled, its strength will significantly decrease, as it would in a real football game. This adds an element of risk/reward; execute a flawless hit and you might force your opponent to fumble the ball – but miss and they could score a touchdown or gain numerous easy yards.

Madden NFL 25 review

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the significant enhancement in the on-field AI. It was immediately apparent in the nuanced alterations to pre-snap lineups, where linemen appear more independent, behaving as distinct entities rather than just a uniform row of generic players. The crowd’s energy is palpable and they respond dynamically to in-game events, even breaking into team-specific chants like the enthusiastic Eagles fans echoing “Fly Eagles Fly!” The overall presentation is sleek and captivating, boasting an array of real-life commentators, with the inclusion of Mike Tirico, a standout on Sunday Night Football, adding to the authenticity.

As a diehard fan, I’ve got to say, it’s a relief to see that my cherished Jets are holding their own this season! Kudos to EA for accurately rating Sauce Gardner as the top cornerback in the game. Tinkering with different teams revealed something quite impressive – it seems EA has paid attention to the playbook details, too. For instance, they’ve nailed the run-heavy offense of the Ravens, particularly featuring Lamar Jackson who’s a beast on the field.

The franchise remains just as remarkable, featuring some strategic adjustments that enhance its overall enjoyment. Throughout the season, players may develop or decline, and you can significantly impact your franchise by swapping out offensive or defensive coordinators. As we move forward, player acquisition results are influenced by reshuffling your scouting staff through hiring and firing, reorganizing to better suit your abilities in preparation for the upcoming NFL Draft. If you find yourself in a tight spot at quarterback, consider recruiting someone who excels in discovering potential star quarterbacks. If your defense is questionable, start focusing on reinforcing your defensive line.

In other parts of the game, captivating narratives are interwoven within the Franchise setting, allowing for interactive dialogue during press conferences. This feature enables the game to offer either encouragement to players, boosting their morale, or constructive criticism, which may impact their confidence based on their performance.

Madden NFL 25 review

If you enjoy personalized gameplay more, Madden NFL 25 offers a Superstar mode. In this mode, you start at the Combine and strive to be drafted, living out your virtual NFL career. You can create a player for this purpose or import one from the Road To Glory mode in College Football 25, where you previously shone.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but dive into the widely acclaimed Ultimate Team mode in EA Sports titles – a free-to-play experience that truly shines when you’ve got an endless wallet to back it up. One aspect I’d love to see enhanced is the “Solo Seasons” feature, where you battle AI opponents instead of real players, offering a stress-free way to advance without the pressure of online competition.

In essence, Madden NFL 25 represents a significant advancement towards improving the Madden series. Its visual appeal is striking, and its gameplay offers a fresh experience due to the focus on detail and innovative physics engine. It further develops the impressive return of College Football and stands as the most enjoyable football simulation available until the upcoming season begins in September. Though the great John Madden may no longer be among us, his legacy of outstanding football expertise continues to thrive.

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2024-08-21 12:16