As a long-time Madden fanatic who’s seen the franchise through thick and thin, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and disappointment with this year’s edition. On one hand, the gameplay improvements and visual overhaul are undeniably impressive, making it the best Madden in half a decade. But on the other, those nagging legacy issues persist, holding the franchise back from reaching its full potential.
As a passionate gamer diving into Madden 25, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of expectations. This game needs to rectify the shortcomings of its predecessor while living up to the high standards set by College Football 25. It’s no easy feat, especially considering the series seems to be on a downward slope. So, when I initially powered up the game, I must admit, my optimism was as scarce as a touchdown in a low-scoring game.
Initially, I found myself taken aback as instead of the usual introduction, a more polished display welcomed me right away. The familiar EA Sports animation seamlessly transitioned into a brief exhibition of all teams and the NFL emblem, which was immediately followed by a loud blast of trumpet fanfare that echoed in my ears.
With this piquing my interest and enthusiasm, I’m now wondering about the overall quality. Discover the answer in our Madden 25 review.
Improved presentation across the board
EA SportsGillette Stadium’s renovations are represented in the game.For this year’s iteration of the NFL sim franchise, EA have touted a number of improvements to the game’s presentation. These changes are noticeable immediately, contributing heavily to the sense of freshness Madden 25 has going for it.
It all starts with the opening screen, as instead of staring straight into digital Josh Allen’s lifeless eyes, you’re staring at a dynamic still of real-life Christian McCaffrey. The screen oozes quality and so do the menus.
Instead of the previous setup featuring horizontal video clips of gameplay, there’s now an NFL montage accompanied by an attractive user interface design. Moreover, the issue of menu delays that Madden 24 players are familiar with has been resolved, making a notable difference for those who invested significant time in the game.
The authenticity of game day has been enhanced to mimic genuine NFL broadcasts more closely. This update introduces a fresh scoreboard and two new commentary teams, although their quality leaves much to be desired. The environment within the venues appears more lively due to the introduction of ESPN Monday Night Football recordings. Fans will jeer if you underperform but will erupt with team-specific chants if you pull off a comeback.
Gameplay is a noticeable step-up
EA SportsDefensive coverage remains unfixed.Instead of just cosmetic changes, this update introduces fresh gameplay elements, with the standout addition being BOOM Tech. This robust technology significantly enhances the sensation of collisions, making them seem more authentic.
Among the main criticisms leveled at Madden 24 is the perceived lack of player agency in certain interactions, which can feel scripted. Frequently, running players are caught in tackle sequences with little opportunity to evade or recover from collisions due to insufficient space or poor timing after impact.
BOOM Tech tackles this challenge by selecting animations appropriately from a collection, taking into account elements such as pace, mass, force exerted, and player’s physical power. This system infuses realistic physics into each tackle, making collisions seem more organic rather than predetermined.
From the initial image, it’s clear that ball carriers will effortlessly dodge tackles and swiftly adapt their movements to avoid defenders. This dynamic style is further enhanced by the updated Hit Stick, which now relies on timing. Consequently, the game will provide immediate feedback on your tackle timings, thereby making the results of confrontations more realistic.
When it comes to genuine expressions, I’ve noticed some striking new signature moves reminiscent of the NFL. The ones that caught my attention the most were Isaiah Pacheco’s aggressive running technique and Christian McCaffrey’s swift bursts through minuscule openings.
Despite my numerous compliments about the gameplay, there are some significant problems. Although the game manages to make events on the field less foreseeable, it fails to eliminate the rough edges that were present in earlier versions of the game.
1. Often, animations interfere with one another and malfunction excessively. In a post-play scene, my linebacker developed a glitchy gait that made his lower body seem weightless and flail around erratically. On another occasion, CeeDee Lamb appeared to float off the ground with each step towards the endzone, an imaginative yet unrealistic move for the game.
In simpler terms, the AI’s defensive strategy and logical reasoning are not fully developed yet. The AI tends to be rigid when preventing opponents from making assignments, often letting them slip by because they’re taking a slightly different path. Interestingly, CFB25 has mostly resolved this issue, so it’s surprising that Madden 25 didn’t do the same.
Despite the numerous upgrades in gameplay, frustrating old problems persist, which seem to be impeding the series’ progression.
Game modes justify the price, but offer nothing more
EA SportsThe Franchise menu overhaul is a great touch.For several years, Franchise has been somewhat overlooked, but it’s fantastic to notice its revival in the latest Madden. Not only have the menus been redesigned, but a fresh hub, ‘Franchise Hub,’ has been added. This new centralized location provides valuable options and information at a glance, all while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design – a long-awaited change indeed.
As a longtime football fan with years of attending draft nights at the stadium and following the NFL Draft closely, I can confidently say that Madden NFL 21 does an exceptional job of capturing the essence of this exciting event. The game’s opening video, with its snippets of real-life footage, sets the perfect tone for the experience, while the seamless transition to an in-game cutscene keeps things engaging and immersive. When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage, just like in years past, I feel a rush of anticipation, as I wait for the draft board to light up and the picks to begin. Madden NFL 21 has truly outdone itself in replicating the electric atmosphere of the real-life NFL Draft, making it an unforgettable experience for any football fan.
On Draft Night, your constant guide is the prospect board, presenting you various choices and their crucial characteristics. After making your choice, that player either puts on the jersey in front of everyone on stage or rejoices as they get the call at home.
1. Draft Night significantly enhances the gaming experience, and it’s satisfying to witness your selections lifting the jersey at the end. However, the recruitment system falls short compared to its CFB25 equivalent, boasting a greater level of complexity. A notable issue that I must address is the lack of access to the picks made in previous rounds. This appears to be such an essential feature, yet it continues to be overlooked each year.
Team Builder adds a touch of personalization to the experience, offering increased customization options. Essentially, you have the ability to initiate a completely tailored game by importing thirty-two teams within the Franchise mode, which is expected to keep players actively involved.
Beyond all these additional elements, the fundamental gameplay remains consistent. However, the repetitive nature of the progression/reward system becomes tiresome quickly, falling short of the engaging Career Mode found in most sports games. The same criticism applies to Superstar, which shares similar new features. Nevertheless, the enhanced player customization and the option to continue your NFL Journey save are commendable aspects.
Regarding the popular game mode, Madden Ultimate Team, it continues to follow familiar patterns, with an emphasis on pack sales and quick access to store advertisements. However, there are indeed some commendable aspects to it.
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the massive upgrade in the UI, nearly eliminating that pesky menu lag. It’s a game-changer for offline players, as MUT now offers Solo Seasons, where we can strive to reach the Super Bowl against CPU opponents. Another exciting new feature is Epic Challenges, where we’ll face seemingly insurmountable odds to collect stars and earn rewards. In tight matches, the AI doesn’t hold back, pushing us to our limits when we’re battling a deficit or clinging to a narrow lead.
Verdict – 3/5
As a die-hard fan, I can’t hide my excitement about Madden 25! It’s packed with significant upgrades to both gameplay and presentation, making it the standout title in the franchise for the past five years. However, some old problems persist, and the less engaging game modes don’t do much to alleviate that.
As a football enthusiast, I must admit that this year, even my favorite NFL simulation game struggles to shine when compared to College Football 25. It’s a tough reality to face, but it seems like the spotlight is on the college game this season.
Before diving into the cutthroat realm of Ultimate Team, always remember to utilize top-notch offensive and defensive gameplans within the game for optimal performance.
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2024-08-19 19:07