Madden 25 Review – Boom or Bust?

As a lifelong football enthusiast and a passionate Madden player, I have to say that Madden NFL 25 left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, there were some improvements from its predecessor, but overall, it didn’t quite live up to the hype.

Madden NFL 25 Review: A New Football Experience

Madden NFL 25 Review – What is Madden 25?

Madden NFL 25 represents Electronic Arts’ most recent addition to their long-running annual football video game franchise. Essentially, Madden NFL includes authentic NFL teams, players, stadiums, staff members, and more. The series was launched in 1988 and carries the name of esteemed head coach John Madden. After over three decades, it remains the sole NFL football game due to EA’s exclusive licensing deal with the league.

The game was created by EA Tiburon and is now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X & S, as well as personal computers (PC).

Madden NFL 25 Review – Gameplay

Since my last play of Madden, which was Madden 16 back in 2015, I’ve just started with Madden 25 this year. From the get-go, it felt like a slightly enhanced version of Madden 24 to me. Regrettably, that doesn’t carry much praise.

In the previous year, I encountered significant issues with the gameplay of Madden 24, mainly due to its bugginess and unnatural player movements. Regrettably, these problems persist in the current version as well. It’s puzzling whether it’s the Frostbite Engine not performing optimally with Sports games or the multitude of animations that give the gameplay an odd feel. I humorously described players running as if they had a stick stuck up their back in Madden 24, and unfortunately, that description still applies here.

Another thing to mention is player movement, which feels so slow in newer Madden games. And I’m not just saying that because of the faster player movement in CFB 25. Try spinning in Madden 25, then watch a clip of a player spinning in Madden 16. You’ll notice a dramatic difference in how much slower players are now.

Personally, I find Madden 25’s gameplay a bit awkward due to its overemphasis on animations and abilities. This is particularly noticeable with the new physics-based tackling system. It seems like the developers are trying to account for so many factors that the final outcome can sometimes feel cluttered and less than smooth.

For instance, imagine Saquon Barkley is sprinting across an open field and Fred Warner attempts a tackle. With various animations, skills, and physics calculations influencing the tackle, the result can often be confusing. The tackles may appear clumsy, as players might behave erratically before making contact or even trip over. Now, regarding tackles, it seems almost unachievable unless you’re physically near the player.

Absolutely, Madden 25 offers a plethora of technical problems and glitches that can mar the gaming experience. Occasionally, you might witness peculiar occurrences such as player models behaving erratically or moving at incredible speeds unpredictably. For instance, during one game, I observed Jalen Hurts losing the ball after being sacked. Interestingly, Hurts seemed to spin at an astonishing speed, using his helmet to knock the ball into the defender’s arms as if by magic!

In another game, a potential interception of mine was overturned due to a review by the booth, determining whether there was actually a fumble or not. However, it seems odd that we’re discussing fumbles when the quarterback clearly threw an interception instead. Sadly, arguing with automated referees is fruitless, and I ended up losing my valuable interception.

Moreover, there are more unusual events. Workers on power lines have fallen, yet they’ve instantaneously reappeared standing up. Many penalties were ignored that should have been called, and some questionable ones were called when they shouldn’t have been. Artificial Intelligence quarterbacks seem to escape intentional grounding charges, while I frequently get flagged for roughing the kicker on most field goal attempts.

As a gamer, there comes a time when those pesky glitches stop being amusing and start getting on my nerves instead. I just want to immerse myself in an engaging football game, but the glitches keep tripping me up. It’s like playing a game of cat and mouse, where the ‘mouse’ is the glitch and I’m left feeling frustrated. But hey, there are some cool new gameplay features that do make the experience worthwhile.

In Madden 25, there’s a novel one-handed catching mechanic introduced, but why take the chance given that receivers have been dropping too many catches in the latest editions of the game? It appears that even the slightest touch from a defender during the catch causes the receiver to drop the ball excessively. This problem has persisted for years and continues to feel unfair. Fortunately, you can customize sliders to find a setup that suits your playstyle best.

In Madden 24, a fresh blocking system was introduced, making linemen noticeably smarter during blocking scenarios. However, Madden 25 seems to have gone back to a more basic blocking system, leading to situations where accomplished tackles like Lane Johnson miss chances to expand running lanes or block edge rushers. Additionally, receivers occasionally fail to block, even when defenders are right in front of them.

Wrapping up, let’s discuss the new kick-off rules. While I understand that EA Sports is merely trying to mimic the real-life rules, I must admit that the revised kick-off doesn’t seem enjoyable to me. It gives an impression that the NFL aims for teams to score over 50 points per game due to the recent changes. However, this is not a criticism directed at EA Sports as they are merely emulating reality, but it feels excessively arcade-like, unnecessarily complex, and simply not enjoyable.

In summary, the gameplay of Madden 25 seems remarkably similar to Madden 24, with minor alterations that don’t seem significant. The player movement feels slow, tackling is clumsy, and there are too many glitches for comfortable play. However, potential enhancements to each mode might help address these problems.

Madden NFL 25 Review – Franchise

Among all game modes available in Madden 25, it appears that Franchise has received the greatest attention. Enhanced presentation features, Team Builder, and innovative Dynamic Storylines have been introduced, leading us to ponder if this could mark a return for the Franchise mode in full swing.

Initially, the Team Creation tool is back in Madden, enabling you to establish your very own professional football squad. You’re free to utilize a preexisting emblem, or submit an original design, provided it doesn’t infringe on copyrights or offensive content. It’s truly satisfying to witness its return, though we haven’t had the chance to employ it ourselves just yet. I’m simply thrilled that gamers now have the option to pick a real team or create their own.

Unfortunately, Team Builder in this game only allows for Quick Play or Online Franchise options. This means you can’t utilize your team builder teams in offline franchises, which can be quite frustrating. In case EA Sports servers go down, you won’t be able to play with your team even if it’s just an offline franchise. Additionally, unlike CFB 25, you only get one out of six default stadiums to work with, whereas there are many more base stadium options available in CFB 25.

It feels great to see Team Builder return, but of course, there had to be a catch.

A notable addition this season is the introduction of Dynamic and Interactive Storylines. Essentially, these narrative threads will track your characters and their objectives over the course of the entire season, providing an engaging experience each week.

Initially, my experience with Storylines in the Franchise wasn’t smooth as expected. As the coach of the Eagles, I found myself faced with a decision between attending an event with Jalen Carter or Jordan Davis. I opted for Carter, but was informed to anticipate a response from Davis. To my surprise, it was Carter who texted me soon after, expressing his dissatisfaction due to my absence at the event. Quite unexpected!

I value the concept of additional game elements, but I’m not thrilled about their introduction when they join the existing issues of being riddled with bugs. Therefore, rather than continually introducing novel concepts that may fade away in the near future, I’d prefer EA Sports to concentrate more on a few key areas:

Improving gameplay without the need to create new gimmicks that end up being removed or untouched. This includes:
- Player movement
- Catching
- Tackling
- Blocking
- & more
Fixing bugs that have plagued the series for years
Using an engine that isn’t primarily used for first-person shooters
- I understand College Football 25 used Frostbite and is a good game. However, it seems Madden still feels weird on Frostbite.

In Madden 24, I encountered significant challenges with presentations, but EA Sports has taken steps to enhance the overall experience this time around. For instance, they’ve introduced a revamped Draft Night experience, a fresh Super Bowl Celebration scene, new commentary teams, and a few additional modifications.

I find the revamped Draft Night quite enjoyable. It’s exciting to watch players approach the podium for a photo op with Roger Goodell. As for the Mock Draft Boards, they seemed more reliable compared to last season, although I’ve only had one draft session in the game so far, which might not be enough to fully evaluate its accuracy.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve got to admit, the latest Super Bowl and defensive celebrations in this year’s EA Sports game are a fun addition! They’ve definitely stepped up their game presentation, which is a great improvement. Although I believe it could still be more polished, it’s quite satisfactory for now. It’d be awesome to experience a more immersive halftime show and more voice-overs throughout the game, but overall, the core presentation holds its ground.

All in all, Madden 25’s Franchise mode remains the standout option. The enjoyment derived from managing and nurturing your team over time hasn’t waned. Despite Dynamic Storylines feeling more like a novelty and being prone to issues, the return of Team Builder is a welcome addition. However, it’s disappointing that the fundamental gameplay experience leaves something to be desired.

However, playing Franchise is not your sole option in Madden 25; instead, Superstar and Ultimate Team are also available again.

Madden NFL 25 Review – Superstar

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in video games, I must say that the latest iteration of Superstar feels like a stark departure from its previous versions. Gone are the days of pre-draft meetings with my agent, Deion Sanders, or Chad Ochocinco, adding a layer of realism and camaraderie that made the game feel alive. Now, when I receive a text message from my agent, it’s just a blank silhouette with the name “AGENT” – a far cry from the familiar faces and personalities that once populated the game world.

It seems you understand the point. To enhance the dialogue a bit more in your narrative, consider including some conversation from at least one teammate or staff member. Even though you were drafted by the Patriots, it might make the story more engaging if there were exchanges with someone other than Tyreek Hill before the season started. It’s a bit puzzling why Hill is motivating a player on an opposing team, but I suppose anything can happen in the world of sports!

Similar to last year, you may initially enjoy the Superstar mode, but eventually grow tired of it. The weekly activities, training sessions, and matches create an enjoyable loop. Nevertheless, at some point, there seems to be a decrease in unique meetings, with more repetitive interactions with coaches and staff, which can make the experience feel monotonous. Additionally, lacking the management aspects found in Franchise mode, it becomes rather dull.

In a fresh twist, MaddenCast is back on Madden 25 Superstar. During your gaming journey, you’ll come across new episodes of MaddenCast centered around your character. I find the concept of an in-game live-action Madden show intriguing. Yet, it doesn’t quite match up to the charm of the Tony Bruno radio show from Madden 06-07 or the Extra Point Halftime show from Madden 10 for me.

In Superstar, I find it frustrating when certain weekly tasks seem to hamper progress rather than aid it. For instance, one week, I was presented with three different options to concentrate on for the week. One of these choices would boost my quarterback’s throw power by 5, but it would also decrease his medium accuracy by 5. Frankly, I can’t fathom how that setup makes sense at all.

As a seasoned athlete with years of experience in various sports under my belt, I’ve learned that improving one skill often doesn’t come at the expense of another – at least not in a straightforward manner. In the realm of throwing, for example, it’s a common misconception that developing power would necessarily improve accuracy.

Similar to Franchise, I dislike the revised player upgrade system introduced in recent Maddens. Instead of allocating points directly to specific attributes, we now focus on skill categories that encompass a range of skills. However, what if I wish to enhance my accuracy alongside my throw power? In earlier versions like Madden 16, you could simply spend XP points on any attribute or trait you desired to improve. Now, it seems as though upgrades are being imposed upon aspects we might not want to focus on.

To wrap it up, Superstar once again limits us gamers to a repetitive lineup of five positions similar to past years. If you’ve got dreams of playing Safety, Tight End, or even Defensive End, I’m sorry to say, but you’re out in the cold. It seems like EA Sports might be reluctant to develop more position-specific mini-games for practices. Frankly, I believe the game should offer us the chance to play almost every position. Unfortunately, with no individual career mode in Franchise, this is the only way we can live out our dream of being just one player on the field.

Generally speaking, Superstar is passable, but it seems quite limiting and tedious. I grew tired of it rather swiftly due to its apparent lack of updates. Nevertheless, if you’re in search of a player career mode, Superstar should satisfy your needs, as long as you aren’t seeking a more dynamic gaming experience.

Safety (FS or SS)
DE
DT
Tight End
and more

Madden NFL 25 Review – Ultimate Team

Once more, Ultimate Team makes its appearance, yet it remains the most debated game mode. Among all the options available in Madden 25, I’ve dedicated the shortest duration to Ultimate Team.

It’s exciting to imagine a game where you gather trading cards featuring renowned athletes and build your own team. However, this concept is heavily reliant on microtransactions, making it challenging for free users to advance substantially. Spending on points in Ultimate Team can be quite expensive, equivalent to $149.99 for 18,500 points. That amount could instead buy both College Football 25 and Madden 25 together via the MVP Bundle.

In essence, MUT remains MUT. If you’re a fan of it, you’ll likely appreciate what’s presented here. However, I continue to believe that this mode has contributed to the decline of this series. Over time, we’ve witnessed essential game elements being phased out as MUT expands.

Rather than focusing on MUT, it would be more intriguing to explore historical modes and vintage teams in the game. With all the recent rule modifications, particularly those affecting kicking, it would add an exciting twist if we could choose to play with rules from various periods of football history. I’m not suggesting that Madden 26 should replicate MyNBA from NBA 2K, but given how much the game has evolved, it would be engaging for newcomers to get a feel for the old days of football.

But MUT will never go away. It makes too much money for EA Sports and will stay put until people stop paying money for it. So to be fair, a lot of the blame goes to the consumers, who enable the continuation of this mode by purchasing packs and Madden Points.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that Madden 25’s gameplay left me with a sense of unease. If you found the gameplay in Madden 24 disappointing, then chances are you’ll share my sentiments about this version. The pacing is sluggish, and it seems as though some aspects are broken, while others veer too much towards an arcade-like experience. It’s playable, but it doesn’t quite feel right.

Madden NFL 25 Review – Graphics & UI

At a glance, Madden 25 appears visually appealing. The stadiums, jerseys, and spectators seem well-designed. Tiny details such as raindrops on helmets or wind-tossed grass add authenticity to the game.

Similar to Madden 24, the player models can appear somewhat rough when you’re close to them, which typically wouldn’t be a problem. However, due to the introduction of Dynamic Storylines in Franchise mode, the imperfections become more noticeable. For instance, during a meeting to congratulate Eagles FS Reed Blankenship on reaching his weekly target, I encountered an Asian-looking Blankenship, whom I inexplicably reprimanded (even though he had indeed met his targets). Believe it or not, this is the reality of gaming sometimes.

In summary, I comprehend that player models for individuals such as Zyon McCollum may not resemble real life. Yet, one would expect a degree of likeness, even if minimal. At the very least, features like skin tone and overall physical characteristics should be accurately depicted.

When discussing player models on the field, they appear alright until collision occurs. I’ve noticed players’ limbs contort in ways that seem unnatural. I’ve also seen players perform a dance before suddenly falling to the ground with an injury. It may be amusing, but this doesn’t make it acceptable for how awkward and unsettling it can look.

A significant part of the issues with Madden 25 stem from the awkward animations and glitches I pointed out before. It seems as though the game is overly preoccupied with animations, almost to the point where it neglects creating a football game that appears realistic. I acknowledge that nothing will ever be flawless, even at launch, but this problem has been persistent in the series for quite some time now.

Regarding its user interface, Madden 25’s menus are generally well-designed. On the whole, navigation is quite intuitive, and while there have been some notable changes compared to last year’s version, most elements feel easy to find. The Franchise mode in particular stands out for its well-organized structure and logical placement of options.

To wrap it up, I must say that the scoreboards in Madden 25 are impressive. The designers have smartly positioned them at the bottom of the screen, making the scores easier to read. In fact, this placement gives the appearance of a larger scoreboard, enhancing visibility. I truly hope this design element continues in future editions of the game.

In summary, Madden 25’s visuals are impressive. While Frostbite might not excel in sports video game gameplay, it definitely enhances their appearance. If not for the awkward player movements I mentioned before, I would argue that it’s among the most visually appealing sports games available.

Madden NFL 25 Review – Audio

In the game, Madden 25 delivers authentic on-field sounds just as expected. Players colliding and the roar of the crowd are well-executed, meeting all expectations. Simply put, it ticks all the boxes.

Let’s move on to the field sounds now. In Madden 25, there are not just one or two but a total of three announcing crews available during Gameday. If you opt for Quick Play, you have the freedom to choose which team will commentate on your game. The three commentary teams in Madden 25 consist of:

Mike Tirico & Greg Olsen
Charles Davis & Brandon Gaudin
Kate Scott & Brock Huard

Last December, I expressed my belief that Mike Tirico and Greg Olsen would form an excellent broadcasting duo. Indeed, their on-screen chemistry seems quite impressive. Tirico’s extensive background in commentating football matches combines perfectly with Olsen’s insider knowledge from his playing days. Together, they are a dynamic team.

Occasionally, their remarks took me aback, yet there were moments when they discussed my rookie running back, Will Shipley, during my tenure with the Eagles. They highlighted his status as a rookie and the college he attended, which I thought was a pleasant detail. Generally, the commentary seems more comprehensive across all three broadcast teams.

After their return, as anticipated, Charles Davis and Brandon Gaudin appear to be in good health. If you found them tiresome previously, this won’t change your opinion much. In general, they’re serviceable, but they’ve never stood out among the top Madden commentators. That title goes to Gus Johnson.

The final commentary duo, consisting of Kate Scott and Brock Huard, isn’t exactly my cup of tea – they’re not great.

Scott is way too over-the-top and her commentary style does not fit with the game. She’s constantly shouting and projecting her voice and it feels forced. These are the same criticisms I have of her as a 76ers fan. I appreciate the effort and energy she puts in, but it’s too much.

1. Brock isn’t improving; he lacks energy, making the team less captivating. However, it must be said that I seldom notice Brock because by the time he speaks up, I’ve usually muted the TV to dodge Kate Scott’s loud exclamations. Light-heartedly speaking, he’s alright, but not as impactful as Tirico or Olsen. Regrettably, in Franchise and MUT modes, you can’t switch commentators before games.

At least with Madden 25, we had several choices for commentators, which I’m grateful for. It seems EA Sports was determined to enhance the game’s presentation, and in this aspect, they definitely made progress. Therefore, it’s only fair to acknowledge them for broadening the commentary teams.

Finally, let’s discuss the background music. When I first launched the game, I encountered a tune titled “Yeah Glo!”. Upon immediately shutting it down, I later discovered that the game provides a good range of tracks across different music genres.

In a refreshing throwback, the developers have reintroduced tunes such as “Tick, Tick, Boom” from The Hives, along with “American Idiot” by Green Day and a heavily edited rendition of “In Da Club” by 50 Cent.

The soundtrack isn’t overflowing with hit songs, but it does offer some diversity in terms of music genres. Instead of being bombarded with constant high-hats, there are occasional breaks that prevent monotony. While I wouldn’t call it an exceptional soundtrack, it’s decent enough for the time you’ll spend navigating menus.

Ultimately, Madden 25 delivers satisfactory audio performance. Although some might find Kate Scott’s commentary grating and the abundance of rap tracks overwhelming, EA Sports has managed to provide high-quality sound overall.

Verdict: Is Madden NFL 25 Good? Is It Worth Your Time and Money?

Madden NFL 25 isn’t living up to its potential compared to previous versions; instead, it leans more towards a disappointment than a triumph. Although it’s not the lowest point in the franchise, Electronic Arts seems to be focusing on making the series more suited for arcade play while overlooking many of the series’ most significant problems.

All in all, Madden 25 is an advancement over Madden 24, yet it’s questionable if the $60-$70 price tag at launch justifies the improvement. Although some of the problems I encountered with Madden 24 have been somewhat addressed, the gameplay remains unrefined and awkward. With its share of glitches, clumsy player actions, and minimal presentation, Madden 25 falls short in providing the anticipated top-notch football gaming experience.

As someone who has been a passionate gamer for over two decades, I can confidently say that this year’s updates are worth checking out. The new Team Builder, although only available online, brings a refreshing change to the usual routine. It adds an element of excitement and competition that keeps me coming back for more. Breakable records in franchise mode give me weekly goals to strive towards, making the game feel less like a chore and more like a challenge. Lastly, having three commentary teams instead of one provides a more immersive experience, as the conversations are more varied and engaging. These improvements have certainly enriched my gaming life and I believe they will do the same for you. Give it a try!

Once more, it’s Madden 25’s gameplay that requires attention. The players seem sluggish, the spins and jukes lack finesse, and certain arcade-style aspects disrupt the overall immersion. Moreover, the initial amusement from the launch glitches quickly turns into annoyance as time goes by. Given that you hold the exclusive license to create NFL games featuring real teams and rosters, it’s crucial to demonstrate your worthiness by delivering an exceptional game.

Although Madden 25 doesn’t quite live up to being hailed as the greatest football game ever, I must admit that EA Sports has shown improvement in responding to fan suggestions. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a significant improvement, compared to Madden 24, I do believe Madden 25 is a more enjoyable game overall.

I don’t plan on repeatedly criticizing Madden as it stands, but what I truly hope for is a top-notch version from EA Sports. However, it’s challenging to wholeheartedly call this game exceptional. To be frank, it’s just average at its best. If you come across it on PS+ or see it on sale, I wouldn’t advise against purchasing it.

For the moment, consider whether or not the upcoming game suits your gaming preferences. And that concludes our Madden NFL 25 review.

TLDR: Get College Football 25 instead.

Score: 6/10

2024-08-16 18:41

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