Madden25
It’s been a while since a version of Madden really impressed me.
Every year, tons of buzzwords are used to convince users that big changes have been made, but usually the game is basically the same with a few small changes that can have a positive or negative impact on the experience.
Madden 25 is different.
Did EA recreate everything we’ve ever seen or known about video game soccer? No, that wasn’t necessary.
But it offers the best gaming experience and the most comprehensive feature set in the history of this storied franchise.
Here are the good and the bad, as well as the conclusion of Madden 25.
The good
Visual fidelity has been improved
Madden 25 will be released in 4K.
The models are not much better represented than in Madden 24. Visually, however, the game shines with 3D grass, distinctive animations such as the unique running style of Isaiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs, and more scans for more players.
Don’t expect a graphical leap comparable to an upgrade between console generations, but there are enough improvements to be noticeable.
The gameplay is more lively
With new pre-snap adjustments, improved zone integrity on defense and O-line play, pass control, hit stick ideology, and a toolbox of moves available to ball carriers, Madden 25 is the most comprehensive virtual football game ever.
EA usually talks about improved physics-based tackling, but nothing ever feels much different. Madden 25 is the first game in the series where I felt like every player on the field was tangible, and that the on-screen collisions weren’t completely prisoners of a small stack of pre-made animations.
I’ve experienced the fewest immersion-breaking collision moments in years, and this element is a big reason why Madden 25 is so much fun.
The adaptation has been massively improved
Aside from the strong gameplay, my favorite upgrade in Madden 25 is the increased customization options. The player creation suite is more extensive and largely unrestricted, and the addition of the Team Builder website takes the creation options to a new level.
The Team Builder in Madden is exactly what we hoped it would be for College Football 25: it allows users to easily create their own NFL universe or custom NFL team.
If you’re an avid Franchise Mode player, it’s likely to be game-deciding.
A Deep Madden franchise mode is finally back
In addition to the expanded customization and passive improvements to Franchise Mode that come with improved gameplay, the feature has also improved overall immersion.
A new user interface and a more modern conversation system make the storylines in Franchise Mode seem more relevant and lively.
The Promise/Commitment system that drives the action off the field is a brilliant idea and gives the feel of a rogue-lite experience, which is the feel we’ve always wanted from a franchise mode.
Even stat tracking has been improved, with the game now recognizing far more milestones and record-breaking achievements.
This version features the best Madden Franchise mode ever, and after being so frustrated with it during the pandemic a few years ago that I started the hashtag #FixMaddenFranchise, it’s nice to be able to say that.
Superstar Mode Quests Add Another Level
I haven’t played Superstar Mode much since EA released Longshots, but one element in this year’s version of the single-player mode piqued my interest: quests.
In Madden 25, Superstar Mode features Quests, which are essentially side missions that your created player must complete throughout their career. Completing the tasks will yield various rewards that will power up your player and unlockable items that can be used or worn in online Superstar Mode.
Superstar Mode now resembles the more in-depth single-player experiences in sports games like NBA 2K.
The bad
Minor deficiencies in the presentation
We’ve seen some progress in presentation, with the addition of two more commentary teams, some nice overlays, and excellent in-game audio, but the improved Franchise Mode experience still leaves something to be desired in the area of highlights.
The halftime highlights are specific and we would still like to see the best plays from other games after my weekly competition.
Additionally, the depiction of injuries remains bland and unrealistic. I wish injuries were depicted more realistically instead of getting a full diagnosis within minutes.
This is an immersion breaker in franchise mode.
Dynamic difficulty would be a plus
I appreciate a game that grows in difficulty as I play. Dynamic difficulty is one of the best features of MLB the Show and I believe there is a place for it in Madden as well.
Simply playing on All-Pro or All-Madden can negate the challenge for a player who wants to play through multiple single-player offline seasons.
Legends are still banned in Ultimate Team
My biggest issue with Madden 25 is Ultimate Team. I don’t have any deep disdain for that mode. I understand why people love it, but I think EA is fueling the anger towards it by locking the legends in MUT and denying them Franchise Mode and other offline options.
Playing with the Legends isn’t as big an incentive to play MUT as EA’s decision makers might think. No matter which player is involved, powerful cards within MUT are the biggest incentive. Therefore, it doesn’t cost EA any money to allow users to use Deion Sanders or Bo Jackson in their franchise modes.
If they simply sold a Legends pack within MUT that unlocked past players for all modes, EA would probably make even more money than they do with the current system.
Although the review is mostly positive, this is the area of the game that I have the most criticism of.
Madden 25 – The Conclusion
Madden 25 is the most complete version of the series in over a decade. Failing to recognize the improvements is more likely to result in knee-jerk hatred than appreciating the merits of each version. The gameplay is tighter, customization has been significantly improved, and each mode offers depth. If you buy one version of Madden every five years, this should be it.
- Score: 9 out of 10
- Rated Platform: PS5
- Verification code provided by EA
