Some argue that insanity is repeating the same actions while expecting different outcomes. This rings true for annual Madden players. Each August, fans dissect the minute changes, questioning if the tweaks matter and if the game truly feels different. This year, Madden NFL 25 on the field feels distinct—a clear improvement over its predecessor. However, off the gridiron, familiar issues resurface.
The groundbreaking BOOM Tech revolutionizes player collisions and tackles. Instead of pre-determined animations, BOOM Tech employs a system factoring in player ratings, strength, weight, force, velocity, angle, and momentum for each play. The result? Unpredictable and realistic outcomes. Tackles are more varied, with highlight-reel catches, defenders bouncing off running backs, and missed tackles due to poor angles. The enhanced realism is remarkable.
What we said about Madden NFL 24
Madden NFL 24 improves the on-field experience with fantastic animations and AI but stumbles off the field. Other sports sims, including EA’s own, surpass it. This year’s tweaks don’t compensate for the series’ stagnant feeling. Madden resembles a decent team content with mediocrity, possibly sneaking into playoffs but unlikely to win the Super Bowl. The on-field game might be its best yet, but the persistent off-field problems hold it back. – Will Borger, August 22, 2023
Score: 6
Read the full Madden NFL 24 review.
BOOM Tech impacts ball carriers as well. Running backs maneuver through tight spaces more realistically, and players brace for and react to incoming contact, creating breathtaking plays. Even the iconic Hit Stick mechanic sees an overhaul. Timing and angle are crucial; misjudge either, and you’ll miss the tackle. Execute it perfectly, and you’ll deliver a game-changing hit, potentially forcing a fumble. The real-time feedback on Hit Stick attempts adds another layer of strategy. Successful plays feel rewarding, while mistakes, though frustrating, are fair.
Borrowing from the successful College Football 25, Madden 25 incorporates several welcome additions. You can now:
- Choose specific coverage shells like Cover 2 and Cover 3, offering greater defensive control.
- Fine-tune receiver routes in one or five-yard increments, allowing for precise playcalling.
- Shift offensive line sides independently for strategic blocking adjustments.
- Attempt risky one-handed catches that increase catch radius at the expense of reliability.
- Utilize the new Multi-Meter for kicking, a feature that debuted in College Football 25.
These features, while seemingly minor, provide players with unprecedented control over the game. However, the automatic clock run-out when kneeling in a mathematically won game, a feature present in College Football 25, is curiously absent.
The new kickoff rules, mirroring recent NFL changes, are unusual. Runners can only advance once the receiving team’s returner catches the ball, limiting explosive returns. While this reflects the NFL rulebook, it impacts the excitement of special teams plays.
A minor drawback is the reduced on-field feedback compared to previous iterations. The legacy kick meter’s indication of perfectly timed kicks is gone. Similarly, detailed feedback on passes, such as timing and pressure influence, is absent. While the enhanced Hit Stick feedback is appreciated, the lack of information elsewhere is noticeable.
Despite these minor gripes, Madden 25’s on-field action shines. The strategic depth and split-second decision-making are as engaging as ever. However, stepping off the field reveals the game’s persistent shortcomings.
EA touted Madden 25’s visual enhancements, and the improvements are evident. Menus are cleaner, options are clearer, and navigation is smoother, even seemingly lag-free. This might seem trivial, but compared to Madden 24’s launch state, it’s a breath of fresh air. Even the smallest details have been polished.
This emphasis on presentation extends to the game modes, drawing inspiration from College Football 25’s improvements. Franchise mode allows for the creation of female coaches, a welcome addition, along with expanded customization options for both male and female coaches.
Superstar mode, while dropping its previous storyline and voice acting, benefits from visual enhancements. The draft presentation mirrors its real-life counterpart, complete with Roger Goodell presenting the drafted player with a team jersey. While character models still have room for improvement, the visual upgrade over last year is undeniable.
On the field, the visual upgrades continue. Character models, animations, and even touchdown graphics have received a facelift. The little things contribute to a more polished and immersive experience.
However, not all changes are universally loved. The new play art, mimicking College Football 25’s style, is less intuitive and harder to decipher than its predecessor. The addition of more mini-games, including ones for offensive linemen in Franchise mode, is welcome, even if the mini-games themselves remain a means to an end.
The new commentary team, featuring Kate Scott and Brock Huard, brings a fresh perspective, but their commentary lacks the depth of the classic Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis duo.
While the presentation upgrades are commendable, they highlight how much Madden needs to catch up to its contemporaries. These features feel long overdue.
Mode-wise, Madden 25 remains largely unchanged from Madden 24. Ultimate Team, EA’s money-making machine, returns with even more seasons (eight in total). It’s still a grind-heavy mode incentivizing microtransactions, with repetitive challenges and predatory monetization. The new head-to-head mode, considering playstyle and skill level in matchmaking, doesn’t change the mode’s pay-to-win nature.
Other modes, aside from presentation updates, remain largely untouched. Superstar mode, while receiving new storylines, still fails to captivate. The Skills Trainer, though comprehensive, feels dated and could benefit from a refresh. Franchise mode, despite the ability to sort draft prospects by specific ratings and presentation enhancements, lags behind similar modes in other sports games.
Madden 25 elicits a familiar feeling. While the improvements, particularly BOOM Tech’s impact on gameplay, are significant, the game still feels like a fresh coat of paint on a rusting chassis. Madden needs a complete overhaul, a rebuilding from the ground up. Until then, we’re left with iterative improvements that, while welcome, fail to address the game’s fundamental flaws.
