If you’ve taken a few years off from the whole “Madden†thing because you felt there wasn’t enough innovation, that every year the game was just an update with new players and some tacked-on modes, think again. After just a few games of “Madden 25,†it’s easy to see it’s a polished and deep football-sim that basks in its own glory and salivates in its own juices.
That sentiment is felt as soon as you catch your first kickoff. The combination of the Infinity Engine 2 and Run Free/Precision modifiers gives ball carriers unprecedented control. With a press of a button, players can juke, spin, stiff-arm and hurdle. The updated animations and physics make it all look like something you’d see on television as well. Running the ball has never been this fun in a Madden title. It’s probably as close as the series has ever gotten to having a better running game than a 2K pigskin game. You can even make the argument that EA has finally crossed that line entirely.
The only problem is while the animations are realistic and beautiful, the control is a bit too much at times. While having the ability to do have full control over the ball carrier is a wonderful concept, it takes a plethora of time to get comfortable with all of the different things to do. Casual gamers may find it a bit too engrossing. Hardcore gamers however will patiently find a middle ground, using the modifiers when they can and damn, when you pull off a spin or hurdle move at the right time, damn, (yes two damns) does it feel good.
The passing game is enjoyable as well and a bit more easy on the fingers. Calling audibles on the fly works like a charm. The precision in the footwork and offensive line AI is sound as well, allowing QB’s with enough time to make passes while logically and realistically presenting a pocket they can, or sometimes depending on the opposition, can’t move in. You’ll automatically feel a difference between more agile QBs and ones with better offensive lines. Like the running game, there’s layers of polish here.
Defensively is where “Madden 25†fumbles a bit. The tackle stick works, but it just doesn’t feel right. Players can still tackle with the square button, but when you pull off a nice tackle with the analog stick, it just looks cool. Players will consistently want to go for the big play, but the feature isn’t quite there yet. With opponents in the vicinity of the play, a simple flick of the stick should get the tackle done, but that’s not always the case. Like some of the other newer gameplay features, this one requires practice as well.
Luckily, with all of the extra bells and whistles and doo-hickeys this year, EA’s Skill Trainer does an excellent job of preparing and explaining all the new features and modes in a easy, look what you can do sort of way. While taking everything in at first can be cumbersome, investing the time in the Skills Trainer is a more than worthwhile endeavor.
While the changes in gameplay have smoothed out the product immensely, the presentation and commentary is what gives the game its luster. On the spot commentary from Jim Nantz and Phil Simms makes you feel like you’re watching NFL football on television. The camera angles, instant replays and sound effects all recreate the experience as well. Even on a non-HD set, you’ll often find yourself marveled at the amount of detail and the fluidity of movement.
There’s also a hardy layer of extra gameplay modes. Between the Ultimate Team (with a huge list of legends including Barry Sanders and Cris Carter to spice up gameplay) and Connected Franchises, players can get so much more than the play-now experience. With a still sound create-a-player and online elements included in essentially every mode, you’ll find the game a time eater. At first, you’ll simply be fooling around. Three hours later, the modes take on a life of their own entirely.
Powered by wonderful presentation, updated animations and seamless integration of other gameplay modes, “Madden 25†may be the best football game on a current generation console. It’s not without its flaws, but with some time invested, it’s a game of football you won’t want to put down.
Leave a Reply