Developer: EA Orlando
Publisher: Electronic Arts, EA Sports
Release date: August 13, 2024 (deluxe version), August 16, 2024 (standard version)
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (reviewed on the S)
Football fans are having a bonus year in videogames, with EA Sports College Football 25 releasing last month, and now is followed by the annual iteration of Madden Football. This year’s version boasts noticeably upgraded visuals, with some nice new tweaks that owe a lot to College Football 25. It’s not completely perfect, but it is a step up from Madden NFL 24, making it worthwhile to pick up. The modes here are all familiar fare to longtime players of the franchise, with Ultimate Team being the game’s microtransaction magnet. Franchise can be played both solo and online in competition against other players. Superstar lets you develop your own player iin various positions. There’s Quick Play to jump right into a game, Training Camp to hone your skills through mini games, and a Creation Center, where you can make your own playbooks. Controls will feel familiar to longtime players, and work smoothly. The addition of another announcing team for games adds to the presentation, and keeps you from hearing too many repeated lines.
Let’s ge the microtransaction magnet out of the way first. While Ultimate Team doesn’t require to absolutely spend real world money, it does feel like it pressures you to do so. Currency for buying packs can be earned in game by playing challenges, seasons, and online against others, though some packs are a bit expensive and will therefore require a huge time sink into the mode. Getting packs to put together a legendary team can get a little addictive. It’s good that challenges and seasons can be played solo or online, and fun can be had for those who are not big online players. Challenges also have multiple difficulty modes, so players of all skill levels can enjoy their time in Ultimate Team. There are some nice presentations in games within the mode, including seeing your user name flash on the stadium’s big screen. It’s a mode I had more fun with than I thought I would, and would recommend at least trying it out.
Franchise is a solid mode, though little has changed from Madden 24 outside of the game presentation, where we get three sets of commetators for the games during the season. Joining Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis from last year are Kate Scott and Brock Huard along with Mike Tirico and Greg Olsen. Having multiple teams keeps the commentary from getting stale, and while you will hear repeated phrases over the course of your season they don’t come as often. The new BOOM tech offers dynamic tackling with the defense, and running plays feel like they’ve gotten a boost with the ability to break tackles as well as weave in and out of defenders. Players can customize game settings to their preference, and for the first time players can create a female coach to head up their team. Rosters can be customized as well if you should not want to just go with the current season rosters. Coaches can be leveled up, as can your players, with experience points gained by playing the games during your season. The mode is fun abd satisfying, and is where I spent the majority of my time. It’s nice that options allow you to make either a more arcade like experience or dive deep into a purer simulation. This helps accomodate players of all skill levels, and keeps things fun. Franchise can be played solo or you can create leagues with friends online.
Superstar mode lets you create your own player, and there are a variety of positions to choose from. For my player I chose quarterback, with my player being drafted by the New York Giants. During a season you’ll get several quests to fulfill. Completing quests gains you experience points which can be used to upgrade your abilities. One odd change from past games is that there are no voiced lines, with everything needed to be read. Considering how gameplay presentation has been stepped up with the upgraded visuals and the rotating commentary teams, having no voice acting seems like an odd choice. Overall, it doesn’t really mar the enjoyment of the mode, but it still feels as if something is missing. It’s fun to play, and it can be interesting letting your player be drafted by someone other than your chosen team.
This year’s edition of Madden NFL is a step back in the right direction. Upgraded visuals and rotating teams of commentators lift the game presentation up, and the game modes are all worth diving into. It’s not perfect, but it still is worthy of a purchase for football fans to compliment College Football 25.
8.5/10 stars
You must be logged in to post a comment.