Although I'm an NFL fan, the Madden franchise has always been too complicated for me, so I'm a bit surprised to say Madden 25 had me after the first touchdown pass.
My first interest in American football came during the peak of Favre's Packers in the '90s, but my favorite team to watch was the 99/00 St. Louis Rams with Faulk and Warner. They won Super Bowl XXXIV, and from then on, I'm hooked. That feeling came back to me, as playing the Madden franchise for the first time felt like watching games on TV with my dad.
Graphics & Sound
Madden 25 offers a visual spectacle, particularly in Superstar mode, where I can customize my avatar and see other players up close. The detailed player models and animations created a sense of realism that immersed me. The stadiums are also beautifully rendered, capturing the unique atmosphere of each NFL venue. I'm just sad that the Raiders that drafted me in Superstar mode are now in Las Vegas, so I missed the Oakland years and the famous fans from the Black Hole end zone.
While the game sounds fine, having conversations in Superstar mode without a voiceover was weird. Is it possible that EA had budget issues that prevented them from hiring voice actors? The lack of voice talents was jarring, as it's a wasted opportunity to experience how the NFL team sounds behind the cameras. On the other hand, the commentators are excellent, offering enough variety so they never become boring.
- Score: 4/5 Stars
Atmosphere
One of Madden 25's strengths lies in its atmosphere. Each mode offers a distinct experience, but all share a common thread: the games feel like real NFL matches. The announcers provide insightful commentary, and the cutscenes and plays on the field add to the excitement. The player collisions are particularly impressive, making quarterback sacks feel even more impactful.
Although I was never a fan of complex offensive or defensive NFL schemes, choosing and executing plays was easy. That made successful plays even more satisfying, giving me a sense of accomplishment (especially as a quarterback or wide receiver). Setting up my team for a touchdown is even better than scoring one, especially in Superstar and Franchise modes, where there are even more options for leading a team.
- Score: 5/5 Stars
Controls
Learning the controls in Madden 25 can be daunting, especially if you want to succeed in modes other than Superstar. As a new player, I found memorizing the controls for different player positions challenging. While Madden 25 does provide help by showing you controls during the match, the learning curve is still steep. I had a problem switching between quarterback and running back controls, but that was a piece of cake compared to playing defense.
The defensive schemes can also be complex, making reacting quickly to the opponent's plays difficult. I understand that many players are Madden veterans, but I still think there should be more ways to learn controls, especially regarding defense. Playing defense was not enjoyable, as I felt I didn't have any influence on the game because I wasn't sure what button to press.
- Score: 3/5
Game Modes
Madden 25 offers a variety of game modes to keep players engaged. Ultimate Team is a popular choice, allowing you to build your dream team through packs and challenges. I don't like this card-collecting mode, as it's filled with microtransactions. Having said that, I understand the appeal, as here, I can create a team with legendary players from different eras.
Superstar mode lets you create a player and guide them through their career, while Franchise mode allows you to manage an entire team. If you enjoy competitive play, Online Head-to-Head mode offers the chance to face off against other players. With so many game modes, there's something for everyone in Madden 25. My favorite mode was Superstar, as I wanted to become the next Brett Favre, my favorite QB of all time (I'm not saying he's the best!).
- Score: 5/5
Verdict - Excellent football simulation
Madden 25 is a solid football game that caters to players of all skill levels. For casual fans who simply want to have fun, the Arcade settings make the game more accessible, while experienced Madden players will find plenty of challenges to keep them engaged. The controls can be difficult to master, but the overall gameplay experience is enjoyable and satisfying. If you're an NFL fan, Madden 25 will be your faithful companion during the football season.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a free copy of the game to Pro Game Guides for review purposes.
For more on Madden 25, check out the Best team uniforms in Madden 25 – All jerseys ranked on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Aug 22, 2024 08:39 am