With the long-awaited arrival of EA Sports Madden NFL 25, fans of the franchise are diving headfirst into the game with mixed emotions. Having put in hundreds of hours myself in this game, it is evident that Madden 25 improves the quality of life in some ways but still disappoints in others, leaving long-time franchise fans wanting more. In this EA Sports Madden NFL 25 Review, we will break down the essential elements of the game, from gameplay and presentation to game modes and, in general, the playing experience.
Gameplay
First off, the thing Madden NFL 25 does right is the gameplay. Field play is smoother than ever, thanks to improved animations and better offensive line blocking. The gameplay feels more realistic and rewarding, whether you’re running the ball or trying to pick apart a defence with your quarterback. This iteration of Madden has captured the nuance of NFL football much better than its predecessors did, and every down is now more strategic.
This comes to the forefront with how teams play more like real-life counterparts. No two teams feel alike; it’s a huge step up for, at times, a cookie-cutter franchise. Whether you’re defending a run-heavy or pass-first offence, the strategies the AI employs show and feel different.
The new NFL kickoff rules, though, have been a mixed bag. It’s admirable that EA Sports is trying to adapt to real-world changes, but something about the execution needs to be corrected. The way the AI handles kickoffs, with all their penalties, can get frustratingly and predictably permalink, with touchbacks happening every time. This is a minor quibble, but it does reveal how the game sometimes struggles to balance realism with fun.
Presentation
Where Madden NFL 25 really falls short is in its presentation. The game feels a few steps behind its sister title, College Football 25. Whereas College Football 25 was full of unique commentary, detailed team intros, and a general sense of atmosphere, Madden 25 feels like a whole different story.
Take the commentary, for instance. Sure, you might hear a few lines about C.J. Stroud’s impressive rookie season or Sauce Gardner’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but nothing comes close to the sort of tailored commentary that was in College Football 25. This takes away from any historical context and big moments that could have been within Madden 25 because it made the game very generic.
It’s alright, but the wrong buttons were pushed even in its presentation. The whole thing is very flat, with generic team introductions and a need for unique fan interactions. Even as someone who identifies more with the NFL than college football, I missed the vibrancy and attention to detail that College Football 25 brought.
Game Modes
The game modes in Madden NFL 25 offer some incremental improvements but need to provide a complete overhaul, as most fans may have been expecting. The new “storyline” system brings some added depth to franchise mode, though often, it feels like its transparency takes away from the full effect of these storylines. Knowing exactly how your decisions will play out removes much of the suspense and intrigue.
The shift to coaching only in Madden 25 continues, and it has its merits, but it’s only for some. I miss my days of setting ticket prices, managing stadium upgrades, and really diving into economics when it came to running an NFL team. This game aspect separates it from the college experience, and the void is felt.
On the brighter side, the menus are far snappier, and this year’s soundtrack might be the best in years. These quality-of-life changes, while small, do so much to enhance the experience. At the same time, some omissions, like the automatic clock run-off for kneel-downs, make no sense and are pretty glaring if you played College Football 25.
Overall Experience
Ultimately, Madden NFL 25 is a highs-and-lows sort of game. On the one hand, the gameplay is the best it has been in years, with much more realism and a compelling football game. On the other hand, poor presentation and what seems like obvious missed opportunities in game modes make it hard not to compare it to College Football 25 unfairly.
Any die-hard NFL fan who doesn’t care much about the college game will find plenty of reason to pick up Madden 25. Regardless, the on-field improvements make it an excellent entry into the franchise. If you’ve had the pleasure of experiencing College Football 25’s excellence, though, you’ll find Madden 25 a step back in many respects, from how it looks and feels between the downs.
Summary
Madden NFL 25 is a technically brilliant performance that impresses but lacks the emotional impact to make it truly memorable. For some, this will be enough. But for others, especially those familiar with College Football 25, Madden 25 might feel like it’s missing that special something.
So, should you buy Madden NFL 25? If you are an NFL junkie, one who has to get his fix, then absolutely. There’s plenty here in this year’s edition that will entertain you.
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