In the middle of August, it's finally time for our annual dose of console football with the release of EA Sports' new video game, Madden NFL 25.
Every year, the majority of criticism against the football video game is that it lacks new features and is an update of the previous one. Is that the case this year?
BOOM Tech: Not for boomers
One of the major focuses of EA Sports' communication on the innovations of their latest toy is the “BOOM Tech” technology. This process focuses on powerful tackles and the power put into them to make the contacts as authentic as possible. When you make a “hit stick” with your analog stick, you now have to make your “hit stick” at the right time and with a player capable enough of executing it. If you do not make this tackle at the right time or with the wrong player, the player targeted by the tackle will continue his run by breaking the tackle.
Use this tool wisely during your meetings.
Getting closer to reality
Animations have been at the heart of the game's development, and Madden has incorporated a lot of them. For example, EA Sports has transcribed the running style of Christian McCaffrey and Isaiah Pacheco or the pre-snap movements of certain players Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts.
EA Sports teams have reworked the players' faces. Most players have their own face scan.
One-handed receptions (with the L1/LB button) have also been implemented into the game to give even more spectacle and be more explosive in its gameplay.
Play the way you like.
As with EA Sports College Football 25, Madden has seen its playbooks expand with many additions of formations and offensive plays. Many trick plays are integrated into the different offensive playbooks of Madden. The developers have tried to stick to the reality of the different teams. They have integrated iconic plays from each franchise, such as the Chiefs' “Corn Dog” from the Super Bowl. In addition, compared to the old Madden, they have added many plays with motion, which was sorely lacking in the old games. Unlike the defense which remains much more classic. In addition, we can find it a shame to see certain defensive plays removed.
Also, finally in this series of video games, you can choose the length of your routes or when your receiver should make his cut. So, for example, you can audible any target so that he can make an In route at 5, 10 or 15 yards. Conversely, and this is always unfortunate, you cannot audible all the routes, your quarterback must have “Hot Route Master” or your receiver “WR apprentice”…
Madden has also adopted pass blocking from EA Sports College Football 25. Now before the snap, you can see which defenders your offensive linemen are going to block and adapt your pass blocking.
Defensively, after the game is launched, you can switch players by touching the right analog stick to select the right player to attempt an interception. Be careful, there is a knack to be gained with this new feature.
Let's go to the Super Bowl!
The heart of the game for many players is Franchise mode and Superstar mode. These two game modes can be compared to career modes.
The developers of Madden NFL 25 have FINALLY decided to renovate the draft and what can be seen during the ceremony. Gone is the empty stage with names scrolling by and an audience petrified by the spectacle offered. We have the right to animations, Roger Goodell is present on the stage to welcome the rookies and offer them a jersey. We have life during this very important moment of the season. Otherwise nothing really new in this already very complete mode.
On the Superstar mode side, the ability to import your player from EA Sports College Football 25 is a major asset of this game mode and to be able to have an almost complete career, even if you have to have the NCAA game.
A good Madden?
Even though this latest opus from EA Sports is a good vintage and is superior to its predecessor, it still lacks a little something to be a very good game.
Compared to other next-gen productions, Madden NFL 25 doesn't seem to have gotten into it yet, and that's a shame. The PC version is benefiting from the next-gen version for the first time.
