Madden NFL 12

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Oct 7, 2011
    90
    Several new features also make franchise play more rewarding: Madden vets will greatly appreciate the faster free-agent bidding process, which creates more tension between teams and preseason roster cuts also add a more human element. [Nov 2011, p.84]
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  2. Worth Playing
    Aug 29, 2011
    90
    Although Madden NFL 12 presents some new AI issues, it resolves many AI failings and gameplay shortcomings that have plagued the franchise for several years.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    Aug 26, 2011
    90
    Small visual shortcomings and some audio annoyances might keep Madden 12 from being 100% on top form, but with the crazy amount of content and nearly endless gameplay possibilities, these seem like minor grievances.
  5. Play UK
    Sep 7, 2011
    85
    One of the best Madden experiences yet, even if the fabled presentation doesn't seem as strong as before. If you've wanted to get into the series before but haven't, now's the time. [Issue#209]
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  6. Gamer Limit
    Sep 1, 2011
    85
    Despite the remaining core gameplay issues and the poor commentary, Madden NFL 12 is a great title. While superstar mode needs some work and online franchise could use some love, offline franchise is simply fantastic and is well worth dozens of hours of your attention. If you enjoyed Madden NFL 11 and are a fan of franchise mode, this game is a must.
  7. GameTrailers
    Aug 26, 2011
    85
    When you start building a game on such an impressive foundation you're guaranteed to have a quality product in the end, but the longer you play it the more the issues become bothersome. Just like the NFL rookie class of 2011, it should have spent a little more time in training camp.
  8. Digital Chumps
    Aug 27, 2011
    84
    Madden NFL 12 doesn't break a 90-yard run past Madden NFL 11, but it does make sure that the route it runs is tighter and a lot more fun. With a deeper Franchise mode, a great online community option and better AI and collision, Madden NFL 12 offers a well-rounded football experience.
  9. PSM3 Magazine UK
    Oct 4, 2011
    83
    It could - probably should - look better, but it's ridiculously deep and authentic with loads to do, both online and off. [Nov 2011, p.101]
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  10. PSFocus
    Sep 26, 2011
    83
    Even though NFL 12 doesn't exactly outclass its predecessor, It's still better than NFL 11. Improved drafting and the new collision system are fine additions to the NFL legacy, but some more changes would have been nice.
  11. Game Over Online
    Sep 20, 2011
    83
    Madden 12 does a lot of things very well. I can say without hesitation that the new and improved presentation, animations, movements, and overall NFL atmosphere of the game are enough to warrant the new purchase. Superstar mode was a bit of a disappointment for me, but I cannot justify too much of a hit due to this, as Franchise mode is the cream of the crop for Madden fans – and Franchise mode really does shine. If you are a Madden fan and/or football fan, don't hesitate to pick this one up.
  12. Game Revolution
    Aug 29, 2011
    83
    All in all, Madden NFL 12 lives up to its franchise's basic standards as a hard-hitting realistic football game. Besides all the new fancy updates and sparkly things that dangle on the screen, loyal Madden-ists and newcomers can enjoy mostly everything Madden has to offer.
  13. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 30, 2011
    80
    It's a solid game but one which bears too many similarities to previous versions for us to wholeheartedly recommend it.
  14. XGN
    Sep 16, 2011
    80
    Electronic Arts has improved Madden NFL 12 at some crucial points with the additions to the Franchise mode and the addition of online communities. Even though we would have liked some more improvements, Madden NFL 12 is the best American Football game out there.
  15. SpazioGames
    Sep 12, 2011
    80
    Madden NFL 12 changes, just a little. It's faster, smarter, more realistic and its defensive AI is improved. If you are a football fan, you'll play and enjoy yourself for another year.
  16. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Sep 5, 2011
    80
    If there's one thing it can't be accused of, it's playing it safe. [Oct 2011, p.110]
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  17. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Sep 2, 2011
    80
    Beats its predecessor in every way, delivering top-notch performance and presentation tweaks to bring you what you see on game day every Sunday. Crisp graphics, huge amounts of gameplay options, and a thriving online community are the perfect game-winning play that Madden needs to stay relevant.
  18. GamingExcellence
    Aug 31, 2011
    80
    Only buy Madden NFL 12 if you're a hardcore football fan. You'll find everything you're looking for in a pigskin simulator and then some. The casual fan will likely ignore most of the new features in favour of just tossing the ball around for some NFL action, which will be just as well served by any other previous Madden title for a fraction of the price.
  19. TotalPlayStation
    Aug 26, 2011
    80
    Even though there are major improvements the game still needs work. When one of those (the new camera angles) reveals glaring problems (crowds, cars, cheerladers) it seems counterproductive. Still, it's Madden and it's a whole lot of fun.
  20. IGN
    Aug 26, 2011
    80
    The improvements to Madden NFL 12 are small, but they're spread over every facet of the game. Madden fans are getting a tighter, more finely tuned game.
  21. NZGamer
    Sep 27, 2011
    78
    Compared to most games on the market, Madden NFL 12 is fantastic. But, what Madden is always compared to is last year's model. And in the end it's the same old game, with the same old caveat. If you have Madden 9, 10, or 11, you don't need to worry about 12.
  22. PSX Extreme
    Sep 2, 2011
    77
    Just isn't a significant upgrade by any stretch of the imagination, despite some noted enhancements. They ignore things like crazy ball physics and collision detection problems, and opt for changes that are just plain bizarre. I liked the increased AI, the strategic demand, the cool animations and sweet visuals, and better tackling mechanics. I really liked all that. But the rest feels either dated or uninspired and in the end, I just don't have much fun with this year's entry.
  23. PlayStation Universe
    Sep 1, 2011
    75
    Madden NFL 12 is another tight package with improved AI, animations, and online communities. Most of the updates are under the hood, but diehard NFL fans will enjoy the tweaks in 12, even if they are minor.
  24. GameSpot
    Aug 27, 2011
    75
    Few offseason improvements mean that Madden 12 is another fun but flawed entry in the stagnating series.
  25. Game Informer
    Aug 26, 2011
    75
    It's disappointing that many of the new features fail to bring value to the table, but elements like last year's excellent motion system are at least in place to make the game exciting from moment to moment. Although I wasn't in awe of the new player hot/cold streaks, I liked the player roles and how they changed from year to year and gave your players a career progression arc. Other bright spots are the online communities that help weed out the riff-raff from your online multiplayer (thanks to stronger griefing rules), and the accompanying leaderboards also offer a larger structure to the experience. This is especially useful since the online franchise feature is still a bust.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Best PS3 Game of 2011
53
#53 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
98
#98 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 64
  3. Negative: 17 out of 64
  1. Stybo
    Dec 15, 2011
    2
    7 year old graphics, flawed game play, and lack of any legitimately progressive content makes madden 12 what madden 11, 10, 9, 8 and 7 were7 year old graphics, flawed game play, and lack of any legitimately progressive content makes madden 12 what madden 11, 10, 9, 8 and 7 were not worth their price tag....by a LONG SHOT. The exclusivity deal EA has with the NFL has ruined football video games for nearly the past 10 years and it will remain this way until their is competition in the genre once more. EA is happy to rest on their laurels and rake in cash as they monopolize a very lucrative video game category. This laurel resting is evident in the amount of clipping and awkward player interactions that occur in the game. Interceptions will frustrate and baffle you as you watch the opponent reach through your receiver to make the interception. The blurred edges on all the players when the camera is zoomed out will make you feel like you are playing on a playstation 1. The "3D" grass that has been implemented will make you laugh at how pathetic it looks. Your 10th franchise game in a row where it is raining (glitch EA has decided to leave unfixed) will make you sigh deeply with your head in your hands. The inability of your quarterback to complete deep passes will annoy you. Ultimately, if you end up only wasting 60 bucks on this game you should consider yourself lucky, considering how much it might cost to replace a plasma TV that has had a fist go through it.… Full Review »
  2. Kurgan
    Sep 1, 2012
    9
    Man, did I get a lot of play out of this game. The best Madden entry yet. I bought '08, and it sucked. God it sucked. This one was aMan, did I get a lot of play out of this game. The best Madden entry yet. I bought '08, and it sucked. God it sucked. This one was a gamble for me. I hadn't played football games since '08. I thought, am I too far behind? Will I get creamed even on absolute rookie mode? Well, if you have played real football, or watched football, or even watched breakdown on Sportscenter, then you understand football enough to call plays proper in this game. Football is strategy. This game capitalizes on that basic idea and principal. It, pardon the pun, takes the ball and runs with it. I had lots of fun. That's correct, fun. I can't believe I had fun with a football game. I didn't think it possible. Madden has a history of closing out newcomers of the game. Absolutely user-unfriendly, many of the titles are. Not 12. I asked a friend at work, who bought the game six months after it came out(as did I), what he thought. He said it was accessible, un-like previous offerings. I couldn't believe that two people thought the same thing. That's why this game is great. The only thing that MIGHT be better? Madden 13.… Full Review »
  3. kayasavas87
    Jan 5, 2012
    0
    Not buying this again unless 2K sports gets rights to make their game. EA is a bunch of lazy turds. How many glitches can one game have?Not buying this again unless 2K sports gets rights to make their game. EA is a bunch of lazy turds. How many glitches can one game have? Commentary sucks (calling players the wrong name). Game physics are terrible (passes caught on the hash register as incomplete). Constant audio pops that made me think my sound system was broken, but then I realized it was just crap Madden.… Full Review »
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