User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 164 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 164
  2. Negative: 99 out of 164
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  1. Aug 28, 2017
    4
    Pros:
    1. First of all, the graphics are amazing. Do yourself a favor and purchase a PS4 Pro (hook that baby up to a 4K TV while you are at it. You will be in awe.)
    2. The game play is MUCH smoother. What I mean by "smoother" is, in Madden 17 I felt completely out of control when running the ball. This year the players seem a little more.... "grounded" if you will. Jukes are much more
    Pros:
    1. First of all, the graphics are amazing. Do yourself a favor and purchase a PS4 Pro (hook that baby up to a 4K TV while you are at it. You will be in awe.)

    2. The game play is MUCH smoother. What I mean by "smoother" is, in Madden 17 I felt completely out of control when running the ball. This year the players seem a little more.... "grounded" if you will. Jukes are much more effective with scat backs (no more coming to a complete stop prior to throwing a joke), and trucking/stiff arms with bigger backs actually works against DBs/smaller defenders.

    3. The 3v3 MUT is sick. I love playing DB in career mode, but it gets a little tedious because the CPU doesn't make mistakes (such as throwing into double coverage), so playing against a user controlled QB is refreshing.

    4. AI blocking is better. Not perfect, but better.

    CONS:

    Before I begin, I wanted to point out (in my humble opinion) it doesn’t matter how good the graphics are, how much effort you put into MUT for financial gain, how the CFM wasn’t even touched (even though YOUR WHOLE ENTIRE FAN BASE WANTED THIS ADDRESSED!!!)), how bad the commentary is, how the players still look like drunk rag dolls in the middle of an epileptic seizure, I could forgive these flaws…… as long as the game play is realistic. After all, that is why we purchase the game, correct? With that being said, here we go:

    1.This year, EA insists that ratings actually matter, so I put their theory to the test. I conducted a fantasy draft with two separate teams.

    For team A, I drafted of all (rated) 90+ defensive lineman, and for team B I drafted all 60-70’s (rated) offensive lineman. For team A, also I drafted highly rated linebackers (Hightower with a 91 overall rating, Levonte David at OLB), and for team B I drafted a mediocre RB/TE/FB combo (I believe it was Kareem Hunt).

    In theory, team A should win in the trenches every...single...time.

    The very first game (everything was CPU controlled, so "user timing" did not play a factor in the outcome) I watched Von Miller (who I changed to a DE) get COMPLETELY blown off the ball on a running play and pushed 10 yards down the field …….by Coby Fleener.

    Mind you, this was simulation mode, where individual ratings are supposed to matter (the ONLY game mode where ratings are paramount to user skill). Von Miller has (don't quote me on the exact ratings) a 97 block shedding rating, 95-97 finesses moves rating, etc. So why in the hell is Coby Fleener, a pass catching tight end with a 50 something run blocking rating, blowing up the MVP and driving him 10 yards down the field?

    Kareem Hunt ended the game with (I kid you not) 140 rushing yards on 17 carries. As a reminder, he was running against a defensive line with all 90+ ratings (as well as linebackers with 85-90 ratings) behind an offensive line with 60-70 ratings.

    So, unfortunately ratings do not seem to matter. I am hoping this gets patched, fixed with sliders, but to me it seems like another broken promise from EA.

    2. DL/OL interaction is so slow. My lord it's frustrating at times. Good luck trying to get your DT to make a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. As a result, there is a positive running play on almost every single carry (a complete 180 from last year's running game, which was almost too difficult).

    3. Subpar QBs are still throwing dimes off their back foot. This goes back to bullet point #1, do ratings really matter?

    4. The CPU AI is useless, you can throw slants against their defense all game and they won't adapt. Non-user controlled players wander around the field with no purpose (especially on defense, where I've seen DBs run away from their coverage WHILE THE BALL IS IN THE AIR, defensive lineman diving at absolutely nothing..taking themselves out of the play, etc).

    I'd recommend watching RyanMoody21's Youtube Channel. He breaks down a tremendous amount of flaws in this year's game.

    I will say this, people are catching on. Trust me fellas, there will be a point in our lifetime where another company makes a legitimate football game, because year after year EA has shown they aren't capable of doing so.

    It's hilarious and almost sad to see just how complacent Tiburon is with mediocrity.
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  2. Aug 15, 2018
    0
    Pay to win garbage. Reduces gameplay down to level of mobile gaming. And meanwhile they have just bought all review websites. Absolute garbage.
  3. Nov 23, 2017
    3
    Thumbs down.. Another year another bad madden game.Thumbs down.. Another year another bad madden game. 33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 Expand
  4. Jul 7, 2018
    0
    How do you give a -10000000000000000000000000000000000000000/10 rating. Gameplay is the worst in football game history, season mode is atrocious I actually saw the browns go 7-9 IN THERE FIRST SEASON!!!! Often insanely glitchy QBs won't move or it shows just grass 90% of the time and that does not include the 1000s of glitches online! I'm not buying madden 19. Edit: I just played atariHow do you give a -10000000000000000000000000000000000000000/10 rating. Gameplay is the worst in football game history, season mode is atrocious I actually saw the browns go 7-9 IN THERE FIRST SEASON!!!! Often insanely glitchy QBs won't move or it shows just grass 90% of the time and that does not include the 1000s of glitches online! I'm not buying madden 19. Edit: I just played atari 2600 football even worse than this game Expand
  5. Sep 13, 2017
    0
    I created this account to give this game a 0. Game-play wise, nothing really changed from last year. However, they did remove draft champions being free to play, and made it pay to play through Ultimate team. Note, I only play online. However, every year fans ask for more stuff in franchise mode and every year EA does little to nothing to it and then tries to monetize the game more.I created this account to give this game a 0. Game-play wise, nothing really changed from last year. However, they did remove draft champions being free to play, and made it pay to play through Ultimate team. Note, I only play online. However, every year fans ask for more stuff in franchise mode and every year EA does little to nothing to it and then tries to monetize the game more. The big thing they added this year was a story mode. What a joke. I won't touch that pile of crap game mode for 1 second. Again though, I play online only. That is why draft champions was so fun, and now I cant play it unless I wanna pay an additional like $3-5 for each goddamn game of it. EA is a bloodsucking money hungry machine. Unfortunately every year their sales do well so they continuously keep on the same path of "lets see how we can monetize the game more." I mean FFS its already $60, I'm not putting in any money to Ultimate Team. Screw that, and you remove a good F2P game mode and make it P2P. The only big thing added again, was story mode, no thanks. I wish I didn't pay the $60 every year just for updated rosters, but it keeps me entertained for several weeks throughout the season. At least they didn't screw the actual game-play like they did in madden 25. Jeez that was real garbage too. Expand
  6. Sep 8, 2017
    0
    It would do nothing but bring me joy to go on Twitter one day and see that Rex DICKson either resend or got fired. This game is worth **** and everyone at EA sports should should be ashamed. And then, they have these **** "Game changers" that are suppose to be the "voice" of the community, but the only seem to be streamers looking for pub. Screw them and EA. Rex is getting fat off of myIt would do nothing but bring me joy to go on Twitter one day and see that Rex DICKson either resend or got fired. This game is worth **** and everyone at EA sports should should be ashamed. And then, they have these **** "Game changers" that are suppose to be the "voice" of the community, but the only seem to be streamers looking for pub. Screw them and EA. Rex is getting fat off of my coin and doesn't deserve a dime, he should really consider a career change. He sucks at his job. SAVE YOUR MONEY Expand
  7. Aug 29, 2017
    4
    Played through 65% of the longshot storyline, and it took me hours. There is so much unskippable guff, with random pop up inputs required so sporadically and without warning, that it's borderline torture. It froze on me and I had to re-play some sections, and I still couldn't skip it. Some of the controls in this section are so different to the normal gameplay, and are thrown at youPlayed through 65% of the longshot storyline, and it took me hours. There is so much unskippable guff, with random pop up inputs required so sporadically and without warning, that it's borderline torture. It froze on me and I had to re-play some sections, and I still couldn't skip it. Some of the controls in this section are so different to the normal gameplay, and are thrown at you without any warning or explanation.

    The graphics are great. The general gameplay is the same. The term GOAT is overused more than the greatest of all time goat farming convention.

    If you haven't bought one since about madden 15 then sure, upgrade. If you own 16 or 17 then save your money for something else.
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  8. Sep 19, 2017
    0
    Unfinished, buggy, ratings are irrelevant, CPU is a God (plays are almost scripted against the CPU), MUT and micro-transactions are shoved down your throat, but who am I kidding, you are going to buy the game because there's nothing else out there. I did, and I regret it ($80 edition too, shame on me.) Wait until the game gets down to $20 before buying it.

    Look at all the reviews that
    Unfinished, buggy, ratings are irrelevant, CPU is a God (plays are almost scripted against the CPU), MUT and micro-transactions are shoved down your throat, but who am I kidding, you are going to buy the game because there's nothing else out there. I did, and I regret it ($80 edition too, shame on me.) Wait until the game gets down to $20 before buying it.

    Look at all the reviews that are rated 7+. They appear to be written by autobots (generic usernames such as "PS4Lover", monotonous texts that basically say the same thing). EA, your product sucks and you aren't fooling anybody.
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  9. Oct 9, 2017
    0
    Terrible they just pump out MUT item after item and leave CFM in the dust. Save your money. This game hasn't changed in years. Getting as bad as 2K with the pay to play initiative. Need more customization for the users who don't want to put in more than the $60 the game isnt worth
  10. Feb 10, 2018
    0
    Like some others here, Madden 2018 on PS4 inspired me to create an account on Metacritic. Because this game. IS. SO. AWFUL. The computer AI is total garbage, and cuts corners in an attempt to "make it a game". So you know how your defense is pitching a shutout with 3 INT against a garbage quarterback? I hope you didn't put too much effort into that, because now they're going to giveLike some others here, Madden 2018 on PS4 inspired me to create an account on Metacritic. Because this game. IS. SO. AWFUL. The computer AI is total garbage, and cuts corners in an attempt to "make it a game". So you know how your defense is pitching a shutout with 3 INT against a garbage quarterback? I hope you didn't put too much effort into that, because now they're going to give up 25+ yard plays, miss tackles, blow coverages, and do everything they can to get the other team "back into the game." For example, I was playing the Chiefs and they started Mahomes. I was up 42-10 with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Final score: 42-30. This is not a typo. On one play my CB strafed, then literally didn't do anything else and stopped moving. This was man coverage. Guy stopped moving entirely. Nice "simulation realism", EA.

    On a side note, this is the only video game I have ever physically destroyed, so there's that distinction.
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  11. Aug 28, 2017
    0
    Save money and buy Madden 17... or 16... or 15... gameplay's all the same if you don't care about graphics. The only update this game got was the new Frostbyte engine, if you could call that an upgrade, and it's displayed in 4k. Other than that, this Madden is the same frustrating Madden as the countless years before. It's almost as if EA knows they don't have any competition and they canSave money and buy Madden 17... or 16... or 15... gameplay's all the same if you don't care about graphics. The only update this game got was the new Frostbyte engine, if you could call that an upgrade, and it's displayed in 4k. Other than that, this Madden is the same frustrating Madden as the countless years before. It's almost as if EA knows they don't have any competition and they can get away with putting out the same game year after year, it's a huge middle finger from EA to pull this BS on their customers. I'm ashamed I keep spending $60 for a piece of crap game like this. If there are any positive reviews for this game, I would bet that EA payed them to do so. Compared to a game like NBA 2K17, Madden has very little effort put into it and doesn't deserve $60.

    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME AT FULL PRICE.

    YOU WILL REGRET IT.

    DON'T DO IT.
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  12. Aug 29, 2017
    1
    Worst Madden in the last 10 years:

    - The gameplay is glitching and has framerate issues (even in offline modes). - On the All-Madden setting the CPU isn't smarter, it just screws you over more. Corners break to the football the second your QB begins the throwing motion. DL with high ratings can literally never break through. CPU QBs never feel pressure. There's no reason that
    Worst Madden in the last 10 years:

    - The gameplay is glitching and has framerate issues (even in offline modes).
    - On the All-Madden setting the CPU isn't smarter, it just screws you over more. Corners break to the football the second your QB begins the throwing motion. DL with high ratings can literally never break through. CPU QBs never feel pressure. There's no reason that middle and lower tier CPU QBs should average over a 90% completion rate.
    - Running the football is a joke. CPU defenders stick to RBs like magnets even when they're already engaged in a block
    - FG and XP simulation is about a 60% success rate
    - The new mode "Longshot" is mostly cut scenes. After sitting through the entire "story" you can't even play as the character in the NFL!!! What a waste of time.

    Stop supporting this excuse for a franchise. Hopefully 2K gets the rights to the NFL in the future. Until then, just keep the old Madden and download the new rosters from the community.
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  13. Sep 10, 2017
    0
    The newest Madden looks overall a lot better. Every game mode was revamped completely which was surprising. The last few maddens seemed to be the exact same but this one actually has won my heart and made it fun to play. The commentary is all brand new. Defiantly worth buying.
  14. Sep 19, 2017
    0
    This game pushes it's pay-to-win MUT game mode WAY too much. It might actually be fine if this game was free. As it is, this $60 game almost requires you to buy packs, players, and pay real money to play any of the online game modes they put any effort into improving.

    Unranked draft champions (Madden 17's best feature) is gone. Now it's pay-to-play. Graphics are perhaps a very
    This game pushes it's pay-to-win MUT game mode WAY too much. It might actually be fine if this game was free. As it is, this $60 game almost requires you to buy packs, players, and pay real money to play any of the online game modes they put any effort into improving.

    Unranked draft champions (Madden 17's best feature) is gone. Now it's pay-to-play.

    Graphics are perhaps a very sight improvement over Madden 17, but overall this is a much worse game. This pay-to-win crap is insulting.
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  15. Sep 26, 2017
    0
    Lots of bugs and glitches. CFM was not touched whatsoever. Big whoop you changed the draft board. XP traits are messed up. Play calling laggy. CPU making terrible trades moving superstars. No customization for relocation whatsoever. But don't worry while you are "working" on getting the XP and game play issues "fixed" you've managed to create 15 different versions of one MUT player.Lots of bugs and glitches. CFM was not touched whatsoever. Big whoop you changed the draft board. XP traits are messed up. Play calling laggy. CPU making terrible trades moving superstars. No customization for relocation whatsoever. But don't worry while you are "working" on getting the XP and game play issues "fixed" you've managed to create 15 different versions of one MUT player. Microtransactions are ruining these games. Expand
  16. Trg
    Dec 27, 2017
    0
    The game is requiring me to press the button to throw multiple times before the game reacts, but by the i have already been sacked. When Ian runnig with the ball, or running to takle someone, my chacter will randomly freeze, causing me to lose the game. I am also upset that whenever the ball is hiked, my character will move in random directions, which makes me miss a tackle.
  17. Feb 3, 2018
    0
    Madden nfl 18 has a lot of problems with server connections causing me to forfeit drives and head to head games it's so screwed up I may not play anymore. One thing for sure I will not pay to play unless you fix the issues with the game
  18. Dec 15, 2017
    0
    Hey everyone! It's EA. STOP GIVING THEM YOUR MONEY! It will NEVER get better until you stop paying them for this garbage. For the love of god. Down with EA!
  19. Nov 11, 2017
    0
    Who would give this pos a 10 rating? EA gets away with putting out an inferior product and bullying out the one good competitor and no one says anything. My main gripe isn't with the gameplay itself, but with the online matchups. The older Madden versions used to let you see someones DNF (quitting in the middle of a game for no reason) percentage so there was actually a punishment forWho would give this pos a 10 rating? EA gets away with putting out an inferior product and bullying out the one good competitor and no one says anything. My main gripe isn't with the gameplay itself, but with the online matchups. The older Madden versions used to let you see someones DNF (quitting in the middle of a game for no reason) percentage so there was actually a punishment for being a little ba, Now, you play a half game and just because the ba you are playing throws a pick and falls behind a td they quit. Meanwhile, you just wasted time and heart and EA could give two craps. If you don't think EA used unfair tactics just try googling NFL console games before Madden. EA paid for the top six-seven websites and its all about how they were superior, but if anyone remembers 2k it was a cool, solid competitor and we all know challenges bring about a better product. So, eff Madden and the NFL while we are at it. Diatribe {ended} Expand
  20. Sep 16, 2017
    3
    The graphics are good but everything else is trash! 3/10 If someone buys their players on MUT they will run glitchy plays and you can not stop it. The refs are not even needed as pass interference is not a thing anymore. Playing Madden used to be fun and enjoyable, now I need to buy a controller each month as I usually do a 3 step drop in my bedroom and throw a PS4 controller through myThe graphics are good but everything else is trash! 3/10 If someone buys their players on MUT they will run glitchy plays and you can not stop it. The refs are not even needed as pass interference is not a thing anymore. Playing Madden used to be fun and enjoyable, now I need to buy a controller each month as I usually do a 3 step drop in my bedroom and throw a PS4 controller through my wall. I think I will be playing Lego Batman now, Frostbite engine ruined Battlefield and it has finished Madden. EA fix this please, boss.. Expand
  21. Oct 9, 2017
    0
    Same exact game as Madden 17, 16, and 15. The CFM has not changed a single bit, from the cities and team in relocation, to the ways players progress, to the overall presentation of the game. As everyone else has said so far, the main difference year after year is the roster updates, but honestly after 1 or 2 seasons I prefer the fake drafted players anyway. At this point I would preferSame exact game as Madden 17, 16, and 15. The CFM has not changed a single bit, from the cities and team in relocation, to the ways players progress, to the overall presentation of the game. As everyone else has said so far, the main difference year after year is the roster updates, but honestly after 1 or 2 seasons I prefer the fake drafted players anyway. At this point I would prefer they skip a game next year and just take the extra time to actually build a quality game for Madden 20. Sadly though they have no incentive to do this though as sales always increase. Expand
  22. Oct 11, 2017
    2
    If you enjoy throwing money at MUT you will enjoy this years Madden. If you enjoy playing franchise mode with friends, stay with a previous year. Why? Because nothing of merit has changed from '16. There are game crashing bugs with cameras that have a mind of their own. Please note, none of these issues are present on the pay-to-win MUT mode.
  23. Oct 19, 2017
    0
    Every time i try to throw the ball, it takes about 4 seconds for the game to register that I've clicked the button to throw the ball, which as any football fan should know, gives the other team the perfect opportunity to sack me. I'm just so frustrated with paying $60 for half a game every year. 0/10 doesn't even cover how done i am with this series.Seriously the worst iteration of thisEvery time i try to throw the ball, it takes about 4 seconds for the game to register that I've clicked the button to throw the ball, which as any football fan should know, gives the other team the perfect opportunity to sack me. I'm just so frustrated with paying $60 for half a game every year. 0/10 doesn't even cover how done i am with this series.Seriously the worst iteration of this game. Not worth a penny. I will never pick up another madden game again. Expand
  24. Oct 25, 2017
    0
    Let me start off by saying I have been a HUGE fan of the Madden Franchise over the years. I will start with the very few Pros of the 18 Version

    1) The ability to block punts and field goals has given chance to game winning plays. They did well with this. As it was almost impossible to block kicks in earlier versions. 2)The game seems to be slightly better graphics wise 3) The
    Let me start off by saying I have been a HUGE fan of the Madden Franchise over the years. I will start with the very few Pros of the 18 Version

    1) The ability to block punts and field goals has given chance to game winning plays. They did well with this. As it was almost impossible to block kicks in earlier versions.
    2)The game seems to be slightly better graphics wise
    3) The Longshot was well written and fun, boring at times but added SOMETHING NEW to the game. Could have been better polished

    Now off to the CONS

    1) The tackling in this game is horrendous. I witnessed first hand my Kansas City Chiefs Defense (one of the best in the game) miss 8 (yes, 8) tackles on Clevelands tight end, who then out ran all of my corner backs to the end zone (a guy with 83 speed), and not only did he outrun them, they couldnt even catch up at all...
    2)Draft champions is pay to play, and like all games that are insanely money hungry now a days (paying 5$ for a weapon skin, etc) Madden has jumped on the "how much money can we suck out of people" bandwagon...
    3)The gameplay has slowed down to the point I thought i was high on sedatives as compared to madden 17. My guy with 90 speed seems to be jogging around the field and has even been caught by linebackers in the open field (Cause in real life ive seen 250lb backers catch up to Tyreek Hill in the open field right???)
    4)Ratings dont matter in this game... Ive witnessed no name qbs throw 158,3 qbr games, while tom brady on my team throws 4 ints (all planted throws)...
    5)Ultimate team scenarios are B.S. There is one where you have to throw for 35 yds one play then run for 15 yds next play... only issue is after completing the 30 yd pass, i come out in hail mary mode to run with Dak, they KNOW YOU HAVE TO RUN, so they come out in a 3-4 defense and blitz (WhO COVERS HAIL MARY WITH A 3-4 BLITZ)... Not realistic at all...
    6) Im not a GREAT player at Madden, but over the years of online ive managed to win about 60% of my games.. After getting this game ive started off 0-6 and have thrown over 15 ints (in previous games it was RARE that i would throw any, most turnovers came off fumbles by backs with low carry ratings, legitimate....
    7) How does a decent player just become garbage overnight (Previous night of getting the game of 18, I beat 3 people consecutive in 17 online mode) These guys werent anything great...
    8)Players on this game seem to be extremly high AI, mine seem to have some sort of mental illness... I throw a ball over the deep middle of the field, the saftey who is covering the deep streak to the right doesnt even know (how can he, his back is turned away from the play) that the ball has been throw, he breaks imidieatly and makes a diving interception... Now flip the script, similar scenario, my guy keeps running, gives the opponent a wide open catch.
    9) ONLINE PLAYCALLING LAGS HORRENDOUSLY
    10) Playcalling is awful. So I play against a guy who runs nickle cover 4 (4 deep men, one LB in the middle curl zone two linebackers in the outside curl zones, 4 lineman blitzing....) now in real life the flats would be open with the WR running off the LB while the RB's go for an easy 5 to 8 yd gain... wwell this game decides to allow the lbs to ignore the wr and go right for the rb (even though it seems the game is in man coverage because the cb takes the slant route... happened more than once

    This game has become so frustrating for me that I have since refused to play it. I dont see how a player who understands football well (I played a lot of football in my day) and knows how to beat coverages can get outsmarted by poor play calling

    One other thing, this game has a few plays that are literally unstoppable, to the point my cousin and I agreed as friendly rules we wouldnt run against each other because even though you user a man to cover the AI takes over and runs to the guy with the ball (even though you know a pitch to a hb is coming up)

    I beg another company to take down EA Sports and build a real football game, not just some crap they shoot out year after year. So much for "Real life gaming" 59 OVR WR out smarting Richard sherman at 90+ ovr... In real life shutdown corners rarely get thrown to (even when covering superstar wide outs) EA, make something that isnt crap.

    Sad thing is, Madden was my staple when it came to gaming... now im going ubisoft and shooting games. R6 Siege has now become my go to...
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  25. Feb 12, 2018
    0
    With all the pay-to-win scandals going on Im surprised this game hasn't gotten punished for it. Its taken away from once engaging modes like cfm and the long gone career mode that is standard in almost all other sports games. The game play hasn't changed for years now, and is completely animation based. Theirs absolutely no skill gap in the game due to literally everything being tied toWith all the pay-to-win scandals going on Im surprised this game hasn't gotten punished for it. Its taken away from once engaging modes like cfm and the long gone career mode that is standard in almost all other sports games. The game play hasn't changed for years now, and is completely animation based. Theirs absolutely no skill gap in the game due to literally everything being tied to animation. Unless the skill is exposing the terribly awful AI in the game. The customization is a joke, when compared to games like NBA 2k, which has hundreds of different items for you player to wear, or any other sports game out. And each player actually looking like how they look. While madden is filled with outdated and a small selection of equipment for our players, And big name players in the league having inaccurate equipment and looking nothing like how they look. Overall it is an incredibly lazily made game. The NFL should be ashamed to have this game represent their brand. Expand
  26. Nov 5, 2017
    0
    What do you get when you take Madden 17 and add a crappy story mode? Madden 18.

    Yet again, Madden just changed the name of their game and expect us to pay full price for a roster update. Just stick with last year's version. This franchise has been creatively bankrupt for some time now.
  27. Feb 14, 2018
    0
    Full of bugs. Not fun to play, most actions are scripted. Better to see a movie about football
  28. Dec 21, 2017
    0
    The game is terrible. No attention to detail or pride into making this game. If you buy it be prepared to have micro-transactions shoved down your throat the moment you start the game. Player models are off, glitchy gameplay, the list goes on! The focus is clearly on monetizing every aspect of this game.
  29. Dec 25, 2017
    0
    The lack of attention to cfm kills the game for me. There has been a hug bug sice 1.08 patch and its been almost 2 weeks and still no fix. The game is unplayable. Worst madden ever
  30. Aug 25, 2017
    0
    Yet another $59.99 roster update with gimmicky features. Fan base is constantly ignored, physics are still hilariously bad, player ratings don't matter. NFL 2K5 is still a better game 12 years later.

    Skill has zero bearing on how the CPU plays. Crappy QB's will throw for 300+ yards each game, bad OL's will allow a RB to go for 150+. This game is still broken. This game is like the
    Yet another $59.99 roster update with gimmicky features. Fan base is constantly ignored, physics are still hilariously bad, player ratings don't matter. NFL 2K5 is still a better game 12 years later.

    Skill has zero bearing on how the CPU plays. Crappy QB's will throw for 300+ yards each game, bad OL's will allow a RB to go for 150+. This game is still broken. This game is like the Field of Dreams, make it and the gamers will come.
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  31. Apr 16, 2018
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. worst madden game of all time,hope madden NFL 19 will have Antonio brown on madden NFL Expand
  32. Jan 28, 2018
    1
    I play exclusively franchise mode and on allmadden difficulty. I have tried both simulation and competitive and I dont notice a difference. If you love seeing all of your players get hurt, commiting obscene amounts of turnovers, and watching broken tackles from guys who have no business breaking tackles, than youll love this game. If youve ever played madden or actual football before getI play exclusively franchise mode and on allmadden difficulty. I have tried both simulation and competitive and I dont notice a difference. If you love seeing all of your players get hurt, commiting obscene amounts of turnovers, and watching broken tackles from guys who have no business breaking tackles, than youll love this game. If youve ever played madden or actual football before get ready to buy 2 more controllers and possibly a new tv. The computer cheats more in this madden than in any other year. The disparity between the computer ai and the user team ai is so large its impossible to be fun. All pro is simply too easy and All madden has lost any concept of entertainment. One of your players is hurt every 4 plays. This is true on both competitive and simulation. The sheer amount of shoestring and 1 yard shy tackles is enough to pull your hair out. The designers have clearly never played or watched a football game and they are simply altering the script that already exists. I find it difficult to go a full game without losing a crucial player for an extended amount of time or turning the ball over less than 4 times. What is fun for me is getting as many players into the pro bowl or breaking records as I can. If I see another defender with his back to the ball make the play or see cole beasley break multiple tackles for a td again, or witness the cpu quarterback sprint to the right under duress and heave the ball across his body for a huge gain Im driving to EA headquarters for an explanation. Expand
  33. Aug 26, 2017
    0
    No PC release, even trough it have a new engine. The great opportunity to go back to PC was now, but they still ignoring the platform. The sport is growing outside the United States. This game would sell well on the PC, there are no excuses.
  34. Sep 30, 2017
    0
    This game I can only describe in three words: ANTI-AMERICAN GARBAGE. Please, please, PLEASE save your hard earned money from this roster update cash grab.
  35. Jun 12, 2018
    3
    You know at first I was slightly afraid of reviewing this cause I thought I was gonna be one of the few people who'll disagree with this game on so many levels, but It doesn't seem I'm alone. Crappy U.I, the flow of viewing your depth chart and other teams is not thought out at all, the feel of it, in general, is terrible. Practice is sooo in creditable dull whoever designed that shouldn'tYou know at first I was slightly afraid of reviewing this cause I thought I was gonna be one of the few people who'll disagree with this game on so many levels, but It doesn't seem I'm alone. Crappy U.I, the flow of viewing your depth chart and other teams is not thought out at all, the feel of it, in general, is terrible. Practice is sooo in creditable dull whoever designed that shouldn't be allowed back in planning any aspects of the game and this is why I miss 2k making NFL games. The gameplay isn't "bad" but it's far from great I think what saves it is the graphics and switching to a new engine made it feel lifelike and it felt like I was watching somewhat of an actual game, but that's the thing I felt like I was watching a game and not playing a game I didn't feel as involved. Commentary "was" great until the 8th game in and started getting a lot of repeat scripts and it was getting annoying quick. I could go on but yeah. Not gonna be buying the new Madden probably it's a shame to cause I would have loved to play it on PC. but yeah bring back 2k to the NFL this is becoming a joke. Expand
  36. Apr 21, 2018
    1
    They need longer to work on these games. EA cant handle licensing other peoples product. The game is the end product of a company who has a monopoly on sports games and leaves us with disappointment. Unfortumately this is the only choice you have. Please let somebody else make a football game!
  37. Aug 16, 2018
    0
    Its basically the exact same game as last year yet again. 0 out of 10 until they give me an actual new game. Until then get the hell out of here with this crap. "Ground breaking achievements" lmfao what are you people talking about? It's the same exact game!!
  38. Aug 24, 2018
    1
    Do not buy this game! Too many glitches and the franchise mode is bare bones!
  39. Nov 6, 2018
    0
    Terrible game full of intentionally programmed glitches. For example, 99% of the time a ball is tipped it will be intercepted by a defensive player. Or, if you are still making pre-snap adjustments when the ball is hiked your user will fall flat on the ground and be taken out of the play. Madden developers are not able to make nuanced adjustments to the game that make it more realistic.Terrible game full of intentionally programmed glitches. For example, 99% of the time a ball is tipped it will be intercepted by a defensive player. Or, if you are still making pre-snap adjustments when the ball is hiked your user will fall flat on the ground and be taken out of the play. Madden developers are not able to make nuanced adjustments to the game that make it more realistic. Everything is cheesed to the max which makes for a very frustrating experience. On top of that there own tutorials and practice modes are not appropriate for more middle tier players. While I understand that they want to support the expert community's ability to charge a fee for learning more about Madden, even the experts don't do a good job of teaching the game about it's glitches and inconsistencies. It is an insiders game made for insiders - plain and simple. Expand
  40. Sep 13, 2021
    0
    Does not compare to Madden 05, except graphics are a little better. Just a money grab, you will have more fun gambling than playing this trash
  41. Aug 31, 2020
    4
    Baaad game decent story mode good graphics unrealistic gameplay but better then 13 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 32 32 35 all put together
  42. Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Madden has next to no replay ability, no immersion, and terrible psychics. Franchise is terrible. This game is not one that you should be buying. Stop playing this game.
  43. Jan 3, 2021
    0
    This game is a buggy glitchy mess. You put the GOAT on the cover of possibly the worst Madden I've ever played. How long have you been making these now? And this is the best you can do? Pathetic!
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Oct 5, 2017
    85
    The Madden series is iconic in the world of sports gaming. Regardless of your reason for playing, you can't go wrong with Madden NFL 18 because it's the ultimate NFL simulation experience on the market. This year's iteration brings dramatic changes in the form of an interactive movie, but there's something here for everyone, whether the interest is in MyTeam, online play, the MUT system, the competitive scene and community, or the superstar career mode.
  2. Sep 12, 2017
    90
    Madden 18 is the best installment of the series in the last years. Very solid and with stunning graphics thanks to the Frostbite engine. Great both for the veterans of the genre and for the newcomers.
  3. Sep 11, 2017
    78
    This year in Madden they really stepped up their game, ‘Long Shot’ is one of the best things Madden players have seen in a while, and many players wanted it. ‘Long Shot’ had its many faults but going forward in the next few Madden’s the Career Mode will get better and it will be more interesting. Lovers of Madden should get this game because it has many new additions. If you haven’t got a Madden in a while it’s a good idea to get this one. But all together, Madden 18 is a good game with many new perks, and it’s headed in the right direction.