Madden NFL 18

 PlayStation 4
User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 164 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 164
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 164
  3. Negative: 99 out of 164
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. BallzyDan
    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
  2. cookbaconnaked
    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!
  3. 12rfr6
    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
  4. DunkonMadden
    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.
  5. deucalion
    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
  6. omengod
    Aug 24, 2018
    1
    Do not buy this game! Too many glitches and the franchise mode is bare bones!
  7. Nordy199
    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!!
  8. sherbz
    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.
  9. zabian
    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
  10. sid55
    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
  11. 1Mikealman
    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!
  12. michael2016
    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
  13. mircopetruzzell
    Feb 14, 2018
    0
    Full of bugs. Not fun to play, most actions are scripted. Better to see a movie about football
  14. Mattm27
    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
  15. Bojangles13
    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.    … Expand
  16. rkpartsman
    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
  17. Chuck92
    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
  18. 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.
  19. Tyler28
    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
  20. mgause
    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.
  21. Lanceuppercut51
    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!
  22. Iggyshow4351
    Nov 23, 2017
    3
    Thumbs down.. Another year another bad madden game.Thumbs down.. Another year another bad madden game. 33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333… Expand
  23. jamalt
    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
  24. SLagonia
    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.
  25. Lil_Tuler
    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...    … Expand
  26. Rojin007
    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
  27. bubbarector
    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.
  28. dreck
    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
  29. Jameel93
    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
  30. LegitGamer1995
    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.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best PS4 Game of 2017
60
#60 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
54
#54 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Worth Playing
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Areajugones
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Impulsegamer
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »