Madden NFL 12

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 104 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 104
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 104
  3. Negative: 26 out of 104
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  1. PhillyEagles6
    Aug 30, 2011
    10
    Not only the best feeling, but best looking Madden in years. Everything you see on Sunday is in the game (even the green stickers on the QB and D players who have mics in their helmets!!!!!!!!!!). The defense AI has gotten alot better and throwing through a zone is not a gimme every time. I really only play online ranked matches so the other crap people complain about dynasty does notNot only the best feeling, but best looking Madden in years. Everything you see on Sunday is in the game (even the green stickers on the QB and D players who have mics in their helmets!!!!!!!!!!). The defense AI has gotten alot better and throwing through a zone is not a gimme every time. I really only play online ranked matches so the other crap people complain about dynasty does not bother me at all. I have yet to dabble in it, but the custom play books will help many players.....also if you play online don't be a toolbag and go for it on every fourth down, after all madden is intended to be a sim..not blitz.… Expand
  2. tfumbles218
    Aug 30, 2011
    10
    Madden NFL 12 is excellent this year! You can really see the improvements EA has made from last year's game. Game play has improved giving a real feel. When you tackle, it looks more realistic and they players will fall when they are hit, not before. I also really like the addition of online communities. I can play my friends, have ranked games, and we can have our own leaderboardMadden NFL 12 is excellent this year! You can really see the improvements EA has made from last year's game. Game play has improved giving a real feel. When you tackle, it looks more realistic and they players will fall when they are hit, not before. I also really like the addition of online communities. I can play my friends, have ranked games, and we can have our own leaderboard instead of getting lost in the overall leaderboard. Nice job fellas!… Expand
  3. drnerd
    Aug 31, 2011
    10
    While there wasn't much to improve on after M11 perfected the game engine, Madden NFL 12 still manages to create a fun game. A must have for a Madden fan!
  4. WorkadayMonk
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    I'm willing to give the game a perfect 10 this year for the simple fact that I actually enjoy playing against the CPU. I think the developers really poured their hearts into the game this year and I believe this is the best Madden to come out since Madden 2005 (or whichever year the hit stick was first introduced). EA has tried a variety of innovations - some failed such as QB visionI'm willing to give the game a perfect 10 this year for the simple fact that I actually enjoy playing against the CPU. I think the developers really poured their hearts into the game this year and I believe this is the best Madden to come out since Madden 2005 (or whichever year the hit stick was first introduced). EA has tried a variety of innovations - some failed such as QB vision cone, but hit stick and touch passing make for a really enjoyable and realistic game in my opinion. I've been playing since 1993, an old guy that still gets 50-80 games in per year at 9 min quarters. This year, I expect that to double - and that's worth $60. Sure, I'm pissed that Madden sucked on the Xbox 360 for all but last year. I didn't buy it on 06-08 for that reason. But this year, they nailed it. Find some slider suggestions online and then tailor the gameplay based on whatever you need to produce realistic stats and end of game. One little example many of the critics don't mention is the ability to save 10 highlights per game. This allows you to preserve memorable highlights - save based on greatness score, or just compile an assortment of your best hit stick KO jobs. The ability to user pick is back and feels just right. Seriously, I wonder how so many of the negative (read, under 80 reviews) can be so quick to dismiss a great game. I don't work for EA - wish I did though. Have you seen their campus? Sick. Yeah, so Madden sucked for many years but that shouldn't mean a reviewer should be biased this year. It took hella long for them to do it right, but (aside from sh*t commentary at times), the game is pretty friggin awesome!! Not 100% perfect, but at least 9.6 in my mind. Thank you EA team for not sucking this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  5. breakbacon
    Jun 14, 2015
    10
    This is a great iteration of a fantastic series. It is so much more than a stats upgrade, new game play mechanics are introduced that radically improve player experience.
  6. blitzyPerry
    May 24, 2021
    10
    It is the best madden since madden 08 and easily 2nd or 3rd best madden football game of all time in my opinion. I have great memories with this game and every other madden game snice hasn't lived up to this game.
  7. Wilsonasaraus
    Jul 27, 2012
    9
    Well, considering that I got this game for $9.99 at Best Buy, I say this is a good buy. First of all, this is coming from someone who does not watch football or play the games. The last football game I played was NFL Blitz on the N64. So with that out of the way, this game is pretty good. I really can't comment on the rosters or if they got the players looking like they should. However, IWell, considering that I got this game for $9.99 at Best Buy, I say this is a good buy. First of all, this is coming from someone who does not watch football or play the games. The last football game I played was NFL Blitz on the N64. So with that out of the way, this game is pretty good. I really can't comment on the rosters or if they got the players looking like they should. However, I can say that the graphics are really good. The stadiums look pretty good and everything has a good amount of detail. And the 3D grass is a nice touch. On to the gameplay. The controls took me a while to get used to but once I got the hang of things, I had fun. There is also a good amount of game modes. You can make a player and take through his pro years, manage a team in Franchise Mode, or if you prefer cards, you have the Ultimate Team mode. On the negative side, the commentary seems to repeat quite a bit. And the load times are pretty bad. Total, it took me about 2-3 minutes to just get past the Press Start Screen. Lastly, the achievements. None of them are too challenging. If you change most of the settings, you could get most of them in a single 15 minute quarter game. Overall, I do not regret spending the $9.99.… Expand
  8. emrodgers98
    Apr 16, 2013
    9
    I actually really enjoyed this game and I don't understand why Madden and NCAA Football are constantly being bashed by just about everyone. Sure, they don't improve it much each year, but that's why if you know this you don't buy it every year. I'm probably not even gonna bother buying Madden until next-gen, but unless you are really hardcore about getting games played before they happenI actually really enjoyed this game and I don't understand why Madden and NCAA Football are constantly being bashed by just about everyone. Sure, they don't improve it much each year, but that's why if you know this you don't buy it every year. I'm probably not even gonna bother buying Madden until next-gen, but unless you are really hardcore about getting games played before they happen in real life then being a little outdated on schedules and roster shouldn't bother you (It really doesn't bother me, though I do occasionally glare at Greg Jennings like wathcu doin here? as I am a Packers fan lol). So if you don't like the fact that they don't updated, don't buy it. A: They will be forced to improve it more due to lack of sales, and B: You will save money. And just saying if this were the first Madden game you ever played you would be awestruck by its' awesomeness and wouldn't be so picky.… Expand
  9. TylerMitch
    Oct 2, 2019
    9
    This game is one of the very best football games and it deserves more credit then it gets. The franchise mode is better than all of the others in the series and it doesn't feel clunky and a smooth frame rate gives us a nice overall package for all football fans to look back on and enjoy. But gonna deduct points for a lack of gardner minshew.
  10. STEVE21
    Nov 16, 2011
    8
    I haven't played Madden since Madden10, and I will just start by saying the gameplay has improved and it feels more realistic than ever. I particularly like that the default camera angle is much closer which makes the action more compelling. The AI is also vastly improved, which for me is why I play Madden. The player is forced to be more strategic. However, the menus are slow and poorlyI haven't played Madden since Madden10, and I will just start by saying the gameplay has improved and it feels more realistic than ever. I particularly like that the default camera angle is much closer which makes the action more compelling. The AI is also vastly improved, which for me is why I play Madden. The player is forced to be more strategic. However, the menus are slow and poorly executed and the commentary is atrocious. Bottomline: Gameplay is awesome, presentation sucks.… Expand
  11. Jamison12
    Jun 25, 2013
    8
    Is it worth 50+ bucks? Probably not, but it's still a very fun game, and the one of the best football games to date. However, EA Sports doesn't seem to know that not everyone has a load of money to spend on DLC's
  12. misterzadir
    Sep 12, 2011
    7
    What on earth is going on with production value in this game? For starters, it takes far too long to boot the game up with all it's loading and connecting to servers, then once you're finally in the menus, it will, at times, just stall for a good 15-20 seconds for no reason. The commentating is abysmal. Worst commentating I've ever heard in a game. Better left on mute. There's a glitch inWhat on earth is going on with production value in this game? For starters, it takes far too long to boot the game up with all it's loading and connecting to servers, then once you're finally in the menus, it will, at times, just stall for a good 15-20 seconds for no reason. The commentating is abysmal. Worst commentating I've ever heard in a game. Better left on mute. There's a glitch in season mode where almost every home game your team plays will be in the rain. How did this game get the green light to go gold? I guess they figure at this point, people who buy madden games will buy madden games no matter what. The gameplay is... madden... as it's been for a decade essentially. Tweaks have made it more solid and polished. Luckily, the gameplay is best thing about it and that's what matters most. Still, presentation is terrible. I feel like they keep saying year after year they're trying to give you what you see on TV, but they certainly don't seem to be paying attention to camera positions and transitions. Just a funny side note: I've rarely seen in-game auto-replays but the few times I have, it's been when I did a QB kneel... and it showed about 4 replays of it in a row :) That's one for the highlight reels I suppose. Stadiums look great, lighting is great. Crowd noise is random and makes no sense, as usual.… Expand
  13. BenOz5
    Jan 16, 2012
    7
    Madden is Madden, i dont expect too much from them year to year. they are fun to play and i love the NFl so buying it is a must. Love the new updates with dynamic player ratings in franchise and superstar mode. Good all round gameplay and improved system and grpahics. cant ask much more than a sports game.
  14. MercilessMonkey
    Feb 11, 2012
    7
    It certainly isn't a brand new concept, but I don't know why so many people expect it to be. It's a football game. The rules of football do not change from year to year, there's only so much you can change about the gameplay. If you have a recent copy of Madden and don't care about roster updates, then don't buy it, pretty simple. However, if you do care about updates or haven't gotten oneIt certainly isn't a brand new concept, but I don't know why so many people expect it to be. It's a football game. The rules of football do not change from year to year, there's only so much you can change about the gameplay. If you have a recent copy of Madden and don't care about roster updates, then don't buy it, pretty simple. However, if you do care about updates or haven't gotten one in a while, it's definitely worth picking up for a football fan. I think they improved franchise mode a bit, which is my favourite part. The main issues I have are that online is buggy at times, and they seem to have made passing to hard in relation to the ease of running. Aside from that the graphics are great, gameplay is fun, and it is a decent game.… Expand
  15. MattER
    Sep 1, 2011
    6
    Madden NFL 12 is still a good madden game, but not a good improvement from Madden NFL 11. It's just like MLB 2k11: The same game with a few add-ons. The team intros get boring, no new game modes, same graphics, and cheap player models. A good Madden game for people who DON'T own Madden NFL 11. I just bought it myself because of all the changes in the NFL free agency.
  16. dz9
    Jan 11, 2012
    6
    The Bad: This game lacks new features significantly, same problems remain. The Good: Incredible presentation features, small changes, and improved physics. It's a little hard to recommend a purchase for this game if you already own one of the past two madden. EA seems to be getting too comfortable with their monopoly on football gaming. The only significant changes consist of presentationThe Bad: This game lacks new features significantly, same problems remain. The Good: Incredible presentation features, small changes, and improved physics. It's a little hard to recommend a purchase for this game if you already own one of the past two madden. EA seems to be getting too comfortable with their monopoly on football gaming. The only significant changes consist of presentation which is excellent, very few tweaks in the existing modes, but most importantly... it surpasses the physics engine of its predecessors and its clone NCAA 2012, the new tackling system works in near perfection compared to NCAA 12, but it's hard not to imagine what Madden could be like if something like the Euphoria was applied. In the End... It's Madden, for all the good and bad things that come with being Madden... it's wayy to much like the past 2 maddens, EA seems to be too comfortable making football simulations nothing but cash grabs… Expand
  17. Woodlin37
    Sep 3, 2011
    6
    I have to say madden12 IS a good football game, but has flaws, the commentary is really awful, number 12 kicks to number 15 and number 42 runs for 9 yards, the away team the home team?? why dont they use names this year, and these are not rookies im talking about either, oh and ochocinco gets mentions as Johnson! Its worth a pick up.just.....
  18. DMB4SheZ
    Nov 10, 2011
    6
    Slight improvement from 2011, but I think EA truly stopped trying back in 06 when they got the exclusive rights to the NFL names. I have yet to be impressed by a Madden game on the next gen systems. Last great madden game I played was 06 for the ps2/xbox.
  19. toddimuspme
    Nov 20, 2011
    6
    Not the best nor the worst madden outing ever the 2012 doesn't really add anything new and takes a couple steps back from last years. Not sure what Ea thought I am disapointed in this years outingnothing really new last years Madden was better. Maybe next year I want what i see in nba 12 here legend teams for each team and a hall of fame team please.
  20. chibears18
    Nov 21, 2011
    6
    This game has potential but I also had a lot of expectations for it as well. My biggest complaint is with the quarterback game play, the game feels like you can never get rid of the ball in time and I don't mean too much pressure on the quarterback, I mean I release the ball with enough time and yet I'm hit by a defensive player and tuck the ball or it falls to the ground. This is veryThis game has potential but I also had a lot of expectations for it as well. My biggest complaint is with the quarterback game play, the game feels like you can never get rid of the ball in time and I don't mean too much pressure on the quarterback, I mean I release the ball with enough time and yet I'm hit by a defensive player and tuck the ball or it falls to the ground. This is very frustrating since the ball should have clearly left the QB's hand. Another issue again with the passing game is too many balls are batted down by linebackers, it would be one thing if this happened at the line of scrimmage which is understandable but linebackers are batting down balls in mid flight where realistically they would be impossible to reach from where the linebackers are on the field. These are passes that should sail over a linebacker since the receiver in these situations are at least 10-15 yards down the field. The screen pass by the way is a joke in this version of Madden since the RB drops the ball or is hit in the head as if he doesn't know the play I just called. Other than that the graphics are good and the rest of the game play is pretty decent too. Unfortunately the passing game is so bad its hard to notice the rest of the good game play. It took a little getting use to for the screen menu but once I did I liked it. I do wish franchise mode was more detailed for example, I feel like it doesn't matter whether I make improvements to my stadium or not or if I spend my money or save it. Attendance is not a factor and should be since this is Franchise mode. Finally they should scrape the scouting system and start all over because its horrible and doesn't make sense.… Expand
  21. ramsfanx99
    Mar 9, 2012
    6
    this game isn't terrible, but not much is new and its about what is expected from EA. EA never seems to take the next step in Madden. they just put a new guy on the cover and update the rosters. this game gets boring fast with repetitive presentation.
  22. Mattyice
    May 2, 2012
    6
    Very good, classic madden gameplay, but improvements needed. Poor facial graphics, poor camera work, and choppy announcing by Gus Johnson and Chris Collinsworth (Specifically Gus). If you are a die hard football fan, you should still buy this, but EA, IMPROVE THIS GAME!!!
  23. Jobadkins
    May 9, 2012
    5
    I new this was going to happen sooner or later.Ever since Madden 06 started the next gen of football titles,the series has only been so-so.There has not been one madden game that makes you react with a "wow" or "are you kidding me",never!What is your choice,honestly,you can skip the whole thing or get your updated rosters through there crappy football titles.The only time I was semi happyI new this was going to happen sooner or later.Ever since Madden 06 started the next gen of football titles,the series has only been so-so.There has not been one madden game that makes you react with a "wow" or "are you kidding me",never!What is your choice,honestly,you can skip the whole thing or get your updated rosters through there crappy football titles.The only time I was semi happy was when they finally brought decent commentary in there 2009 game.This game just throws there" ok "moments right out the door with the worst football title I think I have ever played.There semi exciting commentary from 2011 is all over the place with this game.I'm extremely sick of the madden franchise and advise everyone reading this to save your money,go buy a real game like 2K's basketball games or Sony's baseball games cause this game is real garbage and there is not one thing about this year's game that is good--NOTHING!If this game wasn't named madden then the reviews would be much lower.Go out and buy Blitz 2 or all-pro football 2k8 cause this game sucks!… Expand
  24. jdrandall38
    Sep 6, 2011
    5
    Very disappointing. The hype behind this version made it seem like it would be a whole new madden, but yet again, same thing. Although the game play seems more "legit," I cannot get over how many interceptions are thrown and fumbles are caused. At least one fumble per drive by each team. I finally had to turn down the CPU and Player fumbling adjustment because it would drive me crazy.Very disappointing. The hype behind this version made it seem like it would be a whole new madden, but yet again, same thing. Although the game play seems more "legit," I cannot get over how many interceptions are thrown and fumbles are caused. At least one fumble per drive by each team. I finally had to turn down the CPU and Player fumbling adjustment because it would drive me crazy. As for them revamping the Superstar mode, yet another bust. They did nothing! I'm tired of them promising so much and delivering so little. It is their attention to detail that ruins it. In a pre season game, the starters play through the whole game. Stupid. Franchise mode got only a step or two better with Preseason cuts and rookie scouting. Its the only mode worth playing. Online is 100% the same but is the best part. Playing an actual person is what makes this game what it is. Much easier to play when the person you play thinks like a person where the computer does things kind of at random but they do it perfectly. All in All an disappointment. Its time that EA stops making Madden for a year or two and start over. If not, just make the next version a DLC for 10 to 20 dollars. 5/10.… Expand
  25. V4NQU15H
    Nov 10, 2011
    5
    Small improvements still don't bring this game to the standard it should be at. I enjoy football and Madden is my only choice. This is a sad fact that no competition can be put up against EA to force them to make changes to the game play, not just cameras and adding a tackle animation or 2.
  26. Mikaserla
    Aug 30, 2012
    5
    The gameplay is very unreliable, the gameplay changes all the time, and when I play I don't feel as if I have control over winning or loosing by using my own skills.
  27. pittfan18
    Jun 4, 2013
    5
    my name is eric morris and i recently boght Madden 12 for my xbox 360.if u r thinking about buying Madden 12 dont unless u are ready to go to a bad new way of kicking.i dont know why gotta change
  28. Bababooey
    Aug 30, 2011
    4
    Worth $59? Nope. EA needs to just call it Madden and then have yearly updated DLC (for like $10 or so) instead of charging loyal gamers an arm and a leg for a game that's pretty much a REHASH of last year, and the year before, and the year before that, etc. I pretty much paid for same gameplay, new music, commentary, color schemes, and roster :(
  29. Bigredd77
    Nov 12, 2011
    4
    Footballs answer to MW3 :) and it's been doing it for ages now. Shouldn't this be Micheals? I don't hear Madden in the commentary, have I missed something here? They really need to step up their game......oh wait no they don't... as long as people buy it they will repackage the same crap over and over won't they?
  30. everlong24
    Feb 7, 2012
    4
    How does this game get progressively worse each year? NO COMPETITION. EA is running a monopoly and it's killing sim football fans. I'm pretty sure the graphics were better last year. This casual, piece of stink is an embarrassment. Madden 2001 had a better franchise mode. It's still as bare bones as ever. I understand that they're trying to make the game accessible for everyone butHow does this game get progressively worse each year? NO COMPETITION. EA is running a monopoly and it's killing sim football fans. I'm pretty sure the graphics were better last year. This casual, piece of stink is an embarrassment. Madden 2001 had a better franchise mode. It's still as bare bones as ever. I understand that they're trying to make the game accessible for everyone but it is coming at a price. NCAA 12 is better by far but doesn't get the sales. Maybe they should let those guys do the next Madden. Just a suggestion.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
44
#44 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Dec 2, 2011
    84
    Shows diminishing returns for the solo gamer. [Dec 2011, p.102]
  2. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 15, 2011
    78
    A fun game with very few major flaws, but by the same token it brings absolutely nothing new to the table other than the welcome online community option and enhanced player traits and consistency. That aside you will be playing the same old Madden and on that front, Madden NFL 12 just doesn't do enough to hold your interest for very long.
    Read full review
  3. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Oct 20, 2011
    80
    That's some good footballing sir. [Nov 2011, p.110]
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