Madden NFL 25

 Xbox 360
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 143 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 143
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 143
  3. Negative: 49 out of 143
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. Frosty88
    Apr 14, 2015
    9
    It's an awesome game, that provides hours of fun. Although I gave it a 9 Beacause of Bugs. Not game breaking but still bad. Like Team Mode has many bugs including Freezes during game now that is a bad bug. Also if there was a no quitting button that would be nice.
  2. GoldSulftin
    Dec 23, 2014
    7
    This game is fun but lacks certain qualities that are necessary, I think. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms are a good team but their in-game commentary is average and doesn't really live up to the occasion when big plays occur. The graphics are solid for the XBOX 360 but obviously, improvements can be made and are made in Madden 15. Overall, this is a solid game and despite a few hiccups, it isThis game is fun but lacks certain qualities that are necessary, I think. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms are a good team but their in-game commentary is average and doesn't really live up to the occasion when big plays occur. The graphics are solid for the XBOX 360 but obviously, improvements can be made and are made in Madden 15. Overall, this is a solid game and despite a few hiccups, it is serviceable and fun to play.… Expand
  3. madgodrules
    Sep 11, 2014
    0
    Franchise mode is completely ruined for this game. It's the worst possible thing they could have done to the game. I have every Madden that has ever been released. I will never buy another one again. This is exactly what happens when competition is eliminated. EA getting an exclusive NFL deal was a horrible idea. I am not buying any more EA titles ever.
  4. Jacks3rdLeg
    Feb 9, 2014
    4
    This game is garbage. And this is coming from someone who has bought the last 5 maddens including this one. They took out the tight end streaks.They took out h2h random games in Ultimate Team (MUT). Now you can only play an online season which forces you only to be able to practice against the computer. The MUT collections are dumb, and WAY too hard. There are next to none special editionThis game is garbage. And this is coming from someone who has bought the last 5 maddens including this one. They took out the tight end streaks.They took out h2h random games in Ultimate Team (MUT). Now you can only play an online season which forces you only to be able to practice against the computer. The MUT collections are dumb, and WAY too hard. There are next to none special edition or limited edition cards, and if there are I have never seen one. They made a legendary Ranydy Moss, but still no Brett Farve. Im disgusted at this. No MUT stat boost to players who really deserve it guys like Case Keenum, or Rashad Jennings. They made a Road to the Playoffs Whitney Mercilus. Road to what playoffs i ask you. The Texans are 2-14. They didnt make ANY super bowl cards. They Legends involved actually got worse not better than Madden 13. They made the read option almost unstoppable and then give people a QB Walter Payton. The read option should not be this effective it wasnt all year in real life. They are charging a 10% transaction fee for auctions on MUT, An infuriating way to make me want to break my disc in half. TEE RASH. I have had it this game has takin a step back, not forward. I do like the new run features but id give it back for something more realistic. FIX IT EA, or I will be passing on the next game.… Expand
  5. graberr
    Jan 1, 2014
    8
    Overall I like playing the game and have for a while. The flaws are obviously in gameplay. They said height and weight would matter because of their physics engine, but that's a lie. Running backs like six foot four inches tall and 260 lbs like Peyton Hillis make no difference. You'd think they'd bull through for an extra yard or two sometimes but more often they are blasted backwards likeOverall I like playing the game and have for a while. The flaws are obviously in gameplay. They said height and weight would matter because of their physics engine, but that's a lie. Running backs like six foot four inches tall and 260 lbs like Peyton Hillis make no difference. You'd think they'd bull through for an extra yard or two sometimes but more often they are blasted backwards like he's a 100 lb high schooler. Also, it seems that the corners and safeties make better efforts for the ball than the people who have been trained and practice for years to catch the ball (receivers). The animation gets a little crazy but I can live with it. Overall enjoyable to play. Some games may be impossible to win but I'd rather play a game where i lose a few every year than go 16-0 every single year. Other players are allowed to have good games also that's what people fail to realize when they play this … Expand
  6. Hambu11
    Dec 28, 2013
    0
    I am rating this game a zero because it plays as though it is still in alpha testing phases. How, you ask? Well, let me paint you a word picture explaining just how this game is not ready for the market.

    Short Summary:: This game is the byproduct of no market competition. There is no incentive to innovate, or produce a game worth buying. There are so many bugs that you are either very    I am rating this game a zero because it plays as though it is still in alpha testing phases. How, you ask? Well, let me paint you a word picture explaining just how this game is not ready for the market.

    Short Summary:: This game is the byproduct of no market competition. There is no incentive to innovate, or produce a game worth buying. There are so many bugs that you are either very mad at the game, or laughing at how much you just owned the opposing team because of some flukey nonsense that just favored you. Granted, it does look pretty in some regards. However, it's like a sterotypical 80's movie "mean-girl" vapid, shallow, but pretty. ]]]

    Longer Version:

    Defensive reactions are trash. Running on offense is like me as a 20 year old playing against a little league team in soccer I can easily do it, but I almost feel bad. Playing online with the Vikings with AP is a joke, but maybe the player was bad. To test this, I tried out superstar mode with the "low ranked" player... and I racked up 800 yards rushing per game on All-Madden. I know that it's not because I'm good at the game.

    Offensive throw accuracy is about as consistent as a politicians stance on any given topic. Sometimes, you're on point. Sometimes, you miss the player entirely. Sometimes, you target the defensive back. Who knows? It seemingly makes no difference if you're moving, static, rushed, or given time. I played eight different quarterbacks, each throw was seemingly independent of accuracy stats.

    Blocking is nonexistent... unless it's perfect. The success of a screen play is entirely based on blocks and if those are as predictable as radioactive breakdown. Also, like radioactive breakdown, I feel as though observing them too often will give me some type of brain cancer from rage.

    Kick returns online get returned two to three times per game regardless of returner. This is probably a function of the blocking which I covered earlier, but who knows. Either way, it's very frustrating.

    Please, do not buy this game. I'm happy that my brother bought it instead of me, but upset that I played it at all. I feel as though my life was worsened by playing it. Long loading screens into get to a game with no actual content and bland, "try-too-hard-to-be-relevant" announcers, and a weak physics engine. Once you get hit, your player behaves as though he was hit with sudden onset full body paralysis.

    Bad game. 0/10. Buyer Beware.    … Expand
  7. Jbangs28
    Dec 25, 2013
    0
    The amount of BS in this game is ridiculous! Run return left to get a massive return each time. Loft a ball into triple coverage and it WILL be a completion. No matter what defense is called you will get a 1st down and onside kick it every time, the computer won't let the other player know and you can onside it every time. You half to blitz every time to stop runs. You can't play zone passThe amount of BS in this game is ridiculous! Run return left to get a massive return each time. Loft a ball into triple coverage and it WILL be a completion. No matter what defense is called you will get a 1st down and onside kick it every time, the computer won't let the other player know and you can onside it every time. You half to blitz every time to stop runs. You can't play zone pass defense because the AI IS TOO STUPID TO MAKE A PLAY! Once you get up there is no way you can lose. Sherman for the Seahawks catches all ints. The cowgirls are overrated and you can be tackled, fall on a pile, get up and run for a TD (I've seen it twice! P. manning sack to a TD; Return against Seattle for TD.) This is a horrendous title that allows complete idiots to "Master" madden. I've lost 60 bucks on this game and will never buy madden again. A class action lawsuit is the only way to teach these a lesson and to get a better game. Like this and I'll distribute contact info for further details… Expand
  8. adam99x
    Dec 18, 2013
    6
    I wouldn't say this game is good... nor bad in any way, it's basically Madden '13 with a few improvements because of the fact that the next generation consoles are now here. At any rate, the game has most of the same features from '13 to '25. Which is good, but are also bad. Gone are the funny moments of tackling an opponent and seeing your men fall down like marinates when walking overI wouldn't say this game is good... nor bad in any way, it's basically Madden '13 with a few improvements because of the fact that the next generation consoles are now here. At any rate, the game has most of the same features from '13 to '25. Which is good, but are also bad. Gone are the funny moments of tackling an opponent and seeing your men fall down like marinates when walking over them after the play. That's good... the bad is that the defense can still create a TON of turnovers via interceptions and a lot more fumbles. Yes, you can use sliders, but by default, this shouldn't have happened as much anyway. I still feel the passing needs a lot of work. When I see my receiver is open, I tend to want to get the ball to him as fast as possible, but the CPU AI tends to react a little too aggressive at times to be able to pick the ball off, like a lot of times, knock the ball out of my player's hands. I truly believe that EA/Tiburon are not doing enough to these games to really warrant any purchase when the games launch. I love playing football against my friends and random people are just too predictable by using the same 5 plays all game and if they lose, they always turn their consoles off or try to quit instead of taking the loss. They need competition from 2K in order to up their game because EA/Tiburon aren't even trying to push themselves for greatness. Case and point, compare EA's NBA Live '14 to 2K's NBA 2K14 and you'll have your answer as to whom the better developer is in recent years.… Expand
  9. tjayisme
    Dec 13, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like the game but theres some glitches that need to be patched and when players are injured and its a serious injury there should be a cart that comes out and carts the player off the field and somtimes the coaches and trainer come out on the field to help the player off the field. Also in my owner mode you should have to get and offensive ccoordinator,defensive coordinator, special teams, qb coach, rb coach and stuff like that but there might people who dont want to deal with all that so that should be advanced owner mode and the normal one should be basic mode or something.… Expand
  10. tjay
    Dec 13, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like this game alot i play it all the time but i wish it didnt have so many glitches during game play cause ill be running for a touchdown and some random defender glitches in front of me and tackles me.There should be some added features like in my player mode you should make it more interesting like the nba games in my player mode where you get your chance to debut. Like if you created a quarterback say u make it to where in one game of the season he gets injured and you get your chance to debut as a back-up qb and if you perform well the coach gives you more chances to shine like a nick foles type of scenario.Like the my player mode in madden 11 and also you should be able to meet with your gm if you dont want to play with a certain team anymore you could request a trade to another team and the gm puts you on the trading block to see if any teams want you. All im saying is that i would enjoy this game alot more if you added a mode like this. One more thing i was really disappointed in how the game actually ended up looking cause when it was advertised it looked so real and awesome and i couldnt believe how it looked and thats one of the things that made me most excited about and then i got it and it was a huge disappointment. Thanks for reading hope you can include the game mode i mentioned. Also i was really impressed with all the varities of tackles i see happen.… Expand
  11. bucmasters313
    Dec 1, 2013
    1
    I don't understand why madden 25 was completely changed. I mean, the graphics are good but they completely changed the way you can play the game. Only being able to play as one player and not multiple definitely makes me not want to play it at all. For instance, in the offline franchise mode, if you choose to be the quarterback, you can't play any other player but just the quarterback andI don't understand why madden 25 was completely changed. I mean, the graphics are good but they completely changed the way you can play the game. Only being able to play as one player and not multiple definitely makes me not want to play it at all. For instance, in the offline franchise mode, if you choose to be the quarterback, you can't play any other player but just the quarterback and simulating through the game. The madden game made a bad choice on setting the gameplay like this… Expand
  12. jacob17wy
    Nov 19, 2013
    10
    The Madden 25 was awesome graphics and had a lot of awesome expansions and the old ones did not that I played 08 and 09 has simulations of the Super Bowl. The players look almost real. people should go to store and get it. you will be impressed by again I guarantee it. I think the best football game and one of the best games for the Xbox 360. It is a four player and is a good family game.The Madden 25 was awesome graphics and had a lot of awesome expansions and the old ones did not that I played 08 and 09 has simulations of the Super Bowl. The players look almost real. people should go to store and get it. you will be impressed by again I guarantee it. I think the best football game and one of the best games for the Xbox 360. It is a four player and is a good family game. if you questions about controlling they are the same the starting of the game just a little different but you get the hang of it it's almost the same as the old ones… Expand
  13. NScott23
    Nov 19, 2013
    0
    look i buy this game cause everyone saying its the best one to come out and after i buy it i try to play the game and all it does is freeze then i take it back to get a new copy and it still freezes but if it would work i might like it but i pretty much just wasted 60 dollars on a game that i cant use cause all it does is freeze
  14. Beastmode24
    Nov 11, 2013
    2
    This game is just god awful. It's the same thing every year, tight ends are un-coverable, the read option is next to unstoppable, and people on there just love to cause problems. The game needs more variety and better game strategies rather than running with Mike Vick or RG3 and throwing to Shannon Sharpe for 400 yards and 8 scores. Until this happens, I forever hate the game and thingThis game is just god awful. It's the same thing every year, tight ends are un-coverable, the read option is next to unstoppable, and people on there just love to cause problems. The game needs more variety and better game strategies rather than running with Mike Vick or RG3 and throwing to Shannon Sharpe for 400 yards and 8 scores. Until this happens, I forever hate the game and thing half blind monkeys can create a better game and will not play it even if I were paid.… Expand
  15. OriginalDolan
    Nov 11, 2013
    9
    Really good game. It is similar to Madden 13, but it made a lot of improvements. It ocassionally freezes, but it is a great game. I also think that the players are a little slow, but that isn't a big issue.
  16. Pjmayer6
    Oct 21, 2013
    0
    This game was way too hyped up. Terrible game in my view. I'd rather play madden 13... It freezes, pretty much same graphics as 13.... Online is okay but other than that it's a crappy game
  17. DSThom
    Oct 6, 2013
    10
    Not without bugs and glitches, but the best Madden yet. And a load of fun if you love football.

    I don't know if there's a more polarizing game. A lot of people love Madden so much they want it to be a certain, and only that way. "It's a thin line between love and hate. If you're not one of those people, Madden 25 delivers an lot a enjoyment and can teach you much about the real game    Not without bugs and glitches, but the best Madden yet. And a load of fun if you love football.

    I don't know if there's a more polarizing game. A lot of people love Madden so much they want it to be a certain, and only that way. "It's a thin line between love and hate. If you're not one of those people, Madden 25 delivers an lot a enjoyment and can teach you much about the real game of NFL football. If, however, you think you know it all already and your mission is to "school" others less all-knowing, then you certainly know this game is not for you. It's also not for you if you're expecting the ultimate in simulation realism. Such a game doesn't exist. What Madden25 offers is great presentation and enough realism to make it believable and immersive. (Until you play ti so much that it isn't any more every other video game.)    … Expand
  18. VidsRule
    Oct 2, 2013
    5
    If you pick choose madden, or choose your own plays, or hit random buttons while you choose a defensive play- it makes no difference. what you do on defense is irrelevant. I can't believe I'm giving this a passing grade. It's because everything else is good.
  19. gotarheels8186
    Sep 28, 2013
    4
    Honestly it is the worst madden in the past 10 years. The graphics are pretty awesome, and the fact that you can be the owner and upgrade everything in a franchise is sick but the gameplay is unbelievably bad. If I made a pro and con list the cons seriously would be 3 times longer. Simple kinks in the game could be fixed and it would be amazing.
  20. iamme
    Sep 23, 2013
    0
    This game has bad freezzing issues and I feel like I got ripped off. If it wasnt for the constant freezing I would love this game. They need to fix this asap and shouldnt be selling it if it freezes.
  21. mone06
    Sep 20, 2013
    9
    Best madden since 2004. no im not lying... Its ok to buy Madden again. Gameplay is the best so far this generation. However i did find the if my DB catches an interception towards to sideline even with both feet in they'll rule as an incomplete pass. Nothing major but could be costly in a tight game. Im just gonna leave you guys with this.. OWNER MODE...
  22. lilmercy23
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    This is the best Madden to date but its still not that great. Its very delayed sometimes the responsiveness is off. Era had their fun but its almost time for 2k to come back and I'm afraid this could be the end of madden. Of course it will sell cause its madden but just like when NFL 2k was around eventually it will take over. Honestly its purely surviving off name and the exclusive NFL license.
  23. sriley66
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game has 1 major flaw. It only let's you challenge a play when you can't win the challenge and the times you watch the replay and clearly scored a td or got a first down on 4th down it wont let you challenge and will make you livid. Other than that awsome game… Expand
  24. BandS
    Sep 11, 2013
    8
    Madden NFL 25. Yeah sure its on the "old" console, Xbox One will launch in about 2 1/2 months and this game will be the last madden for many players. its not very surprising that madden nfl 25 is almost the same in the gameplay, by the way madden NFL 13 has a perfect gameplay. but the new running makes the game more realistic than NFL 13, also a new presentation before and after the gameMadden NFL 25. Yeah sure its on the "old" console, Xbox One will launch in about 2 1/2 months and this game will be the last madden for many players. its not very surprising that madden nfl 25 is almost the same in the gameplay, by the way madden NFL 13 has a perfect gameplay. but the new running makes the game more realistic than NFL 13, also a new presentation before and after the game (sideline reporter...) and the best: the returning of the owner mode. I already played 2 seasons in the owner mode and i have to say its amazing! you can build a new stadium or update the old, you can set prices and you can do a lot more than in madden nfl 13. I only played 1 season in Madden NFL 13 as a Player and 0,2 seasons as a coach, but i´m looking forward to play a lot more seasons in NFL 25.

    the game is good, of course there are no big changes but overall its a good sequel to Madden NFL 13 and i´m really looking forward to the Xbox One version. thanks for reading.

    +Owner Mode
    +New Running
    +Kind of better graphics

    -almost the same as Madden Nfl 13    … Expand
  25. M0legend
    Sep 9, 2013
    7
    This game is trash. I would gladly pay for updated rosters on madden 2012 before the so call "engine". This was my same impression of madden 2013. Garbage. The players look nothing real. Madden 2012 was PERFECT. This seems to me like a way for EA sports to make money off of people by redesigning the wheel. And selling the hype. Trash. Every thing about it, Music= Trash, franchise mode=This game is trash. I would gladly pay for updated rosters on madden 2012 before the so call "engine". This was my same impression of madden 2013. Garbage. The players look nothing real. Madden 2012 was PERFECT. This seems to me like a way for EA sports to make money off of people by redesigning the wheel. And selling the hype. Trash. Every thing about it, Music= Trash, franchise mode= trash, over complicated player ratings trash. It's just, Trash. Glad I got free NFL Sunday ticket.

    EA. instead of putting out TrAsh each year. Just sell updated rosters     … Expand
  26. dbjerke
    Sep 8, 2013
    1
    Very disappointed! Madden 25 has the worst graphics I've seen in many years. Madden 2012 has incredible graphics compared to this version. It's like they didn't even both looking at what they created for the Xbox 360 before pushing it out the door with all the hype. The hype is the only thing that they actually concentrated on. It will be a LONG time before I get suckered into buyingVery disappointed! Madden 25 has the worst graphics I've seen in many years. Madden 2012 has incredible graphics compared to this version. It's like they didn't even both looking at what they created for the Xbox 360 before pushing it out the door with all the hype. The hype is the only thing that they actually concentrated on. It will be a LONG time before I get suckered into buying another Madden game!

    Example. In 2012 you can see the individual blades of grass and foot marks in the grass. In Madden 25 you simply see the color Green for the grass. It just gets worse from there.    … Expand
  27. biggunjohnson
    Sep 3, 2013
    3
    madden 25 is not the greatest madden by far the user picks are by far the dumbest thing you just have to be near the receiver and hold Y and you will pick it every time and D-Line are as fast as Adrian Peterson cause you fat nose guard will catch him or any other running back in the game. Adrian Peterson in the game is a big wimp he gets hurt almost every single play that you run with himmadden 25 is not the greatest madden by far the user picks are by far the dumbest thing you just have to be near the receiver and hold Y and you will pick it every time and D-Line are as fast as Adrian Peterson cause you fat nose guard will catch him or any other running back in the game. Adrian Peterson in the game is a big wimp he gets hurt almost every single play that you run with him I bought the game and returned it the next day and I have all the maddens and this is one is one of the worst I have played… Expand
  28. AzureEffect
    Sep 2, 2013
    7
    I am a "Gameplay" guy and Madden 25 gets a great mark for "on the field" gameplay. The addition of "hard cuts, Precision Ball Carrier moves, Read Option controls, Precision passing, etc" are all great things for the Madden Franchise. There are still issues that need to be addressed: Defense (the defense does not have as many tools as the Offense and therefore makes for an unbalanced gameI am a "Gameplay" guy and Madden 25 gets a great mark for "on the field" gameplay. The addition of "hard cuts, Precision Ball Carrier moves, Read Option controls, Precision passing, etc" are all great things for the Madden Franchise. There are still issues that need to be addressed: Defense (the defense does not have as many tools as the Offense and therefore makes for an unbalanced game experience) More immersive Player CFM experience (think NBA2K MyCareer), Halftime and Weekly Wrap Up Show would all help this game feel more "cohesive" and alive. If you think about the NFL; there's ESPN and NFL Network who are all about bringing you into all the League news and happenings. The Twitter integration is nice but in this society of Youtube, Vine, Instagram...video is KING. I feel good about the direction the game is headed going into the Next Generation of consoles but this is a grade for Madden 25 and I am judging what I currently have in hand; not it's potential. There's room for improvement and I am confident that with the disc space that we have on PS4 & Xbox360 that in the next 2 years; we may be talking about Madden finally "arriving" to be the Premiere Football title that it was destined to be; not yet though...not yet.… Expand
  29. SimFBallCritic
    Sep 2, 2013
    8
    I'm a gameplay first type of guy and that's how I review Madden. Of course I want all aspects to be great but with me it starts with gameplay. Now I understand that there are a lot of things that can't be done on this current generation of consoles and that greatly affects my review of Madden NFL 25 current gen.

    By far the best addition to Madden 25 is the new locomotion mechanics. Now    I'm a gameplay first type of guy and that's how I review Madden. Of course I want all aspects to be great but with me it starts with gameplay. Now I understand that there are a lot of things that can't be done on this current generation of consoles and that greatly affects my review of Madden NFL 25 current gen.

    By far the best addition to Madden 25 is the new locomotion mechanics. Now you are able to make subtle cuts with the left analog stick which adds a more organic feel to the run game. In addition to hard cuts there is the precision modifier which gives you the ability to pull off over 30 special ball carrier moves. The best part about the precision modifier is it provides a bit of separation between backs, some moves can only be pulled off if the RB has a high enough rating in a specific category. However there's no real distinction between players and all of the moves look the same. This is where the arcade affect comes into play. Going forward we need to see signature running styles and behaviors from the star players in the NFL. Replicating player abilities, behaviors, and signature styles will push the game to a level of realism that most are expecting to see from Madden. This is something games like NBA 2K and MLB The Show do well and are known for.

    Blocking has been improved in Madden 25 with a new targeting system. Blockers are now designed to follow their specific assignments and have the ability to change their path downfield based on the projected path of the ball carrier. There is still room for improvement with blocking, I still would like to see guys block whoever crosses their path rather than being locked into an assignment. There are still times when blockers collide with a defender without extending their arms. Not only do they collide but in most of these cases they bump into the first defender while still looking at their assignment.

    Infinity Engine 2.0 is a more polished version of the Infinity Engine introduced in Madden 13. The physics as a much tighter feel during actual gameplay. It's more subtle and interactions between players look and feel more organic. Force Impact has also been added with IE2 which allows the physics to be more of a factor in certain situations. Even though IE2 is an improvement there is still a lot that needs to be done in this area. Not all animations are able to be interrupted, at times it feels like the game completely ignores the physics. There are too many forced animations, weight and momentum doesn't always dictate the outcome. This seems to happen mostly with one on one situations. Now that physics is in the game a player's weight, size, mass, positioning, strength, stature, and momentum should all factor in to determine the outcome of the play.

    Not a lot was done of defense this year but there is at least one key improvement, the trenches. OL/DL interactions are better than they've ever been in the Madden NFL series. You now see a more dynamic fight in the trenches which is where football starts and ends. For the first time I feel like I can get real pressure with DE's as opposed to overpowered DT's in the past. Secondary play has also been tightened since NCAA 14 but it's still not as dynamic as it should be. Defenders are still restricted to their zone responsibility and rarely play outside of that when necessary. I would like to see more anticipation from DB's instead of waiting until the ball has been thrown to react. Don't get me wrong, there are times when the DB's do a solid job in Madden 25 but it doesn't seem to be consistent. I don't expect shutdown defense every time, I just want to see the Secondary react realistically whether they get beat or not.

    Key Additions and likes:

    Run Free mechanics (Precision Modifier)
    Locomotion mechanics (Hard Cuts)
    New Blocking targeting system
    Re-done blocking assignments
    Force Impact System
    Infinity Engine 2.0
    New audible and hot route system
    Stiff arms

    Missing components and wishlist (Just to name a few):

    WR/DB interactions
    No REAL gang tackling
    Adaptive AI
    Independent player AI
    Proper weight and momentum distribution
    Reach Tackles
    No forced animations
    Physics driving gameplay instead animations taking over

    Overall Madden 25 has improved greatly over past years and it is by far the best Madden we've seen on this generation. Madden markets itself as a simulation and it's good to see that they are now focusing on simulation gameplay and moving in the right direction. Madden will need to focus on the minor details in order to fully replicate what we see on Sunday. At this point and think that's what we all expect, especially since other genres seem to be ahead of Madden in that area. Moving on to a new generation should be good for Madden. I've been saying for years that Madden needed to borrow things from FIFA and NHL to improved their game, now with the new Ignite Engine this will be possible. I like forward to the possibilities on the next generation of consoles.    … Expand
  30. BigSmitty81
    Sep 1, 2013
    8
    This year's edition of Madden football is a modest addition in regards of the gameplay refinements yet again that we have been demanding for as a community. Now is this the complete product that we've all been hoping for at this point? No it's not, but it does once again take the steps toward the authenticity that we've been demanding for over the years. Just how well they execute remainsThis year's edition of Madden football is a modest addition in regards of the gameplay refinements yet again that we have been demanding for as a community. Now is this the complete product that we've all been hoping for at this point? No it's not, but it does once again take the steps toward the authenticity that we've been demanding for over the years. Just how well they execute remains to be seen, as well as what does this game show us in terms of what to expect when the next generation of consoles are released in a few months?
    Infinity Engine 2:
    In comparison to NCAA Football 14 and Madden NFL 13, the gameplay is definitely cleaned up in regards of what's been promoted. The physics play out in a cleaner, more dynamic fashion. For those that may not recall, the Infinity Engine in principle, is a physics driven engine that's layered on top of all the animations within the game. So, sometimes you'll get dynamic physics-based interactions, as well as scripted animated outcomes, or get a mix of both in some instances, which brings out more organic gameplay. Couple this with the Force Impact System, and now you have the potential to have some of the most violent trucks and Hit Stick tackles occur to date in an EA Sports football title. The intent of the FIS is make that differential of collisions/interactions between players based on speed, weight, and mass respectively on offense and defense in relation to player skill ratings. It's very rewarding to see that big TE or power back bowl over smaller DBs or out of position LBs with trucks and stiff arm punches alike. As well as on defense laying that blind side hit on the QB, or that WR cutting across the middle getting blew up going for a catch by an LB or DB with a good speed and force behind them.

    With all these good elements, there are issues along with it. Due to the confines of the animation-based principle of the game, you have situations where scripted animations do overtake the dynamic physical presence of other players. At least the issue regarding the stiff-arm being overpowered is addressed here. Secondly, there's still a good amount of suction tackling taking place within the game as well. I've had instances where players would purposely get shifted into position as a tackle/stiff arm/Truck is supposed to take place in a particular part on the field. Which leads to unrealistically scripted gameplay outcomes on both sides of the ball, an issue that's been hindering EA football for years.
    In the near future (hopefully), it would be nice to see EA have more dynamic physics based gameplay that rivals titles like the 2010 title BackBreaker. A game that's based on behavior based interactions with dynamic physics and no pre-determined animations in sight.

    "Run Free", and the Option:
    For the past few years there hasn't been a truly established run game in regards of precise player movement since Madden football on PS2. The EA themed "Locomotion" technology, hasn't been implemented in the cleanest and authentic fashion like some of their other titles such as FIFA 11-13. They definitely made a nice refinement with the addition of the hard cuts in regards to the directional changes made by the ball carrier. You can see and feel the difference between a power back and a speed back in regards to the ability and sharpness of cutback, juke moves, or just general changes of direction within the game. You still do see some sliding and gliding and players legs quick shifting to compensate for the respective footplant/cut move accordingly. With the "True-Step Locomotion" technology making its debut in Madden NFL 25 next-gen (and in the FIFA 14 demo (to preview): available Sept. 10), we should see the quality of the overall player movement increase dramatically. In spite of the shortcomings, the addition of the new and various juke/spin move combos (utilizing the right analog stick or combined with the precision modifier) nicely adds depth and personality to a vital element of the game that has been long overdue.
    In addition to compliment the hard cuts element, you have the revamping of the run blocking AI, so this aids in the blockers making more realistic and logical decisions when blocking downfield and addressing the nearest threat to the ball carrier on running plays as well as QB scrambles out of the backfield on passing plays. The of tandem pass blocking is still an eyesore, but the logic is improved and you see the most realistic pockets and blocking scenarios form in this game that haven't been seen since the Xbox/PS2/GameCube days of EA Sports Football. Needless to say, there's a lot riding on what's shown on next-gen, especially in this area where 2k Sports currently upholds the standard with NFL 2k5 and APF 2k8 respectively.
    To expand on the QB scrambling out the backfield, the emphasis on the Option made its way into Madden as well. With the in-game pitch and read keys to look out for prior to the snap. It's nice to see that you have to pay attention to what the defense does whether it's the pitch, handoff, or keeper. Any wrong read and be a cost in yards or possible turnover on a bad pitch.

    Formation/Coverage Audibles:
    Just something to touch on briefly. This is an element that I'm glad to see make its way into the game and once again makes that strive toward realism and authenticity. In regards of the Formation Audibles on offense, you can only switch your plays according to the package that you're in (ie: can't audible from Goal Line formation to Shotgun 5-Wide). Secondly, on the defensive side, you can make the defensive adjustments slightly faster when switching individual assignments from zone to man coverage. Even though that was a function of old brought back, it was needed, so I'm glad to see it there. Also, the "disguise cushion" option is a nice add as well. That's basically where your DBs may show press coverage, but instead of attempting to jam the WR, they'll play the receiver's route (whether within the zone or man coverage).

    Defense:
    With all the attention given to the offense this year, there still are some elements to highlight in regards of the defensive side of the ball. The "Heatseeker" control is a new element that aids the user controlled defender with taking the proper angle to tackle the ball carrier. In addition to that, the addressing of proper pursuit angles have finally made their way to being addressed in this year's title. Now you'll see defenders make the proper angles and breakdown accordingly when going for tackles or to cut across the field to swat or pick. Also, the revamping of the dive tackles that add that secondary attempt to stop the ballcarrier if they elusively slip past the defender or in a rundown effort to make that shoestring-esque leg sweep from behind tackle.
    It is nice to say that FINALLY the war in the trenches is BACK!! The addition of the respective animations for both the O/D-Line interactions showcase that chaotic, yet violent battle that we've been looking for since best being done (at least in my opinion) in All Pro Football 2k8. Now, you clearly get to see the separation between elite/mid-level/average/poor rushers as they fight to get in the backfield. Once again adding more depth and personality to the overall package.
    The secondary play is better than its collegiate counterpart, but still lacks the dynamic, fundamentally sound gameplay that many (myself included) desire. While it's slightly improved, this area needs to be overhauled altogether as you have defenders that legitimately don't react to the ball being thrown right over their head as they look at it. Now, the Read & React isn't bad, but it's most definitely the weakest link by far in respect to all that was done in this game. The DB/WR interactions need to be revamped, as well as the AI across the board. We also need to see the 430 catch animations trigger as there's too many occurrences of mirrored catch animations happening in the game. Hopefully, the next generation of NCAA Football gaming coupled with the IGNITE engine, will showcase a drastic change in the way players react in game with the dubbed "human intelligence" element to the way the secondary reacts accordingly to what the offense gives them.

    Overall, Madden NFL 25 gives a decent preview of what to expect on next gen in certain areas. With the next-gen consoles launching on November 15 (for PS4 at least). There will be a lot to look forward to in terms of gameplay expansion. In the mean time, This is a decently progressing football title on this current generation of console gaming.    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2013
32
#32 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2013
54
#54 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Nov 6, 2013
    80
    A creaking but stellar current-gen send-off. [Dec 2013, p.91]
  2. The Digital Fix
    Oct 29, 2013
    80
    All in all, Madden 25 is a decent, if not revolutionary sign-off for the franchise for this generation of consoles, and no doubt we’ll see it continue on the Xbox One and PS4. While it would have been nice if they’d played up the nostalgia a bit more (like they did with NHL 14), it’s a fine game of football.
    Read full review
  3. Impulsegamer
    Sep 20, 2013
    80
    Madden NFL 25 tweaks the hell out of the franchise and brings a few new things to the table to make any football gaming fan happy.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »