Madden NFL 15

 Xbox One
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 142 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 142
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 142
  3. Negative: 36 out of 142
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  1. ZacharyNeal
    Aug 27, 2014
    9
    So this is easily the first year that I have been floored by Madden out of the box. The Seahawks winning the Super Bowl was what we needed as players of this series to enjoy playing defense again. I really believe that EA is making leaps and bounds with this title. From the shading of coverages, to the protect the sticks feature, EA Tiburon is giving us everything we need to combat yearsSo this is easily the first year that I have been floored by Madden out of the box. The Seahawks winning the Super Bowl was what we needed as players of this series to enjoy playing defense again. I really believe that EA is making leaps and bounds with this title. From the shading of coverages, to the protect the sticks feature, EA Tiburon is giving us everything we need to combat years and years of offensive installations/features into the series. This is the first year since the implementation of the hitstick that you genuinely notice defense impacting the game. Gone are the days of seeing only Seattle and San Francisco. While they will remain popular, the Cardinals, Patriots, and Panthers all boast interesting squads to add some unique flavor to your game this year besides seeing Lime Green vs. Scarlet Red every game.

    Offensively, QB inaccuracy makes you FEEL your QB. Last year, Josh Johnson (back up QB for the Bengals) ran around slinging the pill like the next coming of Fran Tarkenton. This year, you notice weaknesses in every QB not named Brady/Manning/Rodgers/Brees. Those guys are electric in the pocket and rarely miss. Russell Wilson thrives in the pocket and on the run, but can be erratic at times. Kaepernick has taken a step back. Of course, via roster updates, this can (and will) change.

    The pass rush is much more effective. Guys disengage with their blocker and get into high pursuit of the QB. Whether you are a manual rusher or let the CPU rush for you, the time in the pocket is a lot less than in the past, where you could literally stand in the pocket vs. a 4 man rush for 7-8 seconds and wait for coverage to break down (which required about 2-3 seconds at most in Madden 25).

    Coverage in this year's game is much better. Zone coverage is much more aggressive and jump throws over the middle. Man coverage was overpowered last year (2 Man Under) but is toned down in Madden 15.

    Overall, I'm very very pleased with the work that EA Dev Team put in on this title - it's a very large step in the right direction!    … Expand
  2. Bazongaman
    Aug 27, 2014
    9
    This is probably the best Madden I have ever played. The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay controls are very well put together on both sides of the ball. Playing on defense is actually enjoyable and never been so easy to use before. I would like the see the commentary to be as alive like FIFA or the NBA 2K series and I would like to see it less likely where after the play everyoneThis is probably the best Madden I have ever played. The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay controls are very well put together on both sides of the ball. Playing on defense is actually enjoyable and never been so easy to use before. I would like the see the commentary to be as alive like FIFA or the NBA 2K series and I would like to see it less likely where after the play everyone doesn't do the domino effect every time they bump into someone. I recommend the game though to every football fan and to anyone who is wanting to get into the football genre.… Expand
  3. AgentICE
    Aug 28, 2014
    9
    Madden NFL 15 is, to me, the BEST Madden in years! The Graphics are truly Next Gen this year and the gameplay has a balance feel for offense and defense. Run control is much better than Madden 25. Running is fun again, but so is Defense! This is just an overall great game. If you are a MUT fan, you'll absolutely love the changes this year and if you are a franchise baller, you'll also loveMadden NFL 15 is, to me, the BEST Madden in years! The Graphics are truly Next Gen this year and the gameplay has a balance feel for offense and defense. Run control is much better than Madden 25. Running is fun again, but so is Defense! This is just an overall great game. If you are a MUT fan, you'll absolutely love the changes this year and if you are a franchise baller, you'll also love the under-the-hood changes to CFM mode, including free agent signing, as well as major changes such as running drills using the new Game Prep feature. This is not a Madden to miss…it only gets better from here folks!… Expand
  4. Gamer44
    Sep 27, 2014
    8
    Madden 15 is easily the best madden game I have played in years and it is a huge leap forward from a rather disappointing madden 25. Yes madden 15 might not be perfect but at least it is once again on the right track and hopefully EA can improve on madden 15 and deliver an even better madden experience next year.

    Madden 15 brings the best madden experience in years, it brings nice    Madden 15 is easily the best madden game I have played in years and it is a huge leap forward from a rather disappointing madden 25. Yes madden 15 might not be perfect but at least it is once again on the right track and hopefully EA can improve on madden 15 and deliver an even better madden experience next year.

    Madden 15 brings the best madden experience in years, it brings nice graphics and I heavily improved gameplay.    … Expand
  5. ofchughes
    Aug 27, 2014
    10
    finally a madden that is getting better its not all the way there yet but this is something EA can build on its looking good so far haven't played online yet but im really liking the the improved ai
  6. Husky17
    Oct 7, 2014
    8
    A much improved experience from previous versions. Most notably for people coming back to the franchise...the trainer. It definitely feels 'next-gen'. I had a number of disconnects which penalized me in online play and the Madden Ultimate is pushed a little too hard. I long for the days of instant boot, press A and play...load times and connection status screens slow this experience down.A much improved experience from previous versions. Most notably for people coming back to the franchise...the trainer. It definitely feels 'next-gen'. I had a number of disconnects which penalized me in online play and the Madden Ultimate is pushed a little too hard. I long for the days of instant boot, press A and play...load times and connection status screens slow this experience down. I'd recommend it if you haven't played Madden in a while.… Expand
  7. PanthersFanStev
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    Great game. Tight gameplay, beautiful presentation, amazing graphics. A must buy for NFL video game fans. Best Madden in franchise history and likely one of the top 2 sports games of 2014.
  8. Oblong
    Aug 28, 2014
    9
    If you are reading this review and others from random internet guys like me I get it as I do the same thing for many games I’m just not sure about. It’s especially the case with yearly release titles like Madden as we all wonder – is this version worth putting my previous version to bed or is it skip year?

    This review isn’t for the hardcore, you buy every year without fail and nitpick    If you are reading this review and others from random internet guys like me I get it as I do the same thing for many games I’m just not sure about. It’s especially the case with yearly release titles like Madden as we all wonder – is this version worth putting my previous version to bed or is it skip year?

    This review isn’t for the hardcore, you buy every year without fail and nitpick it death. I get that, as I have my share of guaranteed must-buys. My words are for those like me who are football fans and video game players wanting to see if EA SPORTS can make those 2 worlds collide and offer something that feels, looks, and plays like what we watch on Fall Sundays but is also fun to play solo, with my buddy next to me, and possibly with others across the world. We want depth while at the same time not be bogged down by complicated controls. We want to see amazing catches, savage hits, and nail-biting endings but we also don’t want it to be too over-the-top nor feel like our actions on the field aren’t properly rewarded or penalized. If you can relate to those ideals then read on as this short review may prove helpful for your buying decision.

    I’m going to make it real simple if you are on the fence….Madden 15 is “The One”. You know what I mean. Run, don’t walk – this is the version you need to have, there is no reason to wait for next year. The amount of love and detail that has been added to this version is nothing short of amazing. It looks absolutely beautiful on next gen consoles. The animations are smooth and full of variety. Defense is finally almost as much fun to play as offense. EA SPORTS has put together a package that has an overwhelming amount of depth while at the same time keeping menu navigation and gameplay controls easy enough for anyone to understand. One of my favorite new parts of the game is the training which provides a better understanding of not only how to play the game but also the chess match that is going on between offensive and defensive play-calling in real life. What you learn could fundamentally change the way you have been playing video football and also give you a new appreciation of the sport itself.

    I haven’t played all the modes offered and likely never will get to them all. There are plenty of reviews out there that will go into particular details that you may want to investigate further. Others may focus on glitches but I’ve yet to find anything that is a buzzkill. What I have done is go “old school” and played my boys head-2-head on our sofa and we have had more fun in the past 5 days than we have had in the past 5 years of Madden releases. The NFL should be very proud to see their league brought to life so realistically in a video game.

    Bottom line – Madden 15 is a gem. I’m going to stop writing because you need to stop reading and go get this game!    … Expand
  9. OneEighth
    Sep 2, 2014
    8
    Best Madden Yet.

    Madden 15 for the Xbox One is the true next gen Madden. After feeling somewhat let down by Madden 25 (XboxOne) this game satisfies that thirst I had for football. Pros; -When you first pop the disk in you are thrust into the action with a cinematic version of the new gameplay. It's like John Madden is punching you in the face with awesomeness. -The audio is very    Best Madden Yet.

    Madden 15 for the Xbox One is the true next gen Madden. After feeling somewhat let down by Madden 25 (XboxOne) this game satisfies that thirst I had for football.

    Pros;
    -When you first pop the disk in you are thrust into the action with a cinematic version of the new gameplay. It's like John Madden is punching you in the face with awesomeness.
    -The audio is very much improved from years past.
    -Stadium sounds are NOTICEABLY better. Break off a big run and your fans will go wild. Playing away and get stuffed on third down, you can feel the stadium bearing down on you.
    -More scanned faces adding to the realism of your favorite coaches and players.
    -There has been a much needed balancing between offense and defense.
    -The play calling screen has been revamped. Now showing previously called plays, success rates of plays, and how many yards averaged per play.
    -The line play has been improved. Olineman block better and at the same time the Dline has new controls to combat the offense and better differentiate between finesse and power moves.

    This game is simply fun. Have been playing a Connect Franchise mode with friends and haven't had any serious issues. Any issue I have had so far can be fixed in a patch.

    If you liked Madden 25 this is about 5 times better in my opinion.    … Expand
  10. contabogs13
    Sep 2, 2014
    9
    Madden NFL 15 is a great game and the defense interaction changes are great. For me this is the best Madden I have played ever, nevertheless, I would like to mention that even the big effort that EA has put on the visuals, the half time, stadiums, the tackles always remember you that this is just a game. I think it is not a very important issue but was expecting a little bit more on theMadden NFL 15 is a great game and the defense interaction changes are great. For me this is the best Madden I have played ever, nevertheless, I would like to mention that even the big effort that EA has put on the visuals, the half time, stadiums, the tackles always remember you that this is just a game. I think it is not a very important issue but was expecting a little bit more on the tackle system since this is a new generation game, but well there are some strange tackles and moves when a team player hit other one... it gets a little weird.

    Notwithstanding, I really like Madden NFL 15 because the defense interaction is better and give to the game more excitement even if you are defending. I give a 9 because the weird crashing system but of course it gives a lot of fun for fans and not fans of the series.    … Expand
  11. FRYMANATION
    Sep 2, 2014
    9
    I have been playing Madden for 25 years and this is the best Madden in at least 10. it's a fully immersive game with great graphics clearly built for next-gen not just available on next gen. a must pick up for any metal fan in the past
  12. bmaster4616
    Sep 15, 2014
    8
    Madden is basically the football version of Call of Duty...at least by popularity and quality of the game. Like a lot of games that are popular, people love to hate on them. Madden is no exception, though its warranted. Madden 25 was almost identical to 13 and that seems to be the trend of these games. However, Madden 15 is different. With a better defense and offense game play, this yearsMadden is basically the football version of Call of Duty...at least by popularity and quality of the game. Like a lot of games that are popular, people love to hate on them. Madden is no exception, though its warranted. Madden 25 was almost identical to 13 and that seems to be the trend of these games. However, Madden 15 is different. With a better defense and offense game play, this years madden actually does a lot better to evolve its game. Could it be better? Yes, but its the only football game out there. If you like it or not, its the only football game that you can buy. Everyone might not like it but I do. Its a fun experience and a must own for football fans.… Expand
  13. WhiteTieReview
    Aug 27, 2014
    9
    Madden 15 is quite possibly the best looking game on the current consoles. With the new look to match the consoles, players will have to take time to adapt to the new layout. Generally Madden games make subtle changes from year to year, but this year is different. While picking a play, the play selection is now vertical instead of horizontal. Players on defense can now jump the line, andMadden 15 is quite possibly the best looking game on the current consoles. With the new look to match the consoles, players will have to take time to adapt to the new layout. Generally Madden games make subtle changes from year to year, but this year is different. While picking a play, the play selection is now vertical instead of horizontal. Players on defense can now jump the line, and also look at the quarterback from the defensive view (with the camera panned back). The kicking motion was changed and will take some time to get used to. Offensively the game has not changed, on defense that is another story. The players now have a highlighted cone before the player as a “tackle area” to which the defender has a radius they can tackle. Of course, if your back is turned while a receiver catches the ball, they will not have the cone because they are out of this area. This game is worth getting, especially because July is always a month where players anticipate NCAA football, Madden seems to take the reins that made NCAA different. Madden 16 should incorporate stadium noise, and NCAA will be quickly forgotten.… Expand
  14. JDayErrday
    Aug 26, 2014
    10
    Great visuals, as anticipated, but most importantly are the changes to the game play. The run game has been greatly improved, allowing you to follow your blockers without falling on your back when you bump into one of your offensive lineman. Another great change are the receiver and cornerback animations when going up to get a jump ball, or simple interactions like a bump & run. Easily theGreat visuals, as anticipated, but most importantly are the changes to the game play. The run game has been greatly improved, allowing you to follow your blockers without falling on your back when you bump into one of your offensive lineman. Another great change are the receiver and cornerback animations when going up to get a jump ball, or simple interactions like a bump & run. Easily the best Madden of all time,and a good look at what these new systems can do, in terms of sports games.… Expand
  15. Scomo
    Sep 1, 2014
    8
    The most complete Madden since 2006- revamped and restructured to generate a realistic game presentation. Menu systems are much smoother and easier to navigate; specifically, the dashboard has been upgraded. I enjoy the Ultimate Team game mode and this year is a massive improvement upon the previous years. The user interface to be able to collect, integrate, and create your teams has beenThe most complete Madden since 2006- revamped and restructured to generate a realistic game presentation. Menu systems are much smoother and easier to navigate; specifically, the dashboard has been upgraded. I enjoy the Ultimate Team game mode and this year is a massive improvement upon the previous years. The user interface to be able to collect, integrate, and create your teams has been drastically simplified. A veteran ultimate team player and rookie player both benefit from the new user interface. All of the upgrades plus the improvements made on defense makes Madden 15 one of the best versions of Madden I've played in a long time.… Expand
  16. JCPowell
    Sep 9, 2014
    8
    EA Sports actually came through with a solid Madden game this year. The game-play feels smoother because of things like the new d-line controls, and the harder difficulties feel less game breaking than other previous versions of Madden. The player lock is great, especially on defense where you can break through the line for a crushing sack. Ultimate Team is good, but the ConnectedEA Sports actually came through with a solid Madden game this year. The game-play feels smoother because of things like the new d-line controls, and the harder difficulties feel less game breaking than other previous versions of Madden. The player lock is great, especially on defense where you can break through the line for a crushing sack. Ultimate Team is good, but the Connected Franchise really puts the icing on the cake here. Connected Franchises grant you the ability to play as a player, coach, or owner. Also, the ability to play Connected Franchise online with friends makes an amazing experience. However the lack of depth in the career modes can become dull. If Madden 15 was able to do something similar to NBA 2K's my career; it would be incredible. Also the lack music in the game leaves you with the same repetitive theme song over and over.… Expand
  17. mookiewilson34
    Sep 29, 2014
    8
    I purchase Madden every three years, this one is definitely better than 2011's version. However, I can see the frustration with the"Sam game" every year. Of course you could stop buying the game every year.

    Graphics are good, sound is cool, game flow is good as well.
  18. frannyboy99
    Sep 12, 2014
    8
    A chance for a fresh start. That is what this game has put forward. The game is not God's gift to gaming, but it does everything that it needed to get right right. Now we can all agree that Madden 25 on the Next gen was anything but polished. This game is much better in that regard. But, this game is not better in the gameplay aspect than lets say NHL 15, which I gave a 7/10. What getsA chance for a fresh start. That is what this game has put forward. The game is not God's gift to gaming, but it does everything that it needed to get right right. Now we can all agree that Madden 25 on the Next gen was anything but polished. This game is much better in that regard. But, this game is not better in the gameplay aspect than lets say NHL 15, which I gave a 7/10. What gets this game an 8/10 is the extreme value that is lacking in NHL 15. Ultimate Team is fantastic and with the weekly free allstar, everyone feels competitive. The practice mode is great as always, season mode is great and this is an all around great package. I can recommend this game to ANY fan of football and people who want to get in on the action. If you are a new player, spend the extra 30 bucks on this game, rather than going for the now cheaper Madden 25. Try to pick it up in the Xbox One Madden 15 bundle like I did if you do not have a Xbox One yet. If they up the graphics a tiny bit to meet NHL's slandered, and fix a few gameplay bugs, we have a real contender for Sports game of the year and a possible 10/10. But for now I give Madden NFL 15 a solid 8/10! A good game in a Great package... don't f*** it up next year EA. I have my eyes on you... Great job this year though guys! :)… Expand
  19. xRAIDER34x
    Apr 27, 2015
    10
    Im being very generous but this game is a 10. CFM is the best there are a few areas that need attention but this game is fun. Best franchise mode out of any sports game . CFM is vast and keeps you looking forward to each game and each draft and so on. Graphics are the best by far. I hope they take another giant step in the madden series there are some areas need attention but this is theIm being very generous but this game is a 10. CFM is the best there are a few areas that need attention but this game is fun. Best franchise mode out of any sports game . CFM is vast and keeps you looking forward to each game and each draft and so on. Graphics are the best by far. I hope they take another giant step in the madden series there are some areas need attention but this is the best madden to date and is a great building block for this franchise.… Expand
  20. Radpandabear
    Apr 10, 2023
    9
    I loved this game. Besides one other madden game this was my only one ever. It had its flaws don’t get me wrong especially on the Xbox 360. But the franchise mode was amazing. My team was insane and went undefeated every year. We were the Celtic Tigers and owned football.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Xbox One Game of 2014
29
#29 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2014
60
#60 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Games Master UK
    Oct 23, 2014
    83
    This year's all about polish. [Dec 2014, p.80]
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Oct 11, 2014
    80
    The big improvements have really enhanced the experience this year. [Issue#116, p.79]
  3. Gameblog.fr
    Oct 6, 2014
    70
    This 2015 episode brings many news which contribute to return the much better experience. The defensive aspect was corrected for a really interesting result.
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