Madden NFL 25 (2013)

 Xbox One
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 116
  3. Negative: 33 out of 116
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  1. Kevin26385
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    I played a decent amount of Madden 25 on Xbox 360 and enjoyed the overall experience. Madden 25 on Xbox One is a great start on next-gen consoles and is an improvement on the 360 version.

    The line play is the biggest difference in my opinion. Running through holes created by your offensive lineman is an enjoyable experience as you can see them actually work hard. Previously,    I played a decent amount of Madden 25 on Xbox 360 and enjoyed the overall experience. Madden 25 on Xbox One is a great start on next-gen consoles and is an improvement on the 360 version.

    The line play is the biggest difference in my opinion. Running through holes created by your offensive lineman is an enjoyable experience as you can see them actually work hard. Previously, offensive/defensive lineman lacked tenacity and technique. Go into the instant replay mode on next-gen Madden and just watch the interaction...it is the real deal.

    I still feel interceptions need to happen more often. There are way too many dropped interceptions by the secondary in the game. However, I have not messed around with the sliders to tweak that part of the gameplay.

    Another great addition is seamless online play. I think this might have to do with a combination of better servers and 60 FPS. I have already played 10+ online games without any lag. I didn't have too many issues with the 360 version. However, there was always slight lag that would make it very difficult to kick full strength or make a tackle in the open field. This is now fixed and creates a great experience online.

    I purchased Madden 06 on Xbox 360 eight years ago and it was a disaster. I am really excited to see where this series goes because it is off to such a great start.    … Expand
  2. Anton32
    Nov 25, 2013
    8
    All I can say is this game is what I have been looking for. the blocking is where it should be in most cases and the running game is tough. But its challenging not as in years past. Graphics are awesome but cut scene could be toned down. other than that. Game is sick
  3. Steve33
    Nov 23, 2013
    9
    Madden NFL 25 on Xbox One is an excellent start to this generation of football games. The graphics, presentation, and gameplay are all noticeably improved and the package is undeniably a step-up from current generation (X360, PS3) football.

    Madden 25 on X360 and PS3 plays a pretty good (but not perfect) game of football. Madden 25 on X1 simply improves on the current-gen game in all    Madden NFL 25 on Xbox One is an excellent start to this generation of football games. The graphics, presentation, and gameplay are all noticeably improved and the package is undeniably a step-up from current generation (X360, PS3) football.

    Madden 25 on X360 and PS3 plays a pretty good (but not perfect) game of football. Madden 25 on X1 simply improves on the current-gen game in all aspects, which I'll quickly list here:

    -Graphics. Madden on Xbox One is a gorgeous game. If you've been following the pre-release hype, you've probably heard (and maybe laughed) about EA mentioning the "blades of grass," but damn it if the grass isn't beautiful in this game, especially around center field logos. Realistic lighting, higher resolution players, coaches, equipment, and gorgeous stadiums highlight a really fantastic looking game. You definitely have to play it on a big 1080p TV to appreciate how good the game looks, since the ESPN MNF clips certainly didn't do Madden next-gen any visual justice.

    -Gameplay. The big innovations here are "war in the trenches," "contextual awareness," and other miscellaneous improvements, most notably side line catches, which it seems like EA finally got right. War in the Trenches is a fantastic upgrade that people have been asking for for years and EA has done an excellent job with this feature, as the first time you see a DE bust straight through a double team is a sight to behold. Contextual Awareness is also a great feature, as it helps your RB's not run straight into their linemen and WR's and DB's make smarter plays on balls in the air. It doesn't always work, and there's some debate about how much user control should be taken away for the sake of "realism," (running, for example, is much harder on next-gen than current-gen, although this is undeniably a good thing) but I'm really digging the way next-gen Madden plays. Dropped the game speed to slow and been having a blast for two straight days.

    -Presentation. There are a lot of cool new camera angles, the commentary is *slightly* better, highlights are back on Xbox One, and the crowd looks great. There are some issues here, however, as the commentary is still often inaccurate, which shatters immersion, and the Living Worlds feature hasn't lived up to the hype. I feel like the lack of women in the stadium (you get 40-60,000 men and men only) might be a bug because it seems like such a bizarre oversight. The sidelines are much improved, but still lacking, and I'd like the crowd--whether all men, all women, or both--to be more invested in the game, as it seems like their heads do not track the action and their reactions to big plays are often delayed or non-existent. Although the "Living Worlds" feature is underwhelming, the rest of the game still warrants a 9/10 in my book.

    Overall, this is a great looking, great playing game of football, and I haven't even begun to fool with sliders, dive into a Connected Franchise, or even figure out Coach Glass, which is Madden's unique and dynamic companion app for tablet devices using Xbox SmartGlass. There's a lot to play and do here in Madden 25 on Xbox One, which is remarkable when you think about what a stripped down, empty game Madden 06 was, which was the first Madden game on Xbox 360 and PS3. The potential for this generation is limitless at this point, and if you love football or are just looking to get the most out of your new Xbox One, then you'd be silly to pass on Madden this year.    … Expand
  4. WorkadayMonk
    Dec 26, 2013
    8
    Most people will say the running game on 360 is more fun. After having now spent equal time on both versions, I'd say it's a tie. Xbox One has better player animations on scoring plays and TD dances. It also requires that you learn the Precision moves whereas 360 running was a very simply and effective one-cut running mechanic. The crowd is more animated in Xbox One and the stadiumMost people will say the running game on 360 is more fun. After having now spent equal time on both versions, I'd say it's a tie. Xbox One has better player animations on scoring plays and TD dances. It also requires that you learn the Precision moves whereas 360 running was a very simply and effective one-cut running mechanic. The crowd is more animated in Xbox One and the stadium graphics are better, but I do miss the overhead blimp camera shots that opened every 360 match-up. All in all, the games are equally good. Although I hoped the Xbox One were better, it's still a satisfying game especially for a $10 upgrade. Get the sliders and roster updates. There's a cool roster called WikiLegends that has nearly a hundred mostly accurate historical players. Makes it worth using every team in the game since they're nearly all teams are within 5 in overall point rating from one another.… Expand
  5. masterx1059
    Dec 5, 2013
    9
    Perhaps no sports game is more criticized by gamers year to year like the Madden franchise. Hell, I'm one of it's biggest critics. As a 2K fan, at times it's been hard to swallow what EA feeds us, and the expectations always exceed what we get. Still, I waited for the next gen version of this year's game with much apprehension, but also much excitement. Thankfully, EA Sports has deliveredPerhaps no sports game is more criticized by gamers year to year like the Madden franchise. Hell, I'm one of it's biggest critics. As a 2K fan, at times it's been hard to swallow what EA feeds us, and the expectations always exceed what we get. Still, I waited for the next gen version of this year's game with much apprehension, but also much excitement. Thankfully, EA Sports has delivered on the best Madden yet, even though there is still some improvement needed.
    GRAPHICS (8): Graphics in Madden 25 are definitely improved, in some areas more than others. The stadiums are incredible, with every detail in tact. The field itself looks great, and yes, you can actually see the individual blades of grass and it's awesome. The player models are near perfect replicas of their real life inspirations. However, most player's faces are nowhere near authentic, and coaches are hit and miss. Some look just like the real thing, some still look like an alien. Also, the referees don't look great, either. But the fans in the stands do look great, so that's also an advancement. Overall, a step up but still not consistently good enough to be called great.
    PRESENTATION (8): Again, presentation is a mixed bag. The menus look amazing, the intro package for all 32 teams is really awesome, and there are a lot of nice touches that make you feel like it's real NFL football. Still, some things need improvement. The commentary, while still good, still has a ways to go. While the call of the game is good, there are almost no references to your past games or where you stand in the playoff race. That's inexcusable for a next gen game. Presentation has come a long way in Madden, but there is still work to be done.
    GAMEPLAY: This is where Madden 25 really shines. Animations look great, the running games feels more real, the defenses are smart, making Madden 25 the most difficult Madden ever, and your quarterback can complete every pass there is. No broken patterns, no money plays, nothing is given to you. There are way too many interceptions, but I'm to the point where I'm OK with that because it punishes you for poor decisions, making the game that much tougher. The alternative is a game that is too easy and never challenges you. Overall, I feel like this is the most polished Madden ever.
    CONTROL (10): Controls are excellent in Madden 25. The running game especially feels good. Passing also feels authentic, and rushing the passer seems to be more effective than in recent years.
    FUN: Football games are always fun, and Madden 25 is no exception. In my time with the game, I have won plenty and I have lost plenty, and the game continues to challenge me to get better. And that's a lot of fun.
    FINAL SCORE (9): Madden football has come a long way. At times, the series has stunk. But I feel like EA has made great strides in the series and we are finally starting to get the football simulation we always dreamed of. There is still a lot of work to be done, especially in presentation, but Madden on Xbox One is a beautiful game with a lot of potential to deliver the ultimate football video game in the near future.    … Expand
  6. JonKyser
    Dec 31, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok so I was pretty upset when I figured out that I had to get a new Madden for the XBOX1 but if you get this you will not be disappointed. Pros. 1.Realistic ness is out standing. 2. Offense is no more so over powerd. 3. Defense and Offense don't over power each other. 4.Quick release.
    Cons. 1.To many fumbles. 2.well actually that is the only con so overall a very good game I recommend you get it.    … Expand
  7. Serotam
    Dec 14, 2021
    8
    I can explain some of the lower scores for this next-gen version of Madden 25. Expectations are high for this game. I think a lot of fans and critics alike feel that it's appropriate to expect an even more realistic, fluent or polished infinity engine compared to what debuted in last year's game. I feel as though the current gen (Xbox 360 version) is what fans were truly expecting in termsI can explain some of the lower scores for this next-gen version of Madden 25. Expectations are high for this game. I think a lot of fans and critics alike feel that it's appropriate to expect an even more realistic, fluent or polished infinity engine compared to what debuted in last year's game. I feel as though the current gen (Xbox 360 version) is what fans were truly expecting in terms of the physics. Madden 25 for Xbox One may have fallen short in this regard due to the fact that this is Madden's debut on the Xbox one console. The Xbox 360 version may feel smoother and more polished due to the fact it's on the same console as Madden NFL 13, whereas the Xbox one version is the start of a feel out process due to the fact it's a launch title and is using the same engine as Fifa 14.

    The game play is really where Madden NFL 25 shines, provided you are willing to invest the time into the hard cutting feature and tackling system. Reaction time is a bit of a challenge for knowing when to cut in, run outside or juke around defenders in any football game, especially when cutting in hard enough will make your player nearly lose all speed/momentum and can also get rejected by running directly into the back of one of his own lineman, tight ends or receivers, (which is why the avoidance feature is useful).

    The tackling system is by far the trickiest feature in Madden 25. Since your defender can cut in just as hard as the ball carrier, this makes steering your defender into him and holding the x button late enough to time the wrap tackle a bit of a chore. Even the CPU controlled defenders end up tackling air sometimes, so it's easy to expect that gamers will probably do this as well. The hit stick feature utilized by the right thumb stick like usual is unresponsive probably to most and takes time learning when to time your big hit because getting burned can really spring the ball carrier for bigger gains.

    The game play should be appreciated by many gamers in some ways but be heavily criticized in other ways. it's probably the most advanced game play experience in any football title. Besides a somewhat polished, smoother physics engine, hard cutting and avoidance factors for the running back and tricky tackling system, the game play should make up for most of the positive reviews here. The precision modifier and right stick combo moves are great ways to be creative with the running aspect of the game, provided you know when to use them. Juking and spinning just before getting hit can easily make your ball carrier fumble the football, so it's appropriate to know when to make the safer play and hold rb to protect the ball. User catches may not be an entirely new feature for some, but the purple check and release rights are a good addition to the passing game for someone who's already familiar with option passing routes. A purple icon will indicate who the cover man is. The back will stay in to block if the defender blitzes but will run his route if the defender remains in coverage. This is similar to the option running plays that indicate who the "read key defender" is. Hold the a button to hand the ball off to the running back if the read key defender freezes but if the read key defender pursues the running back, don’t press anything at that moment and keep it with the quarterback then protect the ball after hopefully gaining a few yards. Most playbooks may only have at most one type of option running play, but some teams, (Seahawks for example), have almost every type if not all.

    I agree that some players may look less real as compared to the Xbox 360 version of this Madden 25, but EA deserves a break because the graphics were probably created from the ground up. The details of the jerseys and glare of the player's helmets should make up for less realistic looking faces. Also, don't listen to DJgaming. I can agree that the game is glitchy at times but don't see how the games are predicted. Also, deep throws should be caught as long as you're experienced with user catches or lob the ball over the defender when necessary to do so depending on distance between him and the receiver. Also, I don't even know what super packs are and don't see how you need them to win considering I've won many times without them on all pro.

    cons: gamers are unable to practice both swats and interceptions in the skills trainer mode even though it was possible since Madden 2003 in mini-camp. Gamers are also unable to practice kicking and punting as well, although pre-play drills were added.. The biggest letdown in this game though is how often the CPU uses cheating as it's secret weapon. The gameplay is incredibly advanced but is no saving grace for how unfair the gameplay is at the same time. Do NOT buy this game if you only plan on playing against the CPU. You will be very frustrated and disappointed at times if you do. Play head to head with a friend instead. The gameplay is at least arguably more fair and realistic then.    … Expand
  8. mxsuperfly
    Jan 10, 2015
    9
    Love the game similar to the current gen but I love the graphic improvements and the gameplay the only thing I don't like it doesn't have game face but oh well
  9. Bryce123
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    Best Gameplay of any Football game ever. Compared to madden 22 this game is amazing
  10. Pointersever
    Apr 14, 2022
    9
    I think that this game whether being the first game or not in the madden series following the jump to xbox 1, is the best game of its generation. Compared to the depth of the ps2 and original xbox maddens, heck even the ps3 and xbox 360 maddens, it is lacking although it still has decent features but I miss create a team a lot. In terms of gameplay, this game is the best madden game ever.I think that this game whether being the first game or not in the madden series following the jump to xbox 1, is the best game of its generation. Compared to the depth of the ps2 and original xbox maddens, heck even the ps3 and xbox 360 maddens, it is lacking although it still has decent features but I miss create a team a lot. In terms of gameplay, this game is the best madden game ever. It has the most realistic gameplay, the war in the trenches is great, and the presentation is light years ahead of madden 22.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Xbox One Game of 2013
12
#12 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2013
18
#18 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Jan 26, 2014
    70
    Graphically not as impressive as we would have liked and really not all that different from what we’ve played before. Still solid, but uninspiring.
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  2. IGN Italia
    Jan 20, 2014
    77
    Madden NFL's debut on the new consoles brings lots of social features and new details which are not always so significant, though. In particular, the visuals don't seem to take full advantage of Xbox One and PS4 hardware. An incomplete pass into “next gen”, for now.
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  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Dec 23, 2013
    60
    Madden NFL 25 is the best Madden to date but is not a great leap forward for the EA Sports' brand. Game modes are the same played since last summer and the gameplay feels different but only for the hardcore gamer.
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