Madden NFL 25

For those who’ve spent a month immersed in the pageantry of the college game, it might be hard to get excited for a less unique version of that same title. But for those who have waited a few years for an improved, upgraded football experience, the new Madden will be a revelation.

While it’s not perfect, Madden 25 is the biggest step forward this series has seen in years. Superstar Mode and the gameplay upgrades shine brightest, but just about every area of the game is moving in the right direction.

Madden NFL 25 feels better than ever on the field, with some great animations and more options before the snap, but it lacks on innovation once we are off the stadium. Menus, game modes... they need to be changed and improved.

Madden 25 is a triumphant return to form for the Madden franchise and is easily the best entry in years.

Madden NFL 25 makes some great strides forward in Madden Franchise Mode including breakout scenarios, updated draft scouting and draft day experience, and the addition of new male and female coaching options. Franchise Mode feels the most “alive” it has in a number of years. You can also transfer your College Football 25 Road to Glory player into Madden Superstar Mode to continue their journey to the pro level. While the game suffers from some QOL issues, sound balance issues, and small gameplay glitches; Madden NFL 25 is the best we’ve gotten in specific avenues in a while.

Madden 25 gameplay is very much in line with Madden 24 and is more so just a refinement than any brand new gameplay mechanics or engine implementations, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I found the gameplay smooth, seamless, and all around a good experience. Now is College Football 25 a better experience? In my opinion it is and that is coming from a diehard NFL fan who watches little to no college football. But if you want the NFL players and teams, Madden is really your only option for better or worse.

Madden NFL 25 has some highs and lows for sure. It is the only game in town, which means as long as it is better than 24, I will continue playing it. I enjoy the on-field action, which is the most important aspect each year. Still it feels on cruise control, which sucks. I want to see some real revelations in the game and presentation. Hopefully we get some true competition in the future as the team here clearly loves the game and knows how to make it fun.

The Madden NFL 25 on-field action is solid. But once again, it is let down in a lot of other departments, and that is despite some noticeable improvements.

Madden NFL 25 isn’t a bad game, it’s just the latest mild variation of the same game I’ve been playing for the past half-decade. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that modern Madden games won’t be better than “just alright” until there’s some sort of major change in the philosophy behind how they’re developed and released, but at least I’ve got College Football to go back to.

It's almost mysterious to me how I'm moved to invest hundreds of hours into this series every year despite it reliably offering the same problems--even if the specifics change, the philosophy remains. Off the field, Madden 25 is mostly checking boxes, and it stings to see my favorite sport not receive a video game companion similar in its grandeur. But the on-field gameplay is paramount and, here, very strong. I don't lose sight of that. This makes Madden 25 enjoyable despite its plethora of locker-room issues. I've played over 30 hours of Madden 25 so far, and I will play hundreds more before next August, at which point I will get the newest Madden and undoubtedly do it all over again. In the end, maybe that's the real Madden Curse.