Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Amazon

Xbox

Twitch

MONSTER

Madden NFL 25

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Madden NFL 25
Item: Madden NFL 25
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresThird Person Perspective, Sports, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 16, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X

DeveloperEA Tiburon

Overview

Madden NFL 25 celebrates 25 years of Madden NFL Football action with Physics You Can Feel from the most authentic NFL game franchise on Earth. EA Sports - It's In The Game.

Elsewhere

7.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 impresses with innovative features like FieldSENSE and improved player AI, creating a more realistic football simulation. Critics praise enhanced physics and player control but note issues with uneven execution, glitches, and a lack of fun compared to previous titles. While the game is a significant evolution in gameplay, it still needs refinement to fully satisfy all players, especially those craving an arcade feel.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Madden NFL 25 has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting several innovative features and improvements. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and Forbes, praised the game for retaining fundamental mechanics while introducing advancements like the FieldSENSE upgrades and a revamped player movement system. The improved physics system and tackling mechanics, as noted by critics like God is a Geek and GGRecon, contribute to a more realistic and engaging experience. Enhanced AI for both offensive and defensive players has also been a common point of appreciation, with critics like Twinfinite and NZGamer emphasizing smarter decision-making on the field, which adds depth to gameplay. Overall, the improvements in player control, passing systems, and the variety of moves available for ball carriers have been recognized as significant steps forward in creating a more immersive football simulation. However, despite these advancements, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay experience. Game Informer and Push Square highlighted issues with uneven execution of ideas, particularly regarding player contact outcomes and AI behavior, which can detract from the overall realism. Some reviewers, like GamesRadar+ and IGN, expressed concerns about the fun factor, suggesting that while the mechanics have improved, they may not deliver the same level of enjoyment as previous titles, particularly College Football 25. Additionally, some critics, such as Dot Esports and GamingTrend, mentioned glitches and inconsistencies in player movements that can disrupt the flow of the game, indicating that while improvements have been made, there is still room for refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Madden NFL 25 represents a significant evolution in gameplay mechanics, with many praising the introduction of new features and enhanced realism. While the game is celebrated for its advancements in AI, physics, and player control, there remains a recognition of certain inconsistencies and issues that need addressing. Critics like Giant Bomb and GameSpot have underscored the balance between realism and enjoyment, suggesting that while the game has made strides, it may not fully satisfy all players, especially those seeking a more arcade-like experience. Thus, Madden NFL 25 is seen as a step in the right direction, but it is clear that the developers still have work to do to achieve a consistently enjoyable gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 shines with stunning graphics and lifelike player models on next-gen consoles, earning praise for its visual fidelity and immersive environments. However, critics point out issues with player proportions and animation realism, particularly on PS4. While it's a significant upgrade over past versions, room for improvement remains, indicating the potential for future enhancements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Madden NFL 25 have received a largely positive reception from critics, particularly on next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Reviewers from COGconnected and Game Informer praised the impressive graphical fidelity, highlighting meticulously crafted player models, lifelike animations, and stunning stadium environments. The attention to detail was noted across the board, with Forbes and GGRecon emphasizing the improvements in visual fidelity, including 4K visuals, dynamic crowds, and enhanced physics models that contribute to a more realistic playing experience. Critics like God is a Geek and GamingTrend also remarked on the polished presentation and realistic player models, reinforcing the game's status as one of the most visually appealing football games to date. However, despite the overall acclaim, several reviewers pointed out notable shortcomings in the graphics and visual design. Critics such as Twinfinite and GameSpot mentioned immersion issues and inconsistencies, particularly with player models that sometimes exhibit unnatural proportions or goofy body shapes. While improvements were acknowledged, some reviewers, including IGN and NZGamer, noted that character models and animations still require refinement. Additionally, USgamer expressed disappointment with the graphics on the PS4, indicating that while uniforms and helmets have improved, facial details remain lacking and fail to impress. The overall consensus among critics is that Madden NFL 25 represents a significant visual upgrade over previous iterations, especially on next-gen consoles, but there is still room for improvement. While many reviewers, including COGconnected and Game Informer, celebrated the stunning graphics and attention to detail, others pointed out persistent issues with character realism and animation quality. In summary, Madden NFL 25 is recognized for its advancements in graphics and visual design, yet it faces criticism for inconsistencies that detract from the immersive experience, suggesting that further enhancements could elevate the game to new heights in future installments.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Madden NFL 25's sound design and music earn praise for new commentary teams and improved crowd dynamics, enhancing immersion and nostalgia. However, critics slam the commentary as robotic and repetitive, undermining the experience. While there are commendable advancements, inconsistent quality leaves players wanting more from the auditory experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Madden NFL 25 have received a variety of positive remarks from critics, highlighting the game's efforts to enhance the auditory experience. Many reviewers praised the addition of new commentary teams, which, according to Game Informer, is a "positive change" that helps to break the monotony of previous iterations. Critics like God is a Geek and GameSpot noted improvements in crowd reactions, with dynamic responses and team-specific chants contributing to a more immersive atmosphere. The inclusion of classic tracks from previous Madden games, as mentioned by GamesRadar+, also adds a nostalgic touch that resonates well with long-time fans of the franchise. Overall, the enhancements in sound design and the efforts to create a lively stadium atmosphere were well-received. However, despite these positive aspects, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the sound design and commentary. COGconnected expressed mixed feelings about the new commentary teams, describing them as "robotic" and lacking naturalness, while Dot Esports criticized the commentary for being "terrible," with unnatural voice lines that detract from the overall experience. Critics like Twinfinite and ZTGD echoed these sentiments, noting that the lack of voice acting in certain modes and repetitive commentary lines diminish immersion. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GameCritics, found the audio offerings to be a mixed bag, with new commentary teams failing to match the quality of veteran announcers. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Madden NFL 25 makes strides in sound design and music, the execution leaves much to be desired. The introduction of new commentary teams and improved crowd dynamics are commendable efforts, yet many reviewers, including Push Square and GamingTrend, highlighted issues with sound mixing and the repetitiveness of commentary as significant drawbacks. Ultimately, the game presents a dichotomy where the ambition to enhance the auditory experience is evident, but the inconsistent quality of the commentary and sound design undermines the overall immersion that players seek in a sports simulation game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 offers mixed technical performance across platforms. While PS5 and Xbox One feature improvements like better gameplay mechanics and smoother menus, they also suffer from serious issues like clipping, server problems, and awkward animations. Critics agree that despite some advancements, the game's performance flaws hinder player immersion, indicating a need for further refinement to enhance the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Madden NFL 25 varies across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On the PS5, COGconnected and Game Informer acknowledged improvements in gameplay mechanics, despite the presence of technical issues. On the Xbox One, NZGamer highlighted smoother menus, improved loading times, and the addition of an auto-save feature, which contribute positively to the overall user experience. These enhancements suggest that while the game may not be flawless, there are elements that have been refined to improve player engagement, particularly on the newer consoles. However, the negatives associated with the technical performance of Madden NFL 25 are significant and varied across platforms. On the PS5, both COGconnected and Game Informer reported issues such as noticeable clipping, unreliable server connections, and awkward animations that detract from immersion. The PS4 version also faced criticism from Game Informer and Push Square, who pointed out problems with AI behavior, physics model accuracy, server issues, and slow loading times. The Xbox One version, while lacking major technical issues according to God is a Geek, still had concerns raised by IGN regarding player animations speeding up, which can disrupt gameplay timing. Dot Esports further noted that on the Xbox Series X, the game suffers from animation issues and a lack of polish, indicating a broader trend of inconsistency across platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Madden NFL 25 shows promise with some technical advancements, it is marred by a range of performance issues that affect gameplay across all platforms. Critics like COGconnected and Game Informer on PS5, and Dot Esports on Xbox Series X, emphasize the need for further refinement and polish to enhance the overall experience. The presence of both positive and negative feedback suggests that while there are strides being made in technical performance, the game still requires significant work to achieve a stable and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 garners mixed reviews for its replay value. Critics praise the deep franchise mode and customization options, calling it the "most complete version" in years. However, concerns about repetitive content, limited features, and predatory monetization in Ultimate Team mode hinder its appeal. While there's depth and variety, many feel it lacks meaningful innovation, leaving some players unsatisfied.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Madden NFL 25 reflects a mix of appreciation for its enhancements and disappointment over certain limitations. Critics such as Forbes and GGRecon highlight the game’s deep franchise mode and improved customization options, which add layers of replayability. Forbes describes it as the "most complete version of the series in over a decade," emphasizing the depth provided by features like stat-tracking and Superstar mode Quests. Additionally, GameSpot and Game Informer note that modes like Ultimate Team and Connected Franchise offer complexity and depth, encouraging players to engage over the long term. The introduction of RPG-lite elements in career mode, as mentioned by Game Informer, also contributes positively to the replay experience. However, several reviewers express concerns about the game's shortcomings that detract from its replay value. COGconnected points out that while franchise mode updates are promising, they ultimately fail to create an engaging experience that fosters player connection. Critics like Twinfinite and Giant Bomb raise issues with the monetization practices in Ultimate Team mode, describing them as predatory and potentially alienating to players. Moreover, Game Informer (on Xbox One) criticizes the limited choices and missing features in franchise mode, suggesting that these inconsistencies may hinder replayability. The sentiment that many modes feel "copy/pasted" from previous entries, as noted by ZTGD, further emphasizes a lack of innovation that could keep players returning. In summary, while there are notable enhancements in Madden NFL 25 that provide a solid foundation for replayability, the overall consensus among critics is mixed. Many appreciate the depth and variety of modes available, particularly in franchise and Ultimate Team, but significant criticisms arise regarding the lack of meaningful innovations and the impact of monetization strategies. Critics like God is a Geek and GameSpot acknowledge the variety of gameplay options, yet the underlying concerns about repetitive content and limited franchise features suggest that the game may not fully satisfy all players looking for a fresh experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Madden NFL 25 is predominantly positive, with many critics highlighting the game's notable improvements and visual enhancements. Reviewers from COGconnected and Forbes commend the game for being the most complete version of the series in over a decade, citing stellar visuals and significant gameplay refinements. Critics like God is a Geek also emphasize the engaging gameplay experience and the potential for the franchise's future, indicating that Madden NFL 25 represents a strong continuation of the series. Furthermore, the game has been recognized for its depth in customization and modes, with GameSpot noting that it warrants long-term play, appealing to dedicated fans of the franchise. However, despite the praise, there are several criticisms that critics have raised about Madden NFL 25. Many reviewers, including Game Informer and Twinfinite, point out that while the game shows solid improvements, it lacks significant innovation and ambition. Critics like Giant Bomb and Dot Esports mention that the game feels more like an incremental upgrade rather than a groundbreaking release, with some reviewers suggesting that it may not be a must-have for new console owners. Additionally, issues such as AI problems, server issues, and a lack of depth in certain modes have been highlighted by critics like Push Square and GamingTrend, indicating that the game still has room for improvement. The overall consensus among critics is that Madden NFL 25 is a step in the right direction for the franchise but falls short of being a groundbreaking entry. While many reviewers appreciate the visual and gameplay enhancements, they also express concern over the game's lack of innovation and the repetition of content from previous iterations. Critics like NZGamer and GameCritics recognize the game's potential for future installments, suggesting that it lays a good foundation for the franchise moving forward. Ultimately, Madden NFL 25 is seen as a solid, enjoyable football experience, particularly for fans of the series, but it is clear that there is a desire for more significant advancements in future releases.

TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 earns mostly positive reviews for its impressive visuals and gameplay improvements, hailed as the best in over a decade. Critics appreciate its depth and customization but note a lack of innovation, calling it more of an incremental upgrade than a must-have for new console owners. While it sets a solid foundation for the franchise, concerns linger over AI issues and repetitive content, leaving fans eager for more significant advancements in future releases.

MONSTER

Reviews

74 reviews found

Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Dec 20, 2013

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden NFL 25 on next-gen consoles is a significant improvement over the current-gen version, offering stunning visuals, realistic gameplay, and enhanced AI, making it a must-have for fans of the series or football enthusiasts.

Read full review

Forbes

PlayStation 5

Aug 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden 25 is praised as the most complete version of the series in over a decade, with tight gameplay, significant customization improvements, and depth in each mode, making it a highly recommended purchase for Madden fans.

Read full review

Cheat Code Central

PlayStation 4

Nov 18, 2013

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden NFL 25 on PS4 offers impressive visuals, solid gameplay, and enhanced features that make it the most satisfying Madden game yet, despite playing similarly to the PS3 version.

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Nov 21, 2013

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden NFL 25 for the PlayStation 4 is highly recommended for football fans, offering a top-tier experience with its enhancements in various aspects of the game

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Aug 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden NFL 25 is an undeniably impressive step in the right direction for the franchise, offering a visually stunning and engaging gameplay experience that builds upon previous entries.

Read full review

NZGamer

Xbox One

Dec 2, 2013

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden 25 on Xbox One offers modest graphical upgrades, significant gameplay improvements, better technical performance, and enhanced replay value for dedicated fans of the series.

God is a Geek

Xbox One

Nov 29, 2013

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden NFL 25 is a good foundation for future titles, with some minor issues in player models and collision physics, but highly recommended for fans of the series

Read full review

GameCritics

Xbox Series X

Oct 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden NFL 25 is worth the money with vast improvements, especially for those seeking an upgraded football experience. It may feel less unique compared to College Football 25, but it offers a professional atmosphere and revelation for fans waiting for enhancements.

Read full review

Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Aug 19, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden 25 offers solid improvements in gameplay mechanics, particularly in the running and defensive game. However, the modes feel largely the same as previous entries, and the 'Storyline' scenes lack depth and immersion. The game is mechanically impressive but falls short in delivering substantial changes to each mode.

Read full review

Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Nov 19, 2013

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Madden NFL 25 shows potential with improvements in tackles and physics model, but inconsistencies and missing features in franchise mode hold it back. Next-gen debut is better but still needs work overall.

Read full review