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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

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 impresses with innovative features like FieldSENSE upgrades, improved player movement, and realistic tackling, earning praise from critics for its gameplay mechanics and AI enhancements. However, it suffers from inconsistencies, gameplay glitches, and a lack of excitement compared to previous titles, leaving room for improvement. Overall, it’s a strong step forward but needs refinement to fully satisfy all players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

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 among critics, highlighting several innovative features and improvements that enhance the overall football experience. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and Forbes, praised the introduction of the FieldSENSE upgrades and the revamped player movement system, which adds fluidity and nuanced control to gameplay. The new physics-based tackling system and hit-stick mechanics, noted by critics like God is a Geek and Twinfinite, contribute to a more realistic and engaging experience. Additionally, enhancements in AI, particularly for offensive and defensive lines, were frequently mentioned, with critics like NZGamer and X-ONE Magazine UK emphasizing the improved decision-making and responsiveness of players on the field. However, the game is not without its flaws, as several critics pointed out inconsistencies and issues that detract from the overall experience. Game Informer and Push Square highlighted uneven execution of gameplay mechanics, noting that while some aspects, like tackling and AI improvements, are commendable, there are still noticeable inconsistencies in player contact outcomes and control responsiveness. Critics such as GamesRadar+ and IGN expressed concerns about the fun factor and player handling, suggesting that the gameplay may lack the excitement found in previous titles like College Football 25. Furthermore, some reviewers, including Dot Esports and GamingTrend, mentioned gameplay glitches and missing features that could impact the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Madden NFL 25 represents a significant step forward in terms of gameplay mechanics and realism, with many praising its innovative features and improvements. However, the game also faces criticism for its inconsistencies and certain gameplay issues that could hinder the experience for some players. While the advancements in AI and physics have been well-received, the mixed feelings about player control and fun factor suggest that there is still room for improvement. As noted by critics like Giant Bomb and GameSpot, the game offers a solid foundation but may require further refinement to fully satisfy both veteran players and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 dazzles with impressive graphics on PS5 and Xbox Series X, showcasing lifelike player models and stunning stadiums. Critics rave about 4K visuals and dynamic animations, enhancing immersion. However, issues with facial renders and unrealistic proportions mar the experience, particularly on PS4, leaving room for improvement in character realism and animations. Overall, while the visuals are a step up, mixed reviews highlight the need for further refinement to fully realize the game's potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

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 garnered a largely positive reception from critics, particularly those who played on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Reviewers such as COGconnected and God is a Geek praised the impressive graphical fidelity, noting meticulously crafted player models, lifelike animations, and stunning stadium environments. The game benefits from enhancements like 4K visuals, 3D grass, and dynamic crowd animations, which contribute to a more immersive experience. Critics such as GamesRadar+ and GGRecon highlighted the advanced graphics for next-gen consoles, emphasizing the improved catching animations and signature player movements that add personality to the gameplay. However, not all reviews were entirely positive, with several critics pointing out inconsistencies and areas that require further improvement. GameSpot and Giant Bomb noted issues with facial renders and the unrealistic proportions of some player models, which detracted from the overall realism. Critics like Game Informer and NZGamer echoed these sentiments, mentioning that while there are improvements in certain aspects, the character models and animations still fall short of expectations. Additionally, some reviewers, such as USgamer, felt that the graphics on the PlayStation 4 were not particularly impressive, indicating a lack of significant advancement compared to previous titles. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Madden NFL 25 offers notable visual improvements, especially on next-gen consoles, but it still has room for growth in character realism and animation quality. While many critics, including GameCritics and GamingTrend, praised the stunning graphics and attention to detail, others highlighted the need for refinement in player models and animations. The game presents a visually appealing experience, yet the mixed feedback suggests that developers should continue to address the inconsistencies to elevate the overall graphical fidelity in future installments.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Madden NFL 25's sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise the improved crowd reactions and nostalgic tracks, enhancing immersion. However, the new commentary teams are often criticized for being robotic and repetitive, dragging down overall audio quality. While some advancements are noted, significant issues with commentary cohesion and variety remain, leaving a split opinion on the game's audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

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 garnered a range of opinions from critics, with several positive aspects highlighted across multiple reviews. Many reviewers, such as God is a Geek and GameSpot, praised the improved crowd reactions and stadium atmosphere, noting that these elements significantly enhance the immersive experience of gameplay. The inclusion of dynamic crowd responses, team-specific chants, and the presence of well-known commentators like Jim Nantz and Phil Simms contribute to a more authentic feel during matches. Critics like GGRecon also appreciated the addition of new commentary teams and updated broadcast packages, which help to break up the soundscape and provide a more varied audio experience. Additionally, GamesRadar+ noted the nostalgic value of classic tracks from previous Madden games, further enriching the game's audio landscape. However, several critics pointed out notable 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 and a lack of cohesion between teams. GameCritics echoed this sentiment, describing the audio offerings as a mixed bag, with new commentary teams failing to match the quality of veteran commentators. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as Twinfinite and ZTGD, highlighted issues with repetitive lines and a lack of variety in commentary, which detracts from the overall immersion. The absence of voice acting in 'Storyline' scenes was also mentioned as a significant drawback by Twinfinite. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the sound design and music of Madden NFL 25 is one of ambivalence. While there are commendable elements, such as improved crowd dynamics and the inclusion of classic tracks, the commentary system appears to be a contentious issue. Critics like GameSpot and God is a Geek acknowledged the improvements in crowd reactions, yet many others, including Dot Esports and ZTGD, lamented the lack of cohesion and repetitiveness in the commentary. This divergence in opinions suggests that while Madden NFL 25 has made strides in certain areas of sound design, it still faces challenges that prevent it from achieving a consistently high standard across the board.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 shows mixed technical performance across platforms. Xbox One impresses with smoother menus and loading times, while PS4 makes improvements but needs refinement in AI and physics. PS5 faces major issues like clipping and freezing, while Xbox Series X struggles with animation problems. Overall, despite some advancements, the game is marred by technical flaws and requires urgent patches for stability and polish to satisfy players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

38%

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

The technical performance of Madden NFL 25 has garnered mixed reviews across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects highlighted by critics. On the Xbox One, NZGamer noted that the menus run more smoothly and loading times have improved, which is a welcome enhancement for players accustomed to previous iterations. God is a Geek also reported no major technical issues, suggesting a relatively stable gaming experience on this platform. Meanwhile, on the PS4, while Game Informer acknowledged that the next-gen debut is an improvement over the last generation, they still emphasized that there is room for further refinement, particularly in AI behavior and physics model accuracy. The PS5 version, while experiencing some technical hiccups, still benefits from improved gameplay mechanics, as pointed out by COGconnected. However, the negative aspects of the game's technical performance cannot be overlooked. COGconnected highlighted significant issues on the PS5, including noticeable clipping, unreliable server connections, and game freezing, which detract from the overall experience. On the Xbox One, IGN reported occasional problems with player animations speeding up, which can disrupt gameplay timing. Additionally, Push Square raised concerns about server issues affecting online play on the PS4, along with slow loading times and stuttering, indicating that the game still faces challenges in delivering a seamless experience. Dot Esports pointed out similar issues on the Xbox Series X, mentioning problems with animations and missing features that suggest a lack of polish, further affecting the game's stability. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Madden NFL 25 has made strides in certain areas, particularly in terms of loading times and menu navigation on newer consoles, it still suffers from a variety of technical issues across all platforms. Critics like COGconnected and Push Square have emphasized the need for patches to address server and gameplay stability, while others, such as IGN and Dot Esports, have pointed out persistent animation problems. The feedback suggests that while the game has potential, it requires significant attention to detail and technical refinement to meet the expectations of its player base.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 boasts enhanced customization, a deep franchise mode, and engaging gameplay features like Superstar mode Quests, making it the most complete version in years. However, critics flag its lack of engaging game modes, limited choices, and predatory monetization in Ultimate Team as major drawbacks. Overall, while there are enjoyable aspects, the game struggles with significant innovations, leaving some fans wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Madden NFL 25 reveal a mix of positive enhancements and features that contribute to its overall appeal. Critics like Forbes highlight the "enhanced customization options" and "deep franchise mode," which are seen as significant additions that enrich the gameplay experience. The improvements in stat-tracking and the introduction of Superstar mode Quests are also noted as elements that add layers of replayability, making it the most complete version of the series in over a decade. Additionally, GGRecon and GameSpot commend the revamped Franchise Mode and the engaging Ultimate Team mode, which offers new gameplay options and depth, suggesting that these modes can keep players invested for extended periods. However, the reviews also point to several shortcomings that detract from the overall replay value of Madden NFL 25. Critics such as COGconnected express disappointment with the lack of engaging game modes that foster a connection with players, while Game Informer and Dot Esports mention limited choices and missing features in franchise mode. The criticism extends to the Ultimate Team mode, which Twinfinite describes as requiring a significant investment, and the overall sentiment from Giant Bomb indicates that the game does not offer enough new features to justify upgrading to next-gen versions. Many reviewers express that while the game has solid foundations, it feels like it lacks significant innovations. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Madden NFL 25 offers a blend of engaging features and frustrating limitations. While some reviewers, like GameSpot and GamingTrend, appreciate the depth and complexity of modes like Franchise and Ultimate Team, others feel that the game is hindered by a lack of substantial updates and the presence of predatory monetization practices. The mixed feedback indicates that while there are enjoyable aspects that can lead to replayability, the game ultimately falls short of delivering a fully satisfying experience for all players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding Madden NFL 25 is largely positive, with many critics praising its advancements and improvements over previous entries in the series. COGconnected highlights the game's stellar visuals and on-field enhancements, suggesting that it stands out among its predecessors. Forbes echoes this sentiment, calling it the most complete version of the series in over a decade, emphasizing the tight gameplay and significant customization options. Critics like God is a Geek and Game Over Online also commend the game for its impressive graphics and engaging gameplay, noting that it offers a solid foundation for future titles. Additionally, GameSpot and NZGamer point out meaningful improvements in gameplay mechanics and replay value, indicating that dedicated fans of the series will find much to enjoy. However, despite the positive aspects, several critics have noted significant drawbacks that prevent Madden NFL 25 from being a definitive success. GamesRadar+ mentions that while the game is good, it faces tough competition from College Football 25, which may offer a more enjoyable experience. Critics like Twinfinite and Giant Bomb express concerns regarding the lack of substantial changes in game modes, with Twinfinite specifically pointing out that the 'Storyline' scenes lack depth. Furthermore, Game Informer and Dot Esports highlight inconsistencies and missing features, particularly in franchise mode, which detracts from the overall experience. These critiques suggest that while the game has made strides, it still suffers from issues that need to be addressed. The overall consensus among critics is that Madden NFL 25 represents a step in the right direction for the franchise, but it is not without its flaws. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and God is a Geek, believe that the game is a strong entry with potential for future installments, yet they also acknowledge that it lacks the innovation needed to fully captivate both new and returning players. Critics like ZTGD and GamingTrend express hope for future improvements, suggesting that the game’s incremental upgrades may not be enough to keep the series competitive in the long run. Thus, while Madden NFL 25 is generally viewed as a solid title, it is clear that many reviewers are eager for more significant advancements in future iterations.

TL;DR

Madden NFL 25 is praised for its stunning visuals and gameplay improvements, making it the most complete entry in over a decade. Critics laud its tight mechanics and customization options, but it falls short due to competition from College Football 25 and a lack of meaningful updates in game modes. While it offers a solid foundation, inconsistencies and missing features hinder its potential, leaving many hoping for more innovation in future releases.

MONSTER

Reviews

73 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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

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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.

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Game Informer

Xbox One

Nov 19, 2013

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

Improvements over last generation but still needs work, with noticeable inconsistencies and missing features

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