Madden 25 - Run Free

Madden 25 releases today on current generation consoles. EA has brought in a few features like the return of Owner Mode. Some of the running game plays model that of NCAA Football 14 with option offenses and pistol formation. The new Precision Modifier allows users to pull off a variation of moves to trick and evade defenders. Sometimes moves get linked together and the ball carrier gains some extra yards. Option offenses and the precision modifier makes running the ball a bit easy, in fact maybe too easy (even on All-Madden). Even with normal run game, it can seem like cake to average 5+ yards a carry.

The Infinity Engine adjustments seem to flow a bit better (on current gen console, I cannot imagine the next gen experience) but there are still weird glitches the tackles look like a pile of players with epilepsy and on other occasions defenders glide across the screen like they have some gravitational pull to the ball. The inconsistency of how the game runs leaves a bit of parody which can either be extremely awesome or depressingly annoying but doesn’t take the fun out of the experience.

The re-vamped Owner Mode allows for a lot of options that effect how your franchise goes. It may sometimes feel like you are so buried in menus (dealing with contracts, prices, stadium upgrades, and the media) that you feel like you’re either missing something or you don’t care until it affects the franchise. Overall, there are enough things to do in Owner Mode to keep you busy (and you should be if you are going to run the NFL’s best team).

This 25^th anniversary edition of Madden still has a lot of the common Madden bugs in previous years but with the improvements to the run game they have gotten a step closer in mastering the real life action (although they probably will never get to that point). I will probably try to get my copy by the end of the week and get some more information to you on Owner Mode and Ultimate Team. Madden 25 gets a thumbs up from me so go out and grab a copy.

Madden 25 Expectations

After playing quite a bit of NCAA Football 14, I have some expectations for the new Madden 25. Madden 13 proved to be a minor improvement of previous installments but I was kind of disappointed. An overlook of what Madden 25 is going to contain seems to ease the annoying, disappointing or lack of things in the previous installment. You know how when you get a painful bruise and you put ice on it to make it feel better but afterwards the bruised area is still sore? Well I am hoping the difference between my Madden 13 disappointment (said bruise) and Madden 25 (the ice) isn’t like that. I took some time to overlook some of the features and hype of Madden 25 and I am pretty excited about what they have already revealed.

First thing that jumps out me is the usage of the Ignite 2 engine and True-Player Motions. If the physics are anything compared to NCAA 14, then I would be content. I have had a lot of fun with the way players move and the improved ball carrier cuts in NCAA 14 and I hope Madden  25 has a similar feel.

Another thing they mentioned is “definition visuals”. Which seems kind of useless as you wont really see this during gameplay. It is great to have the players look like the actual players but most of us just care about the gameplay. This brings me to AI improvements. I don’t know how many times I have played Madden and the AI doesn’t execute football common sense (slider adjustments help but don’t eliminate bone-head plays by the CPU). My experience in NCAA 14 has led to me believe that this system is slightly improved. I also stumbled upon a video talking about .  The Defense Gameplay Trailer restores some faith in this mentioning improved blocking and player intelligence (read & react) being better but I want to see it in action in the demo.

New Features & Modes that I am excited about:

Connected Franchise/Owner Mode – They have brought back and improved owner mode that is full of new options online/offline. From stadium, merchandise, and ticket management to scouting, it all looks intriguing. One new thing that seems cool is being able to respond to fans & media as owner. Also Fantasy Draft is back. You have the option of drafting teams from scratch before starting a franchise. I glad they are bringing this back because this was one of the cool and fun things that you could do in previous Maddens.

Ultimate Team Features – New Ultimate Team features look awesome. Chemistry is now a factor on how you form a team via your play style. I really like this idea but I doubt it will prevent people from tying to cheese online. The Head-to-Head Seasons will prove to be interesting as you will be able to take your teams against other players to compete for an All-Madden Super Bowl Championship.

Madden Share – Madden share is by far the best thing they have added this year. Now you will be able to share content with fellow members of the Madden Community. Some of the content you can share is custom playbooks, slider configurations, and hopefully rosters. If this is anything like how 2KShare is then the possibilities are almost endless.
 
Madden 25 is a big step in new generation of “the best” Maddens. Will Madden 25 be the best?