Madden NFL 25 Conclusion

RATING DISCLAIMER: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, be advised that every author perceives these factors differently. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer revisions that occur after publication which could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on this conclusion, as it represents our rating specifically for the product tested which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.

In terms of performance, Electronic Arts’ Infinity Engine 2 game engine has enabled Madden NFL 25 to introduce force-feedback along with more realistic player and ball physics. Power moves have been completely redesigned to harness the full potential of Infinity Engine 2, and the game looks more realistic as a result. Despite these additions, you’ll occasionally spot a coach, player, or sidelines staff that have an over-sized head, or awkward and unrealistic upper-body shape.

EA Sports has done exactly what it had to do with graphics quality so that frame rates were fluid despite the aging GPU inside XBOX 360 and PS3 game consoles. Most of the images you’ve seen in this article are from the ‘play flashback’ that comes after the real-time action ends, so they’re generated in much deeper quality with softer edges and rendered with better lighting and shadows. The replays are a compromise between the real-time action and the after-play flashback, since the footage still needs to play back at full speed.

If you’ve read my the previous pages, you’ll know that Madden NFL 25 offers exceptional depth with a variety of game modes, but all paths lead back to the football field. Build a team or build a franchise, play a team or make the ultimate team. EA then went a step further by ensuring the entire game frequently synchronized with their servers so that you would never lose progression or achievements, but keep players honest by not rewarding rage-quitting.

There’s no doubting that EA Sports and scored extra points with NFL football fans with all the extra game development they’ve packed into Madden 25. Even after many (many, many) hours of playing the game, there’s plenty of tasks that remain for spending XP to upgrade players, updating the stadium or tweaking prices, or collecting and trading players. Still, with so much variety delivered by the game play modes, there seems to be a limited number of stadium music tracks and an excessively repetitive amount of chatter from the commentators.

As of October 2013, EA Sports Madden NFL 25 was available online for $34.99 (PS3 Version / XBOX Version from Amazon). There are upgrade programs and stand-alone versions for the upcomming PS4 / XBOX ONE, which will undoubtedly offer greater detail and better graphics during each football play. Either way you’ve got virtually three games in one, and they all revolve around NFL football. For ten dollars less than most other games with far less replay value, I consider Madden NFL 25 to offer substantial value.

Overall I was very impressed with Madden 25. It’s certainly got layers I haven’t (and likely won’t) peel down to, but fantasy football enthusiasts are sure to love them… especially at draft time. I suggest that you buy this game because you like the idea of controlling a NFL franchise, coaching a team, or playing football with realistic action – not for any DirecTV or NFL Sunday Ticket promotions that might be offered. Armchair quarterbacks just got their wish!

Pros:

+ Run Free and Precision Modifier combos change the game!
+ Outstanding variety of play modes and options
+ Connected Franchise Owner Mode is awesome!
+ Earn, trade, or purchase a Madden Ultimate Team
+  Import NCAA Football 14 draft classes
+ Madden Share enables slider and playbook exchange
+ Skills Trainer helps noobs get up to speed

Cons:

– Cannot delete/change created Madden Ultimate Team
– Repetitive commentary and limited music selection
– No Madden Ultimate Team game mode tutorial
– MUT premium ‘card packs’ required to be competitive

Ratings:

• Performance: 9.00
• Graphics: 8.50
• Development: 9.50
• Gameplay: 9.25
• Value: 8.75

Final Score: 9.0 out of 10.

COMMENT QUESTION: What aspect of virtual football games do you like most?