TRASH.

Literally spent my entire time trying to play superstar in the league. It would just freeze and not load for 2 hours straight. Immediately refunded after wasting time.

EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 25 (2024) marks a significant step forward for the long-running football franchise, delivering a stronger on-field experience, smarter physics, and meaningful improvements to key modes—while still carrying some of the familiar issues that have long defined the series. Built on the Frostbite engine and powered by the all-new “BOOM Tech” physics system, Madden NFL 25 feels more refined in how players move, tackle, and react on the field. It’s a cleaner, more responsive version of the game many fans have played for years—but despite the polish, it still struggles in areas like presentation depth and long-term franchise mode innovation.

At the heart of this year’s upgrade is the BOOM Tech system, which introduces physics-based tackling, weight distribution, and momentum-driven player interactions. Hits feel heavier, collisions more dynamic, and plays more authentic. Whether you’re lowering your shoulder as a power back or breaking through a weak tackle as a receiver, the physicality of the game finally feels closer to a real NFL broadcast. The ball-carrier control system also benefits from more responsive footwork and smoother transitions between jukes, spins, and stiff arms. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s enough to make each game feel more satisfying and fluid.

Franchise Mode has received long-overdue attention, particularly in its owner experience. You now have greater control over stadium management, ticket pricing, concessions, and fan engagement—all backed by a redesigned UI that makes navigation more intuitive. The draft night presentation is improved with a cinematic war room setup, and contract negotiations feel slightly more dynamic, thanks to updated logic and player motivations. Still, the mode falls short in storytelling and immersion compared to other sports sims; while the tools are better, the narratives around team building and season drama still feel thin and mostly menu-driven.

The Superstar mode also returns with a few fresh ideas, offering more agency in your player’s career path. You create your avatar, compete in drills, and navigate a series of choices that can influence team chemistry and development. However, beyond a more polished presentation and a handful of cinematics, the mode still lacks the personal drama or branching depth found in competing career modes like NBA 2K’s MyCareer.

On the visual and presentation front, Madden NFL 25 looks cleaner than its predecessors. The lighting is more realistic, player faces are more accurate, and stadiums feel more alive with new broadcast overlays and better sideline animations. Commentary teams have been refreshed (including duos like Mike Tirico and Greg Olsen), which helps breathe some life into the play-by-play, but the dialogue remains fairly static and often lacks contextual depth. It still doesn’t match the excitement or energy of a real broadcast.

One area where Madden continues to divide players is Ultimate Team. While the mode remains massively popular and well-supported, it’s still built around a monetization loop that heavily favors players willing to spend real money. Progression has been streamlined slightly, and some interface elements are cleaner, but the overall reliance on card packs and grind-heavy challenges persists.

Online play and performance are largely stable across platforms, with smoother matchmaking and fewer disconnects than in previous years. Cross-play support across current-gen systems is a welcome feature, and head-to-head competition remains one of the game's biggest strengths thanks to the improved responsiveness and physics system.

Despite the clear upgrades in gameplay feel and visual polish, Madden NFL 25 still struggles with long-standing legacy issues. AI logic can be inconsistent—especially on defense—and while animations look better, occasional clipping or awkward transitions still occur. Some players may also feel that core modes lack meaningful evolution, relying instead on cosmetic updates and quality-of-life tweaks rather than systemic overhauls.

In summary, Madden NFL 25 is a noticeable improvement and arguably the most playable, polished Madden in years. The new physics engine, enhanced animations, and cleaner franchise interface show that EA is finally addressing long-requested issues. But at the same time, it remains cautious and familiar, unable—or perhaps unwilling—to take the bold steps that could truly redefine the series. For returning fans and competitive players, this entry offers satisfying, tangible upgrades. For those seeking a fully revitalized football sim with emotional weight and narrative depth, Madden 25 still plays it a bit too safe.

Rating: 7/10