S&S; Review: Madden 25

Title:  Madden 25
Format:  PS3, Xbox 360(reviewed)
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Publisher:  EA
Developer: Tiburon
Price: $59.99
ESRB Rating: E

Madden 25 has taken a pretty surprising step forward for the long running series, which blends together refined gameplay and an overhauled running game that bring us the best Madden game we've had in a few years.


Presentation: 
Let's just get this out of the way now, the Madden games on current gen platforms just aren't going to get any better.  This is the best looking game we've gotten so far, but it's not that big of an upgrade from last year's game.  When the presentation is at it's best, the game can really recreate a Sunday afternoon experience right on your TV.  This doesn't happen with every game you play though, as occasional technical hiccups can instantly take you out of the experience.  Jim Nantz and Phil Simms provide great color commentary, and although they can start to repeat all to quickly, the keep up with the actions on the field.  When playing Franchise, I started to get sick of hearing them altogether.  They show enthusiasm while commentating the game, they just don't have that much variety to what they're saying.  So you end up hearing the same quotes and anecdotes game after game.  There hasn't been a ton of new improvements on the field, as pretty much the same touchdown celebrations from the previous years make a return.  The players still look great, with lifelike animations that are powered by the Infinity Engine 2.  Coaches on the other hand still look like genetically modified versions of their real life counterparts, which is always off putting.  Like I said above, there are a few bugs in the game.  Sometimes, the commentators get confused about what's actually happening on the field, and will even get the quarters mixed up.  These types of occurrences just shouldn't be in series that has been out as long as Madden.
Core Gameplay: 
Just like in the previous iteration of Madden, most of the improvements are made under the hood.  The Infinity Engine was introduced in Madden 13, but the new and improved Infinity Engine 2 has made even more strides, especially to the running game.  Madden has never felt and looked more realistic.  Every tackle feels and looks different than the last, which is pretty impressive.  Last year the new engine was nice, but there were too many instances where players limbs would go haywire and contort in a disturbing fashion.  This does happen in 25, but it's only on rare occurrences.  Maneuvers like juking, spinning, and hurdles have all been significantly improved, and makes running backs a blast to use.  There has been new tweaks to the modes that were introduced last year, with Connected franchise receiving the most attention.  You can now play in Owner mode which allows you complete control over your team's finances.  You can also play through Connected Franchise as your created player, with only noticeable improvements to career mode, not much as changed from last year.  Madden Ultimate Team makes a return as well, which is a combination online/trading card game.  Team Chemistry is back, where you'll want to match up players' with them benefitting from one another.  There hasn't been a ton of new innovation with the featured modes, but once you get on the field, the experience is unrivaled.
Final Thoughts:
Madden 25 is a terrific game of football, even with minor improvements to the presentation, Madden has never been better on the field.   With the ever approaching arrival of the next generation, Madden 25 proves to be the finest football game this gen.
S&S Rating: 8.5 @whatsPlay