Every annual release of Madden brings excitement for the upcoming NFL season, and if we’re lucky, new improvements to the long-running franchise. Madden 25 doesn’t feel like the insane jump forward that past entries have, but that’s because consistent improvements have allowed the game’s dev team to focus on the little things. It’s good too, because Madden 25 has a precision and attention to detail I admire greatly. Here’s our review of the latest game in the illustrious series.

Madden 25 leads its new improvements with the BOOM Tech physics system. Each player’s strength, velocity, and overall rating are accounted for during 1v1 tackles, ankle-breaking jukes, and hit-stick highlights. It’s noticeable from your first time on the field, particularly after playing a ton of EA Sports College Football 25 this summer. Visually and viscerally, the game feels more dynamic moment-to-moment. Stats and player timing can take seemingly routine plays and make them game-changing.

On the offensive side, the BOOM Tech physics combines very well with the new highlight reel controls available to you with the right stick. Precision spins, hesitations, and back jukes give you more flexibility than ever, which can lead to your downfall if your judgment is imprecise. Each player’s stats lend themselves to certain moves over others, so it’s crucial to know your backs and receivers well before trying to break out a big play. These two systems alone make the actual gameplay feel expanded.

There are also major improvements on the presentation side, including two brand-new commentary teams. Having three rotating teams helps keep the game from sounding stale. Pre-play animations also have been applied to over 200 players that mimic their real-life movements, making your favorite player feel more alive than ever. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s a nice touch for the NFL diehards to know exactly how players like Chrisitan McCaffery or CeeDee Lamb line up for a play.

Some of the improvements EA is touting in terms of a Build a Superstar and Franchise Mode don’t make as much of an impact. New Draft Day scenes and player builder archetypes don’t feel that different when on the field. Franchise Mode is a huge part of my playtime in Madden each year, and it continues to feel like there just isn’t enough time put into expanding this experience. With so much emphasis on Ultimate Team, the pay-to-win card-collecting mode, this continues to rub me the wrong way.

The question with these annual sports games is whether or not there is a reason to pick this year’s entry up or not. Let’s talk about this debate for a moment. Firstly, the dynamic kickoff rule coming to the NFL this year is implemented in Madden 25. If you’re a huge NFL fan, it’ll feel weird not having this new rule in your video game for the year. It might seem silly to non-fans, but that little bit of inconsistency does take you out of the experience of playing Madden.

There’s also an exciting batch of new rookies and off-season roster moves that are reflected in the game’s roster. As a Bears fan, I was excited to get the controller behind Caleb Williams for the first time ahead of what I can only assume will be 15 straight Super Bowl victories. I can hear you calling me delusional, but it’s happening. Joking aside, these minor additions might not add up to a $70 value alone, but the BOOM Tech feels so smooth. That, and the highlight stick controls, make this year’s game worth it for me.

If you’re someone who enjoys Madden annually, I think the additions to this year’s game will certainly make you happy. Having reviewed the game for the past few years, I think the franchise has come a long way in recent releases. This game also maintains a unique gameplay experience from College Football 25, which allows Madden to keep its identity that is much more akin to professional football. This is a careful consideration I believe has made the most recent release a welcome addition to my play rotation.

Madden 25 seeks to make small, precise improvements to its peripheral gameplay choices and animations resulting in one of the better Madden releases in recent memory. While Ultimate Team still keeps focus away from truly expanding Franchise Mode in a meaningful way, the BOOM Tech visuals keep each play exciting and energetic, encouraging players to take their favorite team from Week One to the Super Bowl over and over again.

An Xbox Series X|S review copy of Madden 25 was provided by EA for this review.

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Madden 25

69.99

8

Score

8.0/10

Pros

• BOOM Tech animations are stellar
• Improved ball-carrier controls feel great
• Wonderful additions to the presentation of the game

Cons

• Franchise Mode continues to feel underbaked
• No monumental, franchise-defining changes this year