| Madden NFL 25 | |
|---|---|
_cover.png) Standard edition cover featuringSan Francisco 49ers running backChristian McCaffrey | |
| Developer | EA Orlando |
| Publisher | EA Sports |
| Series | Madden NFL |
| Engine | Frostbite |
| Platforms | |
| Release | August 16, 2024 |
| Genre | Sports |
| Modes | Single-player,multiplayer |
Madden NFL 25 is anAmerican football video game developed byEA Orlando and published byEA Sports. Announced on June 11, 2024, it is an installment in theMadden NFL series and followsMadden NFL 24. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are based on the previous game,Madden NFL 24.
Madden NFL 25 was released on August 16, 2024 forPlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Windows,Xbox One, andXbox Series X/S. It is the second game to be released under theMadden NFL 25 title;the first was to celebrate the franchise'ssilver anniversary in2013.[1]San Francisco 49ers running backChristian McCaffrey is the cover athlete for the game; he is the first running back featured since the 2013 entry.[1][2]Madden NFL 25 was the lastMadden game to be released on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Madden NFL 25 introduced several new gameplay mechanics and enhancements over its predecessor,Madden NFL 24:
BOOM Tech Tackling System: This physics-based system revolutionizes tackling by considering factors such as player weight, speed, momentum, and ratings to determine dynamic outcomes. It introduces more realistic and varied tackle interactions, moving away from predetermined animations.[3]
Reloaded Hit Stick Mechanic: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Hit Stick has been revamped to emphasize timing and approach angle. Successful execution depends on precise timing and positioning, rewarding players with more impactful hits and a higher chance of causing fumbles.[4][5]
Ball Carrier Balance and Recovery: Ball carriers can now brace for impact, stumble, and recover balance based on the defender's approach and the ball carrier's attributes. This adds a layer of realism to break tackles and balance maintenance.[3]
Enhanced Skill Moves with Setup Mechanic: Hundreds of new moves, including jukes, spins, and hesitations, have been added. The new "Setup State" mechanic allows players to chain moves effectively by holding the sprint button and executing specific right-stick inputs, enabling more strategic and explosive plays.[6]
Revamped Kick Meter: The kicking system now features a multimeter with separate horizontal and vertical components for accuracy and power. This change increases the challenge and skill required for successful kicks.[7]
Signature Authenticity and Styles: Players exhibit unique pre-play behaviors and adjustments, reflecting their real-life counterparts' football IQ and style. This enhancement blurs the line between the virtual game and the real NFL experience.[4]
These innovations collectively aim to provide a more immersive and realistic football simulation experience inMadden NFL 25.[5]
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | (PS5) 70/100[8] (XSXS) 69/100[9] (PC) 65/100[10] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Game Informer | 7.5/10[11] |
| GameSpot | 6/10[14] |
| GamesRadar+ |    [13] |
| IGN | 6/10[12] |
| Shacknews | 6/10[15] |
Madden NFL 25 received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according toMetacritic.[16][17]
Will Borger ofIGN wrote a positive review, stating it is better thanMadden NFL 24 and complimenting the game's "on-field action", as well as additions fromCollege Football 25. However, Borger added that the game's mode are "functionally the same" and stated that the Franchise mode, while the game's "best thing", "still needs help". Borger wrote that "the improvements it did get are nice, but also long overdue, and you don't get a parade for doing things you should have done years ago."[12]
