EA Sports produces some of the top-selling sports video games on a yearly basis and while some genres obviously outsell others, the franchise as a whole certainly doesn't struggle when it comes to selling some of the top football, soccer and hockey games on the market. With the recent release of 'NCAA 14,' EA Sports jumpstarted their slate of this year's sports games with an extremely popular college football game featuring some of the best players, teams and graphics in the long-standing history of the collegiate favorite.
Releasing the highly-anticipated 'Madden NFL 25' on August 27, EA Sports ushered in the company's anniversary addition of the John Madden-labeled football game. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the series, 'Madden NFL 25' includes the ability to play with the All-25 team, a squad featuring the best players at all 22 positions in the history of the popular game. With Michael Vick serving as quarterback and Ray Lewis guiding the defense, the All-25 team truly captures the 25-year greatness of the legendary Madden videogame, a team that is of course coached by John Madden himself.
With each new video game comes a certain level of positives and negatives. 'Madden NFL 25' undoubtedly holds a fair share of outstanding features but according to multiple sources, the game is lacking in other areas seen as crucial components to avid gamers.
Running Game A Serious Plus
The running game in 'Madden NFL 25' is top notch since you're able to feel the difference each time you run the football while each back has his own particular set of skills and running style. Offensive lineman no longer get in the way of the speed backs as seen in years past and the running lanes created by the big guys up front certainly adds to the level of realism the latest EA Sports game was looking for.
Introducing Infinity Engine 2 was also key in 'Madden NFL 25' succeeding this year, something EA Sports Creative Director Michael Young spoke to Latin Times about at the EA Sports Showcase in July.
"Force impact for running backs is something that is really exciting," Young said to Latin Times. "No longer will a back take the handoff, run directly into his offensive lineman and fall down. Infinity Engine 2 really benefits the running back position because you'll have the ability to stay on your feet and gain positive yardage."
"The Force Impact development will also make truck sticks look more realistic while allowing the back to advance forward using his strength, not getting tripped up every time he crosses the line of scrimmage," he continued. "Stumble Recovery will also make it more feasible for quarterbacks to extend plays and avoid sacks, not just submitting to sacks and turnovers."
Defense Lacking?
Kahlil Thomas of International Digital Times notes that while the overall presentation of the latest game is top notch, there are some flaws that exist on the defensive side of the ball since the game makes it difficult to get to the quarterback from defensive line positions.
Besides the running game, Madden's presentation is the biggest highlight. Phil Simms and Jim Nantz, while boring, sounded different. Simms and Nantz, with their new lines, make the game sound amazing.
In addition to the play-by-play and analysis in the booth, the stadiums within the game sound realistic with music blaring in the background during important points of the game. Another thing that made the game feel was the very cool intros during the regular season for the Game of the Week.
While the defensive backfield is improved, the pass rush is on and off. Either you get nothing and watch your team get torn apart because the opposing quarterback has 12 seconds to get a pass off. On the other hand, you could get after Cam Newton and have running for his life. There needs to be a balance.
Connected Franchise Mode Popular Feature
These defensive deficiencies are certainly not the end of the world and shouldn't take away from an otherwise great game. Another positive 'Madden NFL 25' holds that will surely help cover up any user defensive issues is the introduction of the Connected Franchise Mode, a feature that truly gives each gamer the ability to participate as an owner, player or coach.
Choosing to take on the role of NFL player, Connected Franchise Mode offers the ability to see the game from the eyes of one individual. Playing on a game-by-game basis, each gamer will have the ability to watch the chosen NFL star grow from a relatively unknown into one of the premier players in the National Football League.
The coaching feature will offer the game strictly on a teaching basis where each gamer will take on the daily responsibilities of NFL head coach, one of the hardest positions in all of sports.
Finally, owner mode puts you in control of your team. Setting ticket prices, controlling marketing perks, player trades and free agent signings as well other top football operations gives the gamer complete autonomy over their desired team.
All in all, if you haven't purchased 'Madden NFL 25' yet and you're a big-time EA Sports and Pro Football fan, I suggest you get yourself a copy of this anniversary game as soon as possible!
RELATED: 'Madden NFL 25' Spoilers: EA Sports Releases Ratings For Top Offensive And Defensive Players [VIDEO]
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