The most talked about new mechanic in Madden NFL 25 allows players to "Run Free." This essentially allows players a variety of new animations and moves while carrying the ball or playing defense to match what actual players do in real games on Sunday. By clicking and holding the left trigger, players will slow down and be able to add Precision Modifiers to their arsenal of attacks. This includes an ability to slow down and quickly spin and juke away from a defender with a smaller, shiftier running back or receiver with a flick of the right stick, or power through defenders with larger backs. New stiff arm animations have been added for the best backs in the league as well to give a quick punch to smaller defenders and burst through running holes with authority. There are also plenty of other new animations for offensive players including hurdles, recovering from a stumble and falling forward for extra yardage. Defenders haven't been left out though, and players will find it much more difficult to dive over the pile at the goal line when a large linebacker also leaps over causing a devastating mid-air collision.
Many of the game modes present in Madden NFL 13 have been overhauled in Madden NFL 25 to offer the best variety of modes yet. EA Sports has heard the complaints from fans and brought back many of the features that were taken away from Franchise game modes in the last release. Players can now switch positions, and gamers can take control of an NFL franchise as an owner or head coach. The game features real NFL owners such as Jerry Jones and Arthur Blank, though players can create a new owner if they choose, and the realism continues with an ability to manage every detail of the team including upgrading stadiums, hiring coaching staffs and even setting the price for concession stands. Owner mode is a lot of fun and one that the biggest fans of the sport will definitely enjoy playing. Madden Ultimate Team is another game mode that has made some major improvements including team chemistry that will make players that fit certain types of offenses and defenses play better together within that particular scheme.
In addition, players can take control of an NFL franchise as the head coach that manages rosters, trains players and calls the plays on Sundays. The new Connected Franchise makes loads of improvements over last year's version including the return of imported draft classes from NCAA Football 14 and adds plenty of new features including an ability to download custom rosters and content that will inevitably allow players to share and download rosters from the different years of the NFL and determine if the '72 Dolphins were really that unbeatable. Some all-time great players can also be added to rosters automatically by the game including Michael Irvin, Randall Cunningham and more. Coaches will be allowed to manage for multiple seasons, long after the players on the current rosters have retired and become coaches themselves. Coaches will also progress along with the players on their team and earn experience points to unlock different skills and level up player ratings during the off season, though there is still no way to put an injury curse on the opposing players you come in contact with. Connected Franchise's presentation has been vastly improved to the point that fantasy football players will be happy to hear Matthew Berry adding his two cents on players that should be added to fantasy teams during the Madden NFL 25 seasons.
Madden NFL 25 features one of the best presentations for the series in years. The game itself looks better with improved physics from the all new Infinity Engine 2, though the occasionally glitchy animation after a play is over still pops in from time to time. Players on the field look better as well, but the main attraction is the tons of new player celebrations that have been added to the game. Gamers can now kiss the biceps with Kaepernick, dance the salsa with Victor Cruz and take a bow with Arian Foster. There have been over 60 new celebrations added to the game for current players and former stars as well as generic celebrations for all players to use. This is especially important, since there likely won't be many celebrations in the NFL this year with new rule changes. Some other major enhancements for the game includes an ability to manage NFL.com fantasy teams directly from Madden NFL 25 by setting lineups, receiving live scoring updates and adding and dropping players, though the previously mentioned fantasy analyst, Matthew Berry, would likely prefer you to play fantasy for free on ESPN.com and download the Fantasy Focus 06010 podcast daily for the best chance to win your fantasy football league.
Madden NFL 25 is the most complete game the franchise has spawned. The new game is packed with plenty of new features, game modes and improvements from Madden NFL 13, and players are sure to find something to enjoy whether playing against friends in the new Connected Franchise and Madden Ultimate Team modes or facing off with random players online to prove who is the best Madden NFL 25 gamer, while losers try to weasel their way out of lost matches. It's also worth noting that Madden NFL 25 will allow fans to take part in many promotions to upgrade to the next generation versions of the game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 easier. Whether you like to play through training camp looking for the next great Patriots tight end or just want to jump straight into games, Madden NFL 25 has something to offer every NFL fan, and you should run out and pick up your copy of the game today!
Madden NFL 25 is now available from all major retailers for the MSRP of $59.99 and can be purchased for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and is coming soon to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Madden NFL 25 is rated E by the ESRB. For more information on the game, check out the official Madden NFL 25 website.
Game Features:
Game Information:
Developer: Tiburon
Publisher: EA Sports
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 (reviewed) & Xbox One
Release Date: August 27, 2013 (PS3 and Xbox 360) & TBA (PS4 and Xbox One)
