Madden NFL 25 Review Roundup

Madden NFL 25, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic football game franchise, brings a mixture of innovation and nostalgia. Here’s a look at what the critics and players are saying.

IGN – 6/10
IGN’s review notes that Madden NFL 25 brings some solid on-field improvements, particularly with the new BOOM Tech tackling system, which enhances physics during player collisions. However, the game is criticized for lacking meaningful updates to game modes like Franchise and Ultimate Team, leaving much of the experience feeling too familiar. While the game adds some new animations and mechanics, it’s largely seen as a missed opportunity to elevate the franchise to new heights.
Full review: IGN

GamesRadar – 3.5/5
GamesRadar appreciated the enhancements in player interactions, highlighting how the BOOM Tech system adds more weight and realism to tackles. They also praised the visual details such as wear and tear on uniforms, but they pointed out that many aspects of the game feel outdated. Connected Franchise mode, which allows players to take on roles as owners, coaches, or players, offers a deep experience but fails to feel groundbreaking compared to older titles. The commentary and presentation, although improved, still suffer from some repetitive lines, dampening the overall experience.
Full review: GamesRadar

Kotaku
Kotaku’s review found Madden NFL 25 to be solid in gameplay mechanics but shallow in content. While BOOM Tech was a notable improvement for realistic tackling, many other game modes lacked depth. Franchise mode, in particular, was seen as a weak point, with no substantial updates to enhance the off-the-field experience. The review expressed frustration over the series’ reliance on microtransactions in Ultimate Team but noted that the core gameplay still scratches the football itch.
Full review: Kotaku

GameSpot – 7/10
GameSpot enjoyed the new physics engine and found the gameplay to be smoother than in previous iterations. However, they pointed out that Madden NFL 25 falls short in its overall package, especially in Franchise Mode, which lacks significant updates and meaningful changes. The revamped Ultimate Team system was also met with mixed feelings, with microtransactions overshadowing the improvements. While it’s a good football game, GameSpot concluded that it could have been much better with more focused updates across all modes.
Full review: GameSpot

Metacritic
On Metacritic, Madden NFL 25 holds a critic score of 71, with reviews highlighting the solid gameplay mechanics but criticizing the lack of innovation in major game modes. The user score, however, sits at a much lower 3.0, reflecting widespread disappointment among players. Fans have expressed frustration with the over-reliance on microtransactions in Ultimate Team, limited changes in Franchise Mode, and repetitive commentary.

In conclusion, Madden NFL 25 brings some strong on-field improvements thanks to the BOOM Tech system and enhanced tackling animations. However, despite these refinements, the game is held back by a lack of innovation in core game modes and persistent microtransaction issues, leaving both critics and players wanting more.
Full review: Metacritic
 

 
Overall, Madden NFL 25 is a good football game but lacks the groundbreaking changes that long-time fans have been hoping for. It remains enjoyable for casual players but may leave franchise veterans feeling underwhelmed.