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September 25, 2013
The Madden NFL video game franchise is now officially 25 years old.
Those sounds you hear are people in their mid-to-late 20s and early 30s moaning and groaning at the reality that childhood is over and adult life is here.
Life-problems aside, I picked up a copy of the most famous sports video game this week to try and test out its newest edition.
After two separate sittings, I stand before you as an impressed man. Madden and Co. hit a home run with its milestone edition.
Before I dig deep into the review, I should mention that I am somewhat of a nerd when it comes to my video gaming preferences. While most people like to physically play games on any sports game, I prefer to utilize the simulation features within the game.
So for this reason, I was very pleasantly surprised to see that Madden 25 marked the return of Owner Mode within its features.
For those unfamiliar with Owner Mode (it had been gone from the game for a few seasons), the feature allows gamers to take over any NFL franchise of your choosing.
From there, you’re given total control and are tasked with two main goals – winning games and turning a profit.
Virtual owners have to set ticket prices, book media appearances for players and even have to field a few questions from media following games.
How all of those things are situated affects your team’s standing within the community, which in turn affects how likely fans are to come to games, buy merchandise once there and rally around your team.
If the right measures are taken, a profit is turned, which can then be used to remodel or even rebuild a stadium.
If not, the fans may make things difficult. If things get too rough, it may be time to move out of the area.
In my first try on Owner Mode, I started with the Cleveland Browns and struggled to win games.
After four seasons, I had to pull the plug and move the team to Mexico City. Hey, I’m an American man just like anyone else, but the people of Mexico City ponied up and agreed to a tax hike to fund my stadium.
Away from the simulation, the actual gameplay within this year’s Madden is also prime and on point.
The renowned Infinity Engine is back this year and has been polished. With it, players’ mannerisms and movements are all more realistic. When Adrian Peterson bursts through a hole and sees daylight, it looks like a real game.
Likewise, quarterback’s throwing motions are all updated and polished. Drew Brees throws the football from a different angle than Peyton Manning or Cam Newton. In the game, the throwing angles are precise and are models of actual game action.
The running game in Madden 25 is also enhanced and things like spin moves, hurdles, dives and stiff arms are tweaked and actually work.
But the biggest and best feature of the Madden franchise remains its online play.
Through the Playstation Network and Madden’s online software, users from all across the globe can challenge one another in live competition.
But one-on-one action is not the only thing that online gamers can do in the new edition of Madden.
Like in years past, gamers can also create online Franchises and can have whole seasons with other players.
Owner Mode is also able to be played out online, which creates interesting rivalries amongst my friends and I, who battle for bragging rights through cyber space.
What started as a regular Nintendo console with stick people, Madden has emerged into a powerhouse that is able to connect people of all nationalities online.
Who knew?
Either way, Madden 25 is a hit and is definitely worth the buy for anyone considering the splurge.
If anyone in our reading audience has the courage to play me in a game, the PSN tag is KingCase985.
Hit me up.
I will school any takers by two touchdowns.
