Madden NFL 25 Next-Gen First Impressions

Feature Article

Submitted on: 11/16/2013 by Robert Kollars

With the launch of the Playstation 4 now behind us, we have officially entered into the next generation of gaming. While some felt it was too early to do so, most have been ready for some time, and now it’s time to find out if the developers were ready also. The launch line-ups for both Sony’s Playstation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One seem impressive on paper, but will that translate into must-have titles for each system? – we are about to find out.

We wanted to take a quick look at Madden 25 for the Playstation 4, and see if all the talk from EA Sports/Tiburon will translate into a better product on the field. Here are some quick impressions from our limited time with Madden 25 on the PS4 so far.

What we like

Offensive and defensive line interaction – You can see the improvements almost instantly when you fire up the game, as pockets form for your QB, defensive lines apply true pressure, and ratings seems to matter.

True Step technology – The running game does feel better on the PS4, as you can feel each step as it’s being taken. It would have been nice to see your AI counterparts also have access to this technology, but this is true step in the right direction(pun intended)

Secondary play – It would have been hard not to improve the play of the secondary from Madden 25 on the PS3 and Xbox 360, and thankfully it has improved. While there are still some instances of missed coverage and odd pursuit angles, the overall play is solid.

Impact movement – While it may be small, users can actually feel the impacts in the trenches and during tackles with true helmet movement. It is quick and subtle, but noticeable – and a welcomed addition.

What we didn’t like

Animations – This is nothing new to the Madden franchise, but awkward movements and animations still plagues the series. We know they are working on these types of issues, but for now they are still issues.

Player models – While some look good, others look comical at times. EA really needs to work on the player models for upcoming titles, and hopefully they will.

Lack of penalties – Once again we know they addressed this, but is a football game a true representation of the sport when penalties are almost non-existent?

Living Worlds - While the crowds are better and so are the sidelines to a small degree, the "living world" in Madden 25 on the PS4 feels similar to the dead world on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

That is quick look at what we are seeing so far in the new release of Madden 25 on the PS4, and will have a more detailed look on Monday, and final review on Wednesday this upcoming week.

Madden NFL 25 Videos

Member Comments

# 41 bkrich83 @ 11/16/13 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	Yeah, I know, Clint said they didn't touch the QB's this year. We need to have them play like they do on Sunday. I had to lower QBA down to 15 or 20 on Madden 25 GC.

On GC I had it at 25 I think. Initially it was not noticable but I noticed as my CCM progressed my completion PCT went down from before I made the change.

In CG, I could feel a difference between the QB's but nothing tangible I could really point to, if that makes sense.

There definitely needs to be some work done in this aspect.

# 42 strawberryshortcake @ 11/16/13 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkrich83


	I don't really have a problem with the blitz pickup. That happens every game, irl, or at least it's a close facsimile of what happens in every game. The QB animation, and I've seen those types a few times in the games I have played, is bad, and has been for some time.

The problem lies in the execution. It's about the angle of blitz pick up. Based on the distance between the blitzer and the blocker from the QB, the blocker should have only been able to semi alter the blitzers path trajectory slightly away from the QB.

The pickup was appropriate, but the execution would not have happened if "true step" was given to all 22 players on the field. I'm out and about so I'm not going to use my data package on rewatching the video at this moment. (I was at home about 5 hours ago watching moody's video thru wifi.)

# 43 bkrich83 @ 11/16/13 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake


	The problem lies in the execution. It's about the angle of blitz pick up. Based on the distance between the blitzer and the blocker from the QB, the blocker should have only been able to semi alter the blitzers path trajectory slightly away from the QB. The pickup was appropriate, but the execution would not have happened if "true step" was given to all 22 players on the field. I'm out and about so I'm not going to used my data package on rewatching the video at this moment. (I was at home about 5 hours ago watching moody's video thru wifi.)

I don't disagree with you. I think that's a fair assesment.

# 44 The JareBear @ 11/16/13 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thQtrStre5S


	Knowing the accuracy is greatly reduced, so far, makes me breathe a sigh of relief...Thank for the info.

I can vouch for this

I am streaming a game right now with my latest slider tweaks, I am making an all-madden based "challenge set" and I have the QB accuracy at default all madden 50, Tom Brady has thrown two picks this game under pressure and throwing off his back foot kinda similar to this clip of Locker, its not like years past where they could wrist flip a ball 50 yards on a rope

# 45 4thQtrStre5S @ 11/16/13 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake


	The problem lies in the execution. It's about the angle of blitz pick up. Based on the distance between the blitzer and the blocker from the QB, the blocker should have only been able to semi alter the blitzers path trajectory slightly away from the QB. The pickup was appropriate, but the execution would not have happened if "true step" was given to all 22 players on the field. I'm out and about so I'm not going to use my data package on rewatching the video at this moment. (I was at home about 5 hours ago watching moody's video thru wifi.)

Could also be that true step has been given to all players but there is a triggering issue maybe? Just to take such a small sample and use it to make a general declaration so large may be going a little too far...I definitely want to see more footage..

# 46 C_Bailey24 @ 11/16/13 08:18 PM

With sliders this game is getting even bette. Just lost on All Madden as the Lions to the Bengals and it didnt feel cheap at all. Game was played in snow and I only completed 48% of my passes for 221 yds on 53 attempts. Dalton was 67.5 for 197 on 32 attempts. Bengals gashed me for 258 on the ground because I was missing tackles all over the place. Gotta get used to the controls more.

Hum Default All Madden but make sure you're Run Block slider doesnt end up on 75. Mine was at first for some reason.

CPU Pass Reac 75
CPU Pass Cov 75
CPU Tackling 60
CPU Run Block 60
Everything else default

# 47 tril @ 11/16/13 08:19 PM

are there any new sliders or is it the same old same old?

# 48 C_Bailey24 @ 11/16/13 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tril


	are there any new sliders or is it the same old same old?

Same sliders but changing them feels like they greater impact on gameplay than CG.

# 49 blackceasar @ 11/16/13 08:34 PM

Here's my take on it. And you have to look at it from what kind of Madden player are you...

If you are someone who controls all the action with his controller then without sliders and what not, ratings don't matter. You could literally take the worst team, with the worst QB and RB and dominate the CPU on All Madden. Therefore ratings are moot, BUT the animations and things are because they are affecting how YOU control the players. This was something the IGN reviewer harped on. So if you're this kind of player you could make the case for either buying it for Next Gen or not if you already have it for current gen.

Now if you're someone like me who likes to go into coach mode with his franchise, then ratings really do matter because the CPU plays the players to their ratings, not to MY skill with a controller. This route means you actually feel good and care about your draft picks and talent you get from FA or loose to FA. So for me, playing the next gen madden mainly in coach mode when I'm doing my franchise makes me NOT regret my purchase of it. Also I noticed how in current gen say you make an awesome thread the needle throw, and your WR does an amazing catch and sprints up field for the TD.. the computer initiated replay would pretty much just show the last 8 seconds or so.. so sometimes all youd get is your dude sprinting up the field, you dont see all the greatness that happened leading up to that... for the most part in next gen madden the problem is gone. I see the FULL play being replayed by the game which is a little thing but makes that awesome play I just did actually feel awesome.

Visually I think the videos and even screenshots don't do it justice. While it's no NBA2k14, it looks and feels smooth and much better than current gen. Just my 2 cents. I will be trading in my current gen copy towards BF4 or maybe Fifa now.

# 50 strawberryshortcake @ 11/16/13 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thQtrStre5S


	Could also be that true step has been given to all players but there is a triggering issue maybe? Just to take such a small sample and use it to make a general declaration so large may be going a little too far...I definitely want to see more footage..

It's been confirmed by one of the developers that "true step" is only programmed for two players, user controlled ball carrier and I think it was the immediate user controlled defender.

All I recall was that "true step" had something to do with the user controlled player. And something about the lineman not having it, or something. A certain percentage of OS user were also dissappointed to hear that "true step" was limited to two on the field players.

If true step was fully implemented, theoretically, sliding, suction blocking, suction tackling, QB crazy scrambling footwork, WR/DB, OL/DL (leverage, angles) would be completely eliminated.

# 51 Smoke6 @ 11/16/13 09:22 PM

Well fellas, this game is very fun to play and it takes time getting used to the true step tech. The people who were always bickering about SIM gameplay would suck are not enjoying this game I can tell you that!!!

Im having fun and havent had this amount of pleasure playing madden in a while. maybe its because its new and all but I can see myself playing this until the next version rolls around.

The complaining/arguing going on here is unwarranted really, I havent seen that many legacy issues at all and I am delighted to see players running and throwing at the sametime result in realistic results and thats more errant throws and less perfect strikes all over the field.

I feel this could have been achieved on PS360 but I will take what they give me and im running with it. Like I said earlier, people who have been hard on madden like me and expect some type of heart and soul put into this game will not be disappointed.

Ill check back in a few weeks with updated over time impressions.

# 52 4thQtrStre5S @ 11/16/13 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake


	It's been confirmed by one of the developers that "true step" is only programmed for two players, user controlled ball carrier and I think it was the immediate user controlled defender. All I recall was that "true step" had something to do with the user controlled player. And something about the lineman not having it, or something. A certain percentage of OS user were also dissappointed to hear that "true step" was limited to two on the field players. If true step was fully implemented, theoretically, sliding, suction blocking, suction tackling, QB crazy scrambling footwork, WR/DB, OL/DL (leverage, angles) would be completely eliminated.

So no source available about "true step?" Then I guess if this is true with true step then it is sort of a waste for people like Ryan Moody to point out that true step is not working on certain players, if EA stated it was limited to two players...

# 53 4thQtrStre5S @ 11/16/13 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiantBlue76


	He never talked about true step. He talked about the running back warping to the opposite side to pick up the corner, along with the corner taking the wrong path to the qb which lead him to Chris Johnson. Whether there are fancy buzzwords or not is irrelevant, it's still bad player movement that we hoped would be gone. That was the point of the video.

And my position is the defender took the proper blitz lane, as best as the faulty animations would allow, in taking on the RB trying to block him, else the defender would have been laid out...

I didn't see the RB warp to the opposite side, but I did see him looking to his right and then run over to block the defender. Moody asked how the RB saw the blitz, well players see stuff in game, they are professionals...

And if True Step is only for the user controlled player and the ball carrier, then it is as it should be for now...Obviously suction blocking needs to go, and if using true step can change the way the game responds then great...

# 54 bkrich83 @ 11/16/13 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiantBlue76


	He never talked about true step. He talked about the running back warping to the opposite side to pick up the corner, along with the corner taking the wrong path to the qb which lead him to Chris Johnson. Whether there are fancy buzzwords or not is irrelevant, it's still bad player movement that we hoped would be gone. That was the point of the video.

But the RB didn't warp. I really don't see much of an issue with the RB on that play.

QB animation, well that's another story, and while that QB release issue is far better than it has been in the past, it's still there.

# 55 Moegames @ 11/16/13 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkcil


	I wonder how Ryan Moody can get "6 plays into a game" and totally pick apart the AI showing how it acts just like current gen while everyone else compliments the AI.

Because "Mr.Ryan Moody" is a loooong time known Madden troll ever since NFL2k bit the dust..that is why. Maybe some of you guys do not know Mr.Moody very well (I do, look at my join date to the left under my nic) but he is one of the best madden trolls around..trust me!

Not saying people should'nt criticize madden..i have and will when i see lackluster improvements,etc but there is a big difference from those of us that are honest and unbiased trying to help give input to improve the game vs those that are just out to make madden look as bad as possible because of personal bitterness...A stealth troll, Ryan Moody is! There was a legitimate reason why he was banned from OS Forums many moons ago.. Not sure if he made a new account here to troll some more but i could careless. I just wanted to warn some of you greener fellow OSers that he was once and still is from what i can see ..a notorious madden troll but he has crafted his expertise to a more elegant type of troller that make it seem he is legit, which he is not. Take what Moody says as a grain of salt.

That said...Madden on next gen IS INDEED A BETTER PLAYING GAME OF FOOTBALL. Is it "THAT" great NFL football game we all have been longing for? Far from it..but it is still better than any current gen madden imho and has made some decent improvements. I personally did not have to pay for Madden on PS4. I bought it at Target with their Buy 2 PS4 Games, Get 1 Free...so i bought Killzone, NBA2k14 and picked Madden as my free game of choice. I feel its a fun game of football thus far. The AI logic is noticeably smarter and the running game is a blast now with true step...it still needs a lot of work but it is FINALLY a decent game of football to play. Honestly!

PS: This is coming from a long time NFL2k fan...while i still wish that game was still being developed..i have moved on and accepted the fact it is no more. I really did not enjoy previous maddens much but this new Madden on next gen consoles is a much more solid game...again i am not 100% satisified but i will be honest..it is an improvement for sure. Is it worth 60 dollars? Hard to say but it is worth owning if you want a decent game of football that looks a lot better than current gen...to me that makes it worth owning because its a smarter playing game and looks noticeably better than the washed out dated current gen madden...Oh yeah the lighting is remarkable imho and the graphics are super clean compared to current gen. It's a decent game..it is what it is...lets hope Tiburon will make Madden 26 even better..they now have a very solid foundation for a great game.

# 56 bkrich83 @ 11/16/13 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiantBlue76


	He's on the opposite side, not looking at first then manages to magically slide over. It's not crazy that he made that decision, it's just silly looking that he covered enough ground that fast to be in perfect position to make the block. Had he lunged at him or dove even to attempt to slow him down or knock him off balance it would have been much more realistic. That is not realistic player movement that many of us would like to see on these consoles. That's not to say it won't ever happen, I'm just saying it has yet to happen. These are the types of things that hold madden back. Some people have different expectations of what is realistic and what isn't I guess. It is what it is.

Ahh the condescending some people don't know what's realistic and have set the bar lower stuff.

Still looking for the "warping" in that vid. We see plays like that from a protection standpoint every week IRL. Are the animations awkward, a little bit. Is it warping? No at all. But it certainly is what it is, and it's the norm around here.

# 57 bkrich83 @ 11/16/13 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiantBlue76


	You know everyone is really tired of your attitude here. No where in that thread did I add anything condescending. I simply stated that people have different ideas on it and you assumed what I meant. You do this in every thread and quite honestly, a lot of folks grow really tired of your bit. You did the same thing earlier with the "agenda" accusations. It's the people like you that turn things toxic here when they don't need to be. This was a fine discussion until you contaminated the thread, and just so you know, A LOT of guys have this opinion of you. If you have nothing nice or respectful to say, which you rarely do, then simply ignore. I don't agree with your assessment, but I don't have an issue with you expressing your opinion. Yet you immediately attack because clearly I don't share your definition of what's considered realistic. This is a discussion board that is meant to have discussion and opinions. There is no need for attitude like yours and assumptions that simply aren't true.

There was no attack on you. What "attack"? IF you or others don't like my posts. ignore me or don't read them. It's that easy.

You certainly were condescending. Take some of your own advice. Still looking for that RB warping.

If the agenda chasers don't like me, so be it. I am fine with that.

# 58 kehlis @ 11/16/13 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiantBlue76


	You know everyone is really tired of your attitude here. No where in that thread did I add anything condescending.

Yes you did. It was condescending when you pretended to be coy by saying that some people have different expectations.

No need to try and patronize us. We all understand the underlying point of that statement.

And as to your other point, I've seen a lot more reported posts about you so I'm not buying the whole "everyone is getting tired of" line.

It's time to drop it and move on.

# 59 D Rey @ 11/17/13 12:22 AM

How do you install a game??

# 60 cubby blue @ 11/17/13 01:46 AM

I bought a ps4. I haven't received it yet bought it from ebay for $350. I preordered killzone shadow fall. After receiving the game from amazon. They had a deal buy one game get one free. So I ordered madden 25 and call of duty ghost.

anyway, this is the only reason I picked madden up. I count it as the free game. I also got killzone for $30 after trading in 2 madden games.

I'm not expecting much from this game. I did play the demo on my xbox 360 and I liked the game for the most part. If they will just tighten up the defense, I think it will be a playable game. I know the graphics won't be much of an upgrade, but would be nice to see in 1080p. I think what most people get mad at ea about is they stretch the truth. This is probably just a ported game from previous gen. But I'm ok with that.
I know ea's track record. If they improve the defense, I will be a happy camper.

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