It’s Madden Day! For some sports video game fans, it really is close to a holiday: the release of the annual edition of console gaming’s most storied franchise. Some years, the game changes very little; some years, it changes a lot. Always, it tops the bestseller lists.
This year’s Madden 15 isn’t the biggest change the franchise has ever seen from the year previous, but it does make strides in improving play and graphics. In general, critics seem pleased with the new game. Ebenezer Samule of the New York Daily News praised the game’s new defensive play design, saying that “the on-field Madden action is better than ever.” He continued by praising the presentation of the game:
Visually, the game takes a massive step forward in 2014, starting with more accurate player faces. A host of players – including Super Bowl MVP Russell Wilson – are stunningly recreated, something that the game highlights by using plenty of close-up camera angles as part of a more TV-like presentation.
Matthew Kato of Game Informer similarly praised the new game, saying that “Madden has hit the ground running this console generation” and calling Madden 15 a “pivitol juncture” for the franchise. His praise was not unreserved, however. He feels that there are still problems with gameplay that need to be addressed:
The contract negotiations in Connected Franchise mode are limited, whether that’s a lack of contract options during free agency or the fact that this portion of the offseason is still missing elements such as restricted free agents. An updated interface actually surfaces free agents’ wishes more, but I still feel free agency and the offseason lacks drama and is too simplified (no practice squads). This sacrifices a level of involvement and complexity that I want as a GM.
Overall, Madden 15 looks like it will be another big hit for EA and the NFL. Are you playing the game? If so, what do you think? Let us know in the comments.
