Kicking off a brand-new year of football and, of course, a new Madden NFL title, EA Sports attempts to save its franchise with significant improvements. From physics overhauls to coaching and franchise mode revamps, Madden’s latest iteration is surprisingly good.
For over two decades, Electronic Arts has produced both great and mediocre Madden titles. Although most years, new features and improvements are hyped and then lackluster in reality. This recent cycle of ‘New Features’ has prompted fans, including myself, to express disdain for recycled content. As we grow tired of changes that could be an update, EA still produces the same promises. I’d be fine playing mediocre content if it wasn’t an entirely new $70 game. However, I’m happy to say the mold has been broken.
While Madden 26 is not groundbreaking, it is flashy and new. With new physics and positions, the game finally matches real football. I appreciate that Edge players are finally recognized instead of other positions mimicking them. Fumbles and sacks feel rougher and are much more realistic, making it almost scary when facing a proper defense. Additionally, what has to be my favorite piece of content is the new weather. The remarkable realism of blizzarding snow or a muddy rain game, combined with suddenly slipping or stumbling, truly embraces this year’s promise of “The realest Madden ever.”
A large contributor to Madden 26’s charm over the past iterations is its off-the-field detail. While in the past, features felt limited in contrast to other sports games, such as NBA 2K. Now, details like coach personalization, team intros, and better practice all add to the essence of the game and make it feel actually new and unique.
Although the sudden improvement is welcomed, it may be tied to EA’s dimming licensing agreement with the NFL. It leaves fans to speculate on the real reason they chose to implement so much content. However, as an enjoyer of the series, new changes will always be welcomed. One can only hope EA will continue to develop in the direction they’re heading.
Despite the praises, the game does fall short in many aspects. Superstar and franchise storylines have been missing since Madden 17. Moreover, the improved physics have downsides, such as animations overriding mechanics, while man-to-man coverage remains inconsistent. Certain animations push through defenders when a tackle should be possible, creating an annoying moment where you could’ve saved an extra few yards. A similar feature I adore, the slipping during rain and snow games, also provides this stuck-in-animation issue, making defenders almost bounce off you. Though in such a large game, bugs are expected, and it doesn’t overshadow the improvements.
For the most part, the game is leaps and bounds over the last few unvarying games, yet it doesn’t quite live up to expectations. The improvement is appreciated, and I look forward to seeing new and old features return. After this title, the future of Madden looks much brighter.
