HIGH  Greatly improved on-the-field presentation. Added features for Franchise mode

LOW Still suffers from wonky AI and bugs.

WTF Why did my center line up as a receiver?

The Axis Football franchise has had its share of ups and downs over the past few years.

2023’s incarnation was a standout featuring a new physics engine and gameplay tweaks that led to its highest score ever at GameCritics. Major setbacks plagued the 2024 campaign, including rubber-banding AI, graphical glitches, and inaccurate, repetitive commentary. After forgoing the 2025 season (a rebuilding year, if you will) wholesale changes were made to every aspect of the experience, and now Axis Football returns for 2026. 

On the field, players look even better than ever, with more detailed models including wrinkles on jerseys.  The new stadiums are lovely, giving the feeling of a real home team advantage, including new crowd chants and fans decked out in team colors. 

New animations make it much easier to see holes in a defensive line for a running back to slip through, or why a pass was broken up by a wily safety.  There are still times when it appears that a blocker can almost teleport to make a play on a ballcarrier, but the new instant replay mode often shows players behaving realistically, greatly enhancing the experience. 

New commentary has been recorded, including team-specific lines when scoring and so on.  It can still get repetitive, especially after playing a large number of games, but the new dialogue was certainly welcome.  Play calling has also been enhanced with a new create-a-play feature in case the current team playbook is too limiting.

Off the field, Axis Football 2026 still has one of the deepest franchise modes in videogame football, and as before, the player has complete control over the organization.  With a few button clicks, I can hire and fire coaches, scout future potential draft picks, and purchase upgrades for my stadium, such as luxury boxes and fitness and rehabilitation gear for my players. 

These things are key, as Axis Football makes players work to improve their teams, and the salary cap is no joke.  I often had to think long and hard about signing a stud free agent or saving the cap space for the offseason when I had to re-sign my core team.  Moments like this are exhilarating, and when I finally led my squad to the Axis Bowl Championship, I felt like I earned it with my shrewd decision-making. 

While the new modes, character models, animations, stadiums, create-a-play, and improved play-by-play are as impressive as an off-balance, one-handed grab in the end zone, Axis Football 2026 still has its share of problems that negate forward progress. 

As of the time of writing, the visuals are locked at a resolution of 1920 x 1080, even if a monitor is capable of much higher settings.  A controller and mouse tend to cancel each other out when manipulating menus, which is especially frustrating when trying to navigate settings or interact with the UI outside of on-the-field gameplay, such as accepting trades or drafting players.  Additionally, setting up a team’s 53-man roster can be more difficult than it should be — the option to place the best players on the field at all positions automatically should be included. 

On the field, the AI still struggles with basic concepts.  I’ve watched special teams’ players streak right past the return man straight into the endzone on kickoffs, allowing the ballcarrier to gain far more yards than should have been possible.  In one particularly bizarre scenario, I had a center line up as a receiver on multiple plays during a drive, eliminating a checkdown option for my QB. 

I’m also still not able to tell if the dreaded catchup AI from the 2024 campaign has returned — suspicions were raised when I noticed opposing teams coming back from serious deficits, even when my Philadelphia Express significantly outmatched them.  Since building my team of stars took six seasons’ worth of heartbreak and failure, it’s frustrating to win against obvious chumps, when I should have steamrolled them. 

The simulation mode has issues as well.  While losing one game by a point with seconds left on the clock, I ended manual play and allowed the computer to simulate the final moments.  Somehow, I wound up winning that game even though there was no possible way to do so.  (It was also snowing in Miami during that game in early October…)

While not quite matching its previous heights, Axis Football 2026 has made marked improvements over the last incarnation and shows that it’s still a title worthy of taking the field.  With the right bug fixes and continued improvement, it could once again become a solid contender in the increasingly-crowded football market.  Axis Football 2026 is worth the time and the price of admission, but there’s definitely room for this franchise to tighten things up.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is developed and published by Axis Games. It is currently available on XBO, XBX/S/PS4/PS5/PC. This copy of the game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the PC. Approximately 11 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and multiple seasons were completed. There are no multiplayer modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. The game is a realistic simulation of American Football.  Players are tackled and knocked to the ground, or may be pushed/shoved to the ground by blockers or a stiff-arm.  Injuries to players are briefly described in text form (such as Player X sustained a leg injury) and whether or not they will return to play.  There are no visual depictions of injuries.

Colorblind Modes: There are no colorblind modes available.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: This game does not offer subtitles. The game is playable without sound, as there are visual representations of all in-game activities.  However, there are no subtitles for any commentary or player chatter (snap counts, etc.).  While the game does provide a quick summary of the previous play (tackle for loss, rushing gain of 17 yards and so on) so much of the experience is lost.

Remappable Controls: No, this game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Axis Football 2026 appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH Franchise is once again the centerpiece of the Madden banquet table.

LOW The load times are unbearable for this console generation.

WTF Even digitally, the NY Giants seem lost and confused.

Please allow me to pull back the curtain on how things run at GameCritics headquarters. For years, our esteemed editor has questioned higher scores when a corresponding review indicated otherwise, and for years, I pushed back, arguing that the whole often exceeded the sum of its parts. While I stand behind every review I’ve ever published, from now on, I plan to approach scoring a little differently.

Madden NFL 26 is the reason why.

Last year, I awarded Madden 25 an 8 out of 10, citing steady, if minor improvements — and by and large, it was a good, solid football sim. After playing Madden NFL 26, I no longer want to see incremental upgrades. Nor do I want to review more ‘solid’ games. I want to see more of this.

Madden NFL 26 is the revelation football enthusiasts have wanted, breaking the cycle of minor fixes to deliver a monumental leap in immersion, atmosphere, and controls, and the largest refinement came where it was needed most — the criminally-overlooked Franchise Mode. After years of wondering if EA was pushing all users toward the microtransaction-focused Ultimate Team, it’s clear the developers listened to fan feedback, because Franchise feels like the heart of Madden once more.

For starters, the updated week-to-week tactical approach lets gamers design strategies on the fly, tailored to each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. In turn, a new XP-based progression system personalizes the player development process, and the “Wear & Tear” mechanic (borrowed lovingly from College Football) forces users to make tough decisions about how to rest stars and manage rosters across a long season.

Another key development was the introduction of coaching archetypes, which allows players to choose whether to lead their team as an Offensive Guru, Defensive Genius, or Development Wizard. Each path provides unique skill trees and gameplay benefits, deepening the strategic investment. Combine this with enhanced scouting, revamped menus, and a more robust broadcast package, and Franchise has become a destination rather than an afterthought. Gamers asked for it, and EA delivered in a big way.

This realism is matched by the gameplay, which is both quicker and more realistic than before. Madden NFL 26 strikes a delicate balance between accuracy and responsiveness, creating a pace that is fast enough to excite without delving into arcade territory. The much-hyped “QB DNA” system brings more personality to quarterbacks and receivers by amplifying pocket passing/scrambling tendencies, receiver route discipline, and overall situational awareness, so the results better reflect what fans see on Sundays.

Defensive play has also improved, albeit not by the same leaps and bounds. Still, Madden’s AI shows more intelligent formation reads and more realistic animations for blocking and tackling. A lot of this will be missed by the casual player, but there’s a sense of fluidity and realism that enhances the immersion in each session.

One thing sports fans always seem to do is compare the current Madden series with the beloved NFL 2K titles, especially when it comes to broadcast quality, Well, Madden NFL 26 feels like a true primetime production with unique looks for Thursday night, Sunday afternoon, and Monday night football, right down to lighting that shifts with the time of year. Maybe the commentary isn’t quite as memorable as the first time we heard Dan Stevens on our Dreamcasts, but there’s little repetition or inaccuracy.

In turn, entertaining cutaways and postgame coverage match the old TV spirit of NFL 2K, delivering trivia, highlights, and halftime visuals for authenticity and immersion. It’s been a long time, but this year’s Madden finally captures the gravitas and flair of the NFL’s expanded weekly product.

Even Madden Ultimate Team (MUT), long criticized for its money-hungry grind, benefits from smarter (if subtle) quality-of-life updates. Yes, the annoying pay-to-win structure remains, so MUT is still best suited for those comfortable with its monetization design. However, it’s also more welcoming to those who want to dabble before opening the wallet, which is a step in the right direction.

Superstar Mode has made a significant move forward by revisiting basic RPG-like elements. Maybe this isn’t exactly “Sunday Stadium Skyrim,” but this notably revamped mode now features career chapters, evolving player relationships and ongoing customization, showing an honest attempt to make the journey feel more personal. Though it still doesn’t quite reach the depth of Franchise, nor does it dabble in melodrama like the NBA 2K series, EA’s attempts at storytelling no longer feel half-baked, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s efforts.

Also, it should be noted that graduating seniors from the College Football series can be imported and drafted in Madden 26. This is handled well, and it’s enjoyable to watch a dominant college player adapt to the improved talent facing him in the pro ranks. It’s also a nice way to enhance the value of owning both titles, since there is no limit to how many created superstars can find their way into the hallowed halls of Madden NFL.

Even though readers probably know I’m about to laud this title with a stellar score, I do need to call out one odd, unexpected complaint — loading times. Both offline and online, I found myself staring at loading screens for far longer than I should with my Xbox Series X. Online, I’m willing to forgive these delays in the short term, as servers were understandably packed at the time of review. That said, jumping from mode to mode shouldn’t be timed by an hourglass. EA will hopefully patch this soon, if they haven’t already.

So, to bring this discussion full circle, Madden NFL 26 is a shining example of why it’s important to read full reviews, not just scores. Why? Even when discussing two games in a series made one year apart, there’s a world of difference between last year’s 8 and this year’s 9.5. Those waiting for Madden to finally make true forward progress can exhale, because the moment has come.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Orlando. It is available on XBO/X/S, PC, SW2, and PS4/5. This game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX. Approximately 13 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 4.5 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact professional football. Some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Madden NFL 26 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous tactile feedback features in all modes. (See examples above) The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Madden NFL 26 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH This is the smoothest, most visually appealing Madden to date.

LOW Not enough changes to modes and features.

WTF Is the physics model really called “BOOM Tech”?

“Maybe next year.”

Fans of gaming’s most venerable sports series have said these words each September for the better part
of a decade. I should know, I’m one of them.

This year, the Madden NFL series takes another incremental step forward. Improvements are there.
Enhancements are there. And Madden NFL 25 is often stunning visually. But will that be enough for
jaded players?

First, I need to address the $69 elephant in the room — many football gamers just invested in EA
Sports College Football 25 and from what I can gather, they’re enjoying the immersion, pageantry, and
true-to-life detail the title offers. After a few weeks of enjoying the pomp and circumstance of the
college game, a new NFL title might feel a little flat and faceless, even though Madden is arguably better
than ever.

I’ll start with the most important factors — Madden NFL 25 is gorgeous. Player models inch ever closer to
leaving the uncanny valley, with noticeable improvements in animations, both when controlling a player and on NPCs throughout the field. Unlike previous editions, the juke moves and leaps aren’t overly exaggerated to excite players. Rather, they’re more accurate to a player’s real-life abilities and playstyle. For a change, I didn’t find myself trying to have stocky RBs attempt to leap for circus catches — that isn’t their game, and EA Sports brings reality to life once more.

In turn, Madden NFL 25 just feels… intuitive. In past editions, the complicated thumb gymnastics often
made it difficult for casual fans to make the most of the title. Some would call it “arcade-like” but as an
increasingly middle-aged person, I never felt overwhelmed by the streamlined control scheme. I even
took my skills online more than a few times. Now, I didn’t even come close to winning these matchups,
but I felt more competitive — an accomplishment in itself.

The audio offering is a bit of a mixed bag. While I enjoyed having multiple commentary teams joining
stalwarts Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, the new pairings pale in comparison to the veterans. The
new voices have far fewer original comments and seem to repeat themselves more than usual.

One of the big knocks against Madden NFL 25 so far has been its notable lack of new modes and features. In my opinion, this is great news. So many prior Madden titles were buried in marketing lingo and fabricated buzzwords. This year, it seems like the developers chose to fine-tune the existing game and make good on past promises. I applaud this level of commitment — by and large, it works. And in the
case of Franchise Mode, it far exceeds its predecessors.

I have long lamented the decreased attention given to Franchise Mode, but this year the mode is
arguably the biggest highlight. From the moment players dive in, they enjoy a refined (but in-depth)
management experience, allowing them to control as much or as little of the team as they want. While
some people might want to keep their focus on the field, those who dig deeper will be rewarded with
expanded scouting, detailed coaching mechanics, elaborate player and team builder, and even a “Coach
Carousel” feature that lets users modify coaching staffs for better results. As a result, team morale and
player development become more active parts of the experience.

Superstar, the story-driven narrative mode, largely succeeds by taking a “less is more” approach. For starters, EA delivers new rewards, themed programs, and the ability to transfer an avatar’s style and skills across Ultimate Team Franchise and live game modes. In an even nicer touch, a successful graduate from College Football 25 can find their way to Madden’s NFL Draft Night, creating a tremendous feeling of continuity and reward.

Despite all of the above, the mode’s story and interaction have been (mercifully) pared back to basic
interactions, press conferences, and text conversations. It’s hardly the most immersive storyline, but it
far surpasses maudlin, overdone underdog stories. For that, I’m thankful.

Ultimate Team is… well… Ultimate Team. But, to be fair, EA has expanded the offering to include
updated H2H rankings, AI-driven solo seasons, and other new ways to put your best 11 to work. It’s still
a microtransaction bonanza, but kudos to the developers for trying to inject a wealth of new content
into a previously tired mode.

Other than these leaps forward, most of the other advancements live under the hood. Improved FieldSense controls on both offense and defense, more impactful hits from the BOOM Tech stick controls, more powerful Momentum Meters, and a litany of tweaks to menus and presentation. Again, those who believe the hype on the game box might not be impressed, but I was.

Also, longtime readers of Gamecritics know we take accessibility very seriously. EA Sports has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to implementing accessible controls into its titles, but Madden NFL 25 is the best example yet. Customization options include the ability to adjust icon size, text size, colorblind modes, and several control schemes designed to accommodate individual needs.

On a broader scale, the game also includes more detailed tutorials and guides to help new players learn
the ins and outs of various gameplay mechanics. This ensures that even those unfamiliar with the
Madden series can jump in and enjoy the experience. Kudos across the board, to all involved with
making this happen.

Online, Madden NFL 25 performed admirably. Last year’s laggy menus are a thing of the past, replaced
by snappy lobbies, short wait times, and virtually no latency on decent broadband connections. Oh sure,
the rage quitters and play spammers are still out in force, but at least they won’t be whining about lag
and balance issues this time around.

At this point in the review, most fans are likely wondering one thing — is Madden NFL 25 worth the money this year? The answer is undoubtedly “yes” as long as you didn’t also just purchase College Football 25. Even with the vast improvements Madden NFL 25 has on display, it’s fundamentally very similar to its undergraduate counterpart, and its professional atmosphere isn’t always as enjoyable as a collegiate gameday.

For those who’ve spent a month immersed in the pageantry of the college game, it might be hard to
get excited for a less unique version of that same title. But for those who have waited a few years for an improved, upgraded football experience, the new Madden will be a revelation.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Orlando. It is available on XBO/X/S, PC and PS4/5. This game copy was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the XBX.
Approximately 11 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not
completed. Approximately 4 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact
professional football. Some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Madden NFL 25 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous
tactile feedback features in all modes. (See examples above) The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Madden NFL 25 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH More options on offense with greatly improved blocking AI and animations.

LOW “Appropriately challenging play experience” steers too close to “rubber banding”

WTF Why is my beloved Philadelphia Express ALWAYS terrible?

Every year around this time, I get excited for football season.  I love the precision of an elite quarterback bulleting a pass between defenders to a streaking receiver and the relentless pursuit of a linebacker as they close in for a tackle or sack.  Coaching matchups resembling chess masters vying for position on a board is fascinating, as are offensive linemen adjusting on the fly to create a hole for a crafty running back to slip through.  For the past several seasons, the NFL has not been the object of my affection, though, but rather Axis Football.  Unfortunately, a major design issue heavily limits my enjoyment of this year’s outing, Axis Football 2024. 

Let’s start with the good. 

Once again, Axis offers the deepest franchise mode available apart from straight management sims.  Prospective GMs can manage everything from the intensity of practices to the conditions of the seating in their home stadiums.  2024 also allows players to customize the size of their league prior to starting a franchise and a handy team activity menu tracking signings, drafts, trades and more, so a coach can know what their opponents are up to and try to keep pace.  Along with these changes, coaches can now edit their individual playbooks, and with designed QB runs and dozens of new defensive formations and plays to choose from, the customization options have never been better.

On the field, several welcome changes have been added, with an incredible focus on blocking.  Over 75 (!!!) new blocking interactions have been introduced, and the results are fantastic.  Instead of watching linemen slamming into one another, blocking animations more accurately depict the creation of running lanes or the absolute destruction of an offensive line by defenders.  Teammates will now rush to pick up blocks downfield, allowing a receiver or runner to eke out a few more yards, or completely clear the path to the end zone.  Ball carriers now have some physics on their side, as their momentum allows them to surge ahead despite being hit or bounce off of a tackler completely, opening up the field for potential big gains. 

Axis Football 2024’s UI has been enhanced as well, showing previous plays called to help determine what calls have been effective.  It also now shows how many yards were gained (or lost) on the previous play rather than having to wait for the next down and distance to be announced.  Little details like pro-style lineup displays during the first possession of a game add to the immersion factor, and the new stadiums added this year are a treat for the eyes.  Axis creates more representative schedules this go around, meaning dealing with fewer snowy fields in early October, for instance, and this year it’s possible to save a game in progress and return to it later for those times when life interferes with football, perish the thought. 

Not all the grass is greener on Axis Football 2024’s lush fields, however. 

Perhaps to provide an “Any Given Sunday” feel where even bad teams are capable of beating better rivals if everything falls the right way, Axis 2024 has added an adaptive difficulty mode.  While this can lead to more exciting outcomes in lieu of potentially one-sided beatdowns, this feature feels more like the unfair rubber banding that something like Mario Kart has made infamous. 

Here’s one of many examples — I led my stalwart Philadelphia Express down the field late in the game to take a two-score lead.  This should be considered an achievement in itself as the Express is filled to the brim with sub-par players.  When the opposing team takes possession, they’re suddenly able to make tremendous gains, breaking numerous tackles or avoiding the defense completely, gobbling up dozens of yards in a few plays for a quick TD.  With time left on the clock, I get the ball back, only to be pummeled by a defense that I had skillfully dissected earlier.  Those same linebackers are suddenly able to shred my linemen, moving faster than I’ve seen them move all game to nail a running back or sack my QB for a huge loss, forcing me to punt.  With time running out, they punch in a TD. 

Is this an exciting finish to a ballgame that I’d be happy I paid to see?  Absolutely.  Is it an enjoyable gameplay experience?  Nope.  I thought perhaps I was being overly dramatic because the Express are chumps, and I should be losing these games, but then I tried exhibition matches with the best team in the league playing the worst and got similar results with the best receiver in the league failing to get open and the worst quarterback lookling like Patrick Mahomes or Jalen Hurts.  These WTF catch-ups are so overtly artificial, and it’s frustrating. 

Less bothersome but still issues are things like the commentary, though it’s better-edited than in years past.  There are fewer completely incorrect observations by the commentator, but the play-by-play constantly describes passes going past the first down marker when they are clearly only thrown a yard or two past the line of scrimmage.  Also, it’s still not possible to make trades during a draft to try to improve upon an upcoming pick, which limits one’s ability to improve a team. Additionally, there are still instances of players running incorrect routes, kick returners snapping into position, or field goal attempts sailing through the back wall of a stadium, never to be seen again.

If there was an option to limit or remove the adaptive difficulty, I could live with the other minor issues and call Axis Football 2024 a triumph and a must-play sports title.  As it stands, however, I can’t rate this year’s effort as high as I’d like to thanks to the incredible frustration of being impossibly steamrolled by a computer-controlled opponent who’s gaming the system in its favor. Where’s the ref?

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is developed and published by Axis Games. It is currently available on PC and PS5. This copy of the game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the PC. Approximately 12 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and multiple games and seasons were completed. There are no multiplayer modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This game is a realistic depiction of professional American Football featuring blocks and tackling similar to an NFL broadcast. Injuries are described in text between plays and in status screens, but injured players are not shown on the field, and there is no blood.

Colorblind Modes: There are no colorblind modes available.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: This game does not offer subtitles. While playable without sound, the in-game commentary is lost. Audio cues for turnovers are accompanied by a brief slow motion effect to alert the player. This game is not fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, this game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Axis Football 2024 appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH  Animations and AI combine to deliver unique, unpredictable gameplay.

LOW  The selection of modes hasn’t changed much in a decade.

WTF  Why do the menus have lag and load time?

Each fall, GameCritics is kind enough to send me the season’s hottest sports titles for review, and each year, I wait to send in my reviews until roughly one month after receiving them. While this delay might seem counterintuitive for a gaming journalist, today’s leading sports titles are practically the size of RPGs in a sense — they deserve more time and review than a weekend can provide.

Madden NFL 24 is a perfect example of why this approach is recommended. One month ago, I would have given the title a middling score, lauding the graphics but questioning the lingering glitches and spotty AI playcalling. Today, after several updates, Madden scores notably higher thanks to depth, realism, and enough improvement to consider it a bona fide upgrade from previous editions.

At first glance, Madden 24 isn’t a tremendous visual leap over its predecessor — that is, until users pay closer attention to the subtleties away from the ball. For example, both blocking and tackling are far more lifelike, using Sapien Technology and FieldSENSE to make desperate lunges and full-body tackles resemble actual footage. Likewise, seeing defensive backs reach for last-second interceptions no longer seems arbitrary and unrealistic. Now, upon watching the excellent replay angles, gamers will understand why their “unbeatable” passes missed the mark.

That said, Madden 24 is a noticeably slower and more deliberate game, continuing a trend that started a few years back. Seasoned players may initially find the pacing a little sluggish, but should soon learn to appreciate how this approach makes the game more true to the real thing. Interestingly, the slower pace actually benefits the running game, as it allows users to better read defenses and explode through gaps, instead of blindly aiming and hoping for daylight and open field.

Gamers aren’t the only ones who benefit from this new pacing, as Madden 24 features some of the best AI in series history. Previous editions saw the game deftly figure out playcalling patterns while maintaining good football intelligence, but (after an early game update) this year’s edition goes above and beyond to deliver a simulation that thinks beyond the obvious. NPCs react to user decisions, adjust strategies, and generally play a high-quality rendition of what fans watch every Sunday. Ideally, this would have been in place at launch, but I’ll take an update that improves gameplay instead of more trading cards or gimmick modes. I doubt I’m alone in feeling this way.

The rock-solid presentation also creates a better sense of immersion than in recent editions. Perhaps the commentary is a little repetitive from time to time and hardly resembles the NFL’s leading announce teams, but it’s solid, unintrusive, and true to the action… I just wish it was an easier journey getting to this point.

While slower gameplay turned out to be a welcome addition, no one wants or needs slower menus, yet, Madden 24 mires users in endless menu loading screens. Even when navigating entries on the main menu screens, there’s noticeable lag and sluggishness with seemingly every button press. I didn’t buy a Series X to have my game choke on an options page, but there were moments that made Starfield seem spry by comparison.

As always, Madden brings an extensive slate of modes and features to the table, but for a change, all modes seem designed to enhance the core Franchise gameplay experience. The Training Camp and Superstar story mode both feature mini-games designed to build players’ understanding of gameplay features. This would be a welcome addition if users weren’t forced to repeat these mini-games dozens of times to upgrade player skills in each mode. Die-hard enthusiasts will likely play them until their avatars are maxed, but more casual users may pass on these redundant exercises.

The Superstar mode, as was recommended by many review sites (including this one), is notably pared back in Madden 24, with a simplified barrier to entry and a threadbare narrative that likely won’t engage many newcomers. As predicted, another underdog story isn’t likely to be missed by Madden fans, and the lack of an interesting plot means there’s little reason to cover it here.

In turn, the omnipresent Madden Ultimate Team (MUT) card trading mode is back, with an even bigger focus on microtransactions than before. Those who pay will likely enjoy the strategic elements of MUT. However, while testing it for this review, all I could think about was getting back on the field and just playing football — this is why the streamlined Franchise is where most gamers will spend the lion’s share of their time. Though not as deep as other sports game franchise modes, or even as deep as previous Madden titles, I was able to take control of my team, set some strategic goals, and get back out to the gridiron. Maybe other gamers want to get lost in team management minutiae, but for me, it was simply an enhancement to the core game, not a replacement.

Online, the Madden 24 lobbies were as sluggish as the main game menus, but the on-field experience was seamless and enjoyable. Matchmaking took longer but seemed more accurate and fair overall. And other than one game-ending hiccup, online gameplay never struggled to keep up with my controller inputs.

Impatient readers who scrolled to the bottom of this article for the final score are probably wondering why I gave a game with this many criticisms such a lofty rating. The answer to that comes down to gameplay. Slower, more deliberate, and ultimately much more authentic, Madden 24 feels less arcade-like than it has in years — a welcome return to form for a franchise that practically invented sports simulations. There is still much work to be done, but EA Sports put its focus on the field, and fans have good reason to celebrate.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is available on XBO, XSX/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. This game copy was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the Xbox Series X. Approximately 18 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 6 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact NFL football, and some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: There are colorblind modes available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Madden NFL 24 features subtitles, speech-to-text, and numerous tactile feedback features in all modes. The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Madden NFL 24 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH FieldSense passing is a precision QB’s dream.

LOW Learning the advanced controls is beyond difficult.

WTF The graphical glitches are simply unforgivable in 2022.

Each year, devoted Madden NFL fans embrace the latest title with feverish excitement and anticipation. Despite the fact that the last decade hasn’t been kind to the series, digital football enthusiasts are more than willing to bury their bad feelings and enter a new season with a renewed sense of hope.

Unfortunately, this may be the year that breaks fans’ collective spirit. Not because Madden NFL 23 is a bad game — regardless of the overblown disdain it’s received thus far, it’s actually notably improved on the field. However, the continued presence of familiar glitches, questionable AI, and stale mode offerings make this year’s edition less exciting than usual.

Given the recent passing of series namesake John Madden, fans knew Madden NFL 23 was going to serve as a love letter of sorts for the legendary coach and announcer. EA certainly delivered in this regard, bringing users right into a game featuring Madden’s favorite football luminaries from several eras. While a little long, it certainly honors him and gets players ready for what’s next.

Once the intro is complete, players can access all of the usual features, from quick Play Now to the requisite, card-based Madden Ultimate Team (MUT), to the story-driven Face of the Franchise. Herein lies the biggest problem — these are all features fans have experienced time and time again, with little next-gen advancement to show for it. Sure, the Franchise mode has been streamlined for accessibility and the MUT isn’t as focused on microtransactions, but by and large, this is the same slate EA has presented since the middle of the last generation. That said, improvements are improvements, and there are several areas where Madden NFL 23 starts to flex some muscle.

The look and feel are initially stellar, with stunning stadium fly-bys, improved crowd and sideline animations, and detailed player models. Likewise, the improved physics offered by the FieldSense system adds a layer of realism to all player motion, from big hits to subtle foot movements. No longer do tackle and running animations feel canned and predetermined. Instead, when users properly aim their players and execute moves, physics leads the way, leading to (mostly) accurate outcomes.

The FieldSense passing is the most unique QB control system since the ill-fated “passing cone” mechanic from the mid-aughts. Unfortunately, it’s far too complex for anyone but the most-ardent Madden devotees to truly master. The skill-based feature leads to insanely realistic throws from any angle or position, but the combination of ball placement and power controls while evading oncoming defenders is unwieldy, even after several hours of practice.

In short, FieldSense isn’t perfect, and the controls will likely prove too obtuse for newcomers. On the plus side, the foundation is in place for something truly new in videogame football. This alone is worth recognizing.

unfortunately, for everything new in Madden NFL 23, there’s something that reminds players of how much this series still needs to grow.

Despite the massive horsepower of the Xbox Series X, I repeatedly noticed players glitching through sideline NPCs, and through teammates during quick cutaways. There were also several instances of linemen moving through one another when adjusting positions pre-snap. I’m sure there’s a patch coming to rectify such things, but on a machine so capable, it’s mind-boggling that legacy issues still persist.

The audio is also confusing. While crowds react appropriately to most game situations, I did notice home fans cheering for my opponents on more than one occasion, and the less I say about the lifeless, inaccurate commentary, the better. After a strong showing in the John Madden Tribute intro, the announcers have nothing left once users start their seasons, and before long, I tuned them out entirely.

Finally, I need to address the much-maligned Face of the Franchise mode. On a positive note, the tired “college standout needs to prove himself” trope is replaced by a more interesting tale of a veteran underdog fighting to stay in the league. Unfortunately, the drama and gravitas of the narrative are muted early on with a limited number of cutscenes to draw users in. Instead, a standard week-to-week progress screen handles most of the “storytelling,” leading to a boring journey. I applaud EA for trying to keep this mode relevant, but it might be time to concede this battle and focus on bringing more originality to the Franchise and MUT experiences, and more stability to the online offerings.

Madden NFL 23 certainly isn’t lacking content and is arguably more realistic than ever. Yet, after nearly a decade of treading the same still waters, it’s never been more evident that a new approach is needed. As much as I appreciate the gameplay improvements and still enjoy the annual Madden experience, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to recommend investing money into it year after year.

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is available on XBO, XBX/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. This game copy was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the Xbox Series X. Approximately 15 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately four hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E. This is a realistic representation of full-contact NFL football, and some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents. That said, if your children watch real football, they should be fine with this.

Colorblind Modes: Colorblind modes are available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Madden NFL 23 features subtitles and numerous tactile feedback features within the controller, in all modes. Subtitles are not able to be resized or altered. The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Madden NFL 23 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH It’s more than a roster update…

LOW …but not by much.

WTF Madden Ultimate Team is the ultimate wallet drain.

Before this review officially starts, readers should note that this is covering the Xbox One version of Madden NFL ‘22.

Though every effort was made to secure a Series X prior to Madden‘s release, there wasn’t one to be found. Similarly, I would imagine it’s likely that many of our readers may find themselves in a similar predicament. This review is for the patient masses who tirelessly check Twitter for stock updates. They are not alone.

At the end of GameCritics’ review of Madden NFL ‘21, it was made clear that the series needed a next-gen update to maintain relevance. Fortunately, Madden NFL ‘22 does just enough to justify its existence on older consoles.

Maybe it isn’t a “must-buy” in the truest sense (and that Tom Brady fanservice in the opening might deter even more buyers!) but EA Sports seemed to heed reviewers’ advice and made some upgrades for the current season. They’re mostly cosmetic, but the effort is noticeable and appreciated. There might not be a 4K sheen on the Xbox One version of Madden NFL ‘22, but that doesn’t mean this edition is one to sneeze at. Player models are more realistically proportioned, and on-field graphical glitches have been smoothed out more than expected.

No, users aren’t going to love the player faces, and the Create-a-Player is less feature-rich than desired. But on the field, where it counts, Madden still looks an awful lot like Sunday afternoon broadcasts. Gaming is certainly beginning to see diminished returns in graphical quality from generation to generation, and while Madden ‘22 on XBO might not be the belle of the ball, will anyone really notice in the middle of an intense scramble away from aggressive defense?

Last year’s improvements to controls and Skill Stick nuances carry over to this edition with snappier response, even during chaotic pileups at mid-field. The number of onscreen animations is impressive, with tearing and clipping kept to a minimum, even when employing last-second misdirections and dives. Plus, the “pre-canned” feel of the juke animations is largely gone in Madden ‘22, resolving a concern players have had for several editions.

On a negative note, last year’s improved AI seems to have set sail for next-gen machines, leaving Xbox One owners with a computer opponent that rarely learns from human error. This was a highlight of Madden ‘21 and it’s disappointing that the challenge no longer scales appropriately. In short, gamers who enjoy spamming those cross patterns are about to fall in love with Madden all over again.

Under the hood, not much has changed in terms of features or modes. At least, nothing positive. Beyond the standard Play Now, the slightly improved (but still arcadey) KO and Yard modes, and the exhaustive Face of the Franchise story mode, not much has changed.

Otherwise, the venerable Franchise mode has been streamlined and sped-up, eliminating a lot of the office minutiae that mired down previous versions. Now, gamers can realistically manage their franchises without spending hours in menu trees and getting these dream teams on the field is much easier, making a true dynasty a realistic option for the average player.

Likewise, the simpler, more-focused story in Face of the Franchise eliminates a lot of the silliness (and horrific acting) of previous editions. EA Sports hasn’t really matched the NBA 2K series for dramatic prowess, but the mode is a nice distraction for those who enjoy single-player gameplay, and moves along briskly, if not forgettably.

On the flip side of the enjoyment coin comes the long-in-the-tooth card mode, Madden Ultimate Team (MUT). Though card collecting has kind of exhausted its welcome, this year’s MUT is more random and money-hungry than ever. Initial card packs seem weaker than in previous editions, practically forcing gamers to spend real money to derive any enjoyment from the mode. With an improved Franchise Mode and decent online offerings, it’s likely that MUT is going to lose its luster to all but the most die-hard card trading fanatics.

Also, readers should notice the use of the word “decent” when describing online play. While games that stay connected played well, with little lag or delay, maintaining a steady connection was often difficult. Even on a wired, gigabyte internet connection, Madden ‘22 repeatedly booted back to the lobbies without explanation, and even crashed on occasion when trying to find a match. When it worked, online play was as strong as ever for the series. But the erratic connection problems made multiplayer more of a chore than it probably should be in 2021.

In many ways, that last sentence kind of sums up Madden NFL ‘22 for the Xbox One. When it does things right, the pure football gameplay remains one of the finest gaming experiences around. When it doesn’t work, its flaws and missing elements are more evident than ever.

For gamers who haven’t purchased a new Madden title in a few years (and refuse to spend time hunting for a new console) this is a solid, thorough sports sim that still brings a wealth of gameplay to the table.

Disclosures: This game is published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is currently available on XBO, XSX/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. This copy of the game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the Xbox One. Approximately 12 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was not completed. Approximately 6 hours of play were devoted to online multiplayer modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E and contains Mild Lyrics in the in-game music selections. Additionally, this is a lifelike representation of full-contact NFL football, and some tackling animations and injuries may concern some parents.

Colorblind Modes: There are colorblind modes available in the Game Settings menu.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Madden NFL 21 features subtitles and numerous tactile feedback features within the controller, in all modes. The game is easily playable without sound and is fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: No, the game’s controls are not remappable.

The post Madden NFL ’22 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH Laugh-out-loud character names and commentary.

LOW Occasional player versus opponent confusion.

WTF A sandworm eating my star running back.

The Sega Genesis will always hold a special place in my heart, and of its library, few games were more beloved than 1993’s Mutant League Football. It was EA’s anti-Madden by being unapologetically zany and never letting strategy stand in the way of a good time. So, when Digital Dreams announced it was making a spiritual sequel, I was shocked since today’s sports games often take themselves way too seriously, bogged down by competitive online leagues and consumer demand for the tightest graphical and gameplay realism.

An even bigger shock than its mere existence, however, is how terrific Mutant Football League is. (And also, what Digital Dreams got away with.) In essence, it’s a simplified version of Madden and unabashedly reverent to current teams, players and stadiums. It’s so darn clever in doing so, however, I’m guessing that the NFL let it get away with it as a result.

Who’s the greatest player of all time? Why quarterback Bomb Shady, of course, who plays for the Nuked London Hatriots. But it’s only fun and games until the Malice Hellboys and Shriekial Helliot come to town. Want to relieve the heart-stopping Mayhem Bowl? Sick Souls of the Killadelphia Evils is ready and waiting to prove doubters wrong.

Being Mutant League, teams are comprised of skeletons, ogres, demons and robots, big and small. Size does matter, as the type of damage one can inflict on opponents is perhaps the most critical factor in a game. Kill enough of the opposing team’s star players and the pendulum swings considerably, so players will whack each other endlessly in hopes of knocking down life meters while deadly stadiums capture the essence of their would-be respective cities via custom traps and hazards that are indicative of team name and locale.

If stuff like this wasn’t already irreverent enough, things get really crazy when stadium nuances combine with trick plays that would only be possible here. During one match, my running back eyed a route through some fire pits to take out a chasing safety, except the opposition smartly elected a thunder clap trick play at the snap — and yes, it was literally a storm bolt which shocked the runner and freed the ball. Another defender recovered only to get knocked dead by the opposition, which triggered a second fumble. The offense picked it up, but then… got eaten by a giant sand worm.

Amazingly, the play-by-play captured all of this in real time, with terrific quips and inside jokes. Be warned, though — vulgarity does appear in commentary, but can be turned off in the options menu. Oh, and the halftime show? Look forward to controlling a player running for his life from referee zombies while hoping to survive for 30 seconds.

While this is all good so far, my primary criticism with Mutant Football League is about the slightly muddied graphics. This becomes an issue in bunched-up running or passing plays when it can be difficult to distinguish who’s who. This can lead to missed coverage or catches, and also to unnecessary struggles to gain yards on the ground. It becomes less of a problem over time once the player gets used to it, but it’s still a noticeable wart that must be forgiven before one can fully enjoy the game.

A lesser criticism apart from the visuals is that the game may appear to be a one-trick pony to those unfamiliar with the original 1993 version. To those with no nostalgia for it, I could imagine Mutant Football League seeming like nothing more than a watered-down version of Madden with an idiosyncratic sense of humor.

One final thing to note — for me, the greatest draw of Mutant Football League will always be its online mode, where two friends can have a blast unleashing chaos on each other. Unfortunately, at the time of review, I couldn’t snare a single online opponent. Prospective players should be aware that the online community seems small for this one, so be ready to spend a lot of time playing against the AI unless a friend can be convinced to buy a copy of their own.

Despite those issues, it’s hard to deny that all in all, Mutant Football League is exactly what a reboot should be. It successfully channels the spirit of its inspiration, it will please the niche audience that remembers it, and it’s impossible not to appreciate all the TLC that must have gone into its creation. Good strategy will win games and the playbook is not shallow, but it’s impossible not to love a game where victory can also be won by killing the opposing team’s best players. Rating: 7 out of 10

Disclosures: This game is developed and distributed by Digital Dreams Entertainment. A copy of the game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on PS4. Approximately 12 hours of play were devoted the game’s three modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated M and contains Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mature Humor, Strong Language, and Violence. Characters can stomp on opponents after tackling them and use weapons to bludgeon or shoot them. Gameplay contains frequent splashes of blood, as well as decapitations/dismemberments with certain weapons. In-game commentary contains frequent instances of mature humor, sometimes suggestive/sexual or drug referenced in nature. The words “f**k,” “sh*t,” and “a*shole” appear in the dialogue.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Gamers: Audio is not required to play this game, and subtitles are available throughout. It’s fully accessible.

Remappable Controls: Controls are not remapabble.

Colorblind Modes: There are no colorblind modes available in the options.

The post Mutant Football League Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

HIGH: The new pass placement and receiver mechanics are the best series additions since the magic stiff arm of Madden '97…

LOW: … and the Dynamic Drive Goals feature is the worst.

WTF: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms have the collective personality of a dial tone.

If there's one constant in sports gaming, it's the ongoing hope that "next year" will be the year a franchise works out the bugs, tunes up the features, and finally delivers a realistic, immersive experience. But very rarely does a game accomplish this, as for every NHL '95, there's an NHL 15.

In fact, outside of 2K's sterling NBA games, sports gamers endure an annual ritual of wondering "what if?" rather than enjoying the game they're currently playing. Well, these fans can rejoice because NFL 16 might very well be the definitive version of Madden, and it's the best iteration since the series got rid of passing windows.

When first booting Madden NFL 16, EA takes players right into the action via its now-expected intro scenarios. This year, we're treated to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, but make no mistake, the inspiration behind the game's new features plays for the New York Giants. Yeah, it's pretty clear that this year's cover boy–Odell Beckham Jr.–is there for more than just box art.

Beckham, known for his amazing array of acrobatic circus catches, inspired EA Tiburon to reevaluate the level of control players have over catches. You see, despite 20 years of annual updates, the core gameplay of Madden NFL hadn't wavered: Snap the ball, choose a receiver by pressing a corresponding button, and wait for the ball to land.

Sure, there were some new levels of interaction added over the years. Taking control of a receiver, jumping for extended reach, and even controlling routes were introduced in recent editions. But ultimately, these modes were enhancements, not improvements.

In comparison, Madden NFL 16 is a true evolution. Now, users can make post-snap adjustments to aim passes high, low or wide toward a selected receiver. Then, in a swift moment, the options change to adjust how a receiver fights and positions himself for a catch.

To summarize, lob passes now have increased effectiveness, outstretched arms offer more control, and the days of "chuck and pray" are long gone. If players throw a bad interception, there's no one to blame but themselves. In turn, player ratings take on much more meaning this time around. Whereas the game once demonstrated a highly-rated receiver by making his digital hands stickier, the in-game Beckhams and Edelmans now have improved abilities by way of these new mechanics, and it's a level of interaction that entirely changes the post-snap dynamic. Users don't ever have to use these tools, but once they do the experience feels naked without them.

Sadly, this tremendous advancement is coupled with a new feature that misses the mark completely–Dynamic Drive Goals. With this feature activated, in-game play is "enhanced" by specific goals similar to Achievements or Trophies.

For example, while playing with the Browns, the game might offer an XP boost for completing six consecutive passes with Johnny Manziel. Or, the game might reward users for running three successive plays with the same running back.

Now, I know I'm new to Gamecritics, but here's something readers will hear from me more than once–no sports game achievement, trophy, level upgrade or bonus item should ever require users to play the game outside the nature of the sport itself. Real NFL teams would never run the same play six times in a row, nor would they run down the clock by ending the game with consecutive first downs. This addition is unnatural, distracting, and the only black mark on an otherwise-stunning package of gameplay and visuals.

Technically, online play is much-improved and the servers keep things moving at a rapid clip. There was usually only a minute or two between choosing a lobby and kicking off, and in-game play was lag-free. The only hiccups I encountered came from a sore loser rapidly pausing and restarting, trying in vain to get me to jump offsides.

Aesthetically, the look and feel of Madden hasn't changed too much from last year's edition. However, graphics are brighter and smoother, and much of the shimmering has been removed during camera pans. Likewise, player faces and uniforms are sharper and more accurate, and animations don't seem as unnaturally pronounced.

Speaking of animations, this season's upgrades bring some much-needed diversification to the running game. Now tailbacks will roll, dodge and break tackles more fluidly than ever, while tackle animations aren't nearly as over-the-top as previous editions. And quarterbacks–long saddled with awkward release animations–now toss the ball more naturally, with player-specific gestures in tow.

While the animations are good, the audio continues the series's legacy of sub-par performance. The commentary team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms would have been better suited for EA's latest golf game, and players will hear most of the unique quips numerous times early in the season. What's missing is the level of conversation that real analysts have, including historical and topical statements. Most players I've interacted with tend to mute the commentary, and this game doesn't give much reason to change that pattern. That said, one only needs to look at the FIFA series for a lesson in how to pull this off.

Despite a handful of missteps, the sheer immersion of Madden NFL 16's gameplay makes this the best football video game since the series's salad days, and the most improved football experience since NFL Gameday first graced the PS1. I realize this is a lot of hyperbole for what many expected to be another annual update, but after years of waiting, "next year" might finally have arrived for enthusiasts, and it arrived in grand fashion. Gamers who usually wait to buy annual Madden titles, this is the year to finally stop asking "what if?" Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Disclosures: This game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the PS4. Approximately 10 hours of play were devoted to the single-player mode, and the game was completed. 6 hours of play were spent in multiplayer modes.

Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated E for everyone. Online interactions are not rated, but based on what my multiplayer opponents had to say about my mother, parents should use caution before allowing children to play online.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing: The game's audio (commentary, music and sound effects) are a key portion of the game. While force feedback and vibration enhance the experience and the on-screen prompts accurately move the game forward, there is distinctly less immersion for gamers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The post Madden NFL 16 Review appeared first on Gamecritics.com.

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