We live in strange times after we do not have a Ridge Racer or a Koei Warriors game in a console launch lineup. Left standing is EA Sports’ Madden, specifically the PlayStation 4 version of this year’s Madden 25. Unlike with last year’s unfortunate Madden NFL 13 at the Wii U, there isn’t any indication that any features from the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions were deleted within the PS4 game. When paging throughout the multiple menus of modes, I’m reminded of ways fully featured Madden 25 was at its initial launch, from the brand new Connected Franchise mode to Ultimate Team.
If something can sum up sports games in 2013, it’s that that’s the year of the foot plant. Seeing players stop for a microsecond to plant their feet to alter directions is a subtle but huge change. It looks as if athletes are now running at the field or court. It is all the more meaningful to positions like running backs, who’ve to barter their well beyond defenders with effective jukes. It’s been my favorite improvement to Madden 25, and it takes just a couple of game sessions to get used to; unlearning the last decade-old feeling of players running on smooth surfaces is worthwhile.
EA Sports hopes that fans will appreciate much more subtle improvements within the PS4 version. Crowds reacting to meaningful plays is long overdue. The audience finally understands what an immense deal it’s to transform a third-and-long right into a first down. The PS4 version can be better at giving life to the sidelines, like press photographers moving which include a play. After half a dozen matches because the 49ers, i spotted that it’d be a very long time before we’ve got a Madden that manages to motion-capture Jim Harbaugh in all his unrestrained animated glory.
It’s also satisfying to peer receivers put effort into attempting to stay inbounds while creating a catch, a feature that EA was looking to determine for years. With that solved, I’d just like the studio to target implementing a greater variety of animations when a defender fails at intercepting a ball. Even in 2013, a leaping defender in Madden will still let a ball bounce off his outstretched arms even if he’s out inside the open.
Crowds reacting to meaningful plays is long overdue. The audience finally understands what a massive deal it’s to transform a third-and-long right into a first down.
Madden 25 for the PS4 also introduces a far-improved pass blocking system, though I admit that it might have taken me more time to note it had it not been for a contemporary hands-on preview session with EA. I had a neater appreciation for this enhancement while watching camera-zoomed replays. This transformation was especially apparent when I fired up the PlayStation 3 version and saw the marked contrast inside the pass blocking, especially during three-man rushes.
Regarding PS4-specific functionality, EA makes practical use of the touchpad, allowing you to set a receiver in motion on the line of scrimmage. You can even call timeouts by pressing at the pad. For the standout Madden PS4-specific feature, it’s good to take yourself out of the console and experience the sport at the Vita via Remote Play. Assassin’s Creed IV at the Vita was impressive enough, even though there has been a slight video delay between the television and the Vita. That makes the only-to-one, no-delay Remote Play performance of Madden 25 even better. Remote Play works like a lot of games at the Wii U that allow you to play the whole game using the GamePad screen. Because the Vita doesn’t have L2, R2, L3, and R3 buttons, virtual versions of these inputs are available at the rear touch. It does make an effort to get used to, especially when it looks like the exact opposite level of comfort in comparison to the wonderful PS4 controller. There’s also an understandable reduction in frame rate, but Remote Play continues to be a welcome convenience in case your spouse desires to use the television.
Eight hours into this enhanced port, I’m still conflicted on Madden 25 for the PS4. The visual improvements are noticeable, corresponding to the 3D model crowds, but they are not mind-blowing within the way NBA 2K14 is for the PS4. That said, I’m optimistic football fans who cast off getting Madden 25 on either the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 will find that it was definitely worth the wait. It’s simply too bad the $10 PS3-to-PS4 upgrade promotion would not extend to Madden 25, although EA is offering it to Battlefield 4 players.
I’ll have both my reviews of Madden 25 at the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One later next week.