Madden NFL 24 boasts the most exciting on-field action in years, but its potential is hampered by a bloated structure reminiscent of an NFL broadcast overloaded with commercials. Instead of ads, however, Madden 24 bombards players with relentless loading screens, interrupting the flow and diminishing the enjoyment of the improved gameplay.
As a player who appreciates the finer details of football, I revel in analyzing blocking techniques and tackling animations. The foundational changes in Madden 24 cater to this analytical approach, offering a level of realism unseen in previous iterations. While far from perfect, and not even necessarily “good,” it’s a serviceable experience, especially considering its monopoly on the football gaming market.
josh-allen-madden-24.jpgMadden NFL 24’s on-field gameplay is a significant improvement, though still flawed.
Madden NFL 24 doesn’t perfectly simulate football, but it plays a decent game of “Madden.” Existing fans will likely find this edition satisfactory, but those disillusioned by past entries will encounter familiar frustrations. Expect to witness inexplicable blocking failures (despite overall blocking improvements), inaccurate fade routes, and questionable AI decisions on both offense and defense. While route running and pass breakups feel more natural, even these aspects exhibit occasional glitches. Past experience suggests these inconsistencies will likely worsen with extended playtime, impacting dedicated players more than casual gamers.
Despite these flaws, the direction of the on-field action is promising. It’s genuinely fun to play at a surface level, making the surrounding issues even more disappointing.
madden-24-jaire-celebration.jpgWhile improved gameplay encourages continued play, the surrounding issues create significant barriers.
If the gameplay hadn’t improved, the broken elements surrounding it wouldn’t matter as much. The desire to keep playing, however, is constantly thwarted by the game’s shortcomings. Madden Ultimate Team (MUT), the primary revenue driver, suffers from more than just microtransactions. Its broken menus, particularly the cumbersome objective menu, make navigation a chore, deterring even high-spending players.
Other modes fare no better. The revived Superstar Mode, restricted to quarterback, running back, wide receiver, middle linebacker, and cornerback, lacks depth. The limited narrative feels pointless, and the absence of off-field gear customization is a curious omission. This mode ultimately feels like a shallow afterthought.
madden-nfl-24-justin-jefferson.jpgSuperstar mode feels like a missed opportunity, lacking the depth and customization options fans crave.
Superstar Showdown, the successor to The Yard, remains largely pointless. While the increased one-on-one matchups offer some improvement, a full NFL Street remake would better satisfy arcade fans. Franchise mode, while not extensively reviewed, offers a few noteworthy changes like improved draft classes and relocation options, but these are minor positives within a sea of questionable design choices.
This review may appear harsh, but Madden NFL 24 warrants the criticism. For those simply seeking a quick game of football, it’s the best the series has offered in recent years. The on-field product, while imperfect, is enjoyable, a significant improvement over the past decade.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Madden NFL 24 was reviewed on PlayStation 5 using a review copy provided by the publisher. The game launched on August 15 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.
