Madden NFL 25

Game review by Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media
Madden NFL 25 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Milestone 25th Madden game drops the ball on innovation.

PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 2013
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Madden NFL 25 is a sports simulation that tries to model all aspects of pro football from play calling to running, passing, defending, and tackling to team management. There isn't any controversial content built into the game, but be aware that kids who play online with a headset microphone can engage in voice chat and might hear profanity and other inappropriate words or discussions.

Community Reviews

ThegoodReviewer
ThegoodReviewer Adult
November 11, 2013
age 9+

One of the best Madden games in hostory!

One of the best Madden games in history! It's a good game but to play it you have to be aware of football, otherwise the kid playing will have a hard time understanding. The parent should be with the child just in case he or she does not understand. It's an awesome game and is worth 50 USD!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much consumerism
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

Available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 -- and in November, for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 -- MADDEN NFL 25 from EA Sports is the latest in the best-selling pro football game franchise, commemorating 25 years' worth of virtual NFL fun. New this year are 30 bonus moves; a precision modifier for adding some spice and variation to moves like jukes and stiff arms; and a new Owner mode that lets you do everything from signing and trading players to setting prices for tickets, merchandise, and concession stands to renovating your home stadium (or even moving to another city, if desired). The game also boasts an updated physics engine for smoother and more realistic animation including a new Force Impact system for bone-crushing hits.

Is It Any Good?

On one hand, it's still a fun and exciting game to play. It captures the intensity of professional football, and lets you play as your favorite teams and players. There's also a lot of meat to the gameplay between playing online or side-by-side and among the various modes. The new tackling and "run free" moves offer a few new thrills too. On the other hand, the core gameplay remains relatively unchanged from last year, and the visual presentation is in need of a refresh. There's not enough new here to necessitate an upgrade if you still have Madden NFL 13, but if it's been awhile since your last Madden purchase, and you're intrigued by the 25th anniversary edition of the premiere NFL game franchise, go for it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the fact that Madden NFL comes out every year like clockwork. Is it fair to pay the same price year after year for a few new features and new rosters?

  • Are professional athletes positive role models? Should they be expected to be?

  • Which sport do you think makes the best video game experience? Why do you think that is? Is that sport also your favorite to play outside of a video game?

Game Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Madden NFL 13 Poster Image

    Madden NFL 13

    Fun football sim gets facelift and expands ways to play.

    age 8+
  • NHL 13 Poster Image

    NHL 13

    Fast, fun, and realistic hockey game shoots and scores.

    age 10+
  • NBA 2K13 Poster Image

    NBA 2K13

    Excellent pro basketball sim now with 1992 Dream Team.

    age 8+

For kids who love football and other sports games

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