Madden 25 update almost makes it a new game with over 800 playbook changes

I frequently criticize EA and Madden NFL, and they often deserve it. However, hats off to them for their amazing January 8th update. The improvements alone would have garnered widespread acclaim, but the bug fixes are truly impressive. For instance, a significant issue was resolved that prevented ballcarriers from performing Superman dives when playing on conservative settings.

However, that’s not all; there were a staggering 800 modifications made to the game’s strategy manuals, featuring numerous innovative formations and some iconic plays that shaped our beloved teams’ seasons. For instance, the Washington Commanders’ playbook incorporated a novel formation called Pistol Doubles Hip. This setup led to Terry McLaurin’s touchdown in the “Scary” play, which ignited a 42-14 rout over the Arizona Cardinals during Week 4.

For the last couple of seasons, Madden has been introducing fresh gameplays, but not as many as he did this year, all at once. By the way, the Madden Championship Series is ongoing. I have a feeling that with so many new strategies being introduced, the current meta will undoubtedly undergo some changes.

EA Sports previously held a significant amount of our funds, but next month, their games will be accessible via subscription services at no additional cost – a turn of events that required effort on their part, though it may seem unnecessary to some. Today, I have nothing but respect for EA Sports.

Here’s the full list of changes:

Gameplay

Enhancing the strength required to perform a physics-based tackle on intercept attempts, thereby decreasing the number of missed interceptions.

Or simply put, making tackles stronger and more effective, which leads to fewer missed interceptions.

Note for Developers: We’ve been receiving a lot of feedback about an excessive number of lost interceptions. It appears that many of these losses were due to catch knockouts based on physics. In this update, we’ve boosted the force required to trigger a catch knockout on interceptions, which should lead to fewer dropped interceptions. This change in gameplay will only affect Competitive Game Style play.

Adjusting the settings to make it easier for players to have a definite catch opportunity during interceptions, given their ratings are lower, specifically in the Competitive Gameplay mode. This modification will take effect only while playing on Competitive Game Style.

Reduced the accuracy of High Throw mechanic passes on Competitive Gamestyle.

Note for Developers: To enhance game balance between offense and defense, we’re lowering the success rate of powerful throws. While the mechanic will still be useful, players won’t be able to rely on it as often when playing in Competitive Game Style. Regarding Ball Carrier Coaching Adjustment, users controlling ball carriers will no longer have the option to dive when their setting is set to Conservative.

Note for Developers: Users can still slide and surrender when their Ball-Carrier Coach Setting is Conservative. However, they will no longer have access to the high leaping dive animation. Instead, regardless of whether users tap or hold X/Square, they will only be able to execute a Slide or Surrender action.

Increased the chance of catch knockouts when a receiver is hit immediately after the catch point.

Note for Developers: Based on player feedback regarding wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends maintaining possession of the ball too persistently after being hit hard at the catch point, our aim is to ensure that highly skilled Catch-In-Traffic players can still hold onto passes when being hit while attempting to secure the catch. However, for less skillful Catch-In-Traffic players, the ball should come loose on close-quarter hits in those high-impact plays.

In competitive play mode, we’ve made an improvement to address the problem where the ball carrier would spin on the ground after a tackle due to the physics-based tackling system.

Re-examined a problem with the assigned role for the outside receiver during the Gun Trips Slot Close: Blast play, which was incorrectly set and resulted in improper blocking execution on this specific play.

Playbooks

Huddle up!

Prior to diving into our usual Gridiron Notes analysis, let’s discuss the over 800 modifications across every NFL team’s playbook, which have been derived directly from actual game strategies and play-calling.

Today’s Title Update showcases innovative offensive strategies, with over 800 adjustments made exclusively to offensive playbooks. Among these changes are some plays that are completely new to Madden, having gained popularity during the 2024-2025 NFL season.

Using Justin Jefferson’s 97-yard Week Two touchdown as an example, Minnesota now has the Shot Post play in their offensive strategy. You can tailor the Shot Post route that resulted in Jefferson’s impressive score!

Sample New Formations:

49ers

Gun Bunch Spread Nasty

Chiefs

Gun Bunch Spread Nasty

As an avid fan, I’m thrilled to share that we’ve introduced a fresh move in the game: The “Terry’s TD Cross”! This play was inspired by Terry McLaurin’s outstanding touchdown he scored in Week Four against Arizona. Get ready to make some exciting plays on the field!

Chargers

Gun Bunch Spread

Falcons

Gun Bunch Spread

Pistol Doubles Hip

Jaguars

Gun Bunch Spread Nasty

Packers

Gun Bunch Spread

Rams

Gun Bunch Spread

Seahawks

Gun Bunch Spread Nasty

Vikings

Gun Bunch Spread Nasty

Notable New Plays:

In this update, we’ve added authentic Jordan 1 Vapor Edge Cleats, Jordan 3 Cement Cleats, and a selection of unique face masks such as the Light Robot Jagged Facemask, Robot 808 Jagged Facemask. Additionally, we have scanned and included the likenesses of several players: Jaylen Warren (RB, Steelers), Ryan Kelly (C, Colts), Donovan Wilson (SS, Cowboys), Wyatt Teller (G, Browns), Skylar Thompson (QB, Dolphins), Aidan O’Connell (QB, Raiders), Jake Haener (QB, Saints), Luke Musgrave (TE, Packers). Lastly, we’ve introduced the Madden PlayerCard and NFL Team Pass feature.

The Madden PlayerCard is a fresh personalization option where you can create a distinct PlayerCard showcasing elements from your beloved NFL team! Customize your Background, Profile Picture, Border, and Badges to reflect your favorite club. Your PlayerCard will be visible in online matches to other Madden gamers. To access content related to specific NFL teams, an in-game purchase is necessary, along with gameplay to unlock the items.

The NFL Team Pass is an innovative goal-based system, where players can access exciting, thematically-aligned content for their Madden PlayerCards by choosing their preferred team. Accomplish various tasks spanning diverse game modes to unveil the most enticing NFL Team Pass items.

Read More

2025-01-10 03:58