The sports gaming year starts with Madden’s release. It’s the first big sports game out each year followed soon after by NBA 2K, FIFA (now called EA Sports FC), and NHL. Unfortunately, it’s been a while since the Madden releases caused excitement instead of just a bit of interest. One problem is that EA doesn’t have any competition because they have special rights with the NFL until 2026. We’ve seen this with most sports games. As other sports game developers dropped away one by one, EA keeps making small updates every year. Madden NFL 24 falls into this group, but it does have some improvements from last year.

Among other improvements, quarterbacks exhibit more strategic prowess, and players execute blocks more effectively, particularly further up the field to create better running space for receivers. Furthermore, enhanced animations for tackles and ball receptions are present, wherein receivers no longer need to halt to catch the ball; instead, the ball’s trajectory guides their movement. According to EA, they’ve incorporated and updated over 1700 tackling animations.

However, it’s disheartening to note that a significant number of frustrating animations and movements still persist. Computer-controlled players can occasionally completely disregard the ball, and players appear to have slippery hands. Furthermore, they still seem to lack comprehension of the concept of an interception, even when the ball hits them directly in the chest.

Game modes

It’s also hard not to get frustrated when the game constantly pushes you to spend more money. Ultimate Team is front and center as soon as you start playing. “Have you seen these new card packs you can buy in the store?” “Limited edition, available for only X amount of money.” This money-making game mode is mostly unchanged and it’s also a thing I hate in every game that I play. I have already paid $60 for the game, I don’t want to spend more on it!

The only new thing is a Field Pass, which I don’t think players were asking for. Otherwise, it’s exactly what you’d expect – cards with different strengths, a store to buy new card packs, challenges that require different types of in-game currency, matches against computer teams, and online matches. While skill can help you win, it still often feels like you need to pay to get ahead.

So this year, when the series’ future is uncertain, you might expect the developers to focus on neglected modes like Franchise Mode. But not really. I doubt that players will be impressed when they try it out. Training camp is back with eleven different mini-games to improve your players’ skills. Each mini-game, or training, can only be done once during a training camp. Other changes include allowing up to six players in a trade, giving teams the option to move to new cities during the season, some tweaks to the salary system, and better draft classes.

The other significant game mode is the career mode called Superstar. It’s divided into Superstar The League and Superstar Showdown, which replace Face of the Franchise and The Yard, but essentially offer the same experience with new names. It’s exactly what you’ve been getting if you’ve played in recent years. Superstar Showdown is essentially just The Yard, which is American football’s equivalent to FIFA’s Volta or NHL’s World of Chel, with a different appearance.

Verdict

I had expected more from Madden’s “big year.” This was the moment for EA to demonstrate once and for all that “american football” (as it’s known as outside the US), could be appealing even to those not deeply into the sport. However, I find that the game falls short in several aspects. A few improved animations and smarter quarterbacks don’t save it from being, at best, a decent game.

Score: 6/10

Madden NFL 24 is available on Xbox Series X and Series S, PC and PlayStation 5. I reviewed the game on PS5 with a code provided by the publisher.