Madden NFL 24, the latest addition to EA’s virtual football game series, was released on August 18, 2023. The virtual Gridiron game promised to be the best in the business, boasting improvements made to some technology features while introducing other new tech features. Having played 60 or more hours of Madden 24, and switching between game modes like I was using every play in the entire playbook, I’m finally ready to dive into the end zone.
Madden NFL 24 Gameplay & Graphics: A Playbook They Can Be Proud Of
The gameplay and graphics have improved from Madden NFL 23 to Madden NFL 24, but the leap between the two games wasn’t a massive one. Only if you pay close attention to detail will you notice how much FieldSENSE has improved and how well the new Sapien technology looks and feels on Madden 24. These new tech features hold a lot of promise for what the future has in store, and honestly, it can only get better.
“The authenticity is up there with some of the best sports games to drop in 2023, possibly ranking as one of the most realistic and immersive in the genre.”
The Unreal Engine does Madden NFL 24 justice. From player animations to the upgraded throwing and catching mechanics, the gameplay is extremely smooth and pleasing. Both Image Quality and Performance Mode offer a pleasing experience. A massive gain of yardage on this play for EA. The authenticity is up there with some of the best sports games to drop in 2023, possibly ranking as one of the most realistic and immersive in the genre.
Rushing, Passing, and Defending Are Amazing: It’s in the Game!
Rushing, passing, and defending are all major components of the game, and I feel that Madden NFL 24 excelled in this department.
“You can turn simple HB tosses into 50 to 60-yard carries up the field, sometimes going all the way and scoring a touchdown.”
Rushing the Ball for Big Gains in Madden 24
A big improvement was made to the rushing game. Previously, you would struggle to break a defensive line, and it was generally hard to gain huge yardage on a rush play, especially if you didn’t pick up the Blitz defense. Now, if you spot a gap, even with the Blitz in play, you can exploit the gap with ease. You can turn simple HB tosses into 50 to 60-yard carries up the field, sometimes going all the way and scoring a touchdown. If you know your way around the sticks and are All-Madden, the rushing game will be a staple and the only play you run with in the playbook. Pun intended!
Passing the Ball Downfield in Madden 24
Corner routes, inward routes, and most passing routes work well, particularly if your Quarterback is one of the best in the game and your Wide Receivers match his talent. If you know what pass type to use for a specific play, your chances of completing passes are higher and more frequent. With this in mind, it’s quite clear that FieldSENSE offers players more control.
Defending in Madden NFL 24
Guess the offensive play with the proper defensive setup, and you are guaranteed a sack, no gains, or yards lost on the play. If you don’t know football like those who live, eat, and breathe it, you’ll be able to decide on plays easily with the coach’s options in the playbook. This has helped the defensive side of the game massively, making it easier to decide on what play to make. The feeling when you drop an opposition player is unmatched and something that will constantly make you feel like you’ve got the power.
Madden NFL 24 Game Modes: A Change in the Lineup is Needed
There is a game mode for every player, yes, and you really do enjoy chopping and changing between each of them when you get tired of playing one. However, the similarities in tasks, training, and gameplay make the novelties quickly wear out. Indeed, game modes were removed, and in their place are noteworthy substitutes that are either new or have returned to the game, filling the void left between 2013 and now.
I’m with everyone when I say I love the new Superstar Showdown. The three-on-three game mode is a great way to break away from the usual Gridiron game of 11 vs. 11. The Mini-Games are both a hit and a miss. Some of the drills are a lot of fun and remind me of the good ol’ days. It’s a nice blast from the past. Meanwhile, other drills seem pointless and defeat the purpose of some of the plays you make in a match. This is especially true for Quarterbacks and the target throwing drill.
“This is where EA fumbled the ball, and where Madden NFL 24 lacks the most. Taking into account the significant improvements made to specific game modes and the lackluster efforts made to others, I’ve concluded that this aspect of the game shows not all Madden players were taken into consideration.”
The saddest of them all is Franchise Mode, which appears as if it was starved of creative thought completely. If you compare the differences and upgrades between Franchise Mode, Madden Ultimate Team, and Superstar Mode, you’ll quickly notice where all the creative energy was spent. Madden NFL 24 Franchise Mode is almost identical to Madden NFL 23. If there wasn’t a need for a roster update and new kits, there would almost be no need to pick up this year’s Madden iteration.
In all honesty, I can’t help but sink hours into Madden Ultimate Team, trying to complete as many objectives as possible while earning as many rewards as I can before switching the game off. I predict it will be that way for all players. If you find a mode you love to play, you’ll likely keep switching on Madden NFL 24, head straight for your preferred mode, and play for hours on end. The game modes offer little difference from one another. If you’ve played one game mode, you’ve played them all.
This is where EA fumbled the ball, and where Madden NFL 24 lacks the most. Taking into account the significant improvements made to specific game modes and the lackluster efforts made to others, I’ve concluded that this aspect of the game shows not all Madden players were taken into consideration.
UI: It’s Like Calling the Same Play, but with Different Players
If you were hoping for something completely new, like a revamped theme or seeing a player return as the star of the Madden NLF 24 cover, you will be sorely disappointed. If you were hoping for a similar theme to other Madden titles, then you’ll be happy to know that they’ve stayed with what works, but cleaned it up and gave the UI a small and subtle facelift.
“If you’re a first-timer, you might struggle to understand what’s going on in MUT. However, with time and plenty of reading, you’ll soon get into the swing of things.”
Thanks to the small alterations made to the menus, it’s easy to find your way around Madden and understand how each game mode works. Madden Ultimate Team takes some getting used to, and if you’re a first-timer, you might struggle to understand what’s going on in MUT. However, with time and plenty of reading, you’ll soon get into the swing of things.
Conclusion
In closing, one cannot hide from the few missed tackles in Madden NFL 24. However, if you ask me if these mishits spoiled the enjoyment of the overall gameplay, I would give you a strong no. EA has made it easy for new players to learn the game quickly and easily improve. Seasoned Madden players, on the other hand, may feel let down and see this one as more of the same.
To sum all of this up in one sentence; it feels as though Madden NFL 24 is just missing that “WOW” factor that takes the game from good to great. EA made it all the way to a 1st & Goal but fumbled on the final drive, failing to score with Madden NFL 24. If you buy the game, you won’t be wasting your money. If you don’t buy the game, you won’t be missing much.
- Great gameplay
- Madden Ultimate Team is a lot of fun
- Superstar Showdown is a nice new edition
- Gets monotonous
- Similar design to Madden NFL 23
- Lacks a bit of creativity
