Madden NFL 25 (Madden 14) Retrospective 

Frostbite ruined Madden, they should have stuck with Ignite. Ignite had much better AI and gameplay.

EA should’ve never started using the Frostbite engine for Madden.

Knowing EA they’ll call Madden 25 “Madden 25 2”

Madden 25 was the best franchise experience I’ve had. It all went downhill from here. I just bought it and NCAA 14 again to relive that feeling.

The custom draft class stories is still one of the best additions to franchise

I got involved just like Paul. After Madden 25, I had become so wrapped up in football that I created a Twitter page to help out high school football players in my state. It was a hobby, something I could do at night, and in some weird way it felt sort of like I was simulating NCAA 14, but in real life. Real college football coaches started to follow my page, head coaches for major P5 programs even. I was still not yet ready to do much scouting, but after a few years, and a lot of learning about the game, I started scouting more in-depth. Then I started to network with the college coaches, going to major conventions and meeting them in person. They started taking a deeper interest in what I was doing, even paying me as a certified NCAA scout. Over the last 5 years I've helped thousands of high school players get into college, and it all really started with what Madden 25 and NCAA 14 brought. I had played many games before that, but after those games it just felt like I needed to take my passion for football further. I really have not had the urge to play any football game over the last few years, because what I do in the real football world. It's amazing, and anyone can do it. It just takes a real passion for the sport and time.

“Go play real football” lol I’ll just keep playin 2k5

One of the most underrated features of all time was draft champions. Everyone would get to play with a team they drafted. It was completely free and super fun. But now it is pay to win and you have to grind on ultamite team just to play it. A small feature from madden 16 they ruined

"Probably the closest a Madden game has ever gotten to being realistic" ... That's kind of the most important part and probably why I liked it.

One of the few good features that don’t exist anymore is the fact you can import draft classes from NCAA 14 to Madden 25.

This just shows how EA has went so downhill, it's embarassing

EA Sport's needs to go back to using a physics based engine for Madden and with the current crop of consoles there should be no excuse.

One thing I forgot about this game was that legends would come out of retirement. I remember the first time seeing Randy Moss and Ray Lewis in the news tab and I freaked!

This was the best and most realistic tackling/player interactions madden ever had, cause damn near ever tackle was different you wouldn’t see the same tackling 20 time like the animation driven game play they are using now

Madden 25 was the last madden that felt like we were actually playing a game, rather than watching 25% canned animations and only 75% gameplay

This was the first Madden I ever played and I still love it. To this day, I still import draft classes from NCAA 14 into the game. I’ve had a Saints franchise going for like 5 years now, and once did an entire career mode with my quarterback character.

I was waiting for this because Madden 25 is so underated.

This is easily the best gameplay, I recently tried to play 05, 12, 2k5( all of which I love) and I'm sorry 25 was the the best gameplay. It also had legends playable in Franchise roster share had full seasons like NBA 2k. 25 doesn't have the best Franchise or presentation but the gameplay and legends factor is unmatched. It even had game face where I created Bo Jackson with his actual portrait. Also the player models rival Gen 4 with facial detail. It's easily top 3 for me.

Seeing the presentations before a game of madden 25 almost makes me cry now. It is just so sad that the presentation now are lifeless. Unbelievable

This was the last Madden game I genuinely had fun playing and could commit to playing a franchise on, which I did for 15 seasons with my brother. It wasn’t a great game, but it was one I still go back to now because of just how much better it is than Maddens of the present times.

I clicked immediately when I saw the noti

I feel like 2014 was the second 2005. We got Fifa 14(Arguably the best ever), NCAA 14, Madden 25(The last descent Madden), NBA 2K14. It was a pretty awesome year.

Busting out the SNACKOS for this video.

4:19, oh my God it's a fade/corner route that has a proper catch animation.

Madden 2002 retrospective, the one that started the golden era needs a chance

I loved the intro screens when you played a game like the pregame intros that showed the history of the teams it was so cool and would get chills just from that

The ignite engine was weird at first but when it got polished on NCAA and transferred to Madden 25...it was gorgeous

Madden 25 was legit. I remember I was doing a franchise with the titans and I think I was in the 3rd season and kurt Warner and Ray Lewis both came out of retirement and I went and won a SB with the titans

Madden 25 getting its due! Loved this game on XBOne, remember taking the Lions to the Superbowl with Stafford, Megatron and Reggie Bush, and adding Dez Bryant and a 83 OVR rookie TE in Year 2 and dominating.

Looking back, this game is super good

Shoutout to Paul. It’s always heartwarming to see people so passionate about interests. Great video!

been going back and playing 25, it’s pretty fun. The presentation is dope and the menus and news stories and scouting system in franchise is cool. Also the practice scenarios are dope, would love to have those back

Every time you make one of these I immediately boot up the game and actually have fun playing madden.

I need one of these videos a week. Your retrospectives are very insightful and well put together. Not to mention they give me a blast of nostalgia that caused me to go out and dust off my old consoles.

I played madden 25 recently with my cousin and that was the most fun and funniest madden that I played in a LONG time. Madden 25 is one of my faves

I think that when EA gets to Madden 25 again, they will call it, Madden 25 "Remastered".

I started playing this game again after I saw that you were going to do a retrospective on it. I’ve really enjoyed playing it, it’s glitchy but the gameplay isn’t completely animated based, it’s way more physic based which feels so much more fun. I even did updated rosters on it and it completely trumps newer madden games today. Great video, love the channel

One of my favorite things to do in Madden was to make cupcake teams and rebuild them. So since that isn't an option in 25, I would take one of the worst teams, gut them of all their current players, and sign 60's-70's rated players. In this way I found some real gems. Now, I simulate and watch games, I don't user control anyone so take that for what it is worth. QB: Tim Tebow (FA): No, really. He starts of pretty terrible, but stick with him, invest in his throwing accuracies, and in the right system you will see him start to turn it around in the last 1/3 of the season. HB: Andre Ellington (3rd string Cardinals): Easy to trade for, will rush for well over 1,000 yards and decent TDs so long as you can keep him healthy, and will do so in just about any system. Also a good receiver. I believe the secret to his success is his extremely high BCV rating as a rookie. HB: Jeff Demps (FA): Absolute speed demon that is a great return specialist. In a limited role can be a huge home run hitter as a running back. FB: Spencer Ware (SEA?) He was used as a RB in KC, so he has more speed and running skills than most FB, and not much blocking. Just work on that with progression. WR: Ryan Swope (FA): The guy just makes amazing catches. WR: Brian Banks (FA): Speed and is also a lethal return man like Demps. Work on his hands and you got a crazy fast deep threat. TE: DC Jefferson: A great run blocker and deceptively good receiver. Is a little slow, but that doesn't seem to stop him. LT: Demarcus Love (FA), LG: Nate Menkin (HOU?), C: Jason Slowey (FA) LE: Thaddeous Gibson (FA): 4-3 speed rushing DE RE: Ronnell Lewis (FA): 4-3 Speed/Power rushing DE LOLB: Aaron Maybin: 3-4 pass rusher, or 4-3 rushing DE MLB: Brian Rolle CB: Demarcus Van Dyke FS: Jerron McMillan SS: Christian Thompson K: Caleb Sturgis P: Marquette King

love your channel especially the retrospectives I can't wait to see more in the future!

I had this on my 360 and LOVED it. I wish I had it back

I loved the physics tackling it felt like real football! Though rag doll like if EA built on this, Madden would be the most realistic greatest football game ever

That 1 dislike is probably a 9 year old kid saying, "Madden is great" NO IT IS NOT

I have a series currently runninh on this game on my channel. Rebuilding the Jaguars. The gameplay just is not as animation based as Madden 21. It feels much better to play

I loved the hall of fame players in franchise mode

I'm still playing Madden 25 to this day. Madden 08 and NCAA 08 too, and of course NFL 2K5.

I haven't played madden/video games in maybe a decade. But I love yr videos. Keep it up my guy.

I got a madden 21 ad lmao great vid easily the best madden of this generation

Madden 04 was my favorite. Mike Vick was straight up unstoppable.

In madden 20 (I don't have 21) when you select your running back as an undrafted free agent, ur the starter, in madden 25 you would either be the 3rd or 4th string rb, same goes for every other position

I've been waiting for this one. This the first game that I started to really notice there were problems with the series and I still enjoyed it somewhat

Amazing video brotha 💕🙏🏿

I remember back then I thought the transition to Frostbite was so cool. It made the game look so much better, but in a sense, honestly ruined the game. Same thing with FIFA.

Dont forget how u can put ur draft classes from ncaa 14 into 25 🤠

This is my favorite Madden of the last decade. I put in a ton of time in that franchise mode. The stories for certain draft candidates added so much depth.

The team intros remain undefeated holy shit brings me back

I took the advice at the end of this video. (Kinda) and have started playing flag football for a local team in England. And I agree. It's alot more fun than playing madden. This video was the first spark in me looking for a team. Thank you.

Yes I’ve been waiting for this

Lots of great memories playing this game with my brother.

I loved Paul's story at the end of this video. Hope you're doing well down in South America with the football league, Paul.z

Even though Madden 15-17 were bad, they were still playable because they didn’t have the Frostbite engine

Madden 15 wasn’t terrible 🤷🏾‍♂️

I was a big fan of 2k on the Dreamcast, love your vids👊🏻

Easily one of my favourite Maddens. Back before I played online. Loved how it played

It seemed more realistic than madden 12 and it was lifelike it brought new things and things from the old ones. It gave the ability to play as your favorite hall of famer. It had good regression for slipping players, and incredible progression for future stars. It had my favorite commentary team ever. It was always fun to play.

First like! I love this Madden! One of my top 3 Maddens! The gameplay was honestly the best in my opinion! Learning the stick skills and knowing when to use the l trigger when running. The physics was beautiful and made the game more realistic then any other Madden. The Franchise is okay I would say. The overall game was good not great in my opinion

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MY WHOLE LIFE

I love watching these

I bought this game online for $20 about a week ago. Started a franchise this evening and I was blown away how much better this game is compared to the new Madden’s pertaining to gameplay, cut scenes, franchise mode. The gameplay is just so much smoother I was really shocked how much better the game played. Can’t imagine firing up Madden 2008 or even NFL 2k5.

I love that game: Madden NFL 25 is the best!! Thanks SOFTDRINK TV!!

This is the season in which i got into watching football so softdrink has encouraged me to buy the game

Dude, I've watched 3 of your videos on Madden. And you're saying what I've been saying for YEARS, Madden died once the PS3/Xbox360 came out. Tha k you for your videos.

I played madden 25 on my friends Xbox. We would play the legacy teams and had a blast playing it

25 was the one where I went "ok, I'm out" It wasn't awful but compared to what I was used to at that point, bleh

whichever madden you were able to turn the camera around on defense was the best for me , made defense so much more fun and engaging to play

3:17 ROTFL 😆😆😆 Good ole JR voice: You killed him, you killed him

You should do an NFL Blitz retrospective.

I’ve literally spent hours on the rookie drills in 08

Paul has a good message but when I get off actual football practice im tryn chill and play a good football game

God damn I love this channel

I remember when I first got Madden 25, the First thing I went to do was to go and create my team as I always did. I never got Madden 13, so I didn't know create a team was removed until I got Madden 25. I was soooo pissed about that. One of my favorite things to do was create my own team, my own Stadium and start my franchise with a cupcake roster and rebuild through the virtual years. EA killed the fun, they added relocation teams?! How dumb! Then to top it off then they switched game engines after 25, and the gameplay went right down the drain along with franchise mode. Madden 18 was the last Madden I bought, and I only got it because it was on sale for $20. I Uninstalled it 2 hours later and haven't purchased Madden since. Instead, I bought Madden 12 for ps3 and I play that to fix my create a team itch, and on PC I play NFL 2k5 in 4k for my realistic football simulation itch.

This was the first madden that I ever played since I’m from Australia and NFL isn’t big here. I had so much fun spending hours on player career on my 360

I really liked this game personally, thought it did a lot right. Not perfect by any means, but still very entertaining. Nowadays Madden is an absolute train wreck. Also, is there a chance you could do a video on any FIFA from FIFA 2005 to FIFA 12? Seeing you have covered pretty much all main sports other than soccer/football. Loving the content by the way.

I think one thing that doesn't get talked about enough is player models. They've regressed in my opinion over the years.

not calling it madden 14 was really short sighted considering how close we are now to 2025

Love the presentation in 25. Tackling feels organic.

One small detail that I really enjoyed from PS4 Madden 25 was the fact that the players’ helmets moved on their head whenever they got hit. While it’s something you only notice in the instant replay, a small thing like that showed me the potential for authenticity and realism with Madden

I'll think they'll call 2025 Madden "Madden 35"

The last good Madden. I still play it on for the PS3.

Played all these games. 25 just felt like it couldn't sim right. It had a really cool my player mode though that felt more realistic than 09-12 and a setting where you could be a backup so you could climb depth charts as receiver or hb if you wanted to. Or like progress your QB through a few years and find a team that fit your guy before starting

Things great about Madden 25 due to the Physics based engine. Players had realistic tendincies, for example, Power runners would try to bull rush through the line, and if that didn't work, they'd stretch their arm out to try to make up the yardage, or how Tom Brady, being pretty slow, would try to avoid rolling out if his O-line gave him a clean pocket. The interaction between offensive and Defensive linemen was very good, between the D-line trying to swim, rip, or bull through the O-line, to the O-line trying to hold, or even push their blocks. Refs where on the field and would actually interact with the play, from throwing the flag, to trying to avoid the players. Also, and most importantly, the freaking Challenge/review system actually worked due to the Referee having a tendency toward blowing calls as the play developed in real time, either due to impaired sightlines on the play, or being more worried about avoiding getting bowled over by a 6'2 256 pound freak of Nature.

Sadly Madden 25 will be better than Madden 2025

Special note here Softdrink that you might not know. Josh Looman, the man that was behind NFL Head Coach 09 (which I think is EA's best football game ever) was the project lead for Madden 25. When I heard that I thought, FINALLY, franchise mode is going to get some MAJOR love. Why? Because while many detract from HC09 for not having a user player control game play, almost everything you asked for to be put in newer Maddens was already in that game. A full coaching tree including position coaches, a GM, and a trainer. No cheesy trade logic. Player personalities mattered. RFA was there. Random events like perhaps your team has a player's only meeting and they study the playbook and everyone gets increased play knowledge (oh yeah, intelligence played a role in the game as dumb as a brick guys would not learn plays and would make mistakes like running wrong routes, missing blocks, or blowing coverages) or maybe one player slips and falls down the stairs of the team bus and gets an injury. Scouting was fantasic, presentation was great. Adam Schefter would tell you about up and coming players having break out seasons during the year. You would hear from another NFL talking head about a mock draft. If you drafted a storyline player (that Schefter highlighted before the drat) Mel Proctor would tell you about the pick after they were selected. If you've never experienced this game, you need to because it will blow your mind what EA was able to accomplish back then, and never bothered to integrate in any Madden going forward. Madden 25 was supposed to rebuild franchise after 13 killed it. It was supposed to be rebuilt from the ground up to work with the new engine. It was supposed to be the beginning building block for Franchise mode for Madden to build on going forward, just like you said it felt like it was supposed to be. It was not intended to be the end of the line for franchise mode, but the starting point. Madden's new team at the time decided to go another way and didn't bring Josh back for the rest of the project.

Man, i need to come back to this game after saving some ncaa 14 draft classes and play a fun madden again

I enjoy Madden 25 on PS3 and still play it off and on. Madden 16 was the last Madden to use the Ignite engine I think. I enjoy it kind of. I bring it up because to me that game was last half decent Madden, BUT after a few years in Franchise mode you start to see the cracks in the AI for developing their teams. After a while your team will be sporting Overall scores in the 90s while the next good CPU controlled team will be in the mid 80s. It's tough to keep the game fun and challenging because of that. Anyway loved the video and for me I really like Madden 25. I feel like it has the right balance of features and gameplay. Plus I can incorporate college rosters over from NCAA 14 which is always a plus

Maybe we should start calling out the frostbite engine in videos. It obviously doesn’t do a good job with gameplay even though the graphics r good.

TBH I really love this game bc it really a had a big impact of my childhood. Playing Madden with friends or cousins at party was the best thing ever. And when I wasn't playing with them I would prbly be able to chill and play with my dad. But I was really young and really didn't care about realistic player movement or smart AI. It just was the feeling the game to me, it always wanted me to have every chance to hop on that ps3 and play some madden. Playing in the super bowl with a 99 everything overall HB was my life. And my love for this game will never ever change.

Downloading this joint right now.

This was my first Madden and probably the only one i ever played. Had a lot of fun growing up with it

This was the first one I played

i am tiny man and dont want to get broken in half by a 250 pound linebacker. nice sentiment but no thanks paul