Madden 27 review: A must-buy
The most common refrain when met with the yearly release of Madden NFL is “it’s the same as last year.” This is never true; there’s always something that EA Sports has worked on to improve the series, but the sentiment is more locked in disappointment that nothing meaningful has changed — at least in the […]
Madden 27 review: A must-buy
The yearly release of Madden NFL has long been met with the sentiment that it's the same as the previous year. However, this year's Madden 27 is anything but typical. Developer EA Sports has worked tirelessly to improve the series, resulting in a game that is ambitious, innovative, and fun.
This edition sees significant improvements to the core gameplay experience, streamlining the act of playing the game itself. Pre-snap adjustments still exist, but they've been vastly simplified for players who don't enjoy entering a complicated system to play the game. Now, your head coach will provide audible suggestions or alignment changes to counter the offense and explain his rationale behind the switch. This feature is particularly beneficial for those learning about football on a deeper level.
A notable innovation in Madden 27 is the timing-based catches mechanic. When the ball is in the air, a timing meter allows for more control over the receiving game, enhancing the overall passing experience. This, combined with an overhauled running game, makes the offensive side of the game feel more engaging than ever.
Moreover, player AI has seen substantial improvements. Now, NFL players truly play like their real-world counterparts, from pressuring QBs like Baker Mayfield to holding onto the ball too long outside the pocket like Caleb Williams.
The presentation in Madden 27 is also noteworthy. From Jaguars' mascot Jaxson de Ville rappelling off the scoreboard to first-person views of the NFL's most colorful mascots, the attention to detail is apparent throughout the game. The franchise mode has also been enhanced, with better accuracy in discussing real-world NFL events and weekly wrap-ups by NFL Redzone's Scott Hanson.
In summary, Madden 27 is the best playing, feeling, and looking entry of this generation, rivaling the greatest entries the game has ever had. While there's still room for improvement in AI trades and Be a Pro, these are minor issues in the grand scheme of things. 9/10, Madden NFL 27 is a must-buy for any fan of the series.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
