Madden NFL 15 (2014)

Madden NFL 15 is a great option for those looking to curb the football hunger, and provides a solid simulation, for the most part, of the NFL game. While there are something's that still remain a frustration with some of the Artificial Intelligence being increased and their counterparts receiving no attention (ie – DB's versus WR's), the game is still amazing visually and a lot of fun to play. There is no other option, not even college, on the market so if you want a football game you have little ways to look outside of Madden NFL 15. Good thing for all of us that eat, sleep, and breathe football Madden NFL 15 delivers a robust set of modes, major graphical overhauls, and outstanding new gameplay features on the field. In the end it's like a big ol' bird on Thanksgiving Day, filling you up enough that you probably won't need any more until the following year.

Madden makes its proper next-gen appearance. Is it all good, or does it fall short?

There have been way too many years where you can describe the changes to Madden as "minimal, but helpful." This year, the changes to the defense and boost in presentation slide it away from "minimal" and feel much more substantial. But unfortunately, I find the player aspect of Connected Franchise to be one of the biggest parts of the whole Madden experience, and it being a husk of its former self is more than a little disappointing. That said, Madden NFL 15 is definitely one to jump into if you have not played a Madden game in years. It will be very interesting to see how EA Tiburon builds upon this success in Madden NFL 16.

Madden 15 gives veteran and rookie players something to take with them, as the overall package reaches a balance point worthy of the annual cost.

While there is still some work to be done, it is a game that wants you to come in, have fun and perhaps go away with a greater appreciation of the sport its attempting to simulate. In all of this, Madden NFL 15 is a success.