Madden NFL 24: A Decent Attempt at Improvement

Madden NFL 24 shares a striking resemblance to Marvin Lewis-coached Bengals. Just like Lewis led the Bengals to many wins and playoff appearances, this game is good and decent. However, it falls short of bringing that winning feeling. Madden NFL 24 focuses on refinement and addressing fan concerns, but it still lacks the necessary changes to make it truly great.

The Need for Change

Just as the Bengals found success after Lewis left, Madden NFL 24 needs something new to truly shine. The game shows flashes of brilliance, but it will require EA Tiburon investing time and money into making significant improvements.

Improvements on the Field

Madden NFL 24 does have some positive aspects. FieldSENSE, the tackle system, sees a significant upgrade with the addition of 1,700 tackle animations that consider player size and strength. These new animations are visually impressive and capture the violence of the sport. The game also showcases improved animations for catching passes, making plays more authentic. Improvisational quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are more likely to make exciting jumping and diving passes.

Improved Visuals and Player Reactions

The game’s visuals are top-notch, with player models that give a realistic feel. Madden NFL 24 also features refined post-play reactions from players, adding to the authenticity of the game. Referees make a return, and new male and female officials are introduced.

AI Improvements

Madden NFL 24 has made noticeable improvements to its AI, especially in blocking and decision-making. Quarterbacks behave more like their real-life counterparts, using audibles and hot routes. The AI across the board has been revamped, making the game more challenging and dynamic. From run defenders to secondaries, the AI is smarter and more responsive.

Conclusion

Madden NFL 24 shows potential with its improvements, but it still has a long way to go to catch up with other sports sims. The game offers a more realistic and exciting on-field experience, but these upgrades are primarily available on next-generation consoles. Overall, Madden NFL 24 is a decent attempt at improvement but falls short of being a truly exceptional game.