I've been bringing you guys tons of news on College Football 25, but now it's time to dive into Madden 25. Now, let's jump into the big changes for Madden 25 this year.

Boom Tech: A Game-Changer?

The biggest addition that EA talked about extensively at the event was something called Boom Tech. I'm going to be honest; I don't necessarily love the name, but there's a bunch of components that make up Boom Tech, and it's a bit complicated. Let's break down what this feature is all about.

Tackling in Madden has been mostly solid over the last few years, although pursuit angles have had their issues. With Boom Tech, EA is leaning into a heavy physics-based tackling system for Madden 25. Initially, I wasn't fully sold, but after seeing a ton of different footage showing various combinations of players with hit sticks, cut sticks, trucks, drives, jukes, stiff arms—you name it—they showed it, and it started to make sense. Essentially, Boom Tech is a data-driven physics system that looks at timing, momentum, weight, speed, strength, and player ratings to determine what happens in one-on-one ball carrier impact animations and their branching animations. This means you can expect some wild outcomes, like Derrick Henry in the open field against a smaller defensive back, which is fun for you but not so much for the defender.

Hit Stick Gets an Overhaul

The hit stick is also getting a revamp this year. If you've ever played MLB The Show, you're probably familiar with the concept of the "perfect-perfect" hit. Madden 25's hit stick now has a timing-based mechanic similar to that, rewarding you for your timing and approach angle, plus the ratings of the actual player you're using. I struggled with it at first, but it's a feature with potential. Onscreen feedback helps you understand your performance, showing whether your timing was too early, too late, or perfect. When you nail a perfect hit stick, it's a great feeling, enhanced by haptic feedback on the controller. This change aims to make the hit stick more strategic, requiring the right time and place to use it effectively.

Ball Carrier Balance and Recovery System

On offense, Madden 25 introduces a ball carrier balance and recovery system. This isn't just a stumble mechanic; it's a feature that triggers specific Boom Tech branching animations based on the quality of the hit and player ratings. This system determines how an offensive player can stay upright and quickly return to running up the field. In my time with the game, I experienced moments where I broke off a tackle but then got hit again while in a recovery zone. The earlier you're hit in this zone, the more detrimental it is, whereas later hits give you a higher chance of continuing your run. This upgrade will be more apparent to players who've logged hundreds of hours in Madden, offering a nuanced and strategic layer to the game.

Signature Running Styles

One of the coolest additions is the inclusion of signature running styles for key players. We've all seen highlights of Isaiah Pacheco's "angry runs," and now that's in the game. I also noticed Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley's unique running styles. This brings a breath of fresh air, making players' movements more authentic.

Juke Mechanics Revamped

The big sweeping juke animation from last year, which was a crutch for many, is gone. I used it extensively, so I wasn't thrilled at first, but the new juke stick and the combinations you can pull off are impressive. You can juke at various angles, and chaining jukes together offers limitless possibilities for some nasty highlights. The system feels easy to pick up but difficult to master, with stamina limiting how much you can do.

Quarterback Improvements

Quarterbacks also see improvements with more realistic pre-snap animations and a tweaked dropback speed. The development team adjusted the speed of quarterback dropbacks to fix issues with pocket containment and offensive line performance. This change, along with 500+ new blocking animations, should enhance gameplay significantly. While it might not stop players from dropping 15+ yards back on every play, it allows for a more realistic and strategic approach to the game.

Defensive Switch Stick

The defensive switch stick from College Football 25 makes its way into Madden 25. This feature will be loved by above-average Madden players, allowing for quick and strategic switches between defenders to cover various routes effectively. It's a high-skill feature that can frustrate opponents when used correctly.

Spectacular Catch Mechanic

The new spectacular catch mechanic is a high-risk, high-reward feature that uses LB or L1 to give you a wider catch radius. While it's not ideal for contested catches, in the right situation, it can lead to some amazing plays that could make SportsCenter highlights.

Presentation Enhancements

One of the first things you'll notice in Madden 25 is the new score bug, which has moved from the top to the bottom of the screen. This change might take some getting used to, but it's a visual adjustment that enhances the overall presentation. Additionally, EA has piped real crowd noise into the games and refreshed on-field sound effects, aiming for a more immersive experience.

Commentary Upgrades

Madden 25 features three separate play-by-play teams for added variety. Alongside Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, who have been in the game for eight years, two new duos join the lineup: Mike Tirico and Greg Olsen, and Kate Scott and Brock Huard. With over 42,000 new recordings at launch and multiple in-season updates, the commentary should feel fresh and engaging, especially in franchise mode.

Team Builder and Ranked Mode

A major addition this year is the Team Builder, which allows you to design your team with customization tools. You can upload your logos, personalize uniforms, helmets, and fields, and import your team into franchise mode. This feature, expected for College Football, is a pleasant surprise for Madden 25. For those who love head-to-head play, a true ranked mode is also introduced, with matchmaking enhancements based on your division and play style. The goal is to reach the elite top 100, offering an exciting challenge for competitive players.

Final Thoughts

There's a lot more to touch on for Madden 25, but these key features in gameplay and presentation stand out. The new Boom Tech tackling system, revamped hit stick, ball carrier balance and recovery, signature running styles, and numerous other enhancements make Madden 25 a promising installment. Stay tuned for more videos dropping soon, including in-depth looks at Superstar and franchise mode. Be safe, be smart, and tell someone you love them. Catch you guys on the next one!

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