Madden 26 justifies its price with 4 big upgrades — but its dragged down by 1 flaw
Right off the bat, if you're happy with last year's Madden 25, then you don't need to spend the money to upgrade. The classic flaws are still there. Blocking gets finicky, and the game occasionally makes insane decisions, especially when simulating games.
Madden NFL 26, the latest title in the long-running professional football franchise from EA Sports, offers a number of upgrades that justify picking it up. Including improved graphics, new mechanics, and a great Superstar mode.
I've seen reports from some day-one players of game-breaking bugs or poor AI (not unusual in this series). Fortunately, I've not experienced anything so bad that I hung up my controller in Madden 26. This isn't a Madden 24 situation.
That said, Madden 26 does bring some things to the table that made me excited as a long-time player. I've picked out four additions to the Madden formula that I love and one annoying flaw that makes me want to play College Football 26 instead.
EA has never figured out what to do with its single-player career mode. Last year's Madden featured bizarre storyline choices and a general misunderstanding of team dynamics. But in this year's effort, EA has struck a better balance.
Madden 26 feels closer to a proper sports RPG with chapters, goals and relationships to manage. Look, this isn't an Obsidian-style RPG experience with dialogue choices out the wazoo, but building your sphere of influence with other players on your team, coaches, and off-field characters like agents and stylists makes for interesting scenarios.
Plus, boosting your relationships unlocks things like player skills and cosmetic items. The leveling system and character traits do just enough to get you chasing upgrades.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Lastly, there are career chapters that help give your career a bit of a story without the awkward cut scenes and forced interactions that previous Maddens have tried. Again, it's not much, but it's enough to make your career story feel slightly more organic.
I may be alone in this, but I truly enjoy playing the career mode in most sports games from Madden to EA FC and beyond, and a bit of care in this mode will always shine for me.
Madden has always had a Skills Trainer that lets you learn the basics or take on specific challenges. This year's version has been overhauled, and it's impressive.
There are more drills than ever, and the tutorials really do explain the intricacies of playing Madden. I've legitimately mastered mechanics that were in the game for years because of this new system.
EA has also added a section that specifically highlights the new mechanics that have been introduced this year. It's amazing that I can't think of a previous version with a similar teaching mode. It's long overdue.
One of my biggest gripes with the revived College Football series is a lack of skills trainer, and this version in Madden 26 is one I hope the younger brother series steals next season.
Speaking of College Football 26, Madden 26 steals the wear-and-tear system and the coordinator system from its sister series on college football. They're welcome additions, especially in Franchise mode.
If you're unfamiliar, wear-and-tear tracks the stamina and health of your players and can affect various parts of their bodies. For example, a running back may lose speed or power as their legs take on more wear. Let it go long enough, and you risk injuring the player.
In a cool twist on CFB's formula, Madden lets you choose practice intensity for each player, which can help them rest or give development time to backups. It also forces you to make decisions in-game if you're overusing your star running back. Maybe you sub him out for the backup or alter your game plan to give him some rest.
Like the college game, the new coordinator system has you consider who to hire as your DC or OC and what kinds of skill trees they feature under their archetypes. Building your coach up affects your players all season long, so it's worth investing the time.
With some competition, even if it's in-house, I hope that Madden and College Football continue to steal from one another, and hopefully, this friendly rivalry pushes both franchises to improve year over year.
A complaint I had last year was that the presentation and gameplay in Madden 25 felt excessively cartoony. I'm not one of those Madden players seeking gritty realism, but I do want it to feel like football.
This year's edition has a definite sheen to the presentation that is quite welcome. Even small touches like sideline conversations between the coach and players add immersion.
Graphically, everything from more realistic jersey movement to the addition of severe weather makes the game more fun to look at. Updated graphics packages when you're actually in the game make primetime showdowns feel bigger and your average Sunday afternoon snoozer a little more interesting.
As mentioned, I haven't really noticed the 'my offensive line' doesn't block issues others have reported. Instead, I've found that player animations and reactions to plays are smoother and snappier this year.
The addition of 'QB DNA,' which is supposed to make quarterbacks play more like their real-life counterparts, adds additional authenticity. Plus, EA added little touches like showing gap assignments in pre-play art when on defense that help you better understand how a play might work out.
Despite featuring a cleaner UI and menus compared to Madden 25, Madden 26 chugs when you're not playing an actual game. Loading times feel like a dial-up modem struggling to life, and it sucks.
EA did release some optimization patches for Madden 25 that sped up menu load times and hopefully, something similar happens for Madden 26. But at launch, this is a slow game.
I timed loading while messing around in Ultimate Team, a mode I rarely venture into, and just trying to examine a player card took between 5 and 10 seconds. When you're opening up packs of cards, that slow load takes any enjoyment out of even the loot box-rush of card packs, though perhaps that's a good thing in this specific instance.
Once you're in a menu, like the Superstar character page, things are a bit quicker, but move away from it or load into a new section and things slow to a crawl.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Etta Eyong: uncertainty surrounds the Cameroonian at Villarreal?
Etta Eyong: uncertainty surrounds the Cameroonian at Villarreal? Despite a promising start to the season, the future of Etta Eyong at Villarreal remains uncertain. The Cameroonian striker, who netted a decisive goal against Oviedo on the opening day of LaLiga EA Sports, has drawn attention with his attacking output. He already showcased his potential last season and finished pre-season as the team's top scorer, finding the net three times. Yet his place in the squad is far from guaranteed. Still part of the reserve team, Etta Eyong could see his playing time limited if the club brings in an attacking reinforcement before the transfer window closes. According to Brand daily, Villarreal is still looking to bolster its attack, which could lead to the player being loaned out to gain experience and more minutes on the pitch. The Cameroonian has already proven he can be decisive, but competition for places is fierce and his immediate future will depend on the club's moves in the transfer market. Etta Eyong could stay and fight for a spot in the starting eleven, or leave on loan to continue his development elsewhere.
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Every Free Battlefield 6 Open Beta Reward You Can Earn Before Launch
The Battlefield 6 open beta has taken the gaming world by storm, as hundreds of thousands of players have queued up to trade lead, blow up buildings and rack up crazy killstreaks. The final beta period is in full swing: It began on Thursday, Aug. 14 and goes through Sunday, Aug. 17, so you'll want to join the playtest now if you want to experience the next era of Battlefield chaos before the full release on Oct. 10. Familiar maps and modes are making a return, as players play tug-of-war in Rush sectors and capture flags in Conquest -- this weekend, you can even battle across the wartorn streets of New York City with a new map pool update. If you join the playtest now, you'll have a chance to earn exclusive rewards that won't be available to players that didn't join the open beta. There are a number of challenges to complete and some of them require a substantial time investment, so the sooner you get started, the better. Here are the free cosmetic rewards attached to the Battlefield 6 open beta. Clear tight angles in close-quarters combat for special rewards in class-based challenges. Battlefield Studios/Screenshot by CNET Every open beta weekend one challenge reward When the Battlefield 6 open beta first launched on Aug. 9, players got their first chance at earning exclusive cosmetics that will be added to their accounts when the game fully releases on Oct. 10. If you missed the first open beta weekend, you're in luck: The first set of challenges are still available during the current open beta period, so you still have time to earn these rewards before they disappear forever. Here are all of the cosmetic rewards introduced during Battlefield 6's first open beta period, as well as the challenges you need to complete in order to unlock them. Lights Out Player Card Background: Reach career rank 10. Rising Star Character Skin: Reach career rank 15. Night Terror Weapon Charm: Reach career rank 20. Striking Distance Weapon Package: Get 50 kills on enemies within 10 meters of you while using the Assault class. Regularly using the M87A1 shotgun gadget is a great way to complete this challenge. I Own The Night Weapon Sticker: Get 100 revives while using the Support class. Revives using the new drag feature and the classic defibrillator pads both count toward this challenge. Note that reviving your squadmates while playing a non-Support class does not count toward this challenge. After Dark Weapon Sticker: Repair 3,000 vehicle health while using the Engineer class. Vehicles are only available on large-scale game modes like Conquest, so use custom search filters to find matches that will allow you to complete this challenge. Seeker Character Skin: Spot 300 enemies while using the Recon class. Aiming down sights at enemy players automatically marks them while using this class. While you can spot enemies with any class, only enemies spotted while playing Recon will count toward this challenge. Overpower enemy positions and take ground to unlock the weekend two beta rewards. Battlefield Studios/Screenshot by CNET New open beta challenge rewards The fight rages on during Battlefield 6's second open beta period. If you haven't jumped into combat just yet, you have until Sunday, Aug. 17 to try out the new massive multiplayer first-person shooter. During this period, you can still access the challenges from the first open beta. But the second Battlefield 6 open beta weekend also introduces three more challenges with their own cosmetic rewards, so there's something for returning players to strive toward as well. Here are the new cosmetic rewards introduced during Battlefield 6's second open beta period, as well as the challenges you need to complete in order to unlock them. Bat Company Dog Tag: Get 200 kills or assists. This challenge is not locked to any class or game mode. Dominion Weapon Package: Capture 15 sectors in the Rush or Breakthrough game modes. War Machine Vehicle Skin: Capture 42 flags in the Conquest, Breakthrough, Domination and King of the Hill game modes. Player skins are grounded and realistic in Battlefield 6 -- that includes the beta's associated cosmetic rewards. Battlefield Studios/Screenshot by CNET Exclusive PlayStation beta goodies are available If you're accessing the Battlefield 6 open beta on your PlayStation 5, you're in luck. So long as you're a PS Plus subscriber (which you need to be in order to access the Battlefield 6 open beta in the first place), you'll instantly become eligible for a double XP boost and an exclusive operator skin. These bonuses are automatically applied to your account, so you don't have to worry about browsing the storefront for a free DLC claim. The double XP will only affect your earn rate during the open beta, but that might be just the push you need to complete the challenges to hit career ranks 10, 15 and 20, respectively. If you don't see the soldier skin, there's nothing to worry about: Like all the other Battlefield 6 open beta cosmetic rewards, it will be applied to your account on Oct. 10 when the game fully releases. Don't have time to play the Battlefield 6 open beta, but you still want to know what the game is all about? CNET has you covered with a hands-on preview that explores how the game is returning to the series' roots.
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Every Free Battlefield 6 Open Beta Challenges Reward You Can Earn
The Battlefield 6 open beta has taken the gaming world by storm, as hundreds of thousands of players have queued up to trade shots, blow up buildings and rack up killstreaks. The final beta period is in full swing: It began on Thursday, Aug. 14 and goes through Sunday, Aug. 17, so you'll want to join the playtest now if you want to experience the next era of Battlefield chaos before the full release on Oct. 10. Familiar maps and modes are making a return, as players play tug-of-war in Rush sectors and capture flags in Conquest -- this weekend, you can even battle across the wartorn streets of New York City with a new map pool update. If you join the playtest now, you'll have a chance to earn exclusive rewards that won't be available to players that didn't join the open beta. There are a number of challenges to complete and some of them require a substantial time investment, so the sooner you get started, the better. Here are the free cosmetic rewards attached to the Battlefield 6 open beta. Clear tight angles in close-quarters combat for special rewards in class-based challenges. EA DICE/Screenshot by CNET Every open beta weekend 1 challenge reward When the Battlefield 6 open beta first launched on Aug. 9, players got their first chance at earning exclusive cosmetics that will be added to their accounts when the game is released in full on Oct. 10. If you missed the first open beta weekend, you're in luck: The first set of challenges are still available during the current open beta period, so you still have time to earn these rewards before they disappear forever. Here are all of the cosmetic rewards introduced during Battlefield 6's first open beta period, as well as the challenges you need to complete in order to unlock them. Lights Out Player Card Background: Reach career rank 10. Reach career rank 10. Rising Star Character Skin: Reach career rank 15. Reach career rank 15. Night Terror Weapon Charm: Reach career rank 20. Reach career rank 20. Striking Distance Weapon Package: Get 50 kills on enemies within 10 meters of you while using the Assault class. Regularly using the M87A1 shotgun gadget is a great way to complete this challenge. Get 50 kills on enemies within 10 meters of you while using the Assault class. Regularly using the M87A1 shotgun gadget is a great way to complete this challenge. I Own The Night Weapon Sticker: Get 100 revives while using the Support class. Revives using the new drag feature and the classic defibrillator pads both count toward this challenge. Note that reviving your squadmates while playing a non-Support class doesn't count toward this challenge. Get 100 revives while using the Support class. Revives using the new drag feature and the classic defibrillator pads both count toward this challenge. Note that reviving your squadmates while playing a non-Support class doesn't count toward this challenge. After Dark Weapon Sticker: Repair 3,000 vehicle health while using the Engineer class. Vehicles are only available on large-scale game modes like Conquest, so use custom search filters to find matches that will allow you to complete this challenge. Repair 3,000 vehicle health while using the Engineer class. Vehicles are only available on large-scale game modes like Conquest, so use custom search filters to find matches that will allow you to complete this challenge. Seeker Character Skin: Spot 300 enemies while using the Recon class. Aiming down sights at enemy players automatically marks them while using this class. While you can spot enemies with any class, only enemies spotted while playing Recon will count toward this challenge. Overpower enemy positions and take ground to unlock the weekend two beta rewards. EA DICE/Screenshot by CNET New open beta challenge rewards The fight rages on during Battlefield 6's second open beta period. If you haven't jumped into combat just yet, you have until Sunday, Aug. 17, to try out the new massively multiplayer first-person shooter. During this period, you can still access the challenges from the first open beta. But the second Battlefield 6 open beta weekend also introduces three more challenges with their own cosmetic rewards, so there's something for returning players to strive toward as well. Here are the new cosmetic rewards introduced during Battlefield 6's second open beta period, as well as the challenges you need to complete in order to unlock them. Bat Company Dog Tag: Get 200 kills or assists. This challenge is not locked to any class or game mode. Get 200 kills or assists. This challenge is not locked to any class or game mode. Dominion Weapon Package: Capture 15 sectors in the Rush or Breakthrough game modes. Capture 15 sectors in the Rush or Breakthrough game modes. War Machine Vehicle Skin: Capture 42 flags in the Conquest, Breakthrough, Domination and King of the Hill game modes. Player skins are grounded and realistic in Battlefield 6 -- that includes the beta's associated cosmetic rewards. EA DICE/Screenshot by CNET Exclusive PlayStation beta goodies are available If you're accessing the Battlefield 6 open beta on your PS5, you're in luck. So long as you're a PS Plus subscriber (which you need to be in order to access the Battlefield 6 open beta in the first place), you'll instantly become eligible for a double experience points boost and an exclusive operator skin. These bonuses are automatically applied to your account, so you don't have to worry about browsing the storefront for a free DLC claim. The double XP will only affect your earn rate during the open beta, but that might be just the push you need to complete the challenges to hit career ranks 10, 15 and 20, respectively. If you don't see the soldier skin, there's nothing to worry about: Like all the other Battlefield 6 open beta cosmetic rewards, it will be applied to your account on Oct. 10 when the game is released. Don't have time to play the Battlefield 6 open beta, but you still want to know what the game is all about? CNET has you covered with a hands-on preview that explores how the game is returning to the series' roots.
