4 out of 5 stars

Madden 18  stepped up their game this year after EA switched to the Frostbite Engine and added their first ever cinematic story mode. After switching to the Frostbite Engine, the graphics significantly got amplified and also increased the detail to the Longshot story mode, but Madden 18 lacks fresh gameplay for people who been playing the franchise for couple of years now.

The introduction for Madden 18 is the 2017 Falcons vs. Patriots Super Bowl rematch. The detail is definitely noticeable, it was easy notice the effects of lighting and the refined details to the players, which is one of the largest graphic upgrades that we have seen in Madden 18. 

On the game play side, switching to a different engine allowed the developers to enhance the movement and interaction animations, which makes the game look and feel smooth. The new animations the developers created, it made them not look repetitive and boring. Especially when there’s one-on-one animations, whether if it’s secondary coverage or tackling, making plays on the field seems to make it look realistic. There’s a new target passing mechanic that allows the user to lead the throw instead of just pressing a button to throw the ball. It’s hard to learn because plays happen too quick and forces accurate aim, which makes this new feature pointless unless taking sacks and throwing interceptions is exciting.

Though the improvements to graphics and animations was impressive, the new story mode is a breath of fresh air. EA decided to add Longshot: an amazing adventure that takes you through the footsteps of five star recruit Devin Wade as he tries and makes his way into the NFL. While playing through Longshot, there’s decisions within the game that Devin has to make. Each decision Devin makes will affect his football IQ and his draft grade. Not only making the right choice helps Devin in the draft, but remembering play calls and throwing the ball to the right receiver also helps him too.

It’s fascinating that Longshot didn’t depend on Madden’s standard gameplay to establish a great story mode. The first couple hours of Longshot, there’s only button pressing to make decisions and making a comeback in a high school football game. About halfway through the story is when the gameplay starts to pick up. Devin prepares for the Longshot game where he will play against former and current NFL players. Where he must complete the challenges to impress scouts from all the NFL teams.

EA has disappointed us by not adding any new features into Franchise mode. It feels like EA copy and pasted from Madden 17 Franchise mode. There were small tweaks to the game mode, but the only features that got changed was the soundtrack playlist and a faster loading screen. Franchise mode still uses the same pictures of the owners of each team. EA didn’t add any new media questions, and it’s still really quick and easy to build a franchise by trading draft picks.

Madden Ultimate Team is still one of the best modes in the Madden franchise for the fans that play on a daily basis. It’s still fun playing against people online and unlocking new cards. Madden Ultimate Team is getting people’s attention because players can now team up with friends. One player plays as the offensive captain, another plays as a defensive captain, and the other person plays as the coach. The new addition of playing with friends gives players variety if they don’t want to play solo competitive modes.

Although Franchise mode is still stale. The Madden 18 Longshot story mode, Madden Ultimate Team, and the new animations definitely helps the game from being repetitive. Madden 18 is worth buying especially if you’re looking for something different in a Madden game.