There's no other feeling like the beginning of football season. Thankfully, EA has brought us back to two releases per year and while the College Football game drops well in advance of the beginning of the season, Madden gets released right when the NFL preseason starts. Madden NFL 26 is a culmination of all the additions in recent years to the series and an overhaul of two of its biggest game modes, Superstar and Franchise. Some of the new gameplay mechanics were introduced in College Football 26, so if you are accustomed to this already, it may not hit home as well. There are a number of great additions here, but there are gameplay issues in question.
Beneficial Aspects That are Shared Between College and Madden
In year two, the lines begin to blur more between the College Football franchise and the Madden franchise. The features are available in both titles, but a few may act differently or present different results. The given is the return of exporting a Road to Glory player directly into the Superstar Mode in Madden. This also blends one of the biggest elements from College being introduced to Madden for the first time. The Wear & Tear system makes the leap over to Madden from College, playing a pivotal role in both Superstar and Franchise modes. It doesn't appear to be Wear & Tear 2.0, which was introduced in College Football 26, as the options to adjust the impact aren't present. It's a huge gain either way.
The Wear & Tear system makes the leap over to Madden from College, and it plays a pretty pivotal role in both Superstar and Franchise modes.
Because Wear & Tear was introduced in College, it feels like it takes away from the impact of adding it to Madden. If that game didn't exist, these additions are more than what has been seen in the past releases alone. They are all welcome additions and change how strategy works during gameplay. The game includes defensive line stunts, full offensive line adjustments, every hot route possible, custom stems, custom zone stems, quick substitutions and more. The biggest and one of the best aspects is the increase in substance added for both Superstar and Franchise modes, which now meet and possibly exceed the levels of both of these same types of modes in the College game. Simply having two teams in the same house working on different titles is helping.
What is Shared Between College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26?
Wear & Tear System
Full Offensive Line Adjustments
All WR Route Trees
Custom Stem Zones
Stunts
Quick Substitutions
Automatic Substitution Options
Ballcarrier Extension
Block Steering
Depth Chart Positions
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The Biggest Update to Franchise Probably Ever
The development team did state that Franchise Mode would receive its biggest update in around fifteen years. The incorporation of the Wear & Tear System probably would have sufficed in the past, but that's not the case today. Yes, the Wear & Tear System is huge, and it would be nice to adjust the impact much like you could in College. Managing players' health during the season adds more depth to Franchise as you'll be keeping an eye on health during actual games. Automatic substitutions can be adjusted for rotational purposes if you have depth. This might have been available to do in the past as an option, but this is more of a requirement if you hope your team makes it through the season. Succumbing to wearing down will drastically alter a player's performance to the point where you will have to sub someone in just to get by, and it shows why depth is important, especially at running back.
The return of College Football last year and having things to do off the field ended up making Madden feel like it had less going on off the field. Madden NFL 26 brings a full RPG-like aspect to coaching. While there are no real coordinators here, they do play a bigger part than ever before. You have the option to start as a new coach with some more clothing options, and you'll start at Level 0. Take the reins of an established NFL coach, and you'll inherit his unlocked abilities and attributes that provide a stark difference between Andy Reid and Dave Canales. One provides room to grow while the other is already established. The same tired coaching skill trees are gone and have been replaced with coaching abilities that play like badges. These can be leveled up but can also lose their effectiveness if certain goals aren't met that are tied to them.
Madden NFL 26 brings on a full RPG-like aspect to coaching.
On top of the coaching abilities, coaches and coordinators will have access to exclusive playsheets that can be activated for games. There are caps for both the abilities, the playsheets and even the new trainer abilities which can help with Wear & Tear. Playsheets will provide boosts in certain areas and have their own play menu within the gameplay. Scouting is much better this year as more information is provided about your opponent that is easy to sort through. You can set full pads and half pads for practice and this finally has a real effect. These can be set per position and what you will find is after training, those at the bottom of the depth chart are working harder as they will be more fatigued and get more XP.
It's worth noting the menu interface is much quicker this year; this is until you have to load in to upgrade a player. At this point, if it's going to be that difficult to load a player, it may be better to upgrade via a text-based menu. The overall user interface feels outdated in general. The rest of the presentation elements across Franchise received an upgrade, but the menu flow didn't. It's still difficult to follow and keep up with what's going on in your league. Also for some reason the Chiefs were 0-5 in the league and continued to be shown as the game of the week. There needs to be more story development to create some drama in Franchise. Thankfully, a much requested element for the series that has been twenty years in the making has been added to the mode and it's glorious.
The day has finally come that Madden features highlights from other games in the league, and not just at halftime. These are not randomly generated highlights and if the same are shown at halftime and in the Weekly Recap, that's a plus as that helps with creating a narrative. Scott Hansen earns his paycheck with his commentary in Madden NFL 26 and these highlights, which are three at a time, are everything the fanbase has asked for dating back twenty years. The halftime show also provides in-game stats and highlights. Early on in games during the season, there will be stats from the previous week showcased.
Adding more of this to transitions during the game would help to establish an in-game narrative that is sorely missing. The game already features cutscene transitions of players running on the field, and this was lightly touched upon in the past. There's room for growth, but having the Weekly Recap mixed with the new weekly strategy with the abilities finally provides much-needed substance away from the field in Franchise Mode.
Scott Hansen earns his paycheck with his commentary in Madden NFL 26 and these highlights, which are three at a time, are everything the fanbase has asked for dating back twenty years.
Don't Forget, There is also Superstar Mode
Superstar Mode transitioned over to a narrative mode years ago with Face of the Franchise. The mode started to stray from that and focus on being that career-specific mode that started the whole idea off. This year, Superstar Mode teethers a bit more towards that narrative, but in a different way. Rich Eisen narrates the progress as each week serves as a chapter. You'll go through the NFL Combine and the NFL Draft like in recent iterations, but the whole experience is filmed like a documentary. The mode introduces the Sphere of Influence as goals will be required to keep friends and co-workers pleased. This also unlocks more abilities and even tattoos, albeit difficult choices are made along the way.
Wear & Tear takes center stage in Superstar Mode. Management of this is key to your success and longevity. You'll progress through the preseason and attempt to land that starting job. Despite being the backup entering the season, it did seem the player had the majority of the reps. This is the deepest that Superstar Mode has been in Madden and it feels better structured than Road to Glory. Everything is truly impactful in the decision making and you do not want to upset your coaches because you'll drop in the depth chart. The gameplay offers three different camera angles and doesn't overly punish for mistakes. Your rating is updated after every play and more plays can be unlocked over time.
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Starting off being drafted in the second round by the Bears in the draft meant that work was needed during the preseason to take the job from Deandre Swift. Building a rapport with Caleb Williams and becoming a leader in the locker room created more opportunities. Not focusing on the fans felt like the key to success. Celebrations do need to be purchased and Superstar Showdown is still included, albeit buried in this menu. You'll notice the microtransactions for it before finding the mode because those purchases cannot be worn in the League.
Superstar Mode is difficult to pry away from. Much like Franchise Mode, what goes on off the field now is more consuming and fun. Nothing about this mode feels like a grind and you won't feel shortchanged for your time spent. Progression is continual here and at the right pace and the Sphere of Influence offers many different things to work on. Once those are maxed out, they remain in your Inner Circle, meaning you can't lose those unlocks. Practice and training are difficult as you'll need to balance gaining XP versus health recovery. Some of these mini games are about impossible to beat in this mode. This mode is more encapsulating than it has ever been.
Superstar Mode was very difficult to pry away from.
The Other Game Modes to Play
Madden Ultimate Team is improved simply based on the fact that the menus are responsive. If you love collecting cards and building a team, it didn't seem too difficult to get good cards at launch. The new Solo Champions and an overall focus on not having to play others online is a nice touch. Pack Helper will aid to field the best team possible. Online Head-to-Head features rebuilt matchmaking, but you know what to expect when playing online.
If you love doing it, it's the same core experience despite gameplay changes. EA touted less controller latency, but the game still doesn't feel as responsive as an offline game. It's to the point where people have adjusted their reaction time to how the game plays online to get a leg up. Superstar Showdown remains the same and clearly has taken a backseat this year, but it's still there and hasn't been removed. The Mini Games return and are still used for training in both Superstar Mode and Franchise Mode. There are 130 new Skill Trainers to choose from. While not a mode of focus, it's important to have these as the training elements in those two modes despite the fact that training can be simulated. This remains something fun to do with friends on the couch.
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The Focus on NFL Representation
The look, sound and feel of the NFL has been a focus for Madden in recent years. This year, there are more player faces than ever and you can expect more rookie faces. Yes, there are some that aren't ready for primetime yet, but that's partially why this is a live service game. Players can expect new jersey technology (not the state) to provide a more authentic look. You'll see this on the back with player names and the stitching. Guardian caps can be seen in the game, so just know that it isn't Big Head mode.
New coach facial scans are in the game along with the biggest rookies and any big names missing from last year. Madden continues to look the part and has brought in a new lighting engine to further enhance the look of the NFL. Statistics are also a better representation of the quarterback position this year. This starts with the new QB DNA as traits and tendencies of every one of the starting quarterbacks are here. Yes, there have been a few in the past and this has grown, but it really shows this year. If your quarterback is short, expect the AI to utilize passing lanes or roll out. Kyler Murray will run backwards for ten yards against you. The behaviors you'll notice will have you say at the end of the play, "Yeah, I've seen him do that."
Kyler Murray will run backwards for ten yards against you.
Playbooks are deeper with over 1,000 new plays that will also feature double motion depending on the team. The Panthers even have a TE pass they haven't had before. Not only is QB DNA an important aspect, but the Coach DNA will suggest strategies when playing against them. AI is utilized for coaching suggestions in Madden NFL 26 , but it seems to very per team how well the plays are provided. That RB Mesh play has popped up a lot. There's a percentage tied in much like coaches use analytics in the game. This is a quick way to bring a modern feel and will also help casual players along the way. Players can also run to different areas in the end zone to do different celebrations, of which there are a ton of.
The updates to presentation make sure the games don't get stagnant. There's a Sunday presentation, a Thursday Night presentation and a Monday Night presentation. These overlays are drastically different and provide different production qualities. Mixing this with the various commentator options will help to keep the game feeling fresh the more the season goes on. The commentator teams remain the same outside of Scott Hansen coming in for halftime. Brock Huard continues to be a surprise and Mike Tirico shows excitement at times. The major downfall is when an explosive play is happening, there's dead silence on the way to the end zone. When the score happens, it throws us back to the old days of Fox Joe Buck. The fact there are different combinations here is important and a positive, but more work needs to be done on the commentating side.
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How Does Madden NFL 26 Actually Play?
The game has been slightly sped up this year, but with a focus on explosive plays. Lateral movement is responsive and devastating as a ball carrier. This makes one-on-one plays or trying to hit the hole on the offensive line rewarding. Running the ball in Madden NFL 26 is the best it has felt in some time. The game also takes into account weather more than it ever has. Playing in the rain results in slips and that ability to explode laterally is gone. The option to play in heavy snow has to be experienced. The game is drastically different. Receivers will slip off the line and players will tank around. You can't see downfield to throw. It's a dramatic experience, especially if it's a night game.
Player ratings mean more than ever, but there are logic issues and graphical issues during gameplay. The AI doesn't play around this year on defense, but it may be too on the nose. This seems to come down to player ratings, but at the same time, it feels the defense gatekeeps what plays work and what don't. Throwing downfield, either medium or long, rarely seems to work. Quick slants, drags and check-downs seem to always be open. This is unless the defensive AI forces a drop, which again feels like a gatekeep from progression. Running the ball feels great if you're able to find a hole and if your blocks are made. There are too many times when the logic isn't there for blocking if it's not on the offensive line. Fullbacks and tight ends run right past guys and there have even been defenders coming off of double teams to make a tackle.
Pursuit seems to be against the ball carrier as well. Speed ratings may be similar, but that linebacker will come across the field at twice the speed and make the tackle. This is also on the Pro difficulty, by the way. The ball is more free to do what it wants this year. Passes will sail for both the AI and for you and that's important to have. It's always just so well-timed when there's finally an open receiver going down the field and it just sails. If all of these aspects are dictated by ratings to provide more realism, then a bit of fun takes a hit. Messing with sliders has helped , but it feels like a gift from the AI when a mistake is made after these adjustments. At least the sliders appear to do something, whereas in College Football 26 they really don't during Dynasty.
The physics engine is clearly driving this game more than it has before. There has been a helmet put directly on a ball, and the ball went flying. There have been passes tipped in the air and either caught or intercepted. One of the balls that sailed was actually caught by another wide receiver who went on to score. On paper, the gameplay elements are all here so why doesn't it completely come together? It's faster, more explosive, more smart and there's more plays to utilize. Passing felt addicting last year in Madden, but is frustrating this year. Guys that should create separation aren't and those that are open will immediately have a defender in the way, even if the receiver is taller. The algorithm for these plays is there, but the way the game executes it doesn't always work and it gets frustrating.
On paper, the gameplay elements are all here so why doesn't it completely come together?
Sights and Sounds of Madden
The visuals have mostly been touched on as the player and coach faces along with the player models look phenomenal. The new lighting engine provides a boost to the visuals. The one major knock that didn't make it over from College was the day-to-night transitions, or the time-of-day changes. The snow might look good, but in some cutscenes you can see there's just one layer of snow stacked on grass. Snow also doesn't appear to accumulate on players. These are nitpicks at an overall great-looking game that looks and runs better on a PlayStation 5 Pro.
While the commentary was mentioned above, the voice quality remains fantastic. Scott Hansen and Rich Eisen are really earning their pay. Multiple crowd chants are included for each stadium and the crowd noise is diverse when it needs to be in terms of decibel levels. One thing that everyone can agree on is that Madden NFL 26 includes the greatest soundtrack the series has ever seen. There's a playlist for everyone here and the new original score music is absolute dramatic fire. 77 licensed tracks, including specific stadium music that is used in-game to replicate the stadium feel is available for listening. You're talking Judas Priest to Chappel Roan (however a hard miss on not having Ozzy). There's something here for somebody.
Closing Comments:
EA continues to steer the ship of the Madden franchise into smooth sailing as it's able to provide a ton of gameplay elements and reinvent the broadcast presentation element of football. Franchise Mode is what everyone has wanted for twenty years, complete with dynamic video highlight packages from other NFL games and a variety of broadcast presentations to keep the gameplay feeling fresh. Wear & Tear is what the doctor ordered, albeit more customization options like what's seen in College would have been nice. The new coaching archetypes and abilities mechanics provide ample strategy options each week. Transitioning over to Superstar Mode sees the best iteration of this mode in some time with the addition of Wear & Tear and the introduction of the Sphere of Influence. Everything off the field goes above and beyond what most have expected from the franchise in a while, but on the field is where the frustrations sit. The QB DNA and Coach DNA are incorporated well, but issues with blocking and the AI create baffling results that you hope to get past but never truly can. Hopefully some patches can see this alleviated, but otherwise it's safe to say that Franchise and Superstar Mode are officially back.