Nerds That Geek Game Review: Madden 15

Written by John Edward Betancourt

I have to admit that I am by no means a hardcore gamer. Don't get me wrong, I have my console of choice, I have my collection of games but I only sit down to play when I truly have the time.  So in order for me to be hooked on a game, to make time for it, it has to completely and utterly captivate me. 

For many years the only game that has managed to do this is the Madden franchise.  I love my football, that's for sure and I've always enjoyed being able to sit down and control the fate of my favorite team and live out those wonderful moments of glory that are sometimes robbed from all of us football fans.  

But since moving to next generation consoles, Madden has found itself under fire. Complaints about gameplay, glitches and some of it is indeed warranted. My chief complaint has been how gameplay has slowed down over the years, especially after last year's edition with the amount of time you spent upgrading players after each game. 

But Madden 15 has done what matters most, bring back the fun.  We can go on and on about the new physics design and the emphasis on defense, but that's not the key to whether or not someone should want to play this game.  It really is a matter of whether or not you'll enjoy it and I most certainly have.  What I have enjoyed the most about this year's edition, are the upgrades to Owner Mode in Connected Franchise.  I love that they addressed the slow burn between games with the new Game Prep mode.  It gets the job done fast to get you into the game and at long last XP mode has been redesigned to be quick and efficient. 

For the casual gamer who has always wanted to enjoy this game but has not one clue about football and how it works, this game is also open to those fans. With drills that take time to teach you how to play, along with explanations of football terms and explanations in game as to why one should call a certain play based on the situation.  

It really makes this game a blast once again.  It seemed for a while that this franchise was headed toward an MMO/RPG style of play, which while there is nothing wrong with those games, it doesn't quite work for football.  This is a sport about the wonder of a split second decision and the thrill of playing a game that relies on perfection.  Madden 15 signals a positive direction for the franchise and makes this game worth your time.  Pick it up, strap on those virtual pads and settle in for the same reason you watch the game on Sundays...to have a good time.  

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