Madden NFL 26

I’m giving Madden a 10 here to help offset the review bombing, but in reality, it’s a strong 8 to 8.5 out of 10. Gameplay feels smoother than last year, player animations are sharper, and the graphics this year are nothing short of incredible. Franchise mode got some solid additions that make team building and long-term play more engaging, and overall the game just feels more polished. Sure, there are a few minor bugs and some areas that could use more attention, but if you’re a fan of the series, this is one of the better Madden entries in years.

While it certainly has its share of bugs, the improved movement makes a huge difference in enjoyability of the game, Franchise mode is the best it has been in several years, but overall, there aren't that many new or even improved features from the previous title, as well as the pricing can be extremely cheap and generally not worth it. The game is rather enjoyable if you just stick to franchise mode. The new career playthrough (superstar features) may take some time to adjust to especially with the leveling system and how you upgrade your player character could be considered a downgrade from previous titles, though a few other long demanded mechanics like extreme weather do add a nice touch.

Very disappointed that my favorite part of Madden was the owner mode in franchise was removed. You are stuck as a coach, with Coach overview shoved in your face after every game. The funniest part is you can still relocate/rebuild stadium, isn’t that an owners job (guess try and appease). Well Im really wishing I didn’t waste my money on this game. I’ll be playing 25 until EA Sports figures out what made Madden great not what they want.

I have 100 hours in this game and I made an account just to rate this game, that’s how bad Madden 26 is. It feels slow, unresponsive, and constantly hijacked by broken animations, like the game is fighting you every snap. It’s 2026 and somehow this still looks and plays like a slightly worse version of Madden from years ago. It's laughable: defenders teleport, quarterbacks turn into gods, and blocking randomly collapses for no reason. Franchise mode is once again barebones and buggy. Menus lag, features feel half-finished, and basic polish is missing everywhere. EA has exclusive NFL rights and it shows. No urgency, no pride, just another lazy release. This isn’t a $70 game, it’s an embarrassment.

I miss NFL Blitz so much man. **** could come along one day which blends the quick and dirty gameplay of Blitz with the vast options and season simulation of Madden, it would be genuinely perfect. Unfortunately, what we have at the moment is a game that’s just too slow and weirdly technical on the gameplay side, and way too menu heavy on the option side. Not to mention it REALLY wants me to make an EA account even though I just want to play a season as the Lions and eventually trade for Joe Burrow. This game is mindless fun, not much else. It runs pretty badly on Switch 2 to boot. I miss NFL Blitz so much man…