EA Sports always bring sports fans the best of the best of sports games. This year is no different. With new added features players will feel like they are almost completely in the game. Working with the Frostbite Engine has created a new visual for the entire game that is sure to please all players. Along with smooth maneuvers, Madden NFL 19 is a return to form in the long line of football releases.
Antonio Brown the wide receiver from the Pittsburgh Steelers dawns the cover of this year’s cover. In the Hall of Fame edition however, Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens is on the cover with his Dallas Cowboy uniform. This is unlikely to make a difference to players of the NFL series games but to those that prefer the Hall of Fame Edition, the difference has been spotted.
Mechanically, for Madden NFL 19, everything controls so much smoother than previous games. By being able to make realistic moves and cuts up field to gain yards, plays become more manageable. Players are also able to push blockers which was previously hard to deal with. All of this also creates a more realistic experience from the catch since players can smoothly gain yards and just keep going to the goal.
Speaking of getting a touchdown and winning for the team, interactive touchdown celebrations, that were made legal in the 2017 year, are back. There are a few different celebrations that can be used from the whole collection in this year’s release, so go crazy! Now with three vs three mode, no one has to play alone.
Some other changes were made to the Ultimate Team Mode as well, such as the Solo Battles game mode. This is a leader-board driven aspect of the game and focuses mainly on daily single player event challenges. Players will need to check in daily to work their way up the ladder but in the end the experience will begin to pay off. For Longshot fans as well who like more of a story mode and plot, the sequel, Homecoming, will continue in this year’s release.
Even though the technology has broken through to create an almost realistic visual football experience, not everything has been positive. Even with such smooth control changes and more realistic movement, there are still hang ups while getting around everyone else. Many people as well were upset at the removal of Colin Kaepernick’s name from a song featured on the game’s soundtrack. EA did end up restoring things but we won’t get in to that.
Overall, no game is absolutely perfect but Madden NFL 19 has come very close in the world of football. EA Sports has great graphics, mostly steady movements and actions, as well as new additions for story mode and solo play. Just give the game a shot, you know you want to.
8/10
Available on PS4, Xbox and PC
