Laughter out loud. A new trailer has just been dropped by EA Sports, marketing an update in game play that is called the “realest to date;” however, considering the change of direction established in the dev notes, reaction, well, I might say, is mixed. Some are on cloud nine, some skeptical, and others just want to ignore any more empty yearly promises.
Now, the fun stuff: with the trailer came a fresh new player-wear-and-tear mechanic. Players can actually get injured in online matches! That is very much a big deal for realism, and player @Loyal1_Oye wasted no time in praising the mechanic: “Wear and tear is dope. Finally players can get injured online 🔥💯.” So there’s no doubt that it enhances immersion.
The other side of it, though, @BucnutesfaN wouldn’t hold back: “I just had a game in M25 where a dude not only converted a 4th and 21 against a quarter defense but went 67 yards for a touchdown. How about fixing that type of bs.” Yeah, sounds kinda exasperating? And he’s just one of many-@TheRealKKSP: “They gotta fix short passes always over thrown. I’m getting bumped alot down field with no calls. My Oline seems to not hold 3 seconds.” Oof.
And then you get the whole debate on whether or not Madden 26 is really a significant update or just a roster update. @mkharsh33 said it direct: “We hear ‘realest Madden’ each year. It’s not. Just an expensive roster update.” Many others shared that same sentiment, and @Tony_Grant_ even put forth the suggestion of EA losing the NFL license this year “if they don’t step up.”
Over that were some franchise mode grievances. The full rant was let loose by @HLGamingLLC: “We want FRANCHISE MODE Upgrades and Features! MUT is trash, waste of time and money.” They had in mind everything from customization to presentation – halftime shows, replay cameras, and even a practice facility. Basically, they want Madden to feel like a full football experience instead of just a glorified card-collecting sim.
However, hopeful voices could still be heard. One optimistic perspective came from @BobbyKush69: “Crazy… Madden looks good?!?” While @hortavieira88 already considered themselves a believer: “Curious to see ns2. Gonna buy it 100%.” But questions from the optimists were yet to be answered, for instance, @WardGuy208 asking if speed and strength upgrades are gonna be easier this year and @BobDylan_329 questioning when the franchise deep dive is coming.
The evil would come with another mountain news drop by @LostHebrew_Dre: “2k football is back next year,” linking to an article about the return of the rival franchise. That must have instilled some fear of competition in EA, considering how many players openly want it.
Where does that leave Madden 26? Gameplay changes immediately give it a bright prospect, but trust remains the community’s weakest link. Much lies on EA’s shoulders this year-first with NFL 2K standing by. Should they fail to bring so much as a whiff of originality to the table, that bright future is going to dim in an instant.
Right now, the question remains as to whether or not Madden 26 rises above the hype or continues with the line of “Almost there” Maddens.
