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RaychelSnr · 09-26-2013, 03:04 PM

The two EA football titles both offer something a little different from one another. Here's our take.

EA Football this year saw modest gains with both NCAA Football 14 and Madden NFL 25 on current generation consoles. The Infinity Engine 2.0 was implemented into both games, giving them the most advanced physics in a football game ever -- and the line play was reworked for both titles to make room for new run game controls.

Each year we do several of these grudge matches to see which games are more worthy of a purchase, especially for those who still haven't bought them. Both Madden and NCAA have been out for a good bit, so now is a good time to give both the 'Grudge Match' treatment.

The format is simple, we will go through several categories and match the games up head to head. The winning game will find more 'wins' at the end of the article. Let's find out which football game is this year's best!

Read More - OS Grudgematch: NCAA Football 14 vs. Madden NFL 25

rtkiii · 09-26-2013, 03:46 PM

Good read...didn't help me at all because both games don't sound that great

inkcil · 09-26-2013, 03:55 PM

I enjoy NCAA better because it feels like college more than Madd feels like the nfl. But to me the presentation in NCAA is way over the top better than Madd's. Commentary makes more sense, cutscenes are implemented better, actual college gameday and espn swipes, normal replays, custom sounds, bands cheerleaders and mascots, better implementation of licensed music, etc.

DJ · 09-26-2013, 04:01 PM

I'd argue that NCAA 14 should win the defense category for the ability to Player-Lock and having the camera shift to behind the player you are locked-on to.

GlennN · 09-26-2013, 04:04 PM

You really hit the nail on the head with playing defense. That's the one thing that seems so hard to get in a video game. The last time I really enjoyed playing DE was in NFL2k5. In Madden 25, the suction blocking remains, and it really is boring. If I edited ratings, so my guy is even better than Reggie White in his prime, he should be regularly blowing up the offensive tackles. And he isn't. I get that people want their own skill to matter, especially online, but ratings really really have to matter, or a franchise game is not going to work well.

Armor and Sword · 09-26-2013, 04:08 PM

I am really enjoying both games immensely this year. I think the line play on defense in Madden is a blast this year. I really learned how to use the swim move coupled with the speed burst button to get into some serious battles with the LT and RT (I use both Wake and Jordan) and get some great looking sacks, knock downs and also seeing the LT or RT hold me off on the edges.

They really did a great job this year with that.

Both running games rock.

Both passing games I enjoy and feel I have total control.

I will give the edge to NCAA's dynasty mode over CFM.....but I am enjoying CFM more than any other Madden franchise mode ever. If it jsut had a few more features we used to have and some tweaks to certain things it would be really a knock out.

But I am in the camp that EA at the very least ended this gen with 2 very solid, playable and most importantly fun football games. Quite frankly these are the two best football games I have ever played to date top to bottom....go ahead..throw the cabbage and tomatos....but that's how I see it.

Armor and Sword · 09-26-2013, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennN


	You really hit the nail on the head with playing defense. That's the one thing that seems so hard to get in a video game. The last time I really enjoyed playing DE was in NFL2k5. In Madden 25, the suction blocking remains, and it really is boring. If I edited ratings, so my guy is even better than Reggie White in his prime, he should be regularly blowing up the offensive tackles. And he isn't. I get that people want their own skill to matter, especially online, but ratings really really have to matter, or a franchise game is not going to work well.

I will disagree with you. I am getting great sack and pressure numbers in M25. Stick skill do matter to play DE...I learned them and now am having the best time playing DE. When I am not controlling one...they are getting pressure and sacks on their own as well.

jeremym480 · 09-26-2013, 04:29 PM

Awesome take guys. Here's how I see this Grudgematch.

Run Game - One of NCAA's biggest problems (the strength of the Read Option and runs up the middle) is in it's Run Game. It's so easy to run the Read Option that has to be regulated in some online leagues. Honestly, I actually feel dirty running it. I feel that running is a little smoother in NCAA, but it gets docked points for the problems that it does have. Winner: Madden

Passing Game - After seeing the dreaded DB glitch twice in my first 2-3 weeks with the game, I was worried for NCAA's passing game. Luckily I have not seen it since, therefore there is no significant difference between Madden and NCAA. Winner: Draw

Line Play - This is still EA weakest link. Offensively, there really isn't that much of a difference between the two games. Defensively, Madden's Pass rush (especially on default) is non-existent. This can be alleviated with sliders, but NCAA gets the nod here. Winner: NCAA

Defense - In Madden the Hit Stick is actually effective and fumbles by RB's and WR's exist. Winner: Madden

Most Realistic - I would give the slight edge to Madden simply due to injuries. Winner: Madden

Connected Franchise or Dynasty/Road to Glory - I've never been one for relocation, upgrading stadiums, setting hot dog prices, etc. I would much rather both teams focus on adding layers to make that matter more on the field. Things like the ability to hire your own coordinators/assistant coaches, a Coaching Carousel in Madden, etc. I agree with everything Chris and Dustin mentioned about NCAA here. Winner: NCAA

Better Ultimate Team Experience - eww. Winner: Neither

Best Presentation - NCAA took a step back here, but I do appreciate that they started showing stats after every play now. Madden is nothing more than okay, presentation wise. It's really a toss up, but since NCAA has better replays (and ability to take in-game pictures) I'm going to go with them. Winner: NCAA

NCAA 14 - 3
Madden 24 -3
Draws/Neither -2

My advice: If you still haven't purchased a football game and you're trying to decide between these two, just go with whichever (NCAA, NFL) that you follow in real life.

09-26-2013, 03:04 PM	#1
RaychelSnr Executive Editor OVR: 57 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,846 Blog Entries: 490	OS Grudgematch: NCAA Football 14 vs. Madden NFL 25 The two EA football titles both offer something a little different from one another. Here's our take. EA Football this year saw modest gains with both NCAA Football 14 and Madden NFL 25 on current generation consoles. The Infinity Engine 2.0 was implemented into both games, giving them the most advanced physics in a football game ever -- and the line play was reworked for both titles to make room for new run game controls. Each year we do several of these grudge matches to see which games are more worthy of a purchase, especially for those who still haven't bought them. Both Madden and NCAA have been out for a good bit, so now is a good time to give both the 'Grudge Match' treatment. The format is simple, we will go through several categories and match the games up head to head. The winning game will find more 'wins' at the end of the article. Let's find out which football game is this year's best! Read More - OS Grudgematch: NCAA Football 14 vs. Madden NFL 25

09-26-2013, 03:46 PM	#2
rtkiii Banned OVR: 1 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Indiana	Good read...didn't help me at all because both games don't sound that great ghettogeeksta likes this.

09-26-2013, 03:55 PM	#3
inkcil All Star OVR: 23 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: South Los Angeles Blog Entries: 1	I enjoy NCAA better because it feels like college more than Madd feels like the nfl. But to me the presentation in NCAA is way over the top better than Madd's. Commentary makes more sense, cutscenes are implemented better, actual college gameday and espn swipes, normal replays, custom sounds, bands cheerleaders and mascots, better implementation of licensed music, etc. Sausage likes this.

09-26-2013, 04:01 PM	#4
DJ Hall Of Fame OVR: 47 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 17,772 Blog Entries: 101	I'd argue that NCAA 14 should win the defense category for the ability to Player-Lock and having the camera shift to behind the player you are locked-on to. Sausage likes this.

09-26-2013, 04:08 PM	#6
Armor and Sword The Lama OVR: 0 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Parkland, Florida Posts: 21,594 Blog Entries: 5	Re: OS Grudgematch: NCAA Football 14 vs. Madden NFL 25 I am really enjoying both games immensely this year. I think the line play on defense in Madden is a blast this year. I really learned how to use the swim move coupled with the speed burst button to get into some serious battles with the LT and RT (I use both Wake and Jordan) and get some great looking sacks, knock downs and also seeing the LT or RT hold me off on the edges. They really did a great job this year with that. Both running games rock. Both passing games I enjoy and feel I have total control. I will give the edge to NCAA's dynasty mode over CFM.....but I am enjoying CFM more than any other Madden franchise mode ever. If it jsut had a few more features we used to have and some tweaks to certain things it would be really a knock out. But I am in the camp that EA at the very least ended this gen with 2 very solid, playable and most importantly fun football games. Quite frankly these are the two best football games I have ever played to date top to bottom....go ahead..throw the cabbage and tomatos....but that's how I see it. SECElit3 likes this. __________________ Now Playing on PS5: NHL25 - Panthers YR1 (Conf Finals vs Hurricanes) CFB 25 - Alabama YR9 (3-1) MLB The Show 24 - 1990 Blue Jays MLB The Show 25 - 2025 Yankees Year 1 (31-28) Indiana Jones & The Great Circle Follow me on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/armorandsword

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09-26-2013, 04:04 PM	#5
GlennN MVP OVR: 13 Join Date: Oct 2003	You really hit the nail on the head with playing defense. That's the one thing that seems so hard to get in a video game. The last time I really enjoyed playing DE was in NFL2k5. In Madden 25, the suction blocking remains, and it really is boring. If I edited ratings, so my guy is even better than Reggie White in his prime, he should be regularly blowing up the offensive tackles. And he isn't. I get that people want their own skill to matter, especially online, but ratings really really have to matter, or a franchise game is not going to work well.

09-26-2013, 04:29 PM	#8
jeremym480 Speak it into existence OVR: 39 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Prairieville, LA Posts: 18,230	Awesome take guys. Here's how I see this Grudgematch. Run Game - One of NCAA's biggest problems (the strength of the Read Option and runs up the middle) is in it's Run Game. It's so easy to run the Read Option that has to be regulated in some online leagues. Honestly, I actually feel dirty running it. I feel that running is a little smoother in NCAA, but it gets docked points for the problems that it does have. Winner: Madden Passing Game - After seeing the dreaded DB glitch twice in my first 2-3 weeks with the game, I was worried for NCAA's passing game. Luckily I have not seen it since, therefore there is no significant difference between Madden and NCAA. Winner: Draw Line Play - This is still EA weakest link. Offensively, there really isn't that much of a difference between the two games. Defensively, Madden's Pass rush (especially on default) is non-existent. This can be alleviated with sliders, but NCAA gets the nod here. Winner: NCAA Defense - In Madden the Hit Stick is actually effective and fumbles by RB's and WR's exist. Winner: Madden Most Realistic - I would give the slight edge to Madden simply due to injuries. Winner: Madden Connected Franchise or Dynasty/Road to Glory - I've never been one for relocation, upgrading stadiums, setting hot dog prices, etc. I would much rather both teams focus on adding layers to make that matter more on the field. Things like the ability to hire your own coordinators/assistant coaches, a Coaching Carousel in Madden, etc. I agree with everything Chris and Dustin mentioned about NCAA here. Winner: NCAA Better Ultimate Team Experience - eww. Winner: Neither Best Presentation - NCAA took a step back here, but I do appreciate that they started showing stats after every play now. Madden is nothing more than okay, presentation wise. It's really a toss up, but since NCAA has better replays (and ability to take in-game pictures) I'm going to go with them. Winner: NCAA NCAA 14 - 3 Madden 24 -3 Draws/Neither -2 My advice: If you still haven't purchased a football game and you're trying to decide between these two, just go with whichever (NCAA, NFL) that you follow in real life.