EA Sports Madden NFL games have become a household name, even among casual gamers. The popularity of this American football game has soared, and any announcement from the developers elicits excitement and anticipation from fans. As the football season comes to a close, with the combine finished and the draft process completed, there is a lull in excitement for fans of the game until the next season kicks off. However, with the recent announcement of the release date for Madden NFL 24, there is finally something to look forward to.
After last year’s lackluster effort, the question on longtime Madden fans’ minds is simple. Is the franchise mode any good?
Franchise Mode - Madden 24
The long-awaited Madden 24 announcement trailer has finally arrived, showcasing the cover star and release date. However, the most exciting details can be found in the GridIron Notes, where EA Sports has made significant upgrades to the neglected franchise mode.
For years, franchise mode has taken a backseat to the lucrative Ultimate Team mode, leading to a decline in sales as franchise mode players lose interest. But after last year's disappointing connected franchise mode, EA Sports knew they had to make improvements to retain their dedicated player base. And it seems they have delivered.
Upgraded Trading System
One of the major enhancements in Madden 24 is the upgraded trading system. Traditionally, Madden limited players to trading only three assets, which didn't reflect the reality of teams making multiple trades during the draft season or before the deadline. Thankfully, this limitation has been lifted, allowing players to trade up to six assets, including three players, in a single trade. Additionally, the game now offers three years of draft picks instead of the usual two, allowing for more realistic deals within the franchise. This change has been long overdue and will undoubtedly enhance the gameplay experience.
Relocation Overhaul
Another significant improvement comes in the form of a revamped relocation system. In previous Madden editions, the relocation options were limited to copy-and-paste cities, team names, and branding, which lacked creativity and customization. However, Madden 24 introduces a streamlined team relocation feature, offering new cities, logos, and uniforms, allowing players to create their own unique franchise stories. While the ability to design custom uniforms and badges may not be available, this overhaul is a step in the right direction.
Upgrade Exclusivity
Unfortunately, not all players will be able to enjoy these new features. The enhancements, including cross-play, gameplay updates, and returning mini-games and Superstar modes, are exclusively available to players on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Those still using PS4 and Xbox One will not have access to any of the exciting new additions in Madden 24. It's a tough break for loyal Madden players on older generation consoles, but it may be time to consider upgrading to the next generation for the enhanced experience.
Even for Ultimate Team enthusiasts, the improvements in FieldSENSE and new passing mechanics will be limited to next-gen consoles and PC. For those remaining on last year's edition, the gameplay will feel identical, missing out on the exciting advancements.
In conclusion, Madden 24 brings long-awaited improvements to franchise mode, with upgraded trading options and a revamped relocation system. While these enhancements are exclusive to next-gen consoles and PC, they mark a positive step forward for the franchise. Fans of the game now have even more reasons to anticipate the release and dive into the immersive world of Madden NFL 24.
