Review: 'Madden NFL 15' scores on new turf

The last time video game players witnessed Electronic Arts' signature pro football game transition to new devices, it was about as ugly as a wobbly toss of the pigskin. It was short on features and lacked technical polish.

Fortunately, the shift to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One has gone more smoothly, as shown with the release of Madden NFL 15. Unlike those early releases for console predecessors PS3 and Xbox 360, this year's NFL video game boasts stunning looks, impressive depth and mostly consistent action on the field.

Perhaps the biggest knock against Madden NFL 15 is a lack of significant innovation. Then again, just making the jump to new video game consoles with few hiccups should be considered a victory.

With Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman gracing the cover, developers at EA have appropriately focused on defense for this year's installment. When a player controls a defender, they'll see a cone representing their vision and the angle they're taking when approaching a ballcarrier. Players can simply press one button to make a conservative tackle or try to force a fumble with a harder hit.

Defenders not under player control have improved intelligence, regardless of whether they play man-to-man or zone defense. The best defensive players in the NFL shine more brightly, such as Sherman, who is very tough to pass against (unless you have difficulty settings dialed down).

At the line of scrimmage, players receive cues just before the snap of the ball to gain an advantage over a blocker, using finesse moves to push through and make a big tackle or sack the quarterback. Overall, the changes have made defense easier to grasp and a bit more entertaining.

The offensive side has experienced a few tweaks, too, particularly before the ball is even snapped. Plays can be sorted by personnel, scheme and even concept. Players can also gain advice on what plays to run, based on the player's history as well as the opponent's tendencies. It's a solid option for novices, but most veterans will likely stick with the straightforward schemes and run their plays.

Players can also view individual offensive weapons and compare how they match with their defender. Does it appear your slot receiver has a big speed advantage? Exploit it on the fly by calling an audible to send him on a deep route. It's much easier to uncover mismatches.

The on-field experience in Madden NFL 15 is consistently solid and looks even more lifelike. There will still be the YouTube-worthy bugs here and there, like the ball that randomly shoots back 40 yards off a fumble (which netted me a safety) or the awkwardly stumbling player who falls through an opponent. However, it's not so troubling that it wrecks the experience.

A scene from 'Madden NFL 15.'(Photo: Electronic Arts)

Most of the game's primary features remain intact, including an incredibly deep Connected Franchise mode, where players can join a team as a superstar player, coach or owner. They can opt to pick a current NFL employee, create their own or choose a NFL legend.

Franchises can now get ready for games during the week with Game Prep. Players can use this to earn experience for players, which includes running drills or installing the offensive game plan. Players have a set amount of points to spend during the week, which varies based on the timing of games.

There's also the returning Madden Ultimate Team, a card-based mode where players build their own squad based on collectible cards, along with the standard exhibition and online modes.

However, Madden NFL 15 does lack that one significant feature that sets it apart. Instead, players get a series of smaller improvements to bolster the experience. But it seems EA is better suited managing the growing pains that come with the shift to new hardware.

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: Electronic Arts

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Price: $59.99

Rating: E for Everyone

Release Date: August 26

Score: 3.5 out of 4

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1oTGST1