A new blog post and video from Madden NFL 25 shows some highlights of the new defense mechanics for this year’s entry.
MAKE YOUR PRESENCE FELT
The power of the Infinity Engine comes to the Hit Stick, allowing for the biggest, most impressive hits yet in a Madden game. If your target happens to be performing a precision modifier when you pop him with the Hit Stick, the chances of a fumble increase dramatically, causing that player to adopt a more conservative attitude. In the passing game, if a receiver is Hit Stick’d during a catch, the chances of jarring the ball loose are much higher.
HEAT-SEEKER TACKLING
For those who don’t like using the Hit Stick and opt for a more traditional, button-based approach, Heat-Seeker Tackling should make life a bit easier. Heat-seeker is enabled anytime you hold down the Hit Stick, defensive assist or wrap tackle buttons, and guides your defender on the proper angle to place a hit on the ball carrier. Heat-Seeker will provide assistance without taking control away form the player, as players can opt to turn it off entirely. Those who opt to use it will notice a risk/reward system, as defenders with lower awareness or agility ratings are more susceptible to a fake-out by the ball carrier.
RECOVER AND GET BACK IN THERE
Defenders can now make the same hard cuts as ball carriers to change directions and speed. If a player whiffs a tackle, recovery is now possible to continue pursuit.
TAKING A DIVE
Dive tackles have now been tuned to utilize more momentum so that defenders have a better chance of catching runners from behind and tripping them up. Also, new lunge tackles let defenders dive past the lead blockers to take out the legs of the ball carrier.
ALWAYS BE IN POSITION TO MAKE THE PLAY
New under-the-hood improvements will now affect a defender’s reactions in various situations. For instance, since defensive awareness plays a big part in Madden NFL 25, defenders with a higher awareness rating are less likely to bite on fake-outs. Defenders will now take smarter routes to the ball in order to track down ball carriers and make plays. In addition, defenders will now “break down” and prepare for a tackle as they get close to the ball carrier. This controls their momentum and puts them into the best position to make a play.
Madden NFL 25 will be available on Tuesday, August 27, for Xbox 360 and PS3.
