SALEM, OR - SoftDrinkSportsTV has released his long-awaited review of Madden NFL 26, delivering a brutally honest breakdown of what works, what doesn't, and why the series continues to divide its fanbase. His verdict? Madden may have added long-requested features, but the lack of meaningful innovation keeps the game from breaking free of its long-standing issues.
Gameplay: Faster, But Still Scripted
According to the review, gameplay remains Madden's biggest flaw. While player speed is noticeably improved and juke moves feel smoother, the overreliance on animations creates a lack of true player control. SoftDrinkSportsTV contrasts this with the physics-driven gameplay of the PS2-era Maddens and NFL 2K, where user input mattered more than pre-canned animations.
He notes that while Madden 26 offers more authentic animations and a livelier run game, these tweaks don't mask the repetitive, scripted feel that has plagued the series for years. Blocking AI remains inconsistent, quarterbacks get stuck in animations, and certain routes dominate because defensive backs can't realistically react.
Franchise Mode: Long Overdue, Still Underwhelming
Franchise mode receives some long-requested updates, such as proper position terminology, long snappers, and prime-time presentation packages for Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night games. The addition of a weekly recap show was one of the most hyped features, but execution falls flat-three highlights and robotic commentary pale in comparison to what ESPN NFL 2K5 accomplished over 20 years ago.
He also highlights missing or underdeveloped features: no create-a-play option, clunky menus that slow down simple tasks, broken commentary when using Team Builder, and the removal of owner mode. Wear and tear exists, but stat tracking for two-way players like Travis Hunter is inconsistent.
Superstar & Other Modes
Superstar mode is described as "better than usual" but still limited, offering only five playable positions and shallow progression. While Rich Eisen's narration and the ability to import college players are positives, the mode remains far from a modern sports career experience.
Ultimate Team once again receives heavy criticism, with aggressive monetization overshadowing gameplay. Draft Champions-a fan-favorite fair-play mode-is still missing, leaving players who want a level playing field with no alternative.
Presentation & Polish
Visually, Madden 26 benefits from new weather options, including heavy snow, which SoftDrinkSportsTV calls one of the best visual updates in years. Prime-time presentation packages add some variety, but commentary is dull, and player models continue to look awkward.
Bugs, however, are everywhere. From halftime glitches that load players into entirely different matchups to offside penalties triggered automatically in mini-games, polish is sorely lacking. He argues that Madden's recurring issues have persisted for too long to be excused as launch bugs.
The Bigger Picture
One of the most interesting revelations comes from a reported rumor: EA allegedly approached the NFL about giving up exclusivity on the license to save money, but the league refused. Despite EA's shortcomings, the NFL seems intent on keeping the exclusive partnership in place, much to the frustration of fans who want competition back in the market.
Final Verdict
SoftDrinkSportsTV closes by calling Madden 26 a game that "adds fluff on top of a broken core." While slightly more enjoyable than recent entries, it earns a rating of just 3.5 out of 10. For longtime fans, he argues that unless EA commits to a true rebuild with a physics-driven engine, deep franchise features, and authentic presentation, Madden will remain stuck in the past.
