Madden NFL 19 introduces a new options this year:
- more solo options for MUT
- a new player movement system
- the return of Longshot
The biggest and best addition for MUT is the new training point feature. In previous years, it was easy to get your hands on so many dumpy cards that you couldn’t really do that much with since quickselling them was next to pointless. Now, certain cards can be powered up through training points that you can obtain from either completing solo challenges, or converting cards you don’t need into points, that you can then invest into improving certain eligible cards.
The Power Up cards in particular are available in programs, set rewards, and specific objective lists.
In comparison to the old systems where you bought an attribute of your choice, you now get a player archetype upgrade and although this was a nice way of getting back into the game, in the end it felt like it was taking away some room for creativity, particularly for the hardcore fans who want to work their team into some very unique plays.
Hits have a great sense of impact and weight this year.
Franchise is also back, where you create your own player, coach, owner, or take control of an active player. This is by far more engaging than Longshot, but still lacks depth. You just go through the week doing training and playing games to gain experience to level up your player. That’s it. Its nice that you have options for your player, such as coming in undrafted, low draft, or high draft which impacts your rating and the rate you gain experience; but it would be nice if EA took some cues from 2K and started integrating more off-field experience to make it more immersive.
The franchise is the best it's ever been with Madden 19!
One final thing worth noting in Longshot. This year’s edition is far more scripted both in terms of gameplay and story, and rather than having any major branching paths, you’re graded based on your ability to complete challenges the without needing to repeat. Your choices from the last game are more or less thrown out in favor of a starting point about a year later.
The Longshot is back! Season #2
Madden NFL 19 is a fantastic entry into the long-running series. The new Player Movement System and air collision system lead to far more fluent gameplay and animation while MUT comes in better than ever. The MUT challenges are enjoyable and offer a great way to start building your team and a new emphasis on training and chemistry allows for more strategy. New or returning, Madden NFL 19 is a must buy for football fans.
4.5