What's new in Madden 25 gameplay: BOOM Tech
By Brian Allen
If there's one aspect of Madden that gets picked apart mercilessly every year, it's the physics. EA Sports has heard our numerous complaints about things feeling scripted and getting sucked into animations. BOOM Tech is Madden 25's answer.
According to EA, physics will determine one of a wide range of outcomes from tackles using weight, speed, momentum, player ratings, and whether the defender squared up properly for the tackle. I'm using Derrick Henry and have been pleased with my results so far.
Ball carriers will brace for impact when a defender is near, giving the player a chance to change direction, use a special move, or plow straight ahead. I mentioned I was using Derrick Henry, right? The system evaluates the defenders based on factors including speed, strength, and point of the defender's impact. You can be a Pro Bowl linebacker but if you don't have the proper angle, even the backup runner can get past you thanks to physics.
Rather than resolve the tackle with a predetermined animation, BOOM Tech selects from a variety of tackle animations and branch to as many as necessary. EA says this will generate unique outcomes and give both the defender and ball carrier unprecedented control over their interactions.
These interactions have allowed the creation of new player abilities that take full advantage of them. The Extra Pop ability gives a player a better chance of creating a fumble with a perfect Hit Stick, while Steamroller makes a runner moving at full speed harder to knock off course. What happens these abilities smash into each other? Something about immovable objects and irresistible forces...
Speaking of the Hit Stick, Madden 25 marks its 20th anniversary. Hit Sticks will now take the timing of the hit and the angle of the defender into account as well as player ratings. If all this sounds like a lot, the game will offer player feedback. A tackle indicator under the player will let you know how you did, with perfect Hit Sticks lighting up green. It's similar to NBA 2K's shot meter or MLB The Show's pitch feedback.
Are you ready to lower the boom?