Is Madden 18 Still Good? A Deep Dive into a Frostbite Era Classic
In short, Madden 18 is a mixed bag in 2024. While the online servers are shut down, rendering online multiplayer and some connected franchise features obsolete, the core gameplay, particularly the single-player modes, can still provide a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. Its appeal hinges on what you’re looking for in a football game. If you crave online competition and the latest rosters, you’ll be disappointed. However, if you value a solid offline experience with improved graphics, a compelling story mode, and relatively modern gameplay mechanics, Madden 18 might still scratch that itch.
## The Good, The Bad, and The Frostbite
### Stunning Graphics, For Its Time
One of the biggest selling points of Madden 18 was its transition to the Frostbite engine. This engine delivered a significant visual upgrade compared to previous installments, with more detailed player models, realistic stadiums, and impressive lighting effects. While graphics have evolved significantly since 2017, Madden 18 still holds up reasonably well visually, offering a more immersive experience than its predecessors.
### Longshot: A Compelling Story Mode
Madden 18 introduced “Longshot,” a story mode that followed the journey of Devin Wade, a former high school quarterback trying to make it to the NFL. This mode offered a unique narrative experience, with branching storylines, meaningful choices, and solid character development. While the gameplay within Longshot is limited, the story itself is engaging and well-acted, making it a worthwhile experience for football fans. This mode offers more to the game than just basic football gameplay, making it great for someone who wants something different in their game.
### Solid Gameplay Mechanics
The core gameplay of Madden 18 is fundamentally sound. The running game is responsive, the passing mechanics are intuitive, and the defensive AI is challenging. While some gameplay quirks and balance issues exist, they are not game-breaking and can be mitigated with slider adjustments. Madden 18 laid the foundation for many of the gameplay features that are still present in modern Madden games.
### Shut Down Servers: A Major Drawback
The biggest drawback of Madden 18 in 2024 is the shutdown of its online servers. This means that you can no longer play online multiplayer matches, participate in online franchise leagues, or access certain online features within Ultimate Team (MUT). This severely limits the game’s replayability for players who primarily enjoy online competition.
### Outdated Rosters
The rosters in Madden 18 are, unsurprisingly, outdated. Players who were rookies in 2017 are now veterans, and many have retired or moved to different teams. While this can be addressed with custom roster files created by the community (depending on your platform), it requires extra effort and may not be available on all systems. The ever-evolving nature of the NFL makes the teams and ratings of players to become obsolete over time.
### Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, whether Madden 18 is “still good” depends on your priorities. If you are primarily an offline player who enjoys franchise mode, exhibition games, and the Longshot story mode, Madden 18 can still provide a fun and engaging experience. The graphics are decent, the gameplay is solid, and the price is likely to be very low.
However, if you are primarily an online player, Madden 18 is no longer a viable option due to the server shutdown. You will need to invest in a newer Madden title to experience online multiplayer and updated rosters.
## Madden 18 FAQs
### 1. Are Madden 18 servers still up?
No, the Madden 18 servers were shut down on March 7, 2023. Online play and related features are no longer accessible.
### 2. Can I still play franchise mode in Madden 18?
Yes, you can still play franchise mode offline in Madden 18. You won’t be able to participate in online leagues, but you can still manage your team, draft players, and play games against the AI.
### 3. Is Madden 18 worth buying for the story mode?
If you are interested in a unique and well-acted football story, “Longshot” in Madden 18 is worth experiencing. The story is engaging, and the characters are well-developed.
### 4. Can I update the rosters in Madden 18?
Depending on your platform (PC, PlayStation, or Xbox), you may be able to find custom roster files created by the community. These files can update the player ratings and team lineups to more closely reflect current NFL rosters.
### 5. How does Madden 18 compare to newer Madden games?
Newer Madden games offer updated rosters, improved graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and a wider range of online features. However, Madden 18 provides a solid foundation and a unique story mode that may appeal to some players.
### 6. What is the gameplay like in Madden 18?
The gameplay in Madden 18 is responsive and intuitive. The running game, passing mechanics, and defensive AI are all well-designed. However, some gameplay quirks and balance issues may require slider adjustments.
### 7. What platforms is Madden 18 available on?
Madden 18 was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
### 8. Is Madden 18 better than Madden 17?
Madden 18 offered a significant visual upgrade compared to Madden 17 thanks to the Frostbite engine. It also introduced the “Longshot” story mode, which was a unique addition. Whether it’s “better” depends on your preference, but Madden 18 offered substantial improvements.
### 9. What is the overall rating of the New England Patriots in Madden 18?
The New England Patriots had an overall rating of 93 in Madden 18, making them the highest-rated team in the game.
### 10. Who had a 99 rating in Madden 18?
Tom Brady had a 99 overall rating in Madden 18. Rob Gronkowski was right behind him.
### 11. Does Madden 18 have any known glitches?
Like most video games, Madden 18 has some known glitches. However, none of them are game-breaking, and many can be avoided with simple adjustments.
### 12. How do I adjust the difficulty in Madden 18?
You can adjust the difficulty in Madden 18 by going to the Game Options menu. There are four difficulty levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert.
### 13. What is “MUT” in Madden 18?
MUT stands for Madden Ultimate Team. It is a mode where you collect player cards and build your dream team to compete against other players online. This mode is unavailable due to the server shutdown, but it can still be accessed in a limited capacity offline.
### 14. Is Madden 24 going to be the last NFL game from EA Sports?
No, Madden 24 is not the last NFL game from EA Sports. EA Sports has a continued partnership with the NFL.
### 15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
You can learn more about the educational aspects of gaming by visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society focuses on research and innovation in the field of games and learning.
Madden 18 may not be the latest and greatest Madden game, but it still offers value for specific players looking for a nostalgic offline football experience.