PlayStation 1
Released in 1999 by EA Sports
Grade: B-
This Madden has fun, intuitive gameplay reminiscent of the 16-bit editions, but with a lot more realism.
Where it falls in the series
It’s the fourth of nine Maddens on PS1. It’s a pivotal installment in the Madden franchise, a clear step up from Madden 99 before the next-gen leap with Madden 2001 on PS2.
Praises and gripes
These choppy graphics are tough to stomach today, but the action moves smooth by PS1 standards, and it’s clear enough to see what you’re doing.
The control is intuitive and effective, hitting a sweet spot between simplicity and complication. Players don’t turn tightly, though, which makes open-field tackles a challenge.
The AI and football logic are state of the art. You can use genuine football instincts. The playbooks are decent, and this is the first game with hot routes, which let you send a receiver on a chosen pattern before the snap. Receivers catch the ball in stride, a key improvement over Madden 99.
The menus and playcall screen are user-friendly, and the pace is good from play to play.
My main gripe is that short passes are unrealistically hard to complete. Smashmouth enthusiasts may like the emphasis on the running game, but it’d be nice to be able to use a quick slant effectively too. Defensive players seem to snag interceptions just as easily as receivers. (These issues were smoothed out in Madden 2001 on PS1.)
The logic favors star players. Top-tier runners stay on their feet longer, playing with a good O-line is a distinct advantage, and don’t expect your third WR to make any miraculous plays.
The CPU puts up a good challenge, and there’s five difficulty settings, but they’ll make really stupid coaching decisions.
All in all, this is a big step in the right direction for Madden and football gaming in general. If your eyes don’t ache at the 32-bit sights, you can still have fun playing this game today.
Published September 15, 2018
Updated March 13, 2023