What’s the Best Madden NFL Game of All Time?

Sports games are massively popular and beloved by millions. It is impressive how dedicated sports game fans are to checking out the latest iteration of rosters, modes, and gameplay mechanics every single year. When it comes to Madden NFL games, this long-running franchise has adhered to giving players the best look at American football in an interactive form. But what is the best Madden NFL game of all time?

The Siliconera staff has gotten together to focus less on the overall best mechanically impressive game in the series, but the ones that stuck out the most to us. Perhaps because of certain modes, how the gameplay works, or just pure nostalgia, but these are the best Madden NFL games in our opinions.

Siliconera Speaks Up: Best Madden NFL Game

Honestly, I haven’t played many Madden games. However, as a kid I ended up playing a shocking amount of John Madden Football on the Genesis! Some real formative memories with friends and cousins are tied to it. So even though it doesn’t have the management elements I love in more modern sports games, I really liked getting to play with family and fight over who got to be the Bears. — Jenni

I haven’t played a Madden NFL game in a very long time (I was always more a basketball or soccer game fan), but I have fond memories of checking them out as a kid. Basically anything from around the PS2 and Xbox generation somewhat into the Xbox 360 generation is iconic. The one that sticks out to me the most is Madden NFL 08. It was sooo good and smooth to play on the 360. It struck the right balance between realism and the more arcadey nature I like. Plus, the PC version had a phenomenal modding community. It is still worth playing even now. — Cody