The vaunted franchise mode returns, now expanding from 15 playable seasons to 32. Franchise mode is now multiplayer as well, so it s possible to compete with other human players over multiple seasons. A new Madden Challenge play option appears in the game. This allows players to try and compete in a number of gameplay situations, such as passing for a certain amount of yards or scoring in an allotted time. As players beat the various challenges, they receive codes to unlock special secrets.
Players can save their progress to their memory cards.
Two for one player trading has been added, too. The game really looked great at the booth. Players are scaled, so offensive linemen look much larger than receivers, running backs vary in size, and so on. Extra players dot the once barren sidelines. The game appears to run a step or two quicker this year as well.