For people who are obsessed with gaming, other popular hobbies out there also appeal. For many, American football is the best of all, and gamers also dabble in football-themed products given their love of the NFL. Over the years, Madden games have been particularly popular, with a number of iconic releases coming to the fore.
Madden NFL 26 is today’s instalment
Even today, huge communities of gamers and football fans alike are sampling the latest instalment from the series, Madden NFL 26. When they aren’t watching YouTube content creators rant about the NFL’s biggest talking points and place any Super Bowl LX bets ahead of the huge championship game in early February, playing Madden NFL 26 is an understandable preference given the game’s immaculate graphics and presentation.
However, despite Madden NFL 26 receiving some solid all-around reviews, many Madden gamers are still pining for the good old days. For some players, today’s version of the game is filled with a number of issues that many previous Madden titles simply didn’t have. So, with fans gearing up for Super Bowl LX, below we briefly highlight some of the finest Madden games to track down and play before and after the tense, globally watched championship game.
Madden NFL 04
For many more senior Madden fanatics, Madden NFL 04 is the pinnacle of the series. Not only did it beat previous instalments when it came to its look and feel, but some new inclusions elevated the entire game. For instance, Owner Mode was fresh and exciting, adding another layer of intrigue to Franchise Mode. Likewise, the presence of Michael Vick on the front cover made the game more authoritative, given his elite performances at the time.
Madden NFL 05
While some Madden lovers hark back to the glory days of Madden NFL 04, others. It came with a Hit Stick, which massively elevated things, especially when it came to defensive gameplay, while it was a game that contained the usual fun elements Madden gamers craved. When assessing some of the very best sports games on the PlayStation 2, Madden NFL 05 is rightly mentioned a lot.
Madden NFL 07
If Madden NFL 05 was the finest Madden product out there for some, then the same endorsers of it were surely wowed by the release of Madden NFL 07. A game that felt like it had absolutely nothing wrong with it, the 2007 version felt like perfection. From its faultless gameplay to its range of enthralling features, Madden NFL 07 really was a joy to play.
Madden NFL 11
Although many Madden games from the past would look outdated when compared to today’s sophisticated products, there are a few exceptions that could still shine in 2026. One of them is undoubtedly Madden NFL 11, which is viewed as one of the most eye-catching Madden games ever. Sure, it hardly rivals Madden NFL 26’s visual package, but at the time, it was deemed an undoubted success story thanks to its beautiful presentation, its exceptional commentary, and the immersive atmosphere that transported fans to the action.
Madden 94
Finally, it only feels right to dive even further back in time and highlight one of the original installments from the Madden franchise. While Madden 94 wasn’t exactly the first title from the series, it’s fondly remembered by grey-haired Madden fans everywhere. Helping to inspire many of the Madden releases that followed it, it was a classic of the 16-bit era. Additionally, it’s seen as an iconic arcade football game as it served up simple football-themed fun for hours.
