Madden NFL Arcade, a distinct take on E.A.’s Madden games of realistic football simulation, focuses on looser arcade-oriented gameplay comparable to Midway’s Blitz games. With a five-on-five matchup, it features all 32 NFL clubs, including top stars. The offense consists of an Offensive Lineman, a Quarterback, and three receivers, while the defense consists of a Defensive Lineman and four backfield defenders. Unlike previous Madden games, there is no time limit; instead, the game concludes with a predetermined score (the default is 30) on a shorter field of 60 yards, with the starting team starting on their 20-yard line. The offense has four tries to score a touchdown; however, if the team fails to score after those four plays, it will be considered a turnover, and the defense will regain the ball. This game has no field goals, punts, or first downs.
There are 13 different power-ups available to help the player, including the ability to freeze a player on the field, slow or speed up gameplay, throw three footballs at once with only one going to the intended receiver, a power-up that adds an extra down, and a power-up that changes the game’s score. Like a slot machine, the player earns them randomly during the game. When players obtain a power-up, they can save it and use it later. You can play against the computer A.I. or with four friends, either two friends head-to-head or two friends teaming up against a second team of friends. Online multiplayer is also allowed, with the ability to establish custom rules and use the power-ups accessible in offline play and rosters that can be updated to reflect actual NFL rosters.
