'Madden NFL' video game crosses 25-year goal line with Tuesday release

In 1989, video game publisher Electronic Arts launched its series of NFL titles starring legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, Since then, it's become one of the most successful sports video games ever. We look back at how the franchise has evolved over 25 years.

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'John Madden Football'

Electronic Arts launches the first 11-on-11 Madden pro football video game for the Apple II computer. It features basic pro-style playbooks, customizable weather conditions and more. Later versions of the original would appear on PC and game consoles.

"My big thing was to get 22 guys on the field, and if you are going to play football, you need 11 on offense and 11 on defense at all times," says John Madden. "To get that many figures in a computer game and then obviously a video game was a job in itself. It took years and years and years."

'John Madden Football '92'

The Sega Genesis plays host to the franchise's first real sequel, which adds a 3-D playing field, instant replay and injuries highlighted by the player getting carted off the field by ambulance.

'John Madden Football '93'

Designers add more detailed player ratings and enhanced graphics. Among the key features introduced: classic pro football teams and a no-huddle offense for players seeking to speed up the tempo.

'Madden NFL '94'

After three seasons bearing only the Madden name, the series snags NFL rights, which includes teams and logos. For the first time, players could complete a full season from Week 1 to the Super Bowl. Other features included customizable audibles and "bluff mode" to hide plays.

'Madden NFL '95'

Electronic Arts secures the rights to use player names from the NFL Players Association. Farewell, #8 and #22 of the Dallas Cowboys. Hello, Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. This is also the first release to feature handheld versions for Sega's Game Gear and Nintendo's Game Boy.

'Madden NFL '96'

If adding pro football stars wasn't enough, video game players could insert themselves into Madden with the newly-introduced Create-A-Player mode. A Training Camp mode put players through a series of drills to determine their position in the NFL Draft. This is the first 'Madden' developed by Tiburon Studios, who have designed every version of the game since.

'Madden NFL '97'

The franchise makes its debut on 32-bit video game consoles, which included Sony's PlayStation and the Sega Saturn. The boost in horsepower meant better graphics using motion capture technology, a TV-style presentation and other features. Players could still create and trade stars, but had to operate under a salary cap for the first time.

'Madden NFL '98'

Ever want to see Packers QB on the Bears without making a major trade? The introduction of a Fantasy Draft made it possible. The game also added improved artificial intelligence for a greater challenge, touch passing and an iso-cam to control any player on the field.

'Madden NFL '99'

Players eager to repeat as Super Bowl champions got their shot with Franchise Mode, which allowed players to fully run a pro football team for up to 15 seasons. The franchise also received a huge visual upgrade with the introduction of 3-D polygonal characters.

Madden NFL 2000'

Developers made a handful of minor tweaks this season, including gang tackling, diving catches, a player editor and the ability to call hot routes before a play. Although John Madden remained the star of the game's cover art, '2000' also featured the first player -- Detroit Lions star Barry Sanders -- in the background.

'Madden NFL 2001'

The franchise adds Sony's PlayStation 2 to the platform roster, leading to another significant upgrade in visuals. Player movement and likenesses bear closer resemblances to their real-world counterparts. It's also the first year an U.S. version of Madden would feature a player on the front of the box: Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George. Unfortunately, it also marks the beginning of the infamous 'Madden Curse,' which struck players the season after their cover cameo.

'Madden NFL 2002'

The top-selling game of 2001 moves to Microsoft's new Xbox console and the Nintendo GameCube, adding the two-minute drill and the coaches' corner tutorial for playbooks. Players could also relive early-era versions of the franchise in Madden Classic mode.

'Madden NFL 2003'

Head-to-head battles were now available online. At the time, this meant playing against the St. Louis Rams and cover star Marshall Faulk over and over ... and over again. Other features included a Franchise Mode extended to 30 seasons, Mini-Camp to boost player ratings, and the ability to create playbooks from scratch.

'Madden NFL 2004'

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was to 'Madden NFL 2004' what Bo Jackson was to 'Tecmo Bowl.' Vick was nearly unstoppable, and a popular choice among online players. The game also added Playmaker control to change passing routes or blocking assignments on the fly. A deeper Owner Mode allowed players to build new stadiums or hike ticket prices.

'Madden NFL 2005'

With Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis on the cover, defenses would gain a greater edge. The Hit Stick is unveiled, so players can deliver jarring shots to break up a pass or force a fumble. Defenses also gained access to hot routes, allowing players to call an individual blitz or zone read on the fly.

'Madden NFL '06'

Quarterbacks earn special treatment with the addition of Precision Passing that lets players pick specific spots to toss the ball. There was also the Vision Cone, representing the quarterback's field of vision. The wider the view, the better the QB's accuracy. Good luck getting a team to the playoffs with Patrick Ramsey. The newly-added Superstar Mode let players create their own athlete and guide them from their rookie year to retirement.

'Madden NFL '07'

Running backs become the focal point with the inclusion of the Highlight Stick. Players can easily juke past defenders or simply bowl over them by pressing up on the right thumbstick. After jumping on the Xbox 360 the season before, Madden completes the next-generation transition with versions for the Nintendo Wii and Sony's PlayStation 3.

'Madden NFL '08'

Weapons icons are introduced, breaking down superstars by skills such as Shutdown Corner or Cannon Arm QB. The Read and React gives players a view of strengths and weaknesses before snaps, allowing them to exploit coverage schemes or other holes in the defense.

'Madden NFL '09'

The game features the Madden IQ test, an initial assessment of the video game player's skills. Computer-controlled players will then adapt to that skillset to create a more challenging experience on the field. The game graced retired Packers QB Brett Favre, who later signed with the New York Jets and forced EA to create alternate covers for players to print out.

'Madden NFL '10'

Instead of simply playing opponents in individual online games, players can now start Online Franchises with up to 31 of their closest friends. An updated animation system features huge improvements to tackling, while an interactive injury system allows players to make quick choices about sitting or starting a hurt superstar. The game also honored the 50th anniversary of the AFL with throwback uniforms.

'Madden NFL '11'

To keep players from spending too much time in playbooks, designers introduce GameFlow. A computer-controlled coordinator calls plays, resulting in faster games and more time on the field. The franchise also adds an online co-op mode, where up to three players can work together in guiding a team to victory.

'Madden NFL '12'

A new feature called Dynamic Player Performance updates player rating between games, as stars fall into hot or cold streaks depending on how well they play. There's also a variation of the Weapons icon system called Player Roles, where certain players are assigned special titles such as "Pass Rusher" or "Deep Threat" that impact their ratings and those of opponents.

'Madden NFL '13'

The tackling receives another major upgrade with Infinity Engine, used to more accurately capture collisions. Connected Careers are introduced, which combines the Franchise and Superstar modes into one seamless experience. The Xbox 360 version includes voice commands, so players can shout out pre-snap adjustments, call timeouts or run their no-huddle offense.

'Madden NFL 25'

The Owner Mode returns with more depth, allowing players to change rosters, build stadiums, relocate their team, address the media and even raise prices on tickets, parking or concessions. The Precision Modifier feature allows superstars to execute more elusive jukes, spin moves or stiff arms to gain an advantage.