While this lack of licensing significantly hurt critical response to the game, reviews were mostly positive, with elements such as the detailed player models and realistic gameplay garnering praise.

The New England Patriots are referred to as "Foxboro", the Tennessee Oilers as "Nashville", the Arizona Cardinals as "Phoenix", the Minnesota Vikings as "Minneapolis", the Tampa Bay Buccaneers simply as "Tampa", the Carolina Panthers as "Charlotte", and at the time, a historic team, the Los Angeles Rams referred to as "Anaheim".

[3] Changes made from Madden 98 include the polygonal players, more colorful playcall screens, new end-zone celebrations and taunts, and removal of all full motion video clips.

Critics applauded the detailed player graphics, noting the discernible names on jerseys and black grease under their eyes,[8][9][10][13] and the impressive animations.

[8] Some reviews also noted that while competitor NFL Quarterback Club 98 runs in high resolution, Madden Football 64 does not.

[8][9][10] However, Kujawa's co-reviewer Kelly Rickards opined that the game's issues with graphics and licensing are easily overridden by its gameplay.