Madden NFL 21

 PC
User Score
0.5

Overwhelming dislike- based on 361 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 361
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 361
  3. Negative: 345 out of 361
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  1. LaCourslight
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    I’ve been playing madden since 1998 and this is by far the worst one ever, not only has it really not changed from the last one more so than I’ve ever seen before, it’s a broken mess! Face of the franchise is not only extremely boring and buggy but it doesn’t give you any real consequence if you play good or bad, if you lose you’ll still get picked high in the draft and still be a topI’ve been playing madden since 1998 and this is by far the worst one ever, not only has it really not changed from the last one more so than I’ve ever seen before, it’s a broken mess! Face of the franchise is not only extremely boring and buggy but it doesn’t give you any real consequence if you play good or bad, if you lose you’ll still get picked high in the draft and still be a top recruit. Like give us some diversity in a story mode EA, Christ almighty!… Expand
  2. Tyler97020
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is the worst Madden yet. Madden 21 is a bug filled cash grab mess. EA come on!
  3. ViralChain
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    I've been buying Madden since Madden 25. It's honestly the game that got me invested in football. And I've stupidly bought every madden since. I bought madden 21 yesterday while high on pain meds(surgery) so i would have something to play while stuck in bed. I would rather sit on my phone doing nothing than sit here and play the same s**t i've played the last 7 f****ng years with anI've been buying Madden since Madden 25. It's honestly the game that got me invested in football. And I've stupidly bought every madden since. I bought madden 21 yesterday while high on pain meds(surgery) so i would have something to play while stuck in bed. I would rather sit on my phone doing nothing than sit here and play the same s**t i've played the last 7 f****ng years with an updated roster and even worse interface. How is it a game in 2020 doesn't have seamless loading screens?? Some NFL players aren't even in the damn game??? Wasted resources on another stupid arcade game mode like they did last year. There have been no real improvements in years. I'm not buying this game again until they actually improve this game. #FixMaddenFranchise #NFLdropEA

    If i don't get a full refund i am going to raise all sorts of hell.

    7 years of being EA's victim, i'm not happy about this.    … Expand
  4. TBJ07
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This game should have been made available for $15. It's a Madden 20 patch at best. Can't wait to see how that next gen port pans out. 2K where you at?
  5. VillainTheFoe
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    The simulation football modes are the exact same and hasn't been touched. In other words, the 60 dollars you paid for the offline experience is no different than Madden 20, 19, 18 and 17. Franchise hasn't been touched in almost a decade. Madden is now an arcade game built upon micro transactions.
  6. Wpaine
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Can’t wait to watch my 10 year old cousin steal his moms credit card to gamble on **** packs that will give terrible chances at good players and are worthless in less then a year
  7. jaredthejet
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Worst Madden I've ever played, instead of fixing things the community asked for, they have decided to remove old features and dilute the game while pushing it as a new product, disgusting
  8. Keponlodin
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This really probably deserves a negative 1.6 compared to literally any other game franchise progression. Granted, if this was the first iteration of Madden you had ever played, you may decide that it's a pretty game with mediocre arcade style mechanics. That being said, this is at least the 4th consecutive year EA has recycled most of the content (since the new engine basically) and onlyThis really probably deserves a negative 1.6 compared to literally any other game franchise progression. Granted, if this was the first iteration of Madden you had ever played, you may decide that it's a pretty game with mediocre arcade style mechanics. That being said, this is at least the 4th consecutive year EA has recycled most of the content (since the new engine basically) and only focused on how to maximize MUT pack sales. It's honestly disgusting for an NFL EXCLUSIVE LICENSE. #NFL take notice, the fan base is not happy. EA is awful at their job and you need to reconsider exclusive "simulation" rights, as EA doesn't even understand what "sim" means.… Expand
  9. yeahnah69
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Each year it's the same old game with more bugs and microtransactions. This is what happens when there's a monopoly on an NFL game.

    #NFLdropEA
  10. WallyHoss
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Terrible! DO NOT BUY! This game has so many glitches and bugs. I get bored after playing for 5 minutes. I'm done with Madden games.
  11. Skovard
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    I give it a 1 for being the only football game that is worth playing. That being said, this is not worth buying. The only reason it will make money is due to being part of EA play and the online play. I tried it as part of my EA play subscription and actually cancelled my account. Not worth it any more if they are going to make games like this. I play this game for the franchise mode, butI give it a 1 for being the only football game that is worth playing. That being said, this is not worth buying. The only reason it will make money is due to being part of EA play and the online play. I tried it as part of my EA play subscription and actually cancelled my account. Not worth it any more if they are going to make games like this. I play this game for the franchise mode, but it has not been touched few several years. The game is identical to the past three years. Not worth buying. It is identical with a few minor tweaks that amount to a patch over Madden 20. Save your money and go purchase Madden 18 or even Madden 17. Other than the title and main menu, you are playing the same game.… Expand
  12. Mrmotel
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Trash game can’t even begin to explain how bad it is all the want is your money
  13. TablesideART
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is terrible and keeps getting worse EA keeps putting out trash games its marketed as a simulation game and failed to deliver this is far from a simulation game full of bugs and deceit EA just took your money again on a lie to add new features good luck with that.… Expand
  14. BostonSpartan
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Madden was better 15 years ago. This game is trash and it kills me inside because I love football, but this is just a trash game. Fix it EA.
  15. dscurt
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same bugs as last year. Actual gameplay improved just a tad from last years game in my opinion but that’s not saying much. Just a micro transaction driven game. Face of the franchise story is boring. Decisions don’t really matter as the same things happen anyways. The only thing you have actual control over is whether to play qb/rb/wr. The college games I had Devonta Freeman as my rb? ISame bugs as last year. Actual gameplay improved just a tad from last years game in my opinion but that’s not saying much. Just a micro transaction driven game. Face of the franchise story is boring. Decisions don’t really matter as the same things happen anyways. The only thing you have actual control over is whether to play qb/rb/wr. The college games I had Devonta Freeman as my rb? I play for the Chicago Bears and I’m facing myself and the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game? Franchise is the same as it has been for years. Continuously every year nothing goes into it. All they care about is Ultimate team and this new game mode called “The Yard” which is another way to squeeze money out of people’s pockets to buy backplates and mouth guards to look cool I guess. Superstar KO is the exact same as last year. For people who want to play the only simulation mode in the NFL’s only simulation game are out of luck. You’re stuck with a patch update for a new franchise. The only way I see this game improving at all is if they have competition in the future or the NFL threatens to drop them.… Expand
  16. Datsmoovedude
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    EA continues to be one of the worst game developers in the gaming industry. It is obvious that they only care about money rather than putting out a remotely DECENT game. The addition of the new mode “the Yard” cannot change the fact that the rest of the game is a mess. Face of the Franchise is full of ridiculous bugs and has a lame story that’s first 2-3 are pretty much predetermined. YourEA continues to be one of the worst game developers in the gaming industry. It is obvious that they only care about money rather than putting out a remotely DECENT game. The addition of the new mode “the Yard” cannot change the fact that the rest of the game is a mess. Face of the Franchise is full of ridiculous bugs and has a lame story that’s first 2-3 are pretty much predetermined. Your choices don’t matter. The combine is extremely dissapointing.

    EA has abandoned it’s franchise community. You would think after a year of development that they would put even a tiny amount of effort. Other than the fact that it is a carbon copy of last year’s game, you can’t play a single game without running into a single bug. Ultimate team is still the same money grab as it always is. What does EA need with all the money they steal from their customers? Because it’s obviously not used to improve the game. Saying the gameplay is bad is being generous. User controlled players constanly get put into crappy animations which don’t make sense half of the time. It doesn’t feel realistic at all even though it’s a “simulation football game”. Apparently EA doesn’t know what simulation means. It’s very repetitive and lacks anything that would make it special.

    EA is without a doubt the worst company ever. I hope all the negativitey they have received will be a wake up call. But let’s be honest, we all know it won’t. They will just throw the same crap wit one new feature (wow, insane) and call it a brand bew game. The higher-ups at EA only care about one thing. Their customers? No. Quality? Nope. Money? Bingo. I’m giving this game a 0 because it is honestly mind blowing that indie game developers with a small budget can put out better games than a BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY. Absolutely ridiculous.    … Expand
  17. jayjayjames3223
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    How a game in 2020 can be greatly inferior to ones made in the mid 2000s in terms of features and general gameplay is beyond me. The latest Madden installments only seem to bring better graphics and updated rosters/stadiums/jerseys while implementing new physics and animations that make the game nearly unplayable, a vast array of glitches and stripping and/or leaving key game modes likeHow a game in 2020 can be greatly inferior to ones made in the mid 2000s in terms of features and general gameplay is beyond me. The latest Madden installments only seem to bring better graphics and updated rosters/stadiums/jerseys while implementing new physics and animations that make the game nearly unplayable, a vast array of glitches and stripping and/or leaving key game modes like Franchise as barebones as can be while putting all their eggs in the MUT and now arcade game modes (The Yard) all in the name of microtransactions while spitting in the face of their most loyal fans and the game mode (franchise) and SIMULATION style football game that got them where they are today. The series is in an embarrassing state.… Expand
  18. PSNOverXboX
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same old same old EA who don't innovate.

    "2 is better than 1" as Clint from EA said when they got a 2 star review
  19. Al_Beastmode
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Lack of innovation! Game makes small minor changes year by year but not enough to warrant 60 bucks. Franchise has been the same since M18-19, laziness as the Súper bowl has the 54 logo and icon in game. Numerous glitches that existed in M20 return (what a surprise) to M21. Even the money-maker, Ultimate-Team, is a sloppy rehash of last years mode. EA has stated they “want” to fix franchiseLack of innovation! Game makes small minor changes year by year but not enough to warrant 60 bucks. Franchise has been the same since M18-19, laziness as the Súper bowl has the 54 logo and icon in game. Numerous glitches that existed in M20 return (what a surprise) to M21. Even the money-maker, Ultimate-Team, is a sloppy rehash of last years mode. EA has stated they “want” to fix franchise and treat the game as a live service game, if that’s the case then stop charging us 60 bucks every year and instead make every year a DLC and keep building off of one game since they’re very, VERY intent on using the SAME franchise mode year after year. I know 2K is just as bad when it comes to micro-transactions, but atleast they have their franchise mode down, they hardly ever have to change it because it’s already perfect. Madden on the other hand, seems like they’ve been slowly taking content out since M08. Will not buy next year, if there even is one with the exclusivity contract coming up… Expand
  20. bell97
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is literally the worst game I’ve ever played in my 22 years on planet earth.
  21. HuskyCruxes
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    We didn't get a new madden this year. We got a patch that we had to buy. There are some gameplay improvements to make the moment to moment gameplay slightly better. But that is litteraly it. Nothing else changed. I know that the development was impeded by the rona. But litteraly everyone has challenges. Great games have even been released during covid. If you're an offline player, playWe didn't get a new madden this year. We got a patch that we had to buy. There are some gameplay improvements to make the moment to moment gameplay slightly better. But that is litteraly it. Nothing else changed. I know that the development was impeded by the rona. But litteraly everyone has challenges. Great games have even been released during covid. If you're an offline player, play another game. Don't buy this. If you like to play online with your favorite teams, well you still shouldn't buy it. This product isn't worth your money or your time. #nfldropea… Expand
  22. midgarddk
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Do not buy do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but
  23. tacotacotaco001
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    #fixfranchise has to be one of the most important statements a video game community has gotten behind. Ever since features started getting stripped out of the franchise from Madden 09 on wards fans have been yearning for the old game play, with the updated graphics. This year added something special though, a buggy mess. Do not buy until they deliver a product that they used to produce in 2007!
  24. PHH1103
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Nothing new. Gameplay worse than Madden 20.
    Also i played the trial a few days befor release and every second solo challenge the game freezed... maybe it got better after release, i dont know.
  25. maak27
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Words can't describe how god-awful this game is. They would have been better off literally just re-packaging last year's game in its entirety. Somehow, they took all of the garbage that was wrong, re-packaged it, and took out the things that actually worked. Who does that???!!! Save your money. Do not buy this flaming turd of a game.
  26. airbizcut
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    This game is the same as 20, 19, 18... Pretty much the minute they introduced microtransactions they haven't done squat to improve the actual GAME THAT WE WANT TO PLAY. Effing football, we don't do this to collect MUT cards or do any of that other crap. If they want to prey on children, make a MUT mobile game or something. Stay clear of Madden.
  27. AlchemicalVibez
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Madden was completely recycled, just a roster update and the patch today completely broke the passing game play on both sides of the ball. I've been playing since 2001 but think I'm done.
  28. Bstrong56
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Worst sports game in history. Really so many glitches and just a copy and paste of games past. #NFLdropEA
  29. Elidagoat99
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    just terrible, the exact same guy for the past YEARS!! EA is just stealing at this point
  30. gibberishdump
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    lol u might as well spend your money on the exact same tv you bought a year ago
  31. LawlPwned
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    I never, ever make accounts for review sites. I'm the type of person where I don't leave comments, I don't participate online but I made a Metacritic account solely to smack this game on the mouth. I downloaded the trial through EA Play and I don't know what I expected. This franchise has been the same series for 5 whole years. I'm tired. I'm not doing this anymore. This game gets a zero.I never, ever make accounts for review sites. I'm the type of person where I don't leave comments, I don't participate online but I made a Metacritic account solely to smack this game on the mouth. I downloaded the trial through EA Play and I don't know what I expected. This franchise has been the same series for 5 whole years. I'm tired. I'm not doing this anymore. This game gets a zero. I want more than this piss poor copy and paste effort of a game.

    It's the equivalent of a a rundown barn with animal fecal matter everywhere, chipped paint, broken windows, cobwebs everywhere and their idea of sprucing up the place is painting the front door.

    Don't buy this game. Please don't do it. This isn't worth your money. If you really want to waste it, just send it to me, donate it to charity or I don't know man, go buy yourself a nice lunch. You deserve better.    … Expand
  32. ikbulldog
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Save yourself some cash and get Madden 19. Changing the font does not warrant a $60 price tag. You should be ashamed EA. Your CEO is a dork.
  33. PassRusher56
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    EA is the worst gaming company in existence.
    EA is the worst gaming company in existence.
  34. Rybotech
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    This game hasn't improved in years. Features are continually removed. Franchise more is a joke. I'm stopping giving ea my money.
  35. SHIIIFTy_K
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    If you desperately need to play a football video game then play the last one you bought. Don't waste your money. Game is a POS.
  36. MikeWill2424
    Dec 4, 2020
    0
    Just a joke of a game. Terrible EA high ups broke Kraelo... the best community manager in the sports gaming world.
  37. Duckylol
    Dec 30, 2020
    0
    Madden 21's Franchise Mode is one of the most awful things I have ever seen the game is a scam and its pay to win please do not buy this.
  38. ImJustHonestMe
    Jan 4, 2021
    0
    I pity you if you play this game regularly. I had a hard time enjoying *any* part of this game. Franchise mode feels barren and empty, the yard is a flashy boring-after-5-minutes type game, MUT is glorified gambling for children, and the actual gameplay? I cannot tell you how many times I have tested a 99 overall qb (the best you can get) throwing to a 99 overall wr against a 70 overall cbI pity you if you play this game regularly. I had a hard time enjoying *any* part of this game. Franchise mode feels barren and empty, the yard is a flashy boring-after-5-minutes type game, MUT is glorified gambling for children, and the actual gameplay? I cannot tell you how many times I have tested a 99 overall qb (the best you can get) throwing to a 99 overall wr against a 70 overall cb and having animations, not skill or ratings, decide the matchup.

    Madden 21 is a joke of a game when it comes to competitive human vs human matches because of how little your skill or knowledge of the playbook matters when facing one another. It matters if Madden 21 decides you get the correct animation or not.

    I pray that EA get's its exclusive license removed at this point, because without competition this game series will and already has become ****    … Expand
  39. Maddensucks69
    Jan 9, 2021
    0
    EA is absolutely the worst developer of simulation football games. Sponge Bob square pants? Are you **** kidding me? Who in the **** ever wanted that garbage in a madden game? Who in gods name makes these decisions? Go **** yourself EA
  40. pyrocatnip
    Feb 11, 2021
    0
    The gameplay can be fun at times, but it is also full of glitches and crashed more often than not. EA continues to churn out essentially the same game every year with very minor improvements. Madden has stagnated for years and this game continues to show that off completely. The game has a STRONG focus on micro-transactions in Ultimate Teams. If you do not want to play MUT, well, that'sThe gameplay can be fun at times, but it is also full of glitches and crashed more often than not. EA continues to churn out essentially the same game every year with very minor improvements. Madden has stagnated for years and this game continues to show that off completely. The game has a STRONG focus on micro-transactions in Ultimate Teams. If you do not want to play MUT, well, that's too bad because Madden 21 does not offer much more than a super shallow Franchise mode, a stupid Superstar KO mode, and the Yard.

    You can try to play a franchise, and it can be fun, but in the end it does becomes extremely repetitive and mind numbing.

    Madden 21 does do a few things right:
    1. Being able to run down gameclock is a nice feature
    2. Being able to create a playbook from existing playbooks is good, but it would be better if there was an option to create your own plays, at least for offline.

    The worst part is that EA has a total monopoly over official NFL football games, as well as exclusive broadcasting rights with ESPN. Unfortunately, the presentation in 21 is the exact same as in 20. Madden 21 also does not have a very good career mode. The one it does have it stupid, and shallow. Sure, you can put your player into a franchise mode, but that is absolutely not a fix. At that point, you are playing franchise mode with a code of player paint. Playing through the college games is kinda cool, but the whole face of the franchise mode just drags on. Madden 21 franchise mode is not at all detailed enough to be a compelling play for more than a few hours. Features from past games are still absent and there is no depth to this game mode at all.

    If you do not want to waste thousands of dollars to play the only really competitively viable mode in this game, then that sucks because that is really the all the games has. Sure, MUT is cool in theory, but the fact that EA has put such a high emphasis on this game is the real problem here. The fact that ONLY EA can make a fully licensed football game is a disgrace to say the least. There is absolutely nothing new about this game whatsoever. It is literally just a roster update that costs full price.

    If you haven't bought a Madden game in a while, and cannot get your hands on good past Madden games, maybe buy Madden 21. And if you do, DO NOT BUY MADDEN 22. Just buy one and keep it for long time. Otherwise, you will be continuing to line the pockets of EA executives who only care about preying on children in MUT. Or you could buy one of the older Madden games from Origin. Just whatever you do, do not encourage EA to continue thinking that the current model is somehow okay. We need to stop buying these games every year and not use MUT anymore. If we do that, maybe EA will change, and maybe Madden will get better.    … Expand
  41. Ecamsan007
    Apr 7, 2021
    0
    Playing this game I can definetly tell that the developers never actually spent any time playing this game themselves. If they did they would not release this garbage. Did no one at EA play one franchise mode? It won't stop signing players even though the assist is off. Cornerbacks catch better than wide receiversToo...? Suoersim is broken too, it will randomly jump to a different downPlaying this game I can definetly tell that the developers never actually spent any time playing this game themselves. If they did they would not release this garbage. Did no one at EA play one franchise mode? It won't stop signing players even though the assist is off. Cornerbacks catch better than wide receiversToo...? Suoersim is broken too, it will randomly jump to a different down different yards to first and screw me after my team makes a big stop. If I close slow to go back to medium or fast mode on super sim 100% of the time it will just jump to a alternate version of what could've happened and it is always a situation that screws me. I'm sure the developers, if they were to read this wouldn't even understand the bug I'm pointing out because like I mentioned l, they very obviously don't care about their own game enough to play it for themself and see these very large very obvious game breaking bugs they released. Madden is always a game I remember fondly but this is sad to see where it's headed.… Expand
  42. E_Tacklebery
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    I liked the game. It tightens up. As a lover of such games, I have nothing bad to say.
  43. Patmoamagaman11
    Mar 1, 2022
    1
    Devs have suck to new lows with this trash. Buggier and glitchier than all hell. This series has been on a serious decline for the last ten years. I didn't care too much about buying a new one every year when it was some solid gameplay, but the devs are so lazy and clearly don't care at all anymore. They just want to milk us fans. Thanks Obama!
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. PC Gamer
    Sep 9, 2020
    68
    2020 marks the third year Madden has been back on PC since the franchise's prodigal return to the platform in 2018. The novelty hasn't worn off for me yet. There is still something inherently weird and exciting about playing such a console-targeted franchise on my desktop; to type in my player's name and college with a keyboard. But that won't sustain many players for long. Madden is desperate for some new ideas, so let's hope some of 21's more exotic ventures foreshadow a more substantial rebuild in the future.
    Read full review
  2. Jeuxvideo.com
    Sep 3, 2020
    70
    In short, it's a drive where the saga has lost ground.
    Read full review
  3. PC Games
    Aug 28, 2020
    70
    Objectively speaking, Madden NFL 21 is not a bad game. It is a realtistic representation of the NFL, maybe even the best American football simulation out there. However, it lacks innovation on so many levels that players, who already own its predecessors, will really struggle to find a reason to pay another 70 bucks for it.
    Read full review
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