Madden NFL 20

 PlayStation 4
User Score
1.4

Overwhelming dislike- based on 633 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 633
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 633
  3. Negative: 552 out of 633

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  1. mkwiiallpro
    Oct 12, 2019
    4
    This game is painfully average. I wanted more from Face of the Franchise and the gameplay in general, but it's better than Madden 19, which was atrocious. I'd take 2K5 with updated rosters over this game, so only get this game when it's on sale. It's not worth sixty bucks.
  2. fakegameviews
    Aug 16, 2019
    4
    This is not a good game. Franchise is still not good at all. They pretty much didnt do anything besides the pro bowl. Whinch should not be the games selling point. Its a normal part of the NFL season. They are still missing create a team, training camp, offensive coordinaters, (sorry if spelling is off) newspapers (and not the bland social media thing they have been using since madden 13),This is not a good game. Franchise is still not good at all. They pretty much didnt do anything besides the pro bowl. Whinch should not be the games selling point. Its a normal part of the NFL season. They are still missing create a team, training camp, offensive coordinaters, (sorry if spelling is off) newspapers (and not the bland social media thing they have been using since madden 13), position battles, and even more. I like the scenraio engine. But it could get bland after a while. They also decided not to upgrade the relocation as they have the same designs. Face of the franchise is pretty much the create a player with the franchise (With the college football playoff games). But still the story is cringe and you still cant even skip the cutscenes. After the playoff ends. Its pretty much create a player that you use in franchise. Superstar x factor is one of the only good things about the game. As now superstars play well like superstars. Gameplay got alot better as it feels more smooth on both offense and defense. But its not like there still problems. Computer AI is still lazy at times and it is still scripted at points. MUT is still the best mode. Whinch isnt saying much. I do not enjoy it. But for hat its trying to put out. Its fine. But the game is still awful. As franchise is still shallow and Face of the franchise is not what it was hyped up to be. In my opinion im giving Madden 20 a 4/10.… Expand
  3. CaseyMoe
    Jul 31, 2019
    4
    10 years ago I was dreaming of how amazing Madden would be 10 years from then with all the advances in technology, increased disc space and a decade worth of development to build on all the different game modes and innovate with new ideas.

    10 years later I am dreaming of how amazing the game would be if it was just more like it was 10 years ago... there is LESS depth and innovation    10 years ago I was dreaming of how amazing Madden would be 10 years from then with all the advances in technology, increased disc space and a decade worth of development to build on all the different game modes and innovate with new ideas.

    10 years later I am dreaming of how amazing the game would be if it was just more like it was 10 years ago... there is LESS depth and innovation now.... much less. (and tons more profit, how does that work?)

    I paid $15 for the Origins PC download so I could try it out for myself without the full investment and have already cancelled my subscription. There once again has been no heart or soul put into the creation of this game. With the exception of a few minor, and I do mean MINOR additions and changes, this a repeat of the last 4 or 5 titles.

    They've stripped the fun out of anything that is not related to MUT... do we need to ask ourselves why or are we smart enough to figure out they are doing everything they can to funnel players into the cash shop?    … Expand
  4. josda_
    Mar 29, 2020
    4
    In terms of what we know a pro football game can be, Madden NFL 20 is not a good game. The game-play relies too heavily on animation and is OK at best, the franchise mode is weak with little historical stat tracking and limited options on how to actually run a football team. There is nothing to do in the off-season other than bid on free agents and scout college players. Those would beIn terms of what we know a pro football game can be, Madden NFL 20 is not a good game. The game-play relies too heavily on animation and is OK at best, the franchise mode is weak with little historical stat tracking and limited options on how to actually run a football team. There is nothing to do in the off-season other than bid on free agents and scout college players. Those would be good things if they were fun to do, but they're not.

    To make a very long story short, Madden 20, like all of its predecessors on the current console generation, lacks depth. The game is shallow everywhere except for the Madden Ultimate Team mode, which is updated almost daily and receives numerous updates throughout the year. Unsurprisingly, this mode makes EA the most money by far.

    I did, however, give this game a "4", which means it has some redeeming qualities. The addition of X-Factor and Superstar players helps the game feel more alive and makes the good players feel good. I am not fond of the game-mode, but Ultimate Team is as good as its ever been. The franchise mode, which added a new scenario engine, is the best one we've had since Madden 12. Custom draft classes were implemented last year, and the Pro Bowl, which shouldn't have left in the first place, finally returned. Also, the new Superstar KO mode gives the Madden NFL series a little bit of that arcade-y feel that it's needed for a long time.

    Madden 20 is the "best" Madden game on current-gen consoles, game-play and depth wise, but we as frustrated players know that it can be so much more than a yearly cash-grab for EA.    … Expand
  5. Parker28
    May 19, 2020
    4
    I really enjoy the game but, the jump of difficulty from all-pro to all madden is ridiculous. All pro doesn’t even provide a challenge where as when I play on madden it is challenging but the main problem I have is fumbling, I will be running with an xfactor running back (also turned fumbling off because it pissed me off so much) and they will still strip me it is ridiculous
  6. milloy9
    Jul 16, 2020
    4
    I still shamelessly buy madden every year, my favourite game mode is franchise mode...

    Franchise mode is so plain these days it’s just not been changed for a long time. Please EA give us a deep franchise mode! Also like can we please change the throwing mechanics? Why can’t I throw a goal line fade to Julio Jones?
  7. KubiakA2
    Sep 1, 2020
    4
    As a football fan, this is the only game I can go to. The game is okay. XFactors/Superstars are cool but they cannot hide the lack of love and knowledge for the sport that their fans have. Face of the Franchise mode started off so dope. There was some definite cheese talk but I was genuinely liking the story until it forgot about me and forced me to retire with nothing to show for it atAs a football fan, this is the only game I can go to. The game is okay. XFactors/Superstars are cool but they cannot hide the lack of love and knowledge for the sport that their fans have. Face of the Franchise mode started off so dope. There was some definite cheese talk but I was genuinely liking the story until it forgot about me and forced me to retire with nothing to show for it at 37. Oh I did get the repetive SuperBowl celebrations with those underwhelming commentators. You get MVP, break every record and the commentators will say the same effin things. You can go to Ultimate team and pay to win or grind these tedious challenges and get so little for them. Superstar KO is not what I was looking for. I just want a real football experience. PLEASE… Expand
  8. Hscoa
    Sep 1, 2020
    4
    Don't get me wrong, Madden 20 sucks too, but at least they added a lot more features. Madden 20 will be the last madden I buy.
  9. DrummBumm
    Oct 2, 2019
    3
    Much like Fifa, this is a rent ONLY unless you are a die-hard Madden fan. Same issues like in Fifa exist in this one, difficulties are too easy or too hard (unless you want to spend hours messing with the sliders), MUT is a cash grab, there's no even way to play this mode against people without spending tons of dough or wasting most of your days playing boring challenges that barely giveMuch like Fifa, this is a rent ONLY unless you are a die-hard Madden fan. Same issues like in Fifa exist in this one, difficulties are too easy or too hard (unless you want to spend hours messing with the sliders), MUT is a cash grab, there's no even way to play this mode against people without spending tons of dough or wasting most of your days playing boring challenges that barely give you anything. Playing online your either playing a day one noob or some dude that plays for at least 4 hours a day. The graphics and mechanics have not really improved much at all. It's really just a typical EA game. Unfinished and Broken.… Expand
  10. HeavyMetalSloth
    Sep 7, 2020
    3
    After buying Madden 19 and being so frustrated with it that I threw it away I thought it was best that I didn't get another Madden game again. But here I am reviewing Madden 20. The only reason why I got it was because people say that the gameplay has improved and also Patrick Mahomes was on the cover as I am a Chiefs fan. While Madden 20 does have slight improvements as always it has itsAfter buying Madden 19 and being so frustrated with it that I threw it away I thought it was best that I didn't get another Madden game again. But here I am reviewing Madden 20. The only reason why I got it was because people say that the gameplay has improved and also Patrick Mahomes was on the cover as I am a Chiefs fan. While Madden 20 does have slight improvements as always it has its flaws and many of them. After playing through the story mode of Face of the Franchise and playing 2 1/2 seasons of Franchise Mode here are my dislikes and likes.

    Dislikes:
    1) Face of the Franchise story is shortly lived. Although intriguing I wish it was a little longer.

    2) In game presentation is still the same with much more to be desired.

    3) Half-time show needs an overhaul.

    4) Challenge replays are complete CRAP! When the refs are reviewing a play most of the time you cant really see if the player truly had both feet in bounds or not because the camera isn't where it should be. It is just horrible.

    5) The crowd needs to be have better interaction and needs to look better. In a real game you will see people interacting with the camera whether it be yelling at the top of their lungs, showing their team signs, etc.

    6) During the intro of a game I would like to see the team records be displayed as in real life that is what is displayed.

    7) Lack of draft stories in Franchise Mode. Throughout the season you will only see 2-3 draft stories and that is a complete bummer because in real life you will see a ton of stories on the upcoming prospects.

    8) Franchise Mode news. The league news in general is just cluttered and all over the place. You will have tweets everywhere and the desire to read them isn't high at all.

    9) The characters on the sidelines could be more interactive.

    10) After I won the AFC Championship game you would expect to see players celebrating that they are moving on to the Super Bowl, but nope it was just treated as any other regular season game. A locker room celebration would be nice. This includes the Super Bowl as the celebration is shortly lived as you will only see your players hold up the Lombardi Trophy for less than 10 seconds. Player comments would be nice to.

    11) There is also repetitive commentary and there also needs to be more interaction with the commentators as well. Like seeing them actually talk to one another about the game during a break or something would be nice.

    12) EXTREME LACK of immersion.

    13) In franchise mode the scenario engine is intriguing at first however it gets really repetitive and annoying after awhile.

    14) Franchise mode offseason NFL Draft. what needs to happen is Roger Goodell needs to come out and announce the picks to make the Draft more immersive. But the only thing we get is a bunch of people in the crowd staring at a screen and also an empty stage with no one at the podium. Whatever happened to Trey Wingo recapping your draft selection? The Draft needs an overhaul as well.

    15) You also have the occasional players bumping into each other after a play is done which takes away from the experience.

    16) I could go on and on with the dislikes but this game just comes down to an EXTREME LACK OF IMMERSION!

    17) When playing a game in Face of the Franchise mode your offensive players don't play like they should. For example most of the time a running back will not attempt to juke a defender as he will run right in to them or when a running back is running to the outside they will veer to the inside where the defenders are and not remain on the outside where he could evade the defenders and score a TD.

    Likes:
    1) Face of the Franchise mode is a nice addition.
    2) Gameplay seems more fluent.
    3) In game scoreboard has changed.
    4) In Face of the Franchise I like how you can talk trash to your opponents via text message. It kind of makes you want to play your best game.

    Conclusion:
    EA once again disappoints it's fans of the game as you would expect a Madden 20 game to be a lot more immersive. Honestly looking at a Madden 10 game to a Madden 20 game you would of thought this game would be amazing but 10 years later here we are and most people are still disappointed. It makes you wonder what EA has been brainstorming (if at all) these past years and somebody needs to be fired in order to get past the brick wall that most fans have been stuck behind for years. I don't even give any attention to the MUT mode and for every review I have seen that is what EA is focusing on more than anything else it seems.    … Expand
  11. GrimStomper
    Aug 2, 2019
    3
    EA does the bare minimum to get people to think they've tried and improve the game.

    The menus look different and the animations look cool for the menus. But all it does is trick you into thinking that the game is improved drastically. It's not to say that the game hasn't improved. It did. But when EA makes tiny updates to the game and releases it as a $60 dollar game every year. It    EA does the bare minimum to get people to think they've tried and improve the game.

    The menus look different and the animations look cool for the menus. But all it does is trick you into thinking that the game is improved drastically.

    It's not to say that the game hasn't improved. It did. But when EA makes tiny updates to the game and releases it as a $60 dollar game every year. It shows that they don't care about the player base. They only care when the fans get angry and add little things to get them to calm down, and the cycle keeps repeating.

    Madden NFL 20 gets a "story mode" and it's about as bare bones as it gets. Madden NFL 06, a game that was created back in 2005 and it was the first year they had "NFL Superstars" mode had more content than "Face of the Franchise". You can only play as a QB when in Madden NFL 06 you could be a **** kicker or punter if you wanted to; and the big kick in the balls is after the cutscenes and fluff stuff is done you get booted to franchise and back to the boring "career mode" that Madden has had for the past couple games.

    Franchise continues to get only marginal changes. UI is changed to again think they actually made drastic changes to the mode. The one big thing they hyped up about is the **** Pro Bowl. A game that no one cares and the players don't care.

    Of course Ultimate Team is the main focus for EA because that's their cash cow. They put all the updates into it. I don't care about Ultimate Team, neither do a lot of people; but morons keep buying the stupid packs that will become irrelevant once the next Madden game happens. It's about the equivalent of burning money.

    Gameplay is still...playable. Being an animation driven football game still sucks compared to a physics driven football game, but at least I can find some sort of fun with just the gameplay.

    The gameplay is the only reason why the score is as high as a 3. Without the gameplay being playable this game would've been a 0 or a 1.

    Maybe one day we might get a proper NFL game not made by greedy companies that don't care about the product they put out.    … Expand
  12. doodcarl
    Aug 4, 2019
    3
    Just another EA sports title where nothing has been updated since the last, except they now have more microtransactions than ever. Seriously guys, if you want to support the game industry and help stop this gambling virus that is plaguing the industry, then don't buy any of these EA games, not any time soon.
  13. Havastrom1106
    Aug 5, 2019
    3
    Literally created an account to help people save their money on this dumpster fire EA claims is a football simulator.

    I've been playing for a few days (PS4) and the plethora of glitches/terrible AI makes this seem more like a beta than anything. So far this is what I've seen in All-Pro simulation. 1. CBs will sometimes run away from receiver in man coverage (without any fakes or change    Literally created an account to help people save their money on this dumpster fire EA claims is a football simulator.

    I've been playing for a few days (PS4) and the plethora of glitches/terrible AI makes this seem more like a beta than anything. So far this is what I've seen in All-Pro simulation.

    1. CBs will sometimes run away from receiver in man coverage (without any fakes or change of direction from the WR).

    2. Kick meter disappears (usually in 3rd or 4th quarters)

    3. CPU will go for it on 4th down in the 4th quarter even during laughable blow outs (most recent was a 45 - 3 game with 4 mins left to play)

    4. CPU will also attempt onside kicks during blowouts, the more frustrating aspect is that the game will not allow you (in my experience) to audible into the formation to counter their onside kick attempt.

    5. AI defenders (even all pros like Kuechly) often watch the ball sail near them with no reaction.

    6. CPU receivers (even average receivers) seem to always make highly contested spectacular catches.

    7. When attempting press coverage with a safety blitz the safety(ies) will run back to their usual safety position upon adjusting coverage to press. While attempting to reposition the safety to be brought back to the line of scrimmage only to face the sideline (or sometimes even turn his back to the offense) after switching to another defender.

    8. Man Coverage in this game is essentially useless on 3rd down(or when CPU begins 2 minute drill), even the best CBs in the game get burned regularly.

    In the end if you were expecting a "polished" experience as has been advertised you will be quite disappointed, this game is more like 3-4 / 10 with all the bugs, if they cleaned it up it would definitely be a 7 because there are some interesting new mechanics (X-factor). It is EA after all though and they have proven to be inept at creating a true NFL simulator so I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for them to fix anything, also don't waste your money, buy something that does what it was meant to do.    … Expand
  14. romeoosso
    Aug 9, 2019
    3
    Slightly better than 19 which was arguably the worst football game ever made by EA. 20’s new features are ripped out of previous madden games just thrown back in. Game is glitchy in every aspect with clips to prove it post day one patch. Time to sell the license.
  15. TheKZOShow
    Aug 9, 2019
    3
    Madden 20 is a repatched edition of Madden 19..... Which was a repatched edition of Madden 18. It is not a bad game by any means, but there is almost no new content that makes a difference to the gaming experience. The new X-Factor abilities makes it so unbalanced, that you can now throw deep bombs on every play and opposing safeties and/or LB's cause a fumble every 10th tackle if theyMadden 20 is a repatched edition of Madden 19..... Which was a repatched edition of Madden 18. It is not a bad game by any means, but there is almost no new content that makes a difference to the gaming experience. The new X-Factor abilities makes it so unbalanced, that you can now throw deep bombs on every play and opposing safeties and/or LB's cause a fumble every 10th tackle if they have the right ability.
    Face of the Franchise is really fun but the customization options for the game as a whole is a joke so you end up with a player that looks like a slug in his face.
    The game looks fine visually but my biggest critique is the same as it was with Madden 19. There is still the completely retarded and scripted plays during games where flags, rules, physics and common sense are thrown out the window. Defenders can remove your player with brute force, catch the ball through other players bodies, cause an incomplete pass if a receiver is hit in any part off his body during a leaping/jumping catch, the AI on offense doesn't have a clue where the goal line or line to gain is, Offensive Linemen give up on plays at the snap so the QB gets sacked, Running in the Redzone is 85% of the time impossible in goal line formation, reviews and challenges makes no sense, the commentary is terrible, there is no halftime show..... still, the music is still the worst of any game franchise since I have taste and don't listen to Mumble-Rap, the AI still has plays on both defense and offense you can't beat and last but not least Zone defense doesn't work for the 8th time in a row in a madden game no matter what players you have on defense.
    It's still fun to play at times but especially the scripted plays ruin it every single time. EA don't care about you as a player so you shouldn't buy this game until it goes on sale.    … Expand
  16. LoganRhodes
    Aug 9, 2019
    3
    This game is horrible, its graphics are seriously dated and look likes a last gen title. The customization of the characters is extremely lacking and has the same amount of customization as madden 19. And don't even get me started with the Super star edition, you get even less the last years madden 19’s bonuses! Ea is such a greedy, scummy corporation and I would advise you to stay farThis game is horrible, its graphics are seriously dated and look likes a last gen title. The customization of the characters is extremely lacking and has the same amount of customization as madden 19. And don't even get me started with the Super star edition, you get even less the last years madden 19’s bonuses! Ea is such a greedy, scummy corporation and I would advise you to stay far far away from they’re games!… Expand
  17. Mattw74
    Aug 11, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Games is the same never fixed a thing from last year... not buying this ever again.....GARBAGE!!!!!… Expand
  18. Quay_901
    Aug 12, 2019
    3
    Defensive AI is still horrible, blocking AI, all AI isn’t basically mentally disabled. It’s ok to play because it’s the only recent new football release. But EA have too much money and resources available to put out such a poor game. But well it looks good and the game sites and magazines still give glowing reviews.
  19. Stumanji
    Aug 13, 2019
    3
    I do not buy Madden every year. I try to go 1-3 years between games, since I'm so used to EA Sports not actually offering much in the way of upgrades. I decided to buy Madden 20 this year.

    First, for a franchise that boasts hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year, it's absolutely baffling that they have THE WORST create-a-player of any of the major sports franchises. And    I do not buy Madden every year. I try to go 1-3 years between games, since I'm so used to EA Sports not actually offering much in the way of upgrades. I decided to buy Madden 20 this year.

    First, for a franchise that boasts hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year, it's absolutely baffling that they have THE WORST create-a-player of any of the major sports franchises. And it's not even close. Even if the triple the quality of this create-a-player, they're still going to easily be the worst. So, if you're hoping to create a player that looks even somewhat similar to you, give up that pipe dream straightaway.

    Second, the one and only on-field improvement I've seen is that defenders are less likely to leap and deflect a pass with an unheard of vertical leap. They're a bit more realistic in that regard.

    That's it. That's the only improvement. Here's where it gets bad:

    The AI ball-carrier does not run on a smooth path. Instead, a "quick-cut" animation is played on the player model, to get the runner moving end zone to end zone quicker. The problem with that is sometimes the QB will lead the receiver so they can continue on that path and gain easy yards. Then ball-carrier will do this quick-cut animation and get annihilated by the pursuing defender, turning a sure multi-yard RAC into 0-1 RAC yards. It cheapens defense against the AI and ruins drives when playing Face of the Franchise, where you only control your QB.

    Defenders are still better at catching the ball in traffic than the receivers, which is frustrating. The only exception to this rule appears to be Tight Ends who can catch with a defender on their back. Every other receiver, even big, strong guys like Mike Evans, will drop passes that are already secured in both hands, if there's any kind of contact. There's also a bunch of canned animations that are designed to make it appear as though the defender is batting the pass away as it hits your hands. It's extremely frustrating.

    Ball-carriers will NOT reach for the first down or the goal line. Not even a little. Think about how many times in an actual NFL game a runner will reach the ball forward for the extra yard when going out of bounds, or diving for a first down, or trying to get across the goal line. This is completely unacceptable in 2019.

    AI ball-carriers will juke players that are actively getting blocked, allowing pursuing defenders to close the gap and bring them down, rather than alter their running lane for easier yards. They often ignore the wide open field, more concerned with the closing defender than altering their path to lead away from the defender to the open space and pick up the yardage. The AI ball-carrier will even juke AWAY FROM A FIRST DOWN to avoid contact. It's incredibly idiotic.

    Receivers will sometimes not enter into catch animation sequences, causing them to appear clueless as to what to do with that oblong spheroid that was just chucked into their chest. Defenders will occasionally jog, instead of sprint, when pursuing ball-carriers - which is frustrating when they're the last defender between the ball-carrier and the end zone.

    Speaking of animation sequences - the game triggers the "tackle-by-the-facemask" animation sequence entirely too often. We're talking 6-8 times per game (5 min quarters, default penalty settings). In fact, the overwhelming majority of penalties are facemask, with offensive holding a distant second.

    The last thing is that the presentation is just a minimal effort. You really yearn for the "good ol' days" of console football games, where they tried to make it seem like some sort of TV broadcast with a pre-game, half-time, and post-game show. It's been years since we've had that. I don't have any hope that it will return while EA Sports has the lineup.    … Expand
  20. Ry-N
    Nov 27, 2019
    3
    Let's start with the gameplay. It's fun to run the ball with fast players, but that's about it. Sucked into animations, sometimes even game saving tackles. Haven't played KO or Online, but they need to get rid of microtransactions. I used to buy a pro pack for 7,500 coins, now I can only buy a single gold or (a fat chance of) higher for 5,000 coins. QB1 is pretty atrocious. They shouldLet's start with the gameplay. It's fun to run the ball with fast players, but that's about it. Sucked into animations, sometimes even game saving tackles. Haven't played KO or Online, but they need to get rid of microtransactions. I used to buy a pro pack for 7,500 coins, now I can only buy a single gold or (a fat chance of) higher for 5,000 coins. QB1 is pretty atrocious. They should just bring back superstar mode and mini-games, and then add onto them. I am not experienced enough to comment on franchise, but I will say that rebuilding my team was pretty fun.… Expand
  21. MATIASTORNATORE
    May 7, 2020
    3
    i mean what can i say it lacks football fundamentals. its to glitchy and way to reliant on animations they need stop putting some **** features and fix the game. ill be pissed if this goes on to the next gen consoles .
  22. JFresh82
    Jul 6, 2020
    3
    I don’t recommend this game as it is not worth $60. This has many flaws like:

    Gameplay The gameplay is bad. Upgrade from 19 but they can do better, EA has done it in the past. Some plays, especially the HB Stretch and shallow cross work every time which shows it’s core game is broken. Also Wide Receivers can’t run goaline fade routes, they just can’t. Blocked kicks and punts are    I don’t recommend this game as it is not worth $60. This has many flaws like:

    Gameplay
    The gameplay is bad. Upgrade from 19 but they can do better, EA has done it in the past. Some plays, especially the HB Stretch and shallow cross work every time which shows it’s core game is broken. Also Wide Receivers can’t run goaline fade routes, they just can’t. Blocked kicks and punts are scripted.You have no control of what will happen. X Factors have the right idea, but don’t make sense. If Patrick Mahomes, throws a lot through out the course of a game his arm would be tired, he wouldn’t be able to bomb it 90 yds. Quarterbacks also fumble-constantly, very unrealistically.

    MUT
    I have tried playing this and it could be a really fun mode, but EA makes it a cash grab. To have an elite team, you need to spend money. If you do that at all which I don’t recommend, please don’t spend that much. It could be very addictive, especially if you know someone with gambling addiction, because the concept is to use real money to buy packs, which might not give you a good player. This mode is basically borderline gambling.

    Face of the Franchise: I was very excited when this mode was brought back into Madden but I’m very disappointed. You can only be a QB, you play 2 games in college, and then it’s back to the simple, boring franchise mode. Hopefully they can improve on this mode in the future.

    Classic Franchise
    If you mainly play franchise don’t buy this game. Lacks a lot of depth, you can’t really do anything fun, just like it’s been since Madden 13. It is literally the same exact thing as it has been but with the Pro Bowl, something video games in the 2000’s could do.

    Superstar KO
    This is actually a fun mode. It has an arcade like feel that football gamers have been craving for years. My only problem is that there are more issues with the core game that need a lot of work.    … Expand
  23. LegendKrazy
    Aug 18, 2023
    3
    Madden 20… a brand new take on the madden genre with the introductions of X-Factors and Abilities. I’d like to say it this game specifically Popularized madden these past few years but unfortunately there were certain aspects of the game that just lacked, something new. The announcers are the same as every madden, they show no emotion when big plays happen. When playing madden all you hadMadden 20… a brand new take on the madden genre with the introductions of X-Factors and Abilities. I’d like to say it this game specifically Popularized madden these past few years but unfortunately there were certain aspects of the game that just lacked, something new. The announcers are the same as every madden, they show no emotion when big plays happen. When playing madden all you had to do to consistently move the ball was outside stretches. Now that itself was OP enough, EA didn’t fix it, they let it play out, then people found out about the Outside/Inside Guru abilities that gives better blocking on those type of runs. EA doesn’t care, they pump out the same game every year with minor changes and not listening to the community and charge $60+. I truly can’t wait until the licensing deal expires. 3/10… Expand
  24. downliner
    Aug 11, 2019
    2
    Lol why do people still buy this crap? There's no excuse for charging more when the only change is the roster year on year. This is classic EA Greed. No Probowl in 2019 but they bring it back in 2020 and that's the change? Seriously they are not even trying anymore because they know the Madden fans are the most gullible in the industry and will buy it anyway.
  25. nickyg810
    Apr 22, 2020
    2
    Madden 20 is frustrating. In some ways intentionally, in others incompetently. The game is a shadow of its former glory, but occasionally it is just good enough to raise my hopes for the future of sports video games. That being said, this is still a cynical, low effort, shakedown that EA has done for the last five or six years, and until they get better, we should not give them credit.Madden 20 is frustrating. In some ways intentionally, in others incompetently. The game is a shadow of its former glory, but occasionally it is just good enough to raise my hopes for the future of sports video games. That being said, this is still a cynical, low effort, shakedown that EA has done for the last five or six years, and until they get better, we should not give them credit.
    The gameplay of Madden 20 is close to being great. Momentum feels great in the game, and running in the open field is an amazing feeling, but this is perhaps a little too strong, as swerving back and forth can make the ball carrier nearly invulnerable to tackling. Defense also feels more fun than ever before, with playing in the secondary being much more manageable than in the past, and there are few feelings in gaming more satisfying than jumping a route and seeing "user lurk". However, this emphasis on the secondary can be pretty easily exploited with a quick circle + triangle combo when passes are thrown to get some pretty cheesy user picks. Also, the tackling is often not sticky enough for my liking, and I find myself letting the CPU finishing tackles more than I'd like to admit as a seasoned Madden vet.
    Offense is why we play the game, and it feels mostly good this time around. Quarterbacks feel unique enough that once you play with an elite passer it's hard to go back to a mediocre one (sadly for a Jets fan like myself). The running is rewarding to patient players, as sprinting in the backfield is penalized by the front 7 blowing through not yet established blocks. Breaking off a 20 yard scamper for finding the right gap on a zone concept is one of the more fun parts of this game. The hardest part of the game to balance is always rushing QBs, and this game does a few things to compensate. Fumbles run rampant for quarterbacks on the second level, and while frustrating, after a few games players can adjust to needing to slide and avoid direct hits from good tacklers. Containment is stronger in this game than most, and if there are any notable players on the D-line escaping the pocket is no easy feat. This mostly prevents getting cheesed by some 85 speed quarterback for 200 rushing yards, but the downside is that playing with a non-mobile qb puts you at the mercy of the CPU from getting sacked on half of your dropbacks.
    Now onto why the hate is pouring in, the game modes. Career mode is Face of the Franchise, which is fun, but really only warrants about a season of play before it feels like you've seen what there is to be seen. The college feature is a fun addition, but there are two key problems here. For starters, very few colleges are available to play for, with none being included from my darling, the Big Ten. The college mode is also unavailable outside of FOF, and this feels like a fun extra that could easily have been included without having to rely on weird user created workarounds.
    Connected Franchise is skin and bones compared to what was once a great mode in the maddens of previous generations. Very few options to customize the league exist, little personalization is available to make your adventure feel special. Instead it really just feels like a way to play through a season with your favorite team, maybe as a created player, and make a few trades. The mode has tons of potential, and frustratingly we know exactly what it should look like because we can simply pop in any Madden pre 2015 or so.
    Superstar KO is the new mode of this game, and it's a breath of fresh air. Before the game begins you get to pick out 3 superstars to lead your team, along with a coach who ultimately decides your playbooks and points of emphasis. Then a single elimination tournament is entered, with each win earning another superstar. The mode leads to some pretty decent rewards to be redeemed in MUT, and the strange college overtime like style works very well in the high octane offensive style of Madden 20.
    MUT is a shakedown for money above the $60 you likely spent on the game and I won't dignify it by calling it anything more.
    Honestly the best game mode in this is just the simple head to head online. Connection is usually good, and after a few games you'll likely be in the right skill bracket and play mostly close games. The fact that this extremely simple mode is not a good sign for Madden, but with 2k making a football game next year maybe we can see some competition. But probably not. **** you EA. Give us a better game, you clearly could make one. D-    … Expand
  26. Heyyoitsmerambo
    Aug 11, 2019
    2
    I laughed the entire time playing this game. It’s sooooooo glitchy a lot of the times they would tell me I got a touchdown when I never crossed the goal line and the animations are terrible.
  27. lcunl
    Aug 6, 2019
    2
    This game is a frustrating mess. I rented this from redbox last night after a 5 year hiatus on this franchise. No game mode is satisfying. Sure Face of the Franchise and MUT try and rope you in, but after 30+ minutes in to either mode you realize how broken this game is. RBs run really awful routes in FotF mode, and having dabled in play now mode...that too. The play calling has somehowThis game is a frustrating mess. I rented this from redbox last night after a 5 year hiatus on this franchise. No game mode is satisfying. Sure Face of the Franchise and MUT try and rope you in, but after 30+ minutes in to either mode you realize how broken this game is. RBs run really awful routes in FotF mode, and having dabled in play now mode...that too. The play calling has somehow gone back 30 years, you can't even call a specific back or WR for a certain scheme. Really glad I rented this before purchasing, guess I'll wait another 5 years to see if they get their act together.… Expand
  28. Briansikes44
    Sep 21, 2019
    2
    This is the worst football game I have ever played. There are a few nice things like the ability to relocate a team and customize uniforms. The superstar mode was a nice touch even tho they removed it after already being in previous maddens for several years. The bottom line is that the gameplay is absolutely terrible. The most unrealistic football experience ever conceived. Multiple timesThis is the worst football game I have ever played. There are a few nice things like the ability to relocate a team and customize uniforms. The superstar mode was a nice touch even tho they removed it after already being in previous maddens for several years. The bottom line is that the gameplay is absolutely terrible. The most unrealistic football experience ever conceived. Multiple times I’ve scored a touchdown only to have the game glitch and place me on the 1 or 2 yard line despite the game acknowledging its a touchdown with its scoreboard graphics and commentary. That’s inexcusable and was not a problem on prior games. Then there’s the difficulty problem. Every single mode outside of all madden is way too easy. When playing on all madden however, defense is incredibly difficult. QBs will complete almost every single pass on you with pin point accuracy and wide open receivers all day long. Coverage is pathetic and completely non-existent. On offense, several dropped wide open passes with the same animations over and over again. Pathetic run and pass blocking (unless you edit the sliders). Then you add the fact the commentary is almost identical to the year before and some of the phrases have been in the game since madden 17. It’s laughable how re-hashed this game is. It’s time for EA to put some real effort into this game or give up the license for good because every year the quality is going drastically down. This years madden is the worst version I have ever played in 20 years of playing the game. Almost every single game will leave you wanting to snap the controller in frustration unless you like playing on the easy settings and dominating every game.… Expand
  29. remolian
    Jul 30, 2019
    2
    Face of franchise is just a stupid little 2 game section that spits you into last years player controlled franchise mode play style. The passing controls are frustrating. The graphics are not that better from last year. Madden ultimate team is basically the same as last year. They didn't even bother to update anything the announcers say. This is a downgrade from last years version.Face of franchise is just a stupid little 2 game section that spits you into last years player controlled franchise mode play style. The passing controls are frustrating. The graphics are not that better from last year. Madden ultimate team is basically the same as last year. They didn't even bother to update anything the announcers say. This is a downgrade from last years version. If your looking to buy a madden game, buy the better 2019 version and play that for a year to see if 2021 version is any better. This game is a waste of money.… Expand
  30. rylangsh
    Oct 29, 2019
    2
    It's so funny that the user reviews for Madden 20 are so much worse than critic reviews. This game is terrible, and you would be much better spending your money on one of the previous iterations.

    First, let's touch on the obvious. MUT (Madden Ultimate Team) is where the focus lies. So, if you like playing against your friends with a bunch of superstar current/former players (oh what fun    It's so funny that the user reviews for Madden 20 are so much worse than critic reviews. This game is terrible, and you would be much better spending your money on one of the previous iterations.

    First, let's touch on the obvious. MUT (Madden Ultimate Team) is where the focus lies. So, if you like playing against your friends with a bunch of superstar current/former players (oh what fun to put my team with Jerry Rice and Joe Montana up against a million other users who have those players) then sure, this game has value to you, to some degree. EA has done the usual job of making multiple modes chock full of microtransactions, so if you have money to spend you can make an even better MUT team. That's if you can even figure out how to navigate through the menu, which a cluster bomb full of information and updates encouraging you to spend money.

    Also, Madden is pushing online play heavily, and no longer can you really experience a great football simulation as a single player when buying this game.

    So now, a quick breakdown of the PRO/CON list:

    Pro:
    - Dynamic roster updates, Madden also has made more of an effort to patch or nerf out plays that don't work well, or work too well, this year. Better running mechanics, overall fluid moving game-play.

    Cons:
    - Franchise mode. This mode is terrible and hasn't been updated in years. When relocating a team, they still have the same uniforms and city options they've had for the past three games. Trading is still horrible and Free Agency makes no sense, because no marque free agents ever hit until the third or fourth year. It's been this way for IDK, the last 10 or so years of Madden.
    - Play archetype system: It's a great idea until you realize that only your special teams players actually upgrade quickly, and that player performance in no way translates to upgrades or downgrades. (Example: I had a player rush for 1,700 yards in his second year, and he actually regressed by 5 overall points)
    - Defense is still impossible to play well at times, and the AI will kill you on the quick slant over and over. It's been a reoccuring issue for years now. You literally have to look up a cheat sheet online on how to play defense and what plays to call.
    - The games default settings are trash and every year you have to look at someone online for how to adjust sliders for actual quality gameplay.
    - Lastly, there is just no immersion in Madden. The only mode they put time into is a mode to create a fantasy team of players, and the game doesn't focus at all on features that would make it a realistic football simulator. HARD PASS.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best PS4 Game of 2019
23
#23 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019
6
#6 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Aug 27, 2019
    80
    The unveiling of Superstar X-Factors had long-term fans of the series cowering, but happily they inject welcome freshness into a stalwart that had grown a tad stale. [Issue#166, p.86]
  2. Meristation
    Aug 16, 2019
    87
    Madden NFL 20 is still one of the best videogames if you want to simulate any sport but it's very clear that it needs more: more graphics, more gameplay changes, more news in its modes... X-Factor is a good new, but still insufficient to sense that gameplay is different that last year's edition.
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  3. Gaming Age
    Aug 14, 2019
    75
    Madden NFL 20 takes a step in the right direction and I really enjoyed the X-Factor additions to the series. While I still think some form of competition would force EA to make more drastic changes, I’m not optimistic with any developers taking a spin with the football genre (maybe the XFL?). If you haven’t caught the pigskin for a few seasons, Madden NFL 20 is the right route to run for this year. With the new consoles coming (most likely) next holiday, I’m looking forward to seeing what EA builds upon from Madden NFL 20 and brings over to next gen. For now I’ll enjoy taking the Broncos to the Super Bowl, while beating up the cover pretty boy, Mahomes (not bitter at all).
    Read full review
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