Madden NFL 21

 PlayStation 4
User Score
0.3

Overwhelming dislike- based on 5792 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 5792
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 5792
  3. Negative: 5,673 out of 5792
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. RuggedEmu
    Nov 11, 2020
    4
    This is the worst madden I’ve ever played, and I’ve been playing since the early 2000s. It’s buggy, the gameplay is bad, and the matchmaking always puts you against sweaties. It’s purely not very fun and clearly EA (unsurprisingly) only cares about people buying packs. Poorly done. Shameful, really.
  2. OldSilentHill
    Aug 31, 2020
    4
    This is 21, which has a 20 banner next to the field, which has a 19 banner at the back of the seats, which runs on a 18 version, which is actually a 17 version patched.
  3. RalphPrestwood
    Aug 27, 2020
    4
    I agree with most of the reviews.. the game actually regressed?? GAME SPEED CAN'T BE CHANGE so it's like a arcade, the music is terrible but what made it worst there's no ORCHESTRA music... I personally only have the orchestra music because the music is always terrible. THE PENALTIES are cranked up and it does nothing for a simulation setting.... I would skip it this year.. it's so badI agree with most of the reviews.. the game actually regressed?? GAME SPEED CAN'T BE CHANGE so it's like a arcade, the music is terrible but what made it worst there's no ORCHESTRA music... I personally only have the orchestra music because the music is always terrible. THE PENALTIES are cranked up and it does nothing for a simulation setting.... I would skip it this year.. it's so bad THIS IS MY FIRST REVIEW... madden 20 movements was more realistic ..... what the hell happen?… Expand
  4. Fishstew
    Sep 2, 2020
    4
    Madden 21 is yet another EA Sports copy and paste attempt at simulation American Football. The large majority of players have always wanted a more fleshed out Franchise mode. But, alas EA never listens and wishes to further antagonise their loyal customer base.

    EA Sports have recently communicated that there will be some Franchise features added to a future patch with a road map    Madden 21 is yet another EA Sports copy and paste attempt at simulation American Football. The large majority of players have always wanted a more fleshed out Franchise mode. But, alas EA never listens and wishes to further antagonise their loyal customer base.

    EA Sports have recently communicated that there will be some Franchise features added to a future patch with a road map revealed on 10th September.

    That is all well and good! But why don't they simple put a better Franchise element to the game on release. What is this great desire to make people wait months for a patch, just to get game features that should be in the game from the start.

    60$ is a lot of money for people to pay in these extremely uncertain and troubling times. Not to mention the billions spent on micro-transactions each and every year since they were implemented.

    But EA just doesn't give two hoots about customer loyalty and all the years people have invested their money into their NFL simulation game doesn't mean anything to them.

    People shouldn't be using social media to display their anger towards EA, as this will always fall on deaf ears. They simply do not care especially those at the top of the tree in the EA corporation,

    The only way to hurt these people is to hit them in the pocket and deprive them of the billions in revenue they have enjoyed for years. It's no good buying Madden each and every year and then posting a negative review on Metacritic and trolling the developers on social media.

    You need to make a stand right now! Don't ever buy another Madden game made by EA Sports and give those hard faced executives a swift kick to their salaries and bonuses.

    Don't let the fact that EA will sack those very talented employees be the blackmail that makes you continue to support this below average game. Nobody likes to see talent people out of work and the EA executives know this is a big weakness for consumers who like to support video game franchises.

    I know many of you out there have invested lots of real world money into building your Ultimate Teams each and every year. But this is not an excuse to allow EA sports to deliver copy and paste Madden games for at least the last 5 years.

    Let this be the final year that EA gets away with hoodwinking you out of money.

    Vote with your wallet. Not with your social media accounts.    … Expand
  5. Bcap1415
    Aug 29, 2020
    4
    Nothing changed from last year. The gameplay on defense is a bit improved, otherwise it's a roster, coach and schedule update. Not worth it
  6. Calrizzy
    Sep 6, 2020
    4
    Bug filled mess that has no ambition, no innovation, and just a copy and paste effort from the last few years,,, EA has dropped the ball a long time ago and seems like they dont care for their audience.... how can you be a multi million/billion dollar developer and yet dont even try...smh
  7. drcoomer
    Nov 30, 2020
    4
    This game is broken. It sucks because I actually noticed some improvements from previous titles. The gameplay feels just a little bit smoother than I remember. So I was pretty excited when I started playing. But then there's a ton a of bugs, the franchise mode is completely broken, and the slow-sim function causes the game to completely crash every time. All of these things simply ruinedThis game is broken. It sucks because I actually noticed some improvements from previous titles. The gameplay feels just a little bit smoother than I remember. So I was pretty excited when I started playing. But then there's a ton a of bugs, the franchise mode is completely broken, and the slow-sim function causes the game to completely crash every time. All of these things simply ruined the game for me and pretty quickly it was uninstalled from my console.

    Overall score: 4/10    … Expand
  8. MisterNoDaysOff
    Aug 26, 2020
    4
    This is a bad football game. More disappointing is that it is the same bad football game they have released for the past 3-5 years. The NFL license sells this game. The lack of a AAA competior in the football space sells this game. The game being good, has not sold this game in some time. I buy this game because I love the NFL and I love football. Not because I love the product.
  9. Boogiewoogie
    Aug 27, 2020
    4
    The zeroes and 10s are just silly review bombing. I played the 10 hour trial. The game is not a zero but it's not much better. Frankly the biggest issue is the cpu defensive AI. It's atrocious. The game is not tuned for single player games. However even in multiplayer you cant user everyone. The defensive coverage AI is broken and that infects the entire game. 4 points for some nice newThe zeroes and 10s are just silly review bombing. I played the 10 hour trial. The game is not a zero but it's not much better. Frankly the biggest issue is the cpu defensive AI. It's atrocious. The game is not tuned for single player games. However even in multiplayer you cant user everyone. The defensive coverage AI is broken and that infects the entire game. 4 points for some nice new animations and player user movement.… Expand
  10. Jester301
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Myself and 10 others only buy this game for our online Franchise mode and it has been bare bones as is...this year a worthless copy and paste. When it is the ONLY choice....we look forward to having a choice when EA loses this monopoly on NFL football.
  11. Beatztronic
    Aug 29, 2020
    4
    Yes I'm giving Madden 21 a 4/10.
    POSITIVES
    + Game looks good on the field with great lighting and a strong attention to detail on equipment and uniforms. NEGATIVES - Not many changes in gameplay ugh glitchy as hell. So many glitches it's almost unplayable. Framerate drops are frequent really hindering gameplay. Animation based movement is more noticeable than ever creating a slu of    Yes I'm giving Madden 21 a 4/10.
    POSITIVES
    + Game looks good on the field with great lighting and a strong attention to detail on equipment and uniforms.
    NEGATIVES
    - Not many changes in gameplay ugh glitchy as hell. So many glitches it's almost unplayable. Framerate drops are frequent really hindering gameplay. Animation based movement is more noticeable than ever creating a slu of unrealistic blocking, running, catching and tackling sequences making the game seem scripted. Slant plays still to easy as the user. New running cuts create a fast feel but look bad and akward not blending with the gameplay. Horrible presentation, no on field refs, lifeless sidelines no cheerleaders or fan interactions. Cut scenes are all over the place i still dont understand showing
    the actual game gameplay before the game even starts. Commentary is the same loud and overbearing repetitive nonsense that doesn't fit the flow of the game. The new YARD mode is shallow overall. If your expexting a NFL Street type experience you way off, as the yard is strictly arcade you don't pick your players or team it does it automatically ugh. Franchise mode is exactly the same ugh.    … Expand
  12. Apkmg
    Aug 31, 2020
    4
    Trashhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
  13. Milliknows
    Sep 2, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lack of innovation... I’m pretty good at the game and my friends always tell me to buy it just to play against them. But trust me don’t. Any game is good simply by playing with friends... even **** games like madden. Franchise mode again takes a backseat, very animations based gameplay, very buggy, clearly lack of even a hint of trying. If this doesn’t change soon. This will definitely be my last madden game idc how much I love football.… Expand
  14. taban
    Sep 4, 2020
    4
    Some good but one very bad glitch. About every 10 plays the screen goes white while the play is still going. I can’t see my players due to this. Never had this before. This occurs in franchise mode.
  15. harrycole
    Sep 4, 2020
    4
    The majority of this game's overwhelming hate and revolt is from the Madden purists & traditionalists. Madden & FIFA purists have been in the same boat for some time now, being fed virtually the same game every 12 months and forking out $70-$90 for some updated uniforms and rosters. In other words, if you're a loyal player of many years there's a high chance you'll be dissatisfied at howThe majority of this game's overwhelming hate and revolt is from the Madden purists & traditionalists. Madden & FIFA purists have been in the same boat for some time now, being fed virtually the same game every 12 months and forking out $70-$90 for some updated uniforms and rosters. In other words, if you're a loyal player of many years there's a high chance you'll be dissatisfied at how this game plays, its lack of exciting and playable modes (The Yard is a nice addition but very shallow). Steer clear of microtransactions, and don't buy Madden 21 if it's Ultimate Team you're keen on. Franchise is key, and even that has faults and bugs. Having said that, there are long periods that allow you to forget how bad the game is. Another lazy instalment by EA who are no strangers to wringing cash out of their fanbases.… Expand
  16. Csylvester21
    Sep 10, 2020
    4
    My opinion the game is a little bit better than 20 but madden 21 is not that great. The game feels more like a arcade then simulation. Like for example, when you get a first down the fans in the stadium scream “first down” just like they do on superstar KO which nobody on earth will say that at a NFL game. And the pass rush system can be very overpowering as well.
  17. 2many2mons
    Sep 14, 2020
    4
    Ea ruins another game, once again. The yard is one of the only bright spots in the game, you can progress without paying a small fortune and presents fun new game play opportunity, and the character customization is fun.But even in the yard its still hard to ignore Ea standing in front of you in a thong shouting MONEY MONEY, GIVE ME MONEY! Ultimate team is a pay to win game mode, that eaEa ruins another game, once again. The yard is one of the only bright spots in the game, you can progress without paying a small fortune and presents fun new game play opportunity, and the character customization is fun.But even in the yard its still hard to ignore Ea standing in front of you in a thong shouting MONEY MONEY, GIVE ME MONEY! Ultimate team is a pay to win game mode, that ea shoves down your face. Face of the franchise is where you play through a bad story and too easy to win college games, that makes you wonder how this is the company that made longshot. Franchise is a buggy mess. All and all this is a bad game and possibly the worst madden ever.… Expand
  18. Requiescat666
    Sep 2, 2020
    3
    It´s a 60$ ( or more) Roster update from Madden 20...Buggy, Glitchy and broken, every year seems more like EA treats Madden ( or your favourite sport franchise like FIFA or NBA) as a Cash Cow, that sells no matter what they release
  19. AutoErect
    Aug 29, 2020
    3
    I'll start out by saying the yard is a fun addition to the game which warrants at least some credit. That however is the only good addition to the game, Face of the Franchise has some of the worst voice acting I've seen in video games and has a horrible linear story where you are beating teams by 100 points and winning national title games but somehow get beat for the starting position.I'll start out by saying the yard is a fun addition to the game which warrants at least some credit. That however is the only good addition to the game, Face of the Franchise has some of the worst voice acting I've seen in video games and has a horrible linear story where you are beating teams by 100 points and winning national title games but somehow get beat for the starting position. Franchise is untouched nothing new was added. Almost all gameplay mechanics are the same from last year. If you plan to buy the game hoping for an improvement in these areas do yourself a favor and don't bother buying it.… Expand
  20. Mr_ManicMike
    Aug 27, 2020
    3
    I love football, that's why I keep buying the game. It's my only option. EA changed a lot this year, especially the speed of the game. Defense feels extremely slow, making it almost impossible to stop anyone with speed on offense. Be prepared for a lot of drag routes ran from the slot that even if you user a quick linebacker you'll have hard time defending. The run defense feels like it'sI love football, that's why I keep buying the game. It's my only option. EA changed a lot this year, especially the speed of the game. Defense feels extremely slow, making it almost impossible to stop anyone with speed on offense. Be prepared for a lot of drag routes ran from the slot that even if you user a quick linebacker you'll have hard time defending. The run defense feels like it's better this year, well maybe more like it could be better. They added more moves to the defensive line which I actually love. Only down side, once again, is the slowed down defensive player movement, which makes it extremely difficult to actually get the sack. I feel like they were trying to take a step in the right direction with more realistic play, but they didn't strike a good balance. The most infuriating part for me though would be the terrible AI zone defense. Defensive players will stand there like statues as a receiver runs by. That and in a game which heavily features a mobile QB like Lamar Jackson, they probably should have left QB contain as a presnap line adjustment for your defense. I honestly enjoyed last years madden a lit more, as ushering a fast LB could overcome a lot of the AI flaws on defense. This year you just have to let the offense do what ever they want and hope you can stop them in the red zone or force a fumble.… Expand
  21. NxtDoc
    Aug 29, 2020
    3
    Madden NFL 21 is nearly the same game as Madden NFL 13 on the PS3. Same animations, body sculpts, and gameplay. Thr graphics a poor.. I am not sure how they can not be better, they are only slightly better than Madden 13's, with just a resolution boost.

    Franchise Mode is yet again neglected, in favor of new ways to take money from idiots who spend money on UT. The Yard is unwelcome, I    Madden NFL 21 is nearly the same game as Madden NFL 13 on the PS3. Same animations, body sculpts, and gameplay. Thr graphics a poor.. I am not sure how they can not be better, they are only slightly better than Madden 13's, with just a resolution boost.

    Franchise Mode is yet again neglected, in favor of new ways to take money from idiots who spend money on UT.

    The Yard is unwelcome, I am not sure why some critics praise a new mode, after the mode most play FRANCHISE is neglected...

    X Factors are great... that's about it

    I had to adjust my previous score of 5 because EA thinks they can patch in the mediocre QB Kaepernick and the critical reception will go away. NO F YOU EA. Fix Madden    … Expand
  22. Cmortonwvu
    Sep 2, 2020
    3
    EA has taken what they learned from Madden Mobile and put it on a disc. It is nothing more than a money grab. I'm not paying money to open a pro pack. EA you have a ton of money, make a game, not a cash grab. I want to make me as a player, work, get drafted and be the best player in a league.
  23. DaBears020
    Aug 27, 2020
    3
    Madden NFL 21 is a disappointment for football fans and gaming fans alike. The game is riddled with gameplay glitches that suck the fun out of playing. Many legacy issues, in gameplay, game mode content, and player models, have remained untouched. Franchise mode is still notoriously shallow and neglected, face of the franchise has increased depth but suffers from an awful and unrealisticMadden NFL 21 is a disappointment for football fans and gaming fans alike. The game is riddled with gameplay glitches that suck the fun out of playing. Many legacy issues, in gameplay, game mode content, and player models, have remained untouched. Franchise mode is still notoriously shallow and neglected, face of the franchise has increased depth but suffers from an awful and unrealistic story, and the yard is a decent idea with sub par execution. Improvements to ultimate team and superstar ok remain to be determined. The continuation of these problems make the game feel worse than its extremely similar past counterparts. The only positives of this game over the previous iteration are its new great-looking UI elements in menus and loading screens, and the implemented “COD” rating. Overall review: stick to madden 20 unless an improved version comes to the ps5.… Expand
  24. Imakeokreviews
    Aug 31, 2020
    3
    This one is personal. Maddens been the same game since 2015 and I have mostly disliked them even though football is my favorite sport. I’ve had problems with the series but not as much to wear I never buy any of them. But since I watched a video on madden 08 and seven I am pissed off at what a cash grab this series of became . Madden now is literally the equivalent of taking aThis one is personal. Maddens been the same game since 2015 and I have mostly disliked them even though football is my favorite sport. I’ve had problems with the series but not as much to wear I never buy any of them. But since I watched a video on madden 08 and seven I am pissed off at what a cash grab this series of became . Madden now is literally the equivalent of taking a battery out and making every season a $60 video game Even though this one has my favorite cast of rookies I still won’t buy this game And hope you won’t waste your money either just keep playing Madden 16-20 it’s the same game… Expand
  25. Adavis2541
    Aug 28, 2020
    3
    It’s a 3. I’m only giving it that because of the yard, even though some of the challenges don't even work and the game freezes you sometimes when you play online. It’s the same gameplay with a dead leg animation added to the game. The lack of innovation is inexcusable for a million dollar company.
  26. Realgeese
    Aug 29, 2020
    3
    I am sick of EA pumping out the same broken garbage year after year. Do they even test this game at all? There are so many things wrong with just the core gameplay that I cannot even begin to list them. Do not even get me started on the mess that is franchise. The community is FED UP. FIX THIS GRABAGE!!!!
  27. Carterb67
    Aug 29, 2020
    3
    Same game, different year. Do better, EA. Otherwise I'll be waiting until 2K give us football back.
  28. conlinwi
    Aug 30, 2020
    3
    Madden 21’s downsides weigh out the upsides unfortunately. An already offensive-dominant game now has possibly the worst defense in any Madden game to date. Many of the animations are recycled, as are the commentators which are GOD AWFUL, and are once again unrealistic; not to mention the many bugs that come along with them. Ultimate Team has the right foundation, but they need to inputMadden 21’s downsides weigh out the upsides unfortunately. An already offensive-dominant game now has possibly the worst defense in any Madden game to date. Many of the animations are recycled, as are the commentators which are GOD AWFUL, and are once again unrealistic; not to mention the many bugs that come along with them. Ultimate Team has the right foundation, but they need to input more effort. The Yard was a good addition, however it lacks content. Not fun unless you’re playing with friends.

    Franchise Mode is once again ignored and boring. It lacks options- EA clearly doesn’t care about this mode unfortunately because it’s and exact copy and paste. There is so much untapped potential in the game mode.

    Face of the Franchise is cheesy and unrealistic. It’s far too easy and predictable. They should go back to the route that they had in the last NCAAF game. Plus the storyline cuts off after you make it to the NFL. It feels unrewarding.

    Summary: Madden 20 was a step in the right direction, but Madden 21 just feels like a dud. It’s boring, and it’s too similar to Madden 20. Many of the game modes don’t have enough content or were just recycled from last year. It’s unfortunate however I’m sure the pandemic had something to do with the obvious lack of effort    … Expand
  29. Beastboy2000
    Aug 30, 2020
    3
    This game is absolutely the same game every year but a different roster. I’m mad at the NFL please Take away the license EA is not using it wisely give it to 2k look what they used to do with it. In my opinion they had made the best football simulation game ever. I just get the game because it’s the only CHOICE it’s not fair that this is the only game I can go to to get a a nfl video gameThis game is absolutely the same game every year but a different roster. I’m mad at the NFL please Take away the license EA is not using it wisely give it to 2k look what they used to do with it. In my opinion they had made the best football simulation game ever. I just get the game because it’s the only CHOICE it’s not fair that this is the only game I can go to to get a a nfl video game #NFLDropEA #FixMaddenFranchise… Expand
  30. jcoffman
    Aug 31, 2020
    3
    Here's an honest, fair review, even though EA has neglected the core game itself over micro-transactions.
    Pro's: Wow, where to start? There aren't too many.
    Graphics (8/10) are improved, slightly, and the player movement is a bit smoother. The rookie bio pics look slightly more photo realistic and aren't as jarring when sorting through a roster with current players and auto-simulated    Here's an honest, fair review, even though EA has neglected the core game itself over micro-transactions.
    Pro's: Wow, where to start? There aren't too many.
    Graphics (8/10) are improved, slightly, and the player movement is a bit smoother. The rookie bio pics look slightly more photo realistic and aren't as jarring when sorting through a roster with current players and auto-simulated rookies. A few player models still have heads that are too large for the body, but overall player likeness is better. However, this should be expected from a billion dollar company like EA..
    Gameplay (4/10) This might be a bit generous, but it's a least playable. Again, it feels like a patch but there are some minor improvements, mainly the skill sticks and d-line play. Playing d-line is a viable option now. I also like that the game play is slower and deliberate and a bit less arcade like. The problem is, games feel scripted and rely to heavily on animations. If a gang tackle is occurring and I'm running up to the ball carrier, I should be able to land a hit stick in certain situations (if a RB or WR is being stood up or trying to break a tackle), but you can't bc you are not a part of the gang tackle animation. Animations also take plays out of bounds which gives the appearance of a late hit, or it just looks bad. Overall, EA does a poor job of simulating real life football.
    The Yard, FOTF, MUT: (0/10) or I DON'T CARE. MUT has ruined gaming with micro-transactions (go ahead and waste $ each year re-buying cards). FOTF looks generic and the fact that you get the same outcome and only get to participate in partial college games is laughable. I will eventually try The Yard, but a last minute unfocused attempt to prepare for competition is not why I buy this game. Honestly, they need to package MUT and The Yard as a separate 'game' so fans of simulation football have a chance at a decent game.
    Franchise (110) gets a 1 bc the menu background is blue and I love blue. Yes, the text reads better but honestly the UI was fine. Otherwise, Franchise mode is EXACTLY THE SAME!!!!!!!!!! The scenario engine was neglected, so no new roster competition scenarios, trade, injury, mentor-ships, etc. was updated or added. This one feature should have multiple layers, yet is one layered and microwaved leftovers. Scouting is the same, trades are the same and still broken. No stat tracking, qb pressures and hits aren't a stat; sacks still aren't recorded correctly. There is no historic stat tracking, still, and you can't sign free agents to any contract type unless you are in the free agency period. Rosters aren't up-to-date nor do they have most undrafted rookie free-agents which is a HUGE part of roster building and adding depth. Within 2 weeks of the draft most undrafted rookies have signed; there is no reason these players aren't in the game or if they are they are generally added very late into the year. There's no combine, no rookie mini-camp/training camp; practice is stripped down still. You still can't adjust player arch-types within a scheme. The list goes on and on...and let's not forget the bugs. Lost of bugs. Some I haven't seen mentioned: cannot assign players to formation subs; when I load a franchise, the date for each save reads 1/1/20 and not the actual date/time it was saved. There are frame rate drops, especially when kicking and pulling back to look at superstars/play art, etc. Overall, this mode is as shallow as a drop of water.
    I give a 3, which is generous, as to me it's garbage--not bottom of the trash soaked in mystery liquids trash, it's more like a fresh piece on top of the pile. EA should be embarrassed and ashamed, I hope the devs are, but the executives who call the shots don't seem to care. The NFL sure doesn't; I get the exclusive rights but this product is garbage.    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 8, 2020
    40
    Madden NFL 21 is another blatant recycling of last year’s edition of the „simulation“ of the American football. Sadly, most of the modes remained the same. Gameplay received a few minor tweaks, and in the end it still persists as a cash grab not worth anybody’s time.
    Read full review
  2. LevelUp
    Sep 14, 2020
    70
    Madden NFL says goodbye to a generation with more questions than answers and with an uncertain perspective on what may happen in the years to come.
    Read full review
  3. Impulsegamer
    Sep 9, 2020
    70
    For NFL diehards, there remains hundreds of gaming hours at your disposal in Madden 21. These same diehards – much like players of EA’s NHL and Sony’s The Show – will be left with the impression they’ve played this game before, however.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »