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
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  1. AdRobs
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    People love to hate on Madden. It is what the cool kids do. Thus, 885 people have chosen to leave a negative review while those of us who enjoy the game just kind of play and chill out a little bit. The game is fine. MUT has simplified the UI and the solos in order to make the completion of them feel possible. In the past, they had a situation where there were hundreds of solos and youPeople love to hate on Madden. It is what the cool kids do. Thus, 885 people have chosen to leave a negative review while those of us who enjoy the game just kind of play and chill out a little bit. The game is fine. MUT has simplified the UI and the solos in order to make the completion of them feel possible. In the past, they had a situation where there were hundreds of solos and you felt buried in them. The Yard is a forward-thinking and fun arcade mode built by the same team that built Superstar KO. You could argue that The Yard makes this worth purchasing by itself. I have not played the story mode or franchise mode. Other people reviewed those though. In general, man defense and zone defense feel fine to me. I will say that it is hard to review the game on August 30 because you need to run through a cycle of people with websites finding the holes in the coding and exploiting them. Ultimately, an iteration of Madden is judged by how well a dev team does this. Considering that this game was developed with almost everyone working from home (Tiburon is in Orlando, FL), it is hard to say they didn't do a good job.… Expand
  2. Kaaskaaskaas
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    Great characters and story. I felt really connected with the main character troughout the story. The combat is great too. It does need more microtransactions, i want to lose even more money. Right now i have lost my house, my car, my family and my dog because i had to sell/ they left because i spend all my money on madden. Great fun!
  3. IIISabot
    Sep 8, 2020
    10
    I'm giving this game the rating it deserves at a big fat 10. It has achieved something that is frankly not very easy. EA has yet again managed to dupe billions of dollars from you people into buying a game despite their "stellar" reputation with copy paste sports games. And year after year I get to see all of you complain about how it's **** Yet year after year you buy it again? Why wouldI'm giving this game the rating it deserves at a big fat 10. It has achieved something that is frankly not very easy. EA has yet again managed to dupe billions of dollars from you people into buying a game despite their "stellar" reputation with copy paste sports games. And year after year I get to see all of you complain about how it's **** Yet year after year you buy it again? Why would they change anything? They don't have to, you all will buy it anyway lol. If I could copy paste a game year in and year out and get millions of people to buy it, your damn right that's exactly what I would do. So I'm not disappointed I'm incredibly impressed at EA. The kings of video game capitalism! I'll see you all next year for madden 22 when we go over this again.… Expand
  4. Football2k17
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    I encourage anyone basing whether or not they get the game just off of these reviews to at least try the game for themselves. The franchise community is upset (reasonably so) and they won't be happy regardless of what the game is like until they get the features they want. Props to them for fighting for what they feel like they deserve but at the same time i don't personally believe theyI encourage anyone basing whether or not they get the game just off of these reviews to at least try the game for themselves. The franchise community is upset (reasonably so) and they won't be happy regardless of what the game is like until they get the features they want. Props to them for fighting for what they feel like they deserve but at the same time i don't personally believe they are leaving reasonable and honest reviews.

    A game shouldn't get a 0 unless it literally does not function at all which 100% is not the case. There are definitely bugs and other things that could be improved but here is my honest review of the game...

    I think the addition of "The Yard" along with SuperStar KO from the previous Madden was a good addition in that it allows a fun casual gaming experience where you can just kickback and have fun. I think some of the new animations put into the game have been great so far and have been a breath of fresh air after seeing the same animations all year in Madden 20. The tuning of the user defender has definitely made defense more difficult but at the same time it opened much more passing lanes and requires the defender to think a little more on defense than in previous years. I also like the addition of the zone drop adjustments. I feel like it helps give the defender more control over the cpu defenders and once people get a hang of them, I think it will help prevent constant crossers or similar routes from constantly being open. There were a lot of small things added that I think help improve the game compared to last year like new ball carrier moves and move animations, ability to throw before getting sacked, tuning of contains, nerfed blitzing 7 players, etc.

    As for cons of the game, my absolute biggest complaint is the testers of the game. I think the game would be so much smoother, less bugs, and better overall if EA would select a few people from each sub community in Madden and have them test out the game. The people who play hours a day and create content for the game will know much better of what to look for bug wise than any game tester would. There are definitely some bugs in the game (that I don't understand how they were even created) but it was just released and as long as they are fixed promptly I'm not going to complain too much about it. I think pass rush will need tuned but I have a feeling its bad right now to help prevent last years defensive meta from being prevalent again this year. Another thing that needs to be improved is the CPU pursuit angles, often times they will take bad angles which usually takes that defender out of the play. I only speak from my personal experience and strictly game play since I don't play franchise much but I have seen their complaints and I do think EA should add more features, I think it would help make some of their fan base happier and it will make the franchise experience better for the players. In the past EA has had a bad habit of making the game worse throughout the year via their updates. If they can avoid messing up the game while fixing the visual bugs, I think this game has the potential to be one of the best Maddens in recent years. Currently I like the game gameplay wise, just needs cleaned up (which brings me back to my point about having actual Madden heads be the ones to test the game),

    I give it an 8/10 at the moment but obviously that could go down depending on future patches.    … Expand
  5. Mpinter9
    Aug 28, 2020
    9
    As a pro Madden player, yes go look me up my name is D3liveranc3, we are often the most critical of Madden. I will say that this year is probably the best this game has been at launch in awhile. Sure there may be some visual bugs or small details to iron out, but the actual gameplay feels great this year and that is what people should be focusing on. New intelligent features like zoneAs a pro Madden player, yes go look me up my name is D3liveranc3, we are often the most critical of Madden. I will say that this year is probably the best this game has been at launch in awhile. Sure there may be some visual bugs or small details to iron out, but the actual gameplay feels great this year and that is what people should be focusing on. New intelligent features like zone drops to help show your ability to out think your opponent is an amazing addition to the game. Superstar abilities have been tuned to provide more realism and more skill gap into the game. Madden 21 has the potential to be one of the best in franchise history. Definitely give the game a try before you write it off, the rating score on metacritic does this game no justice.… Expand
  6. Mnoric
    Sep 3, 2020
    8
    TL;DR: Not perfect, but the best Madden I've played in years.
    I don't understand all the hatred for this edition. Yeah, it's not perfect, but this is the first time I've actually enjoyed playing Madden in half a decade. Maybe it's because I basically just play offline Franchise and Face of the Franchise, but it feels like they finally fixed the problem with receivers dropping the ball    TL;DR: Not perfect, but the best Madden I've played in years.
    I don't understand all the hatred for this edition. Yeah, it's not perfect, but this is the first time I've actually enjoyed playing Madden in half a decade. Maybe it's because I basically just play offline Franchise and Face of the Franchise, but it feels like they finally fixed the problem with receivers dropping the ball every time someone breathes on them within 3 seconds of the catch. I also haven't had the usual problem of getting ahead in a game only to have my sure-handed HB fumble, other team runs back for TD, fumble the ensuing kickoff and they recover, random intersection on my next offensive play because apparently Aaron Rogers can't throw the ball 15 feet accurately, and now I'm suddenly down 14 four minutes after I was up by 14.
    I watched a video about all the features they have removed from Madden over the years, but honestly the only one I cared about at all was the Retired page after each off season. The rest were all things I didn't care about anyway. The biggest feature I would like to see added is a good play design feature and playbook maker. Yes, I know they have had a crappy play design feature in previous editions, but it was so terrible that I didn't even miss it.    … Expand
  7. SlushJL
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    I love this game but it has some flaws they can fix,like the glitches,please fix the big ones,no need to fix the smaller ones at all! I love EA!
  8. jbpalmr
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    Honestly, people just hate on EA to be difficult, but 2k wouldn't do any better. I deleted Madden 20 from my console because it truly sucked. Madden 21, on the other hand, has greatly improved physics, ai, and animations and a super clean UI. Graphics look fluid and realistic. It can be buggy at times but I have confidence in EA to patch it.
  9. boesterle
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    Solid game, feels new in the game play. UI may be the same but it just feels better to play. The yard is an awesome addition. Just remember that they are probably working on the PS5 versions to be great and that's why most of the UI and game are generally the same.
  10. ComicFanBook
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    Love the game, really big improvements in gameplay from last year. Idc about franchise so all these neg reviews about nothing changing means nothing to me. Big improvements on how ball carriers feel, running has been balanced way better, QB throws are ramped up and throwing out of sack feels better, so there's chance to fail and chance to win those high-risk/high-reward circumstances.Love the game, really big improvements in gameplay from last year. Idc about franchise so all these neg reviews about nothing changing means nothing to me. Big improvements on how ball carriers feel, running has been balanced way better, QB throws are ramped up and throwing out of sack feels better, so there's chance to fail and chance to win those high-risk/high-reward circumstances. Suicide blitzes are punished now with better blocking logic. I flubbed a few kicks already and it forces users to be a bit more tactful and mindful of using the meter - small change, i know, but it does raise the skill ceiling. Loving the juke combos and chaining them together, also like that being showboat-y can easily be punished with getting rocked and losing a fumble. The def line mechanic is really nice. If you put pressure on opponent by allowing clouds to drop back (in gameplay menu) and user'ing the defensive line you can put pressure on QB or force your opponent to make blocking adjustments, then user back/switch players and punish by user'ing linemen or safeties, etc. Overall the animations feel better and it's a solid improvement. It just amazes me at all the neg reviews, really. 0 out of 10? Really? zero? Holy moly.. people aren't judging the game at this point, they're simply getting out frustration and anger, taking that pent up quarantine energy out anonymously over the net.… Expand
  11. Benthebowler
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    Great game im not a ea critic who gets payed im just saying its a great game great features. Only problem is in franchise mode before a lot of plays it glitches for 2 seconds witch its never done before but great game
  12. Ben19198
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    They added a bunch of new game modes to the game and now you can create your own character I think it is the best madden they have ever made
  13. Vayomayo
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    I honetly think that the game is good and that it is on the right track. While people are trashing it, I'll be enjoying the yard, KO, and Franchise.
  14. urmum69420
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    game really isn’t that bad it’s not as bad as everyone says i don’t know why everyone says it’s so bad because it’s fine.
  15. Superman71099
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    Once they released the update it fixed any issue I had. Love it. I haven't experienced any of the glitches you see online. Makes me wonder if they're real.
  16. Sega_goat_shaq1
    Aug 27, 2020
    10
    This very well could be the best madden this Generation. It’s very fun and fluent this year
  17. Biggs1123
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    New gameplay feels more life like. Yard is a lot of fun. New cosmetics look awesome. Having a lot of fun.
  18. JackR
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    I have no idea what everyone is talking about. The game is great. Unless you didn't like Franchise last year, it's perfect. Superstar KO had many bugs and lag fixed. The Yard is so much fun, you could play hours with your friends. Face of the Franchise added more storyline so it got better. MUT got updated a bit. Gameplay is better with deadleg and jurdle. Plus more realotci animations.I have no idea what everyone is talking about. The game is great. Unless you didn't like Franchise last year, it's perfect. Superstar KO had many bugs and lag fixed. The Yard is so much fun, you could play hours with your friends. Face of the Franchise added more storyline so it got better. MUT got updated a bit. Gameplay is better with deadleg and jurdle. Plus more realotci animations. Ppl just complain just because they have a fixed mindset of EA being bad. 10/10… Expand
  19. Thomsnell13
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is very fun and the new yard is great... problem are just trolling at this point,
    also I’m in no way associated with EA    … Expand
  20. SaitamaOnePunch
    Nov 13, 2020
    10
    In November 2020 this is the best playing madden ever. It’s super smooth and fluid, animations are tight and it just feels good. Most fun I’ve had in madden in years, and they’re addressing franchise mode. I don’t play MuT..... but the gameplay is top notch.
  21. gamerhead2007
    Jan 6, 2021
    8
    This game in many ways is a step up over 19 many of us have given this game negative reception. It is more than a roster update
  22. MinePlay512
    Sep 3, 2020
    8
    Madden NFL 21 is good. I'm sorry if I upset you earlier. I know you are upset about Franchise Mode not being improved I understand. The Yard is a solid game mode that will bring in fun. Face of the Franchise mode is a 6/10. The mode soft-locks the game and it doesn't give the right stuff for your player, gameplay wise, it's solid. I understand your anger. I don't support EA. I don't workMadden NFL 21 is good. I'm sorry if I upset you earlier. I know you are upset about Franchise Mode not being improved I understand. The Yard is a solid game mode that will bring in fun. Face of the Franchise mode is a 6/10. The mode soft-locks the game and it doesn't give the right stuff for your player, gameplay wise, it's solid. I understand your anger. I don't support EA. I don't work for EA. But please, I just want to give you fun.… Expand
  23. Beastaf
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. They just need to fix servers and the game would be fine and nobody’s complaining simple… Expand
  24. yurks
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Ich hatte schon viel Spaß an Madden 20 und finde das man schon Veränderungen sieht.
  25. Bebe_34
    Sep 8, 2020
    10
    Good game worth buying and trying don't let the reviews run you away tried it yourself
  26. NotTheoMiller
    Sep 11, 2020
    10
    This is by far one of the most fantastic and innovative sports games I have ever played. New and improved graphics to go along with a vastly updated gameplay engine catapults this game to the stars and beyond. If you’re a fan of franchise mode BUY THIS GAME!! Absolutely no bugs or glitches of any kind as well as a very well rounded soundtrack. The ultimate team mode is new and improved andThis is by far one of the most fantastic and innovative sports games I have ever played. New and improved graphics to go along with a vastly updated gameplay engine catapults this game to the stars and beyond. If you’re a fan of franchise mode BUY THIS GAME!! Absolutely no bugs or glitches of any kind as well as a very well rounded soundtrack. The ultimate team mode is new and improved and rewards players for putting time into the game instead of money. EA sports truly listened to their community and delivered on a fantastic product.… Expand
  27. Vailed-lion9
    Sep 17, 2020
    9
    Madden NFL 21 is not a truly bad game, in fact it rather boasts new gameplay additions such as The Yard this year, as well as New Superstar X Factor abilities. Ultimate Team has seen a few new improvements and bug fixes since the last few title updates to bring in Teams of The Week and Event Modes. House Rules and Couch Co-Op are now back from last years game and the Competitive ModesMadden NFL 21 is not a truly bad game, in fact it rather boasts new gameplay additions such as The Yard this year, as well as New Superstar X Factor abilities. Ultimate Team has seen a few new improvements and bug fixes since the last few title updates to bring in Teams of The Week and Event Modes. House Rules and Couch Co-Op are now back from last years game and the Competitive Modes perhaps have to be the biggest yet. However despite this, a few clipping glitches during matchmaking, Slight FPS drops and the subpar Franchise Modes which EA has not yet addressed needs to be something that the developers need to address in a future update. But, in general Madden NFL 21 has improved dramatically across the board in the latest title patches on PS4 Pro in my opinion whereas others may not quite be so lucky. If you are having issues though it may be best to contact help.ea.com, in regards to this. But, other than that the game runs pretty solid in my eyes so far.… Expand
  28. Paulo300
    Oct 12, 2020
    10
    Jogaço!!! O melhor jogo dos últimos anos!!!! Só não supera o FIFA é claro!!!!
  29. ri123456789
    Oct 26, 2020
    10
    I love this game, it is fun both franchises are fun I don't know about the other ones though.
  30. Wixard564
    Oct 26, 2020
    10
    Only reason 10/10 is so I'm the 69th positive review fjfjkekdigjrjrkfirirjrj
  31. VeciPulse
    Dec 28, 2020
    9
    Where do I even begin with this game? I was a huge Madden 20 fan, I really like MUT, Franchise, and the Superstar KO modes. But this game is probably the best Madden out there. To start, Franchise mode. Nothing has really changed with Franchise mode, but some polishing was done to make Franchise really nice and simple. One complaint with Franchise, the "Play The Moments" feature stillWhere do I even begin with this game? I was a huge Madden 20 fan, I really like MUT, Franchise, and the Superstar KO modes. But this game is probably the best Madden out there. To start, Franchise mode. Nothing has really changed with Franchise mode, but some polishing was done to make Franchise really nice and simple. One complaint with Franchise, the "Play The Moments" feature still feels broken because it doesn't let you play really crucial parts of the game. Other than that, Franchise mode is really good. Now, MUT. MUT has always been my favorite mode in Madden, I love the collecting and unique challenges they put out. They also churn out updates for MUT including new players, packs, and challenges which is nice. MUT feels much more simple now, without the 100 challenge sections where you have to play full games. Overall, MUT has been improved and it is still my favorite game mode. I can't really say much about Face of the Franchise, because I haven't played it AT ALL. So now: Superstar KO. I remember this mode in Madden 20, and it was pretty cool. But Madden 21 really shook things up and polished this game mode a lot. The mechanics feel decked out and polished, and it really feels like its own, really fun game mode. The problem? ONLINE. This does not affect my rating (because this is talking about the community). People are REALLY toxic on these online modes, and it is really discouraging to play them. I hope EA can make a CPU version in the future. Finally, The Yard. This is the new mode introduced in Madden, and I ADORE it. It is a nice relief from the regular Madden style, and has really fun mechanics and gameplay. I like the prototypes, different locations, and the PAT mechanic inside of The Yard. This is also an online mode, but it gives you the option for CPU, which is nice. This is the best mode Madden has ever introduced, it could actually stand as DLC. Last thing, character customization. You can make and customize your own character to use in The Yard. It is really cool and has loads of options to choose from. One problem: Pricing. Before we get into that, the Madden rank is a new system that basically shows your level in general, not for a certain mode. The clothing costs credits to get, and you get credits by leveling up. But leveling up can be tedious, and doesn't give many credits. You can buy featured items in the rotating shop with Madden points as well. Overall, this is the best Madden I have ever played, and I'm excited about the future of this game!… Expand
  32. Jwork6
    Jun 13, 2021
    8
    On the next madden when a reciever crosses a defender in deep coverage the defender needs to run with that reciever and not let them just cross in front of them leaving them open…
  33. E-D-W-I-N
    Jun 21, 2021
    10
    This is still better than Warcraft III: Reforged. Bring Warcraft 3 refunded back to the last place.
  34. adepss1
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    Despite the harsh critcism I actually really enjoy this game. I have all the maddens from 15-21 and I enjoyed M21 a lot. Highly recommended!
  35. aymanhlayba
    Jun 19, 2022
    10
    One of the best madden games imo, really fun especially the story mode. A must play. Diabolically immortal lol
  36. desmondd
    Jan 1, 2022
    10
    An absolute classic. Don’t listen to sdtv he’s legitimate so trash it makes a landfill look like god.
  37. BigGuyKnowsMen
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    Football video games have come a long way and the latest addition to the genre,
    MADDEN NFL 21, is a testament to that. From the moment you start playing, you are transported to a world of incredible realism and immersive gameplay. The graphics are top-notch, making it feel like you are right on the field, battling it out with the world's best teams. The controls are intuitive and    Football video games have come a long way and the latest addition to the genre,
    MADDEN NFL 21, is a testament to that. From the moment you start playing, you are transported to a world of incredible realism and immersive gameplay. The graphics are top-notch, making it feel like you are right on the field, battling it out with the world's best teams. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy for both new and experienced players to get into the game. The AI is impressive, providing challenging opponents and making each game a unique experience. The various game modes, from career mode to online multiplayer, offer endless hours of entertainment.
    One of the most impressive features of MADDEN NFL 21 is the attention to detail. From the crowd animations and stadium atmosphere to the player movements and realistic ball physics, every aspect has been finely tuned to provide the most authentic football experience possible.
    Overall, MADDEN NFL 21 is a must-have for any football fan and video game enthusiast. The combination of immersive gameplay, stunning graphics, and attention to detail make this game an absolute triumph in the football video game genre. If you're looking for a football game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, look no further than MADDEN NFL 21    … Expand
  38. IHateThemBoys
    Feb 28, 2023
    9
    Great game, lots of fun. Only downside is that its somewhat old or that it was pay to win in Ultimate Team. Btw **** them ‘boys

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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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
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