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. Jasonarnold
    Aug 29, 2020
    2
    I know people usually say man is just copy paste but holy **** this year is literally just copy paste once again franchise mode wasn’t even touched instead they dedicated their resources to a horrible new mode called the yard and face of the franchise that has a worse story than the last of us part two are used talk to text that’s why there’s no punctuation or why there is probably grammarI know people usually say man is just copy paste but holy **** this year is literally just copy paste once again franchise mode wasn’t even touched instead they dedicated their resources to a horrible new mode called the yard and face of the franchise that has a worse story than the last of us part two are used talk to text that’s why there’s no punctuation or why there is probably grammar shoes don’t buy this game… Expand
  2. Galahad7
    Sep 2, 2020
    2
    Same tired lazy copy and paste an insult to the fans. I doubt the NFL will drop EA because they lost their balls a long time ago.
  3. Rowdoss
    Aug 26, 2020
    2
    The fact that gameplay is solid, and arguably as good as the franchise has ever been in that regard, can no longer gloss over the fact that this game is so far behind its peers. The broken game modes no one seems to ask for. The prioritization of money making modes over the basics. Madden has NEVER released with this many bugs and glitches. This is especially egregious due to the fact thisThe fact that gameplay is solid, and arguably as good as the franchise has ever been in that regard, can no longer gloss over the fact that this game is so far behind its peers. The broken game modes no one seems to ask for. The prioritization of money making modes over the basics. Madden has NEVER released with this many bugs and glitches. This is especially egregious due to the fact this year sees the introduction of an arcade mode (laughably broken at release) in a year a rival publisher has gained rights to make arcade NFL games while EA Sports remains the exclusive simulation license holder. EA has chosen to put its eggs in someone else’s basket while taking a hammer to its own. The end product this year shows. And is the worst Madden in 14-15 years.… Expand
  4. eirik_
    Aug 26, 2020
    2
    EA needs to change their game on the most fundamental level. Franchise mode has long been ignored, FOTF is predictable and poorly acted/written, and even a whacky fun mode like the yard can't change the buggy, scripted football game EA releases year after year.
  5. Kalofel8
    Aug 26, 2020
    2
    The NFL needs to pay attention. I haven't reached this point yet but my friends won't watch games with me anymore. They were big madden players and because the game gets worse and the NFL keeps signing new deals they have slowly stopped watching games.... Putting a bad name on the NFL.
  6. Speagle77
    Aug 26, 2020
    2
    This game is sloppy and seems very unfinished. The bugs in this game make it unplayable in most of the game modes. Face of the franchise is a disaster that tries to mold together multiple corny storylines and stale jokes. Not to mention your stats don’t matter as the story line stays the same no matter what you do. The only reason I gave a 2 is because the yard panned out to be a fun andThis game is sloppy and seems very unfinished. The bugs in this game make it unplayable in most of the game modes. Face of the franchise is a disaster that tries to mold together multiple corny storylines and stale jokes. Not to mention your stats don’t matter as the story line stays the same no matter what you do. The only reason I gave a 2 is because the yard panned out to be a fun and enjoyable aspect however the bugs and desync problems make it impossible to complete multiple games. Overall this game has been on a downward slope for a long time and we’re finally seeing it crash and burn. Save your $60 please.… Expand
  7. mrdande
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    The game does have some minor improvements like smoother gameplay but for the most part, the game has been left unchanged. There has been an increase in overall bugs as a matter of fact.

    Face of the Franchise Mode includes additions in story and depth but there has been more bugs because of it. You can only get drafted by the Bears (unless you cheat and manually pick your team) and your    The game does have some minor improvements like smoother gameplay but for the most part, the game has been left unchanged. There has been an increase in overall bugs as a matter of fact.

    Face of the Franchise Mode includes additions in story and depth but there has been more bugs because of it. You can only get drafted by the Bears (unless you cheat and manually pick your team) and your play card displays the wrong archetype you chose and the wrong college you picked to attend. There are new storylines but it is not realistic at all. The mode is raw but not polished.

    The new mode, "The Yard," is a good addition to the otherwise bare game and it does offer some fun gameplay but unfortunately, the mode does have some gameplay bugs. The grass field can disappear at times and the ball can glitch out. One can wonder if the mode was only added to combat 2K's new arcade game coming out next year.

    Franchise mode is an exact replica from last year with no changes except for UI and a recolor.

    Overall, the game like every other madden in the last 10 years has very minor improvements and is nothing different from the rest. The Yard and Face of the Franchise are fun gamemodes but they are not polished and they suffer from bugs all over the place. I do not recommend a buy unless it is on sale.

    Pros:
    Smooth gameplay
    The Yard
    Additions to FOTF
    Cons:
    Unpolished
    Tremendous amount of bugs
    FOTF is unpolished with too many bugs
    Cheese plays still prevalent    … Expand
  8. EightyOne
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    Since signing an exclusivity deal with the NFL EA have essentially mailed it in every year and 21 is no different. The game is a buggy mess with awful gameplay and why that surprises anyone I really dont know.
    What really grinds my gears this year is actually the addition of a new mode - The Yard. This is no more than a half baked attempt to pull the rug from under 2Ks feet and bears no    Since signing an exclusivity deal with the NFL EA have essentially mailed it in every year and 21 is no different. The game is a buggy mess with awful gameplay and why that surprises anyone I really dont know.
    What really grinds my gears this year is actually the addition of a new mode - The Yard. This is no more than a half baked attempt to pull the rug from under 2Ks feet and bears no relation to the simulation football game EA are contractually obliged to make. Now we have 3 crappy arcady mini games aimed at children and worse still, designed to take additional money off them through microtransactions. That in a year made harder than most, EA synically decided to point whatever resources it had available at yet another half arsed cheese fest tells you all you need to know. Shame on you EA and shame on the NFL for allowing them to get away with it.
    Of and Face of the Fanchise is **** awful.    … Expand
  9. texsuber2000
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    Once again not worth I went against my gut feeling of not buying but thought "The Yard" could and would justify my purchase sadly the decision I made was wrong. To have a # about franchise mode and for it to still not be touched is quite frankly reprehensible. Madden is literally making me hate the NFL the game has been on the market unopposed and year after year the developers gives meOnce again not worth I went against my gut feeling of not buying but thought "The Yard" could and would justify my purchase sadly the decision I made was wrong. To have a # about franchise mode and for it to still not be touched is quite frankly reprehensible. Madden is literally making me hate the NFL the game has been on the market unopposed and year after year the developers gives me the middle finger. That said do what you want I recommend you dont buy this newest installment, if I could get a refund I would. I am so done with Madden for this generation and next until competition is introduced I will not purchase another Madden game period. And to think that no other game developer cannot make a simulation game to compete is like getting a lottery ticket and getting 4 of the 5 numbers you need.… Expand
  10. Jleyyyy
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    Same game as last year with no updates to franchise mode. Face of the franchise is extremely cringe Worthy. I personally do not enjoy the yard but understand some people might. I do actually like superstare KO but just like franchise nothing new. Save your money.
  11. Buckeyebrandon
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    The past four iterations of Madden have added little outside of some experimental game modes that go on to be replaced with another experimental game mode the following year. This year is more of the same. This is Madden 20 with updated rosters and a game mode where you play five on five. It is essentially a mini game where EA hopes you will spend real cash to buy cool visors and swag. IThe past four iterations of Madden have added little outside of some experimental game modes that go on to be replaced with another experimental game mode the following year. This year is more of the same. This is Madden 20 with updated rosters and a game mode where you play five on five. It is essentially a mini game where EA hopes you will spend real cash to buy cool visors and swag. I think EA has finally betrayed its loyal yearly buyers long enough that we have had enough. For the first time in as long as I can remember I will not be purchasing Madden.… Expand
  12. Jershy88
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    The gameplay is pretty solid. The graphics are good. You can tell the developers know how to make a wonderful football game, they are just capped by the EA conglomerate. I can pick up any madden game released over the last 10 years and get the same general experience, and unfortunately in come cases a worse experience. It’s a shame we are stuck in this same yearly ritual of being let downThe gameplay is pretty solid. The graphics are good. You can tell the developers know how to make a wonderful football game, they are just capped by the EA conglomerate. I can pick up any madden game released over the last 10 years and get the same general experience, and unfortunately in come cases a worse experience. It’s a shame we are stuck in this same yearly ritual of being let down by a football game, when clearly other titles have advanced insane amounts with no real competition. Madden should be a dope game. It’s just not. It’ll get boring soon. My PS4 will collect dust, then I’ll get excited again next June for M22. Wow - that was more depressing than planned … Expand
  13. arn_mdk
    Aug 29, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Glitches everywhere in the game. My favorite mode franchise has been untouched. Added a broken story mode that lacks depth. Few improvements but the bad outweigh the good.… Expand
  14. Shy_glizzy
    Aug 29, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is ass do not waste your time on this game the National Football League needs to rip up their contract that they have with EA Sports because this game is garbage.… Expand
  15. Nightmeer08
    Aug 29, 2020
    2
    Rating it a 2 because only 2 things have changed that makes this game worth buying. The yard is kinda cool, not really my thing but it’s not bad. Moderate changes to face of the franchise make it a little more worth playing. But that’s it, the rest of the game is literally copy and paste. And as someone who plays sports games every year, no other game copy and pastes like madden does. NHLRating it a 2 because only 2 things have changed that makes this game worth buying. The yard is kinda cool, not really my thing but it’s not bad. Moderate changes to face of the franchise make it a little more worth playing. But that’s it, the rest of the game is literally copy and paste. And as someone who plays sports games every year, no other game copy and pastes like madden does. NHL lately has been doing this, but madden has been going too long giving people the same game.… Expand
  16. Vikkark
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    Somehow worse than madden 20. All problems it had intensified. Sims bad, career mode is bad, the whole game is a just the shell of madden 20 with a few updates
  17. InsertCoolUser
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    Same game as madden 20, but with more microtransactions, Franchise mode still sucks and hasnt been updated in almost a decade. If you have madden 19 or 20, just download the rosters and draft class. Your wallet will thank you.
  18. Zombied_YT
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    Same game same for the past 4 years it’s so bad the glitches are annoying the face of the franchise is to short ultimate team is a cash grab and franchise mode is still unrealistic
  19. Hiddenintheleaf
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    This ia a 65 dollar roster update
  20. RorySP
    Aug 31, 2020
    2
    It’s funny, I used to look forward to the new Madden game every year when I was a kid. The Madden’s of the mid 2000s were some of the my favorite games I ever played. I’m not sure exactly when it started, but the game has, in my opinion, finally deteriorated to the point where it’s unplayable. It’s essentially a roster update. They didn’t even bother to change anything but the color schemeIt’s funny, I used to look forward to the new Madden game every year when I was a kid. The Madden’s of the mid 2000s were some of the my favorite games I ever played. I’m not sure exactly when it started, but the game has, in my opinion, finally deteriorated to the point where it’s unplayable. It’s essentially a roster update. They didn’t even bother to change anything but the color scheme of the menu! It’s laughable. Pains me to say this, but NFL should look to get out of whatever exclusive deal they have with EA so they can find someone actually interested in making a good game. Kick Rocks EA… Expand
  21. Tiredofmadden
    Aug 31, 2020
    2
    Look at this BS! Now there bribing us with free games. This game simply does not deserve the LISCENCE it’s that simple. They got greedy because they did not have anything to worry about an absolutely no competition back when 2k was out they actually made good games but ever since they took the exclusive rights they’ve been making the same game only with a roster update. Cmon guys don’tLook at this BS! Now there bribing us with free games. This game simply does not deserve the LISCENCE it’s that simple. They got greedy because they did not have anything to worry about an absolutely no competition back when 2k was out they actually made good games but ever since they took the exclusive rights they’ve been making the same game only with a roster update. Cmon guys don’t fall for this. This can’t be it keep it trending. One day I WILL have a good football game #NFLDropEA #FixMaddenFranchise… Expand
  22. Maverick55
    Aug 31, 2020
    2
    Same thing every year - will not be buying for the 4th strait year. I play the demo and am unimpressed. I go into the demo with high hopes just to play the same game it has been for years. Sad too as I’m a huge gamer and even bigger football fan.
  23. papap0st
    Aug 31, 2020
    2
    This game is a technical mess full of glitches and bugs. There is 0 attention to detail as there are plenty of misspellings, wrong info, and copy/paste everything.

    Some improvements come in the form of general gameplay improvements. But the technical mess of everything around them overshadows anything positive. Misaligned players, broken plays, etc. I've experienced more issues in 2    This game is a technical mess full of glitches and bugs. There is 0 attention to detail as there are plenty of misspellings, wrong info, and copy/paste everything.

    Some improvements come in the form of general gameplay improvements. But the technical mess of everything around them overshadows anything positive. Misaligned players, broken plays, etc. I've experienced more issues in 2 weeks with this game than I did all of last year.

    Don't even waste your time in the "career" mode. The developers clearly didn't.    … Expand
  24. JoeMDemajio
    Aug 31, 2020
    2
    I was really hoping for something new. But aside from remaining the same it also feels like it's regressing. I feel bombarded with all the additional payments, I just want to play a good football game.
  25. Jarmikou
    Sep 1, 2020
    2
    It’s honestly just the same game as last year with a different cost of paint. You can even find old assets from the last game in this newest one like before. It’s not worth 60 dollars nor 50 or 40 and shouldn’t even be sold as a newest entry on its own. Like I mentioned before, same game but with a few new changes.
  26. KyleGP
    Sep 3, 2020
    2
    Unimproved gameplay makes for the repetitive tackles, glitches, and animations you have been accustomed to for the passed 4+ years. Blocking logic is maybe the worst it's been in years. Clipping is still overwhelmingly prevalent. Face of the Franchise is horribly cheesy and poorly written. Franchise mode hasn't even made a small step forward. The Yard is a new/different Superstar KO, whichUnimproved gameplay makes for the repetitive tackles, glitches, and animations you have been accustomed to for the passed 4+ years. Blocking logic is maybe the worst it's been in years. Clipping is still overwhelmingly prevalent. Face of the Franchise is horribly cheesy and poorly written. Franchise mode hasn't even made a small step forward. The Yard is a new/different Superstar KO, which neither have any barring on the core gameplay that so badly needs attention. Microtransactions are a cancer consuming every "new and exciting mode". I really could go on but I'm already tired of saying the same things every one else is saying. Really the worst thing about this game is that the developers have such a disconnect with the Madden fan base and do not care to hear input. They think people are over reacting and bombarding them with negative reviews. No. We are angry at the clear lack of effort and POS of a "simulation football" game we have been force fed because of an exclusive rights deal. Executives at EA need to put a little bit of that microtransactions money into creating a new engine. The fact that a football game uses a first person shooter as their base physics engine should be all we have to know about EA and their logic.… Expand
  27. calebcoker
    Sep 4, 2020
    2
    Let me start by saying that I really liked Madden 20 I thought it was a good step in the right direction for EA, although it didn’t fix franchise mode it had a lot of neat additions like Superstar KO and Face of the Franchise which let you play as a college team. So considering all that I was very excited for Madden 21 I was hoping it would take an even bigger step in the right directionLet me start by saying that I really liked Madden 20 I thought it was a good step in the right direction for EA, although it didn’t fix franchise mode it had a lot of neat additions like Superstar KO and Face of the Franchise which let you play as a college team. So considering all that I was very excited for Madden 21 I was hoping it would take an even bigger step in the right direction but I hate to say this is definitely not the case. Everything is almost an exact copy and paste with new rosters. Franchise is still worse than Madden NFL 04 which came out 17 years ago. The only new thing they added was The Yard. I was very excited for this game mode, but it was a huge disappointment. It just feels like a worse version of Superstar KO. Speaking of Superstar KO it is exactly the same except that it added one new team to play as. Franchise, Exhibition, and MUT are also all exactly the same. Face of the Franchise is almost the same except they replaced the college teams from last year with new ones and this year it starts in the high school playoffs. The narrative is exactly the same that you come off the bench and know one knows who you are and win the game. The only difference is that it starts in High School instead of College. It added a lot of quality of life improvements and the presentation and gameplay feels a lot smoother but none of that justifies the $60 price tag when all of this should have been a free update for Madden 20. I also think that the main menu is worse than the one in Madden 20 I hate they way all the logos blend in with each other in that awful font when in Madden 20 all the game mode logos looked unique. This game doesn’t even have an opening sequence like past maddens. (Like how in Madden 20 when you first boot up the game you play the Pro Bowl) Instead when you first boot up Madden 21 you design your character for The Yard. This is extremely disappointing. So if you were thinking about picking this game up I’d recommend buying Madden 20, waiting a couple weeks for it to go on sale, or buying it used on Ebay in a couple months.… Expand
  28. Swolebody
    Sep 9, 2020
    2
    I haven’t played madden since M16 and almost all of the issues that drove me away from the game before still exist today. I’ll start with what’s most annoying to be personally. The menu screens, especially for Ultimate Team are so god damm slow. Free games like America’s Army Proving Grounds and Realm Royale have faster response times in the menus. It’s **** ridiculous the amount of timeI haven’t played madden since M16 and almost all of the issues that drove me away from the game before still exist today. I’ll start with what’s most annoying to be personally. The menu screens, especially for Ultimate Team are so god damm slow. Free games like America’s Army Proving Grounds and Realm Royale have faster response times in the menus. It’s **** ridiculous the amount of time it takes to load when simply going from the lineup screen to the auction house. And same with the pause menu in game. That combined with many bugs, unrealistic player movements, a lack of content in ultimate team, constant server outages, and the ridiculously bogus balance between the highest overall players in the game against low gold cards in solo challenges. Cards with 70 speed are somehow catching up to receivers and running backs with speeds in the high 80’s to 90’s. As for mut points and packs, I don’t have a problem with micro transactions. I have a problem with micro changes being made to the game every year that don’t affect the realism of the gameplay. When professional football players analyze the game and conclude the movements are completely unrealistic (especially linebackers and offensive lineman) to how an actual NFL game would go is all the proof you need to know the last many maddens are not at all an accurate football simulation. And EA sports can go **** themselves. NFL drop EA off the highest cliff you can find.… Expand
  29. Easyshmoney
    Sep 9, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I bought Madden thinking that the negativity was all hype. My honest opinion is this game is a hot mess. Glitches, poor animations, where the players get locked in.… Expand
  30. twalk9
    Sep 10, 2020
    2
    Only thing that kept it from being a 1 or 0 was the fact you could switch to RB or WR on face of the franchise. Other than that, game was like being at a five star restaurant expecting filet mignon and getting a microwaved Dog turd on a silver platter. Expected this billion dollar company to come out with a video game that would even closely resemble any of the products 2k has made forOnly thing that kept it from being a 1 or 0 was the fact you could switch to RB or WR on face of the franchise. Other than that, game was like being at a five star restaurant expecting filet mignon and getting a microwaved Dog turd on a silver platter. Expected this billion dollar company to come out with a video game that would even closely resemble any of the products 2k has made for basketball, but all i got was a glitch-filled, cookie cutter story in face of the franchise and a not-even-a-little-fun game mode called “The Yard”. NFL, please #dropEA… Expand
  31. vtseta
    Sep 26, 2020
    2
    For me, the lack of an adequate defensive perspective in franchise mode makes this game unplayable. Not everyone wants to be the QB!
  32. Supercat445
    Oct 1, 2020
    2
    Copy Paste Trash fghhhhhhhhhhhshshshshshshsshshdhdhdhddhhddhdhdhddddhdhddjsjsjssddnjjddjjdjddjdjdjdbdhddhffhfhhdhhhfjfjhdhdhhhhdjdjjddjddjdjfhhfhhhfhfhrhhhhdjdhjjdjdjdjdjdjdnjfdnbbhf
  33. Mybrosis
    Nov 14, 2020
    2
    this game rocks

    the voice acting for josh peterson is goood

    the football is doubled with john madden going OOOOOOOOOOOH everything that happen

    this game isn't as good as fifa 21 but is still better than rainbow six vegas for the xbox 360 which should of just copied armer and dangerous but didn't
  34. vgomez923
    Dec 1, 2020
    2
    It is the same game as it is every year. Nice for them to put mouth pieces after years without them! They really need to improve the overall experience of the game. Every year it feels like just a money grab. EA is so complacent due to no other football game out there which is sad. Its a disservice to the fans who have been playing it since it's incarnation.
  35. Taurus34
    Dec 21, 2020
    2
    I’ve been playing madden for over a decade and Madden 21 is by far the worst one I’ve ever played... The amount of activities you can join in it is cool, but the the actual gameplay can drive a person insane... All these glitches and ridiculous BS is costing me so many games and many crucial downs... If I’m running with the QB, WHY ARE MY PLAYERS STANDING AROUND WAITING FOR ME TO GETI’ve been playing madden for over a decade and Madden 21 is by far the worst one I’ve ever played... The amount of activities you can join in it is cool, but the the actual gameplay can drive a person insane... All these glitches and ridiculous BS is costing me so many games and many crucial downs... If I’m running with the QB, WHY ARE MY PLAYERS STANDING AROUND WAITING FOR ME TO GET KILLED?! GET A BLOCK‼️ If I’m running for an easy TD, can’t y’all just gimme a break and not have some bum trip me up at the 1?! I also don’t see how people intercept my passes so often without looking at it..., And on top of THAT, the soundtrack is WHACK AF... I muted more than half the playlist... This game is … Expand
  36. JumperZ
    May 30, 2021
    2
    Buggy as **** games feel scripted, etc. Ever since the NFL gave Madden an exclusive license, the game has been becoming worse and worse.
  37. viscid
    Nov 17, 2021
    2
    no game modes accept the cash cow mut, a forgotten about franchise mode, a terrible story mode, and a bunch of random crap nobody plays, and dont even get me started on the gameplay... its not realistic at all, its basically 100% animation based, the gameplay seems like its scripted, the same things happen every game, and it basically forces mut into your face expecting you to spend 100sno game modes accept the cash cow mut, a forgotten about franchise mode, a terrible story mode, and a bunch of random crap nobody plays, and dont even get me started on the gameplay... its not realistic at all, its basically 100% animation based, the gameplay seems like its scripted, the same things happen every game, and it basically forces mut into your face expecting you to spend 100s of dollars to make a semi decent team, overall madden hasnt been good for almost a decade, just a cash grab and no companys will be able to make nfl games till like 2026 so have fun with madden for the next 4-5 years… Expand
  38. TheThickness
    Dec 1, 2021
    2
    Another year another half done madden game. Very disappointed with franchise mode, they need to put more effort in that and stop only caring about madden ultimate team.
  39. Trayl
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    There is football in this game. Aside from that there's a lot of gambling, glitches, and stagnation. If you like this game for MUT, avoid gacha games.
  40. Rudy190
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    I've bought almost every madden game ever made minus a select few. I have also never written a review on any of them. This game pissed me off so bad I couldn't stay silent. EA It's not like the community hasn't been bashing you for YEARS on fixing Franchise mode. Instead we get The Yard? Should call call it The Inch, because that's how deep the game mode is. I'm so tired of it.

    2K    I've bought almost every madden game ever made minus a select few. I have also never written a review on any of them. This game pissed me off so bad I couldn't stay silent. EA It's not like the community hasn't been bashing you for YEARS on fixing Franchise mode. Instead we get The Yard? Should call call it The Inch, because that's how deep the game mode is. I'm so tired of it.

    2K here I come!    … Expand
  41. JBaldera27
    Sep 1, 2020
    1
    This game is objectively decent in terms of being an NFL game. However, as the ONLY NFL game for an entire console generation, they have barely innovated any features that relate to simulation football. While they have explored more arcade features and micro-transactions, the core gameplay and franchise simulation experience received minimal love. We can't even play with legacy teams likeThis game is objectively decent in terms of being an NFL game. However, as the ONLY NFL game for an entire console generation, they have barely innovated any features that relate to simulation football. While they have explored more arcade features and micro-transactions, the core gameplay and franchise simulation experience received minimal love. We can't even play with legacy teams like NBA 2K while the Frostbite engine is limited in replicating realistic football animations...because it's a game engine made for FPS not sports. I purchased Madden 21 against my better judgment to play CFM with friends, but the frame rate and animations are inconsistent. This feels like I'm playing a beta instead of a polished product, and for $60 during a pandemic I expect better. EA Sports has ignored fan input which is sad because the Madden community has been very vocal about features they'd like. The NFL should remove the "exclusive" license from EA Sports, as they have shown they don't deserve a monopoly on NFL fans with a half-baked product year-after-year.… Expand
  42. Dynako
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    I miss madden of old - its just become a broken shell of its former self and EA couldn't give 2 **** about it. I really hope they take this as a lesson but I think this franchise is over...
  43. HellaSavageX
    Nov 10, 2020
    1
    Holy crap wtf has happened to Madden, I am a die hard Madden fan since the beginning but this game is absolutely microtransactions garbage! PASS ON THIS YEAR! SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!
  44. Mattm27
    Aug 28, 2020
    1
    Basically the same game as Madden 20, many modes were completely ignored, and they tacked in a half assed gimmick “6v6” mode which is actually ONLY 3 users vs 3 users. Some serious changes need to be made to the madden development team and the game in general.
  45. Krikke86
    Sep 3, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. EA is just trash, let this maffia game publishers just go bankrupt… Expand
  46. Djwoods23
    Sep 5, 2020
    1
    It is literally the same game as it has been the past 7 years. All EA did was add a rookie class and then focus solely on MUT to make even more money. This game is garbage. Literally look around any stadium and you see Madden 19 and madden 2020 banners. EA couldnt even replace those with updated banners. They legit just cut crap from past games and moved it to this one and focused on MUT.It is literally the same game as it has been the past 7 years. All EA did was add a rookie class and then focus solely on MUT to make even more money. This game is garbage. Literally look around any stadium and you see Madden 19 and madden 2020 banners. EA couldnt even replace those with updated banners. They legit just cut crap from past games and moved it to this one and focused on MUT. Do not buy this game. If you have ay previous madden from the last 7 years then just play that and import the updated players. Until they actually focus on franchise mode and fix the entire thing, do not buy this game.… Expand
  47. CaseyMoe
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    Forget the fact the game is copy and pasted from the year before with little effort or passion put into it each new release. Forget that an otherwise cool game mode, MUT, is absolutely ruined by being ridiculously Pay to Win with the gambling card packs. Forget that Franchise Mode hasn't had a meaningful upgrade in years and instead has had features stripped from it little by littleForget the fact the game is copy and pasted from the year before with little effort or passion put into it each new release. Forget that an otherwise cool game mode, MUT, is absolutely ruined by being ridiculously Pay to Win with the gambling card packs. Forget that Franchise Mode hasn't had a meaningful upgrade in years and instead has had features stripped from it little by little until now, where it is a shell of a game mode.

    Forget all that. The thing that matters most right now is the game is just an unpolished, buggy mess and it's the only NFL game allowed to be made. That's why you shouldn't buy this game. You should not support and justify EA having the exclusive simulation rights to make an NFL game when they are making 100s of millions of dollars on it every year and they can't even take the time to make sure the core game is a quality, polished, finished product.

    They've obviously put what little money and man hours the devs are allowed to use on improving this game into the release of a new game mode, which of course, was created to sell microtransactions instead offering a fun experience to the consumer who just spent $60 on a broken, lifeless game that has less than a 1 year life span.    … Expand
  48. tomtom1315
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    You can’t even throw a fade route so it’s not a football game. Therefore it deserves a 1.
  49. Ahick420
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Get a ps2 and get yourself Madden 08 or NFL2k5(the last good games) This game franchise is a joke. Literally the same frigging game with all the same frigging problems the last 5 years in a row
  50. Jpma29
    Aug 28, 2020
    1
    Same game but actually WORSE. Gameplay is trash and scripted. The only things this game cares about are microtransactions. Spend your money ELSEWHERE
  51. DJH32
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    Holy disappointing, not sure what's going on but one of the biggest properties is been just re skinned for another year.
  52. CedricM71
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    The only good thing about this game is The Yard, Franchise mode is the exact same, Face of the Franchise is pre determined, and MUT is a pay to win mode. The gameplay is atrocious, it's not realistic football and it's full of glitches.
  53. JoeyChucklehead
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    No improvement to franchise mode at all. Gameplay is the same as last but with more bugs and glitches. The Yard doesn't even work.
  54. rurouniluc
    Sep 2, 2020
    1
    The game improves nothing, besides ONE silly new modern, that can be funny for the first 15 times. Is the same game as Madden 20/19, please, if you want to EA improve the game, don't buy this terrible DLC of 69$
  55. TwistedSaint
    Sep 5, 2020
    1
    Same **** different day. Please don't buy this game. Don't support EA. #EndMaddenMonopoly
  56. LukasGibson
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    Don’t expect anything new from this game. Obviously 90% of every sports game is a reskin, but this isn’t a reskin. They made the game worse. This isn’t simulation football. This is NBA Live 14 in football form. If EA is still making football games at this quality in 5 years, NFL games will be dead.
  57. Kiillswiitch
    Sep 11, 2020
    1
    Hands down the worst game of the year. Quite literally copy and paste. The game looks good. Better then thet usually so but good god if your gonna add in legacy players you had a better list to choose from. Havent been a fan of the dirsction the games have taken for the last decade.. Yet i still pick it up sometimes this is my last.
  58. Butpuppet
    Sep 10, 2020
    1
    I hate no7. Beaky diffrent from last years iteration. Done w the same grind in the same ol game. Bring back blitz!
  59. Marshall304
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. WAIT FOR A CHEAP USED COPY The not so simulation game brings the hype of a new game mode to this years edition of the copy and paste franchise. The Yard on the outside looks like a nfl street fanfare, but plays like a bland extra feature......



    Death of the franchise. If you have played madden 13,14.....20 then you have played madden 21. The only new feature and this is not a joke .... menu color theme....    … Expand
  60. Juan197
    Sep 2, 2020
    1
    #NFLdropEA It's time for EA to put more effort in it's yearly title or just drop the NFL license. Maybe if 2k gets it we would have a great new NFL2k game. Year after year is the same stuff, since Madden 18, 4 years of the same stuff! Same cutscenes, same paywalls (now even worse with The Yard). I'm not even going to play Ultimate Team this year, not worth it. Please, EA, fix this#NFLdropEA It's time for EA to put more effort in it's yearly title or just drop the NFL license. Maybe if 2k gets it we would have a great new NFL2k game. Year after year is the same stuff, since Madden 18, 4 years of the same stuff! Same cutscenes, same paywalls (now even worse with The Yard). I'm not even going to play Ultimate Team this year, not worth it. Please, EA, fix this franchise or just #NFLdropEA… Expand
  61. Mdan1424
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well what can I say, I am completely disappointed by the turn out of Madded 21. I saw so much potential from many years back, like create a team possibly coming back, or franchise actually letting you design a stadium and uniforms like 2K does in its NBA Series. Might I add that, they are far superior then Electronic Arts when it comes to sports games. EA has completely dropped the ball on this game, just rereleasing Madden 20 with new rosters and one new game mode called The Yard. The yard is sort of a backyard football type of vibe where you play to earn credits. Which in turn you can use to buy gear for your character. When I played a few games, which mind you were not easy, I noticed I would only get a few hundred credits here or there. Now not to worry, because EA has brought in microtransactions to save the day! Making all the clothing that is actually desirable completely out of range for the casual player to actually get anything worth while, EA expects you to pay for Credits which in turn you can use to buy your favorite article of clothing. It's mostly just a Cash Grab for EA, just like the past few years have been with every Madden game released from Madden 13 forward. Another "new" mode, which is just a rebrand career mode, is Face of the Franchise. Face of the Franchise isn't bad, but it honestly just feels rebadged from last year, some of the most crucial parts of your career, like choosing your new position, isnt even voice acted. Now they did try to take a step forward with you continuing your career after the draft. But it has you skipping alot of your games throughout your career. The most I've ever played in one Season is 4 games, two of them against your rival, and then two in the playoffs. Honestly it's just thrown together last minute and isn't really worth picking up if this is the mode you are after.

    Ultimate team is again the main focus of the game, mainly because EA wants you to buy packs to improve your team. Trust me when I say this, its exactly like Madden 20, but with new paint splashed around everywhere. They really want you to be in this mode, because they want your money more then your satisfaction, and honestly, after being ignored for years by EA, they dont deserve it.

    I'm not going to go into detail about Franchise mode, mainly because it's exactly the same as last year. Nothing has changed in Franchise mode except for the paint scheme.

    Gameplay is the same as last year, with some improvements that I can say have taken my frustrations away. Everyone knows about being sacked even though you threw the ball to your receiver. They finally added a throw out of sack animation to the same, and that has relieved alot of frustration from playing the game for me. It's just the first release so there are alot of glitches, as to be expected, but they didnt do alot to fix them in Madden 20, so I dont expect those to go away anytime soon in 21.

    Honestly, this game let me down, there was some positive, but alot, and I mean ALOT, of negatives in Madden 21. I'm giving this game a 1 out of 10, because it was just rebadged from Madden 20, 19, 18, 17, yeah you get the picture. I wont be buying another Madden game again. If 2K gets rights to start making NFL Simulation games, you best be sure, I'll be over there trying to get my hands on that copy.    … Expand
  62. tstols
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    Another miss from EA sports. For current generations, Madden 21 is a let down, and disappointing for it's players.

    This year, EA brought a new mode in, the Yard. It's a fun concept that is similar to Fifa's Volta mode, with 7 on 7 football. Errors and bugs in this mode are more excusable given how this is EA's first real entry with this feature. With growth and commitment overtime, it    Another miss from EA sports. For current generations, Madden 21 is a let down, and disappointing for it's players.

    This year, EA brought a new mode in, the Yard. It's a fun concept that is similar to Fifa's Volta mode, with 7 on 7 football. Errors and bugs in this mode are more excusable given how this is EA's first real entry with this feature. With growth and commitment overtime, it can become a good asset to the game, and something that gives players more options to do in this incredibly low-depth game.

    Ultimate Team players won't find much wrong with the game, as nothing really has gotten worse in their end, although connection and gameplay issues (more on that later) still plague the game.

    Superstar KO is about the same, and despite its gameplay issues, it's good to have this mode in the game.

    Franchise mode received bug fixes for it's year long development on the new game. Bug fixes. As a yearly game release, bug fixes shouldn't be all the changes that a game makes to advertise to make the public want to buy it. There were only some minor quality of life updates, bug fixes, and implementations of new rules that are expected of a simulation game.

    Face of the Franchise is decent. A cliche story that looks weak compared to 2k's, but it isn't too bad. It's great to have a separate player career mode back in Madden, but some fixes should be made to this mode too.

    Gameplay is a problem. Nothing has really improved, and it still is a buggy mess. EA tries to claim that Madden is simulation football, and has a license so no other company can make a "simulation" NFL game, yet things happen in Madden that never can in real life. There's been no positive changes in this area from Madden 20 to Madden 21.

    Graphics look cool, but adding a new color scheme and font to everything doesn't make the game better, the features need to work.

    The real question will be how the PS5/Xbox X console versions of Madden 21 will be. Given EA's rough jump from Xbox to Xbox 360, and Xbox 360 to Xbox 1, I do fear the worst.

    It's sad to see that Madden isn't just football anymore, it's just Ultimate Team. Sure you can do the Yard and Superstar KO, and even try it's watered down franchise and career mode, but it's really only worth it to play if you like Ultimate Team, which is a shame because there's large communities that like more than just the pay to win pack opening mode, but really can't enjoy their own modes.

    My advice is to keep Madden 20, and download the season roster updates that people have uploaded. You will find there isn't a huge difference, and the Yard at this stage isn't a strong enough mode to really warrant paying $60 for what otherwise is just Madden 20 with updated rosters and a new menu and color scheme.    … Expand
  63. stumpfuqr
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    It truly amazes me how EA can release the same basic game each year, recycling 95% of the game; the mediocre graphics, bizarre player models, same old load screens; and yet at the same time continually find all new ways to break the game and frustrate it's users. Of course, they keep all the old bugs that they have never bothered fixing as well. There's a reason you find EA at the bottomIt truly amazes me how EA can release the same basic game each year, recycling 95% of the game; the mediocre graphics, bizarre player models, same old load screens; and yet at the same time continually find all new ways to break the game and frustrate it's users. Of course, they keep all the old bugs that they have never bothered fixing as well. There's a reason you find EA at the bottom of any AAA Game Dev rankings. They release buggy, crappy software, an don't care. That's their MO. I've been playing Madden on and off since SNES. Just once, I would like to buy Madden, install it, and have it run properly. Hell, decently. Once in my STINKING FREAKIN LIFE. JUST. ONCE. Just like the last 4 or 5 versions, there are errors everywhere. Squads still doesn't work, which sucks since me and my buddy buy this to play together, and we can't because apparently EA is too busy selling loot boxes to fix a problem half the community has been screaming about for 2 years. There is a stutter/glitch where it drops frames every 60 seconds or so, everything freezees, stutters, and glitches, which is really helpful in the middle of a play. The yard markers/field markings aren't there about 1 out of 5 games. There's a glitch with the QB throwing on his own. Just throws it. Why not. No point talking about franchise mode, they literally cut/copied and pasted it in for the 3rd year in a row. Literally. Not. A. Single. Change. Wanna play against someone online? Good luck, will it work, will the servers crash, who knows, it's a mystery. They added a new play mode called The Yard which is supposed to be like NBA street ball, it's interesting for like 5 minutes, just a stupid mode, and is basically there to.... you guessed it, sell you more stuff. Face of the Franchise is a colossal waste of time they could have spent just fixing their broken game. I could go on, but let's just say, this game is a mess. A total mess. This should never have gotten past beta.
    These aren't games. They are vehicles to seperate you from your money. As they take more and more control away from the user and force more and more crap in the game, the more disconnected I feel from anything going on in front of me. They just don't care about anything except selling packs. Funny how those never glitch out. Go figure. If you want to play some video game football, and don't use Ultimate team mode, just track down a version a few years old (18 or 19) for 1/4 of the price, really it's about the same damn game, absolutely no point in plunking money down for this POS unless you really like handing EA hundreds of dollars for mediocre rewards. So frustrating. EA has an exclusive license with the NFL. This game is gold proof that that competition is necessary in business otherwise you get, well, the disaster that is Madden. This is the only EA product i ever buy because I really, really want to have a football game on PS4. I pray to every god under the stars that someone, anyone, makes one and we can jettison this horrid, glitchy piece of trash once and for all.    … Expand
  64. Bananaman645
    Sep 4, 2020
    1
    So I have this game on pc and man is it bad. The only mode that I can actually get to work is just a regular play now game. And seemingly every five seconds I get disconnected from the EA servers( just like every other madden game in existence). The gameplay in madden 21 even feels way more scripted
  65. sullyliam
    Aug 28, 2020
    1
    As a standalone game if there had been no predecessors it would be a good game. But the fact it is a yearly release and this is what EA deem acceptable in 2020 is inexcusable. The recycled everything along what lack of fixes from the previous year is a joke. How any person can stand by this product and with a straight face say they are proud of this game is beyond me.
  66. IdiotRavensFan
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    It's the same game as Madden 20.
    I'm giving this game a 1 because the pregame presentation is kinda cool, gameplay got some improvements, and the yard is ok.
    My opinion on each mode: GAMEPLAY - slight tweak, it's better than last year, but still pretty bad. Pass rush moves are kinda cool. The X factors are less OP at least. MUT - same as last year. no changes. WTF EA. The menus    It's the same game as Madden 20.
    I'm giving this game a 1 because the pregame presentation is kinda cool, gameplay got some improvements, and the yard is ok.

    My opinion on each mode:

    GAMEPLAY - slight tweak, it's better than last year, but still pretty bad. Pass rush moves are kinda cool. The X factors are less OP at least.

    MUT - same as last year. no changes. WTF EA. The menus are super slow.

    FRANCHISE - I played M21's franchise in 2013. That's how little it's changed.

    FOTF:RISE TO FAME - Rise to Fame, more like Rise to Lame. (SPOILERS BTW IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS DON'T READ THIS) The story is so linear, acting is super bad, lines are cheesy, and **** Tommy Matthews. I throw 8 tds and win a Naty, but this dummy Red O'Brien gives the guy with a heart condition the starting job? Everything is scripted and anything you do is useless. BTW everyone gets drafted by the Bears if you choose to be drafted by a random team.

    THE YARD - It's ok. It was fun for a while. But why was this needed? Gameplay isn't perfect, Franchise hasn't gotten updates since fall of the Soviet Union, and I think this mode was made just because 2K was making an arcade type game.

    Overall, this game sucks. **** you EA. The game is super buggy. The game sucks. The people who defend this game probably really stupid. I'd rather play the NBA 2k games, which have more microtransactions but the game is overall better.
    People who want the game to change. Don't buy it. Please. Don't. If you want to buy it, just buy it used. EA fix ur game!!!    … Expand
  67. Doglife
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    At this point I would rather play Tecmo Bowl! EA has lost the art in it’s name across almost all their games what a joke oh but they will shove politics down our throats but can’t make a playable game!!!
  68. bballlove88
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Changed the file types of the game and know its way harder to mod on PC. Madden 13 is way better and its sad cause M21 is almost the exact same as M20
  69. IsaacHeldt
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    Unfortunately another disappointing and lifeless football game by EA Sports filled with mediocre presentation, gameplay, and a Franchise mode that hasn’t been touched in nearly a decade. It’s insane how many bugs are in this game, and how horrible the AI still is, especially on All-Madden difficulty. You could literally win a game against the CPU by perpetually running slants on offenseUnfortunately another disappointing and lifeless football game by EA Sports filled with mediocre presentation, gameplay, and a Franchise mode that hasn’t been touched in nearly a decade. It’s insane how many bugs are in this game, and how horrible the AI still is, especially on All-Madden difficulty. You could literally win a game against the CPU by perpetually running slants on offense the entire game. Hoping for a much better, and much more improved game next year. If you feel obligated to play this game, I would just wait a few months until Black Friday, because this game is worth nowhere near $60.… Expand
  70. coobiee
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    Somehow they’ve managed to make gameplay worse this year, from players being tackled by nothing to players walking around mid play and not doing anything. It’s not close to how a simulation football game should play. EA will continue to deliver a terrible product however.
  71. tokenn44
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    They just don’t care anymore people. It’s as simple as that they don’t care. They took last years sloppy game and made tweaks that no one asked for. No changes we’ve been asking for the last 8 years! Stay away don’t give them your money.
  72. TurtleLicker
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    The Yard is not bad, but it doesn’t make me want to play day in and day out. Face of the Franchise and Franchise are horrible. MUT has remained unchanged as well. If you want to have an arcade style experience, then buy the game. If not save yourself $60
  73. Djp034
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    Same ol same ol with more glitches. When are they going to redo their game engine. Way to many problems with it.
  74. BlessTheMic863
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. How does EA get away with charging $60 for a roster update? The Dev team that copy and pasted Madden 20 into Madden 21 should be fired. The Madden franchise and its loyal fans deserve better than this poor excuse for a game which is nothing more than a blatant cash grab by EA. Bought a digital version and after playing for 2 days, I wish I could get a refund. EA and the dev team doesn’t deserve my or anyone else’s money for this $60 patch.… Expand
  75. Daezon
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    It’s just not good. Competition breeds greatness. EA has gotten away with a mediocre NFL game for far too long. All they need is competition, bring NFL2K back! This is the year NFL fans who loves a great NFL game takes a stand against the ONLY football game that’s out here. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME! Force EA to do better!
  76. StayPlation
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    I almost feel guilty giving this game a 1, but I will say SOME of the new animations within the gameplay engine are improved — at least when there isn't a glitch or bug to take you out of the moment, which happens a lot.

    So why do I almost feel guilty for the 1? Because in the micro-step forward Madden 21 took in its gameplay engine, it took giant leaps backwards in every other    I almost feel guilty giving this game a 1, but I will say SOME of the new animations within the gameplay engine are improved — at least when there isn't a glitch or bug to take you out of the moment, which happens a lot.

    So why do I almost feel guilty for the 1? Because in the micro-step forward Madden 21 took in its gameplay engine, it took giant leaps backwards in every other department.

    "Micro" being the key word.

    Aside from the plethora of absurd bugs, glitches, and inexcusable typos (Any "Seahacks" fans out there?), Franchise Mode has, also inexcusably, been untouched with the exception of the NFL's updated playoff structure, which is merely a patch.

    For fans who want simulation football, and Madden being the only simulation football game they can get their hands on, EA Sports should be ashamed of the unpolished, uninspiring, and completely unchanged game mode, Classic Franchise, that gives consumers a "simulation" experience.

    This gets us back to "micro."

    No one can deny the game modes that got the most amount of attention are Madden Ultimate Team and the new mode called The Yard. Why? Because those modes depend entirely on microtransactions.

    With the revenue Madden pulls in from microtransactions, from a capitalistic perspective, of course that's where the company is going to allocate their resources.

    But if arcade football that entices you to gamble your money away isn't your thing, why in the name of John Madden should EA be allowed to have an exclusive deal with the NFL to be the only simulation game, if they continue to grossly undeliver a simulation franchise mode?

    The answer is: They shouldn't be.

    EA should not be allowed to monopolize simulation football if they're going to continue delivering an underwhelming product to paying consumers who want an authentic simulation experience ripe with broadcast presentation you'd actually see on TV and fun features that were removed over a decade ago. (See YouTube and hop on social if you want specific examples. The #FixMaddenFranchise community has done an incredible job of putting together a solid case).

    Consumers deserve better. The NFL deserves better. NFL players deserve better.

    Unfortunately, microtransactions have ruined the Madden franchise.

    We're not going to see a better Franchise mode until gambling and microtransactions are removed from the game — and who knows when that will be.

    If you're looking for simulation football with a franchise mode that brings you back to the NFL 2K5 glory days, when Madden actually had competition, Madden NFL 21 is not your answer this year.

    Nor has it been for several years.

    And that's just sad.

    On a micro and macro level.    … Expand
  77. RockossmosD
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    This game is a heavily undercooked, disrespectful representation of simulation football. After playing this title I cant believe they had the audacity to charge a full premium price for this buggy and unrefined game. This is not even touching on the fact that absolutely nothing of not ON release was given yo Franchise mode the one simulation mode this game is supposed to
  78. Slimstretcher17
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    Visuals are really the only decent thing about this game and even then they aren't anything to gawk over. EA wasted a console generation worrying more about milking MUT and thinking gameplay improvements weren't selling points. Until they ditch animation dictated gameplay, make franchise which is their actual most popular mode a core part of each installment this series will be nothingVisuals are really the only decent thing about this game and even then they aren't anything to gawk over. EA wasted a console generation worrying more about milking MUT and thinking gameplay improvements weren't selling points. Until they ditch animation dictated gameplay, make franchise which is their actual most popular mode a core part of each installment this series will be nothing more than a big patch update year to year. Their newest flagship mode "The Yard" is interesting tho has no place in a game that's marketed as simulation. But its a new mode and its monetized so EA will probably make its development a priority in the years to come. This game just isn't even enjoyable. Theres no definitive GOOD thing this game has going for it. It just kinda exist. #FixMaddenFranchise… Expand
  79. SavagePanther1
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is atrocious. I’ll be fair I don’t have much of a gripe about the gameplay itself it’s not horrible I think a patch could tone down some of the deep ball interceptions cause right now corners win 90% of jump balls which isn’t realistic (hence the term 50/50 ball) and open field tackling is hard but it might just be because I’m bad and I love the yard....the rest of this game however should be thrown in the garbage and blow into pieces. Face of the franchise is without a doubt the laziest and most poorly written “story mode” in the history of gaming, you can’t change the difficulty so I just won every game 90-30 the story itself is incoherent garbage and whoever wrote and gave it the green check of approval should probably rethink their career choice, as of today you can only be drafted by the bears unless you pick where you go which is stupid, regular franchise is the same shallow trash mode it’s been for over a decade and as a mainly franchise gamer some of the common sense things that a franchise should have have been missing and continue to be missing which begs me to ask what exactly are the developers doing during the development cycle, answer clearly nothing at all. The menus are slow and laggy and just seem poorly optimized, there’s mouthpieces in the yard but not as an accessory for players in the regular game(explain that). All the legacy issues that have been in the past 4 Maddens are still here and I just don’t understand why they can’t seem to figure this stuff out and it’s not like they don’t know. All in all I love the yard and I have an online franchise so that makes the game fun so I can’t give this game a 0 but giving it anything more than a 1 just isn’t deserved in my opinion so a 1 it is! Hopefully the next gen versions of the game will be better but I have no faith in EA to deliver anything other than a flaming turd packed in a case with Lamar Jackson’s face on it.… Expand
  80. Kick_paul565
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Madden 21 has no big improments for franchise mode same game every year only Ultimate team is the focus every year mut players have a complete game every year as franchise players get a game that has lots of bugs and don't get what they other mut players get every single year franchise mode is untoched with no improvements to fix the game they say big changes are coming but we have nothing but this game the yard but thats not a football game we want what Ultimate team has but no card packs and microtransactions just a football game that represents actual nfl football crad pack gambling openings are not what football is we need change to this game not a gambling football game with no improvements to anything because microtransactions is gambling and should not be in any kind of sports games we all know thats not what sports is sports is not a pay to win casino with useless goods that get replaced every year with a new game ea sports needs to make games without money involed in it and make there money come from sales not microtransactions the games its self needs to be made from the roots and up with no stupid pay to win things but what sports games need to be these are kids playing games with there parents money and knowing nothing of the vaule of money kids gambling in gsmes need to stop right now.… Expand
  81. DreDayAllDay
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    Minimal improvements. Usering defenders is very slow including the AI pass rush.. Zones play the same as 20 with little to no reaction by the AI.. No improvements to Franchise mode.. Qb contains still do not work.. Run game.. Especially inside runs are extremely overpowered. You can still spam the same plays consistently with no penalty from the offensive or defensive AI.. Did I mentionMinimal improvements. Usering defenders is very slow including the AI pass rush.. Zones play the same as 20 with little to no reaction by the AI.. No improvements to Franchise mode.. Qb contains still do not work.. Run game.. Especially inside runs are extremely overpowered. You can still spam the same plays consistently with no penalty from the offensive or defensive AI.. Did I mention the pass rush is non existent? Poor game overall.… Expand
  82. Jdeg92
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    Same thing every year. But with even more greedy micro transactions......
  83. Rclebert
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is extremely poorly done , I am a former NFL alumni and it bothers me that this game represents the shield , so many kids will never be able to say that they played professional Football and their only experience can be through a game but Madden Nfl 21 made my EA sports does a poor representation of simulation Football and Nfl Football . The way the offensive line play’s is laughable the way the defensive ends always give up the edge is laughable, Those are offenses that Nfl Teams will Cut you for and send you home if you cannot do those basic things . The way weight doesn’t matter in Madden is ridiculous , players like Derrick Henry are Feared by defensive backs , The way all players have the ability to hit stick is so unrealistic, Dbs should wear during a game after tackling big HBs the whole game it should carry out to the next game if u had a rough game it probably should carry on to week practices or the next game ... Training Rooms is one of The most important things in the nfl and Madden doesn’t even mention or take those things in consideration. the game is just unrealistic and poorly made I would not recommend the buying of this game… Expand
  84. Divergigelis
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    The game is not simulation football and the clear disregard to the community’s request are insulting. Madden introduces new game modes and packs every year but the same flaws in the gameplay have existed for multiple years now. Introduce as many “new” things as you want but until the gameplay is improved, this game will remain as the last major title not taking advantage of the consolesThe game is not simulation football and the clear disregard to the community’s request are insulting. Madden introduces new game modes and packs every year but the same flaws in the gameplay have existed for multiple years now. Introduce as many “new” things as you want but until the gameplay is improved, this game will remain as the last major title not taking advantage of the consoles they run on today.… Expand
  85. Tashani71
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    This game gets a single star for being an NFL game. A football game that is a ludicrous shining example of rehashing and bilking people of out their hard earned $60 for a company that seems to care less and less about actual customer complaints with each new release of a sports title. I pray one day the NFL will come to their senses and relieve these buffoons of their exclusivity becauseThis game gets a single star for being an NFL game. A football game that is a ludicrous shining example of rehashing and bilking people of out their hard earned $60 for a company that seems to care less and less about actual customer complaints with each new release of a sports title. I pray one day the NFL will come to their senses and relieve these buffoons of their exclusivity because this is an abomination to NFL fans everywhere.… Expand
  86. Nichcr
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Really getting tired of it in the first week, hope my online leauges and the NFL can bring that want to play it back… Expand
  87. Cj247
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    Same game for the last several years, nothing new to the franchise mode! Hoping for 2k to eventually one day grab the nfl license!9
  88. saulty32
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    I have purchased every madden since 2003. This game is a disaster features wise. MUT is a boring challenge game. Franchise never improves and has regressed and is a joke. The Yard is not innovative to me it is just to try and compete with 2K. I can't handle being sucked into animation anymore, the game is not fluid. I give it a 1 only because COD did give a slight bump to the on fieldI have purchased every madden since 2003. This game is a disaster features wise. MUT is a boring challenge game. Franchise never improves and has regressed and is a joke. The Yard is not innovative to me it is just to try and compete with 2K. I can't handle being sucked into animation anymore, the game is not fluid. I give it a 1 only because COD did give a slight bump to the on field experience and separating players feel when user controlled. I will continue to purchase madden every year but I will wait till it is available second hand for 20$.… Expand
  89. Ajohnson425
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    Extremely disappointing release. The only reason this gets a 1 because of the new game mode “The Yard”. Everything is literally a carbon copy of Madden 20. What a waste of $60, I want a refund.
  90. Jf517
    Aug 29, 2020
    1
    I always hear the whole "this is the same game with an updated roster" argument every year for sports games. It is absolutely true with this madden. Save your money, download an updated roster for Madden 20.
  91. Stevvy
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Played it for a day with ea access the glitches are atrocious and gameplay lacks the punch to outweigh the bad looks like a lack of attention to detail.… Expand
  92. madden21sucks12
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    This game is the same game as madden 20 but with at least 5 times as many glitches. I would compare it to NBA Live 14 because EA was just as trash there too. There are so many glitches. So many. For the first 3 days it took 5 minutes to get from one side of the screen to the other. Fix franchise you stingy **** The yard is kind of cool, but filed with glitches right now, hence the one. TheThis game is the same game as madden 20 but with at least 5 times as many glitches. I would compare it to NBA Live 14 because EA was just as trash there too. There are so many glitches. So many. For the first 3 days it took 5 minutes to get from one side of the screen to the other. Fix franchise you stingy **** The yard is kind of cool, but filed with glitches right now, hence the one. The yard gets this game one measly point.… Expand
  93. FREMB
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Long time madden player. Told myself that I wouldn’t purchase this year because of all the negative press. But ended up buying it anyways because of my love for the NFL and madden in general. Could not be more disappointed with the lack of meaningful changes. The game also freezes, crashes, and glitches constantly which might be a blessing because it prevents me from wasting my time onLong time madden player. Told myself that I wouldn’t purchase this year because of all the negative press. But ended up buying it anyways because of my love for the NFL and madden in general. Could not be more disappointed with the lack of meaningful changes. The game also freezes, crashes, and glitches constantly which might be a blessing because it prevents me from wasting my time on this lacking and sub par product.… Expand
  94. DivisionY
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    THIS GAME IS TRASH, FRANCHISE MODE GETS NO LOVE. The same bugs are still in the game, like wth. I don't really care about The Yard, its just EA poor attempt at myPark, I also don't really care about ultimate team. The career mode is an upgrade from last madden game, but its still not good.
    Overall, the game is a big disappointment.
  95. mikep52
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Don’t waste your money. Without the addition of the yard and new FF storyline this is an exact replica of Madden 20. Wish the NFL would drop EA already.
  96. Gbo41
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    How do you possibly describe the gross incompetence of the makers of this game? How do you describe this game at all? The only thing that comes to mind is two words “stupendously atrocious” I am actually impressed at how they continue to put out the same copy and pasted garbage every year. Ultimate team is a mess. If you want to get a good team you have to play hundreds of hours 25 gamesHow do you possibly describe the gross incompetence of the makers of this game? How do you describe this game at all? The only thing that comes to mind is two words “stupendously atrocious” I am actually impressed at how they continue to put out the same copy and pasted garbage every year. Ultimate team is a mess. If you want to get a good team you have to play hundreds of hours 25 games on the weekend and endless “solo battles” and even after you do that and play all the solos you won’t have even close to the best roster available. Who the hell has this kind of time? People have jobs... Of course you can choose to spend money on “packs” that you will spend $100 and maybe just maybe you will be lucky enough to get 1 good player by selling all the garbage players you get in the pack or hell you might get lucky and “pull” a good player! What what a rush! You just paid $100 for a virtual card! You can spend a grand on this game right now and in 2 months all the players you buy will be devalued and obsolete. Just a poor business model imo. I understand some of you will say hey “don’t play it if you don’t like it” he’ll I most definitely won’t be playing this garbage heap any longer. Every year. Same thing. It doesn’t end there though. The yard is kind of fun for an arcade game mode but the out this crap in and don’t fix any of the issues people have been bringing to their attention for years. The Ai system is horrific, players go through each other, “Face of the franchise” is the worst damn story mode you will ever play in any game with the most bizarre story line. Who the hell writes this stuff? Franchise mode is the same garbage as well. They refuse to do anything fresh like something similar to my park in 2k... It is the same copy and pasted game with an few little cosmetic add ons. The madden dev team should be ashamed. They even tell people “you guys don’t know what your talking about it’s not that easy” in regards to fixing the game. Really? You are professionals not children. This is your job. Why is it that other developers can put out amazing games while ea sports continues to put out trash and never take the responsibility to fix it? rant… Expand
  97. Ginalgo
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Look this game has its ups with the yard and superstar ko those two game modes are probably the most fun to play right now but the other game modes like face of the franchise it was so hyped up and I was excited but it was terrible it had a good storyline but god just let me play the games at least would rather just transfer it to classic franchise then just playing my division rivals for like 3 years in a row the game is super buggy misspellings everywhere and most importantly franchise what a disappointment they literally copied and pasted it it still has super bow 54 like how ea how are you that dumb no not play this game until it actually gets good not worth any money… Expand
  98. Geronimov
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Horrible game this year don’t like I like madden 04 better than ur mom ass peace
  99. RtTurnClyde
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a "noob" to console gaming, but, a 17 veteran HS football coach, a lifelong (many, many years) fan of The NFL, and pro football, this game is more like a fancy bubble gum machine that jams up all the time and gives you nothing but awful tasting gumballs.… Expand
  100. MasterCriticz
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is just a copy and past of last year only new update i see is the boring yard where it's so dull and quite. At least make the players speak up and interact. The other obvious update is the roster. This billion dollar corporation has to learn ! We are not stupid which is why i took my game back to game stop and will be waiting for that cod cold war! Now they always make improvements for their loyal fans and buyer's.… Expand
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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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