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. RickytheRockett
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Haven’t bought a madden game since 17. Bought madden 21 and not a thing has changed. Madden gameplay is just broken it doesn’t work. To top this off it’s advertised as a “simulation football game” and it’s not!!! Madden has been and will always be an arcade style football game. The game can’t even do a proper fade route. Ball physics are trash. Yes they fixed the 20 feet lb/cb int jumpsHaven’t bought a madden game since 17. Bought madden 21 and not a thing has changed. Madden gameplay is just broken it doesn’t work. To top this off it’s advertised as a “simulation football game” and it’s not!!! Madden has been and will always be an arcade style football game. The game can’t even do a proper fade route. Ball physics are trash. Yes they fixed the 20 feet lb/cb int jumps BUT EVERYTHING in the madden games for two decades now feel scripted beyond belief. From sacks, ints to fumbles all scripted. Not to mention you still can’t challenge plays I have yet to see myself able to make a challenge. Only time I’ve seen a challenge is when the game decides to do a booth review. Still no refs on the field also. They brought back simple gameplay motions and make it seem as if it’s “new” such as defensive line player movements. Bruh these things have been in football games for years. You know a game is bad when 1 nfl2k5 a almost 20 yr old game is still better than any madden game in the past two decades. Want something more recent try all pro football 2k8 gameplay in both these games are better more in depth than any madden game not to mention these two games are true simulation football games. Once 2k comes back I will never buy another madden. Madden 21 was my last one. #bringback2kfootball #nfldropea #madden21 DO NOT BUY… Expand
  2. Juicebox619
    Sep 2, 2020
    1
    This game is literal definition of lazy. same game, sometimes different name, there are actual items like a bucket in the game that says madden 20. The fact that there is 4 currency's in this game is laughable and is surprising how some people defend a game, scratch that, a virtual slot machine that I have high odds of winning the actual lottery than getting a card with an 88 overall.This game is literal definition of lazy. same game, sometimes different name, there are actual items like a bucket in the game that says madden 20. The fact that there is 4 currency's in this game is laughable and is surprising how some people defend a game, scratch that, a virtual slot machine that I have high odds of winning the actual lottery than getting a card with an 88 overall. Sports games I ask, no i demand you stop buying this garbage and EA will actually make a good football game or at the least the NFL will let other publishers have the rights to the NFL making it so you not just forced to buy this garbage. In conclusion just buy madden 18 and update your roster and then you'll have the same game at a cheaper price. funny thing being I wouldn't even recommend getting madden 17, if you want a good football game play madden 04.… Expand
  3. Badman420
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    More than half the game doesn’t even work correctly, complete waste of money and time
  4. italianSauce
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This is the hottest piece of garbage EA has ever released! I could polish a turd and make it look better than this steaming pile of manure. Everything has stated the same or gotten worse. They added a new game more with The Yard and guess what? It's littered with microtransactions. No surprise there! Do yourself a favor NFL, and give EA some competition. Whats the worst that can happen? EAThis is the hottest piece of garbage EA has ever released! I could polish a turd and make it look better than this steaming pile of manure. Everything has stated the same or gotten worse. They added a new game more with The Yard and guess what? It's littered with microtransactions. No surprise there! Do yourself a favor NFL, and give EA some competition. Whats the worst that can happen? EA makes a better product and then everyone makes more money!… Expand
  5. RabidWolverine1
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    A few new animations and a roster update is not enough. #FixMaddenfranchise #NFLdropEA
  6. Drkrgrs27
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The glitches in this game are just brutal and extremely frustrating I think it’s time for someone else to make a football game
  7. HighElph
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I literally created an account just to rate this piece of garbage a 0 out of 10
  8. HowToChan
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I’ve played madden for almost 15 years and this has to be the glitchiest Madden game I’ve ever played.
    While there were some improvements, they are few and far between. Based on the few improvements made and major flaws with the game, I would say the game would be worth buying if it was priced at $20. - Players consistently warp into non-sensical animations. For example linebackers or    I’ve played madden for almost 15 years and this has to be the glitchiest Madden game I’ve ever played.
    While there were some improvements, they are few and far between. Based on the few improvements made and major flaws with the game, I would say the game would be worth buying if it was priced at $20. - Players consistently warp into non-sensical animations. For example linebackers or defensive backs could be in a horrible position to make a play on the ball, however they will teleport to the ball so that they can intercept it or deflect it. Not very realistic for a football game with the exclusive license for simulation NFL football. - The game is absurdly unbalanced with certain X-Factors being game breaking. The dline doesn’t get any pressure unless you user them, however when you do user them, they abuse the offensive line. - AI is very slightly improved but still terrible - The story line for Face of the Franchise is absolutely horrendous. I won’t spoil too much, but it might be the worst storyline ever in a sports game. Your decisions don’t matter and no matter how you play, the story follows the same linear path. The combine is lame and is a downgrade from Madden 08’s combine. - No improvements to franchise mode. Sure updates are coming, but these features should have been in included in the base $60 game at launch. Franchise is missing many feature that existed in past maddens. - There are so many issues with madden that it’s overwhelming to even type everything. So my conclusion is Madden 21 SUCKS    … Expand
  9. Fiendo
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Absolute trash. Nfl needs to drop EA immediately. Terrible all the way around.
  10. Weselypipes
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Do not waste your money on a game that’s basically a patch update from the year before with minimal upgrades in gameplay and zero upgrades in Mut, “Classic” Franchise mode and even the new mode from last year Superstar KO. Face of the franchise is a waste of time with a terrible original storyline that isn’t decision based. Plus once your enter the NFL the new storylines the game createsDo not waste your money on a game that’s basically a patch update from the year before with minimal upgrades in gameplay and zero upgrades in Mut, “Classic” Franchise mode and even the new mode from last year Superstar KO. Face of the franchise is a waste of time with a terrible original storyline that isn’t decision based. Plus once your enter the NFL the new storylines the game creates for you are completely out of place and make absolutely no sense. Your basically playing a career highlight tape of your career which is what nobody asked for… Expand
  11. Realchristian
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Such a sad story every year I get hopeful and every year they do the same thing it’s a money machine designed for gambling. Franchise mode is still a bare waste land of nothing.
  12. Bronco_8
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Worst game of all time nothing like real football #NFLdropEA #FixMaddenFranchise
  13. Mulecac
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I couldn't believe it could get any worse than last year. I see no inprovement in the gameplay and i dont see any of the new features promoted in the trailers.… Expand
  14. Th4t
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Everyone's hating this game, I'm gonna do that too! so yeah don't buy this thanks
  15. Blackraven13
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same game as last 4 years dont buy just replay one of the older ones major waste of money
  16. Bebotrishula
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    . If people were to stop buying into their piles of poo, maybe they will stop making said piles. That or just drop the franchise all together because "Oh, it isn't making us money anymore." A company's thought these days aren't "What would the players like that can make bank at the same time," it's "How can we milk our playerbase of as much of their money as inhumanly as possible."
  17. GamerrrDude
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I’m gonna make a video on this sh*t! Boy, is this is gonna be a thrill ride!… Expand
  18. Rex501
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The fact that EA has only removed more features from franchise mode than added new ones over the course of a decade really tells you how horrible this game is. EA is trying to make an arcade-like, over the top game rather than a realistic simulation. The yard and superstar KO are prime examples. Who asked for this? Madden Ultimate Team is a joke of a mode, in which EA shoves their microThe fact that EA has only removed more features from franchise mode than added new ones over the course of a decade really tells you how horrible this game is. EA is trying to make an arcade-like, over the top game rather than a realistic simulation. The yard and superstar KO are prime examples. Who asked for this? Madden Ultimate Team is a joke of a mode, in which EA shoves their micro transactions down your throat. Do not buy this game.… Expand
  19. Mealymon
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Absolutely piece of **** game. I don’t know if you wanna was the day I wanna was a good day I hope you have a good day and I’ll be sure to get you some stuff for you guys tomorrow night I wanna was the day I wanna was a good day I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day I hope youAbsolutely piece of **** game. I don’t know if you wanna was the day I wanna was a good day I hope you have a good day and I’ll be sure to get you some stuff for you guys tomorrow night I wanna was the day I wanna was a good day I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a good day and I hope you have a great weekend with the girls tomorrow I gotta I wanna hope that they have something for… Expand
  20. Halfline
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Do u love buying the same game from year to year with minimum work done to add to the experience? If so this is the game for you. Just another great game from your friends at EA.
  21. Swagyyolo123
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game sucks!!! Franchise is the same. It is filled with bugs and glitches
  22. evsilva
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    When will EA Sports make a really good franchise mode? - Contracts and renovations are ridiculous
    ON MADDEN 08 WE HAD HOULDOUT
    - FA need improve - Draft scouting is a piece of **** - We dont have senior bowl - More interation with combine - More interation with press, players and owner - FIX TRADES ( PLEASEEEE) AND MUCH MORE!!! Madden 21 is Madden 20 with new rosters! THAT IS IT. DON'T    When will EA Sports make a really good franchise mode? - Contracts and renovations are ridiculous
    ON MADDEN 08 WE HAD HOULDOUT
    - FA need improve
    - Draft scouting is a piece of ****
    - We dont have senior bowl
    - More interation with combine
    - More interation with press, players and owner
    - FIX TRADES ( PLEASEEEE)
    AND MUCH MORE!!!

    Madden 21 is Madden 20 with new rosters! THAT IS IT. DON'T SPEND YOUR MONEY!    … Expand
  23. airbizcut
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Don't buy. Glitchy, buggy, riddled with micro-transactions, roster update and a new mode that isn't worth it. Same game as Madden 18. Just play 2k5, 2k8 or NCAA 14, you'll have more fun without burning a hole in your wallet.
  24. Rmmalizia
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    A complete copy of the previous couple of titles in the series, however the developers (if you can really call them that) have somehow found a way to add more bugs and glitches than ever thought possible. Matchmaking frequently craps the bed when trying to actually play, and causes the player to close app multiple times in order to play the game for 10 minutes just to ask themselves "whyA complete copy of the previous couple of titles in the series, however the developers (if you can really call them that) have somehow found a way to add more bugs and glitches than ever thought possible. Matchmaking frequently craps the bed when trying to actually play, and causes the player to close app multiple times in order to play the game for 10 minutes just to ask themselves "why am I punishing myself by playing this broken game" after asking themselves the same question for the last 5 years.

    The staple franchise mode, meant to be a realistic, in-depth, and authentic NFL experience has degraded into having the depth of a kiddie pool at a 2 star hotel. Wait, I take that back, a kiddie pool is way to deep to compare to the atrocity labeled as "franchise".

    BuT hEy ThEy UpDaTeD tHe UsEr InTeRfAcE aNd MeNuS! iT's LiKe A bRaNd NeW gAmE.

    If you want to play a better football game, I highly suggest downloading Roblox and finding a football server, I guarantee it will be light years ahead of Madden 21.    … Expand
  25. rockyraccoon91
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    "See what happens Larry? Do you see what happens? Do you see what happens when you **** a stranger in the ass?"
  26. Talo7792
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Game crashed twice before even playing a game, the game play is completely the same as madden 20 except you broke it even more. And franchise mode was left untouched for the 20th year in a row… Expand
  27. Djdeadpixel
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Not only is this game copy and paste every year, it's the story mode is so bland acting. Not even fun anymore with all the glitches. #NFLDropEA!
  28. ForeverPoland
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Gameplay, mechanics and UI is essentially the same. The new game modes don't change this. My last hope is if the generation jump can change anything, but I have serious doubts at this point
  29. RealStevieBear
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Just a roster update. Save your money so hopefully they take making the game better seriously. Can’t wait to see what 2K Sports does with their football game!
  30. Deathsiege
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Had a 10 hour trail of Madden 21. I figured I would try it out, and play the Face of the Franchise mode. I had enjoyed the Fifa narrative story. My first game in the NFL. First drive. Two ineligible men down field and an absolutely inexcusable out of bounds call on a TD. I have been playing Madden for 20+ years and never seen an ineligible man down field penalty, but now I had seen two inHad a 10 hour trail of Madden 21. I figured I would try it out, and play the Face of the Franchise mode. I had enjoyed the Fifa narrative story. My first game in the NFL. First drive. Two ineligible men down field and an absolutely inexcusable out of bounds call on a TD. I have been playing Madden for 20+ years and never seen an ineligible man down field penalty, but now I had seen two in one drive. And the TD, the receiver caught the ball, put the ball in one hand, and took three steps after that in bounds. Called out. I decided the rest of my 7 hours left in the trial weren't worth my time.… Expand
  31. lordblanco
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I'm giving this a 1 just for the designers who made the card designs. That's it. You're the only ones who actually bring some TALENT to this series. Everyone else, incompetence on every level and you guys call yourselves PROFESSIONALS? AAA Devs? Experts? What a joke. You guys are so delusional it's sad and it shows in your product. Humble yourselves, maybe you can put out a decent game again.
  32. Theljunior
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same low quality game on the same low quality engine. Same plays from 4 years ago work. Sad really. So many glitches and a lot of the cut scenes are identical. I’m only surprised with how bad it is didn’t really expect Improvements but didn’t expect it to regress to this state. I’m done with madden.
  33. MadAlf
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game just has no value. There is no difference between this and previous.
  34. rick2slick
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    So glitchy and not worth 60$ at all. Wish I could get my money back. EA should be ashamed
  35. antonofflvl
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is really awful. It is literally the same **** game as previous part. Too many bugs, animations are terrible
  36. GreyTalon
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Here are some bugs so far, character portraits don’t carry over into games properly, in face of the franchise mode, went to play another team and my team duplicated itself and I was playing against my own team, spelling errors, loading screen Freezes, kicking meter freezes, unrealistic animations, in face of the franchise mode when you get drafted your name doesn’t carry over to the draftHere are some bugs so far, character portraits don’t carry over into games properly, in face of the franchise mode, went to play another team and my team duplicated itself and I was playing against my own team, spelling errors, loading screen Freezes, kicking meter freezes, unrealistic animations, in face of the franchise mode when you get drafted your name doesn’t carry over to the draft board and it says you are someone else, face of the franchise mode when building a superstar team everyone you pick up is supposed to pick up an Xfactor but it doesn’t work and continues to refer to the player as having one even if they don’t. And these are just things off the top of my head. Most of these bugs already existed in madden 20. Literally threw some new paint on the same game and called it new. This is terrible and EA deserves any and all flack for this reskinned roster update they have the audacity to charge full game price for, and in some instance more than full price. Do not buy… Expand
  37. itsGONE24
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 has taken the things from Madden 20 and made it better. That’s what you would hope and think but that statement is completely false. Madden 21 is a re-skin of Madden 20 and yet still is worse than the previous madden. Online game are filled with man press and all the previous counter to man in every other madden are now ineffective. Cornerbacks in man play like a heat seekingMadden 21 has taken the things from Madden 20 and made it better. That’s what you would hope and think but that statement is completely false. Madden 21 is a re-skin of Madden 20 and yet still is worse than the previous madden. Online game are filled with man press and all the previous counter to man in every other madden are now ineffective. Cornerbacks in man play like a heat seeking missile, and this is assuming you can get into a game. There seems to be matchmaking and server problems that make the game unplayable. There is input lag that has been experienced by virtually everyone including youtubers. This makes the gameplay frustrating and the line adjustments virtually impossible. Connected Franchise is a disaster with nothing changed including the old bugs that plagued it. EA had their developers who typically work on Connected Franchise go and work on Face of the Franchise. So I am being literal when I say connected Franchise is an absolute re-skin from the previous madden.… Expand
  38. prestonrtr
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Been playing Madden for over 10 years now but year after year the game continues to get worse. The movements and gameplay are completely unrealistic and NFL 2k5 movements ( a game from over 15 years ago) had way more realistic gameplay. #NFLDROPEA
  39. Tkissy
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Created an account just to rate this game, no changes to franchise and buggy. Wait until the game is free, they make enough money from MUT.
  40. Danman235
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The game hasnt changed at all in 10 years yet they make hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Pathetic game, pathetic developers.
  41. Cdemoleas
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    How can you make a new game that's so much worse than the previous iteration? EA literally copied and pasted Madden 20 to Madden 21 and gave it a "dark mode" visual update. The yard is a knock off NFL Street which absolutely sucks. Franchise mode is untouched. Gameplay mechanics are trash.. A bunch of players meshing through each other and constant white screens or the field not loadingHow can you make a new game that's so much worse than the previous iteration? EA literally copied and pasted Madden 20 to Madden 21 and gave it a "dark mode" visual update. The yard is a knock off NFL Street which absolutely sucks. Franchise mode is untouched. Gameplay mechanics are trash.. A bunch of players meshing through each other and constant white screens or the field not loading correctly. We have the same exact screens in head to head with nothing new. All in all don't buy another Madden game until the game is rebuilt and the customers/fans are actually respected.… Expand
  42. Cweaver23
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I will never buy madden again if EA is making the game. The game is atrocious, and no effort was put into this game at all. This game is a massive spit in the face and it almost feels like they made it this bad on purpose because of all the things said about how bad madden 21 would be.… Expand
  43. ruvinj
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA's Madden team has consistently disappointed with its product going back to the early 2000s. The denigration of Franchise mode in favor of brainless modes like Ultimate Team and whatever they're calling Road to Glory now long since made me stop buying this product. Only EA could make the job of running an NFL franchise boring - and now boring *and* stripped down. I have not purchasedEA's Madden team has consistently disappointed with its product going back to the early 2000s. The denigration of Franchise mode in favor of brainless modes like Ultimate Team and whatever they're calling Road to Glory now long since made me stop buying this product. Only EA could make the job of running an NFL franchise boring - and now boring *and* stripped down. I have not purchased Madden since the 2016 or 2017 version (and even that was only to play online FRANCHISE with my friends). The NFL should cancel EA's exclusive rights and allow multiple studios to release competing games. That will force EA to actually create a real simulation instead of a blatant annual cash grab right quick. Will not purchase Madden until EA either (a) no longer has exclusive rights or (b) brings back NCAA Football.… Expand
  44. Karthi7059
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I still cant believe that they monetise a product that is already 4000 INR or have to grind unimaginable level. This is a new low for EA even after the Star Wars Micro Transactions Saga.
  45. MakeMaddenGreat
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    THE WORST MADDEN IN HISTORY! **** TRASH! WHY CANT THEY ACTUALLY MAKE A GOOD MADDEN????? MADDEN 12 WAS THE LAST AMAZING ONE.WHAT THE ACTUAL **** HAPPENED?????? **** YOU ea sports
  46. ajmaldo27
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst. Game. Ever. Literally the same exact game from previous years. I don’t know what the developers all year when “trying to make a new game” but they obviously just copy and paste every year. Not buying anymore.… Expand
  47. Jarule
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same old trash madden. Literally the same madden with a patch for $60 #nfldropea
  48. Fcktrck
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is full of so many bugs it is ridiculous. The game is almost identical to the last one except for the fact that it is way more glitchy. My favorite game mode is the team mode in mut but the game is so glitched I can’t even play. Terrible game even worse developer EA is straight trash
  49. maak27
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Words can't describe how god-awful this game is. They would have been better off literally just re-packaging last year's game in its entirety. Somehow, they took all of the garbage that was wrong, re-packaged it, and took out the things that actually worked. Who does that???!!! Save your money. Do not buy this flaming turd of a game.
  50. ManCheetah7
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same garbage every single year. The NFL needs to wake up and drop EAs exclusive rights. #NFLdropEA
  51. Rating101
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA should be ashamed of their product, madden21 and the Madden series as a whole. This company continues to pay the NFL millions to keep this cash cow of a monopoly running. EA doesn't work hard to innovative and improve Madden because they don't have to. As a die hard NFL fan it is heartbreaking that Madden is the only NFL simulation football game available on the market. I personallyEA should be ashamed of their product, madden21 and the Madden series as a whole. This company continues to pay the NFL millions to keep this cash cow of a monopoly running. EA doesn't work hard to innovative and improve Madden because they don't have to. As a die hard NFL fan it is heartbreaking that Madden is the only NFL simulation football game available on the market. I personally stay away from the micro transaction game modes and enjoy spending my time playing the franchise mode. Which has not changed in the last 4-5 years. Do not buy this game save your money and wait till 2k comes out with their non football simulation game.… Expand
  52. Dhunt
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game and it’s servers where trash from the completion of the download. Literally paid $80 for the MVP pre order and all we got was a roster update filled with glitches. EA sports should be ashamed of themselves for not paying attention to details of the gameplay and solely focusing on in game purchases such as MUT. Luckily for me I’ve been a member of Xbox live for years and I calledThis game and it’s servers where trash from the completion of the download. Literally paid $80 for the MVP pre order and all we got was a roster update filled with glitches. EA sports should be ashamed of themselves for not paying attention to details of the gameplay and solely focusing on in game purchases such as MUT. Luckily for me I’ve been a member of Xbox live for years and I called and they fully refunded my money. I will be sitting out from playing my favorite game until WE the CUSTOMER are APPRECIATED!… Expand
  53. Garyncrane
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Gameplay is awful, the face of the franchise was lame and they couldn’t even continue the voice acting throughout. I feel like we are back in the 90s
  54. Blainerrobbins
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst video game I have ever seen. I am NEVER buying madden again. Complete disaster… Expand
  55. Flippi95
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    #NFLdropEA
    Worst game if ever played. Just a roster update und the same bad gameplay as the last 5 years
  56. poonpirate69
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Getting smashed in the nuts by a hammer would be preferable to playing this game.
  57. LostyGaming
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Madden......yes I am mad, great job guys, but I'll never buy any dlc for this, loot boxes, season pass, pay to win!
  58. theoreillbaggs
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    My G & I is shocked at his Madden 21 man. #DropEA @NFL Time to take the contract out to the BIDDY
  59. LoganWolverine
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The same old song and dance. This is what you get when one company has a monopoly over a product. Why can't we have competition with football games? We lost NCAA half a decade ago and the only real option is this. The issue is this has been the same game for years. No innovation or improvements to franchise mode and no create a team??? Of course not because why would they improve or addThe same old song and dance. This is what you get when one company has a monopoly over a product. Why can't we have competition with football games? We lost NCAA half a decade ago and the only real option is this. The issue is this has been the same game for years. No innovation or improvements to franchise mode and no create a team??? Of course not because why would they improve or add anything outside of Ultimate Team when whales drop thousands and thousands of dollars on that? The answer is they wouldn't. Just give them your money and get a roster update for the previous game.... EA and Madden are both garbage.… Expand
  60. Doclank
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    ESPN 2K5 is a WAY better game even though it was released nearly 16 YEARS ago on the original Xbox and Playstation 2. EA GO AWAY
  61. SpicyTacos
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Haven't bought madden in 3 years and neither should you until EA is dropped. My brother bought the game and so I tried his copy before I invested my money and yea.. still won't invest and I don't think my brother will either.
  62. NMP46
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA has been slowly killing every franchise it’s involved in because the focus is profit and not the game or gamers. Just look at Battlefield, massive success for years and they can’t give it away now! Battlefield V was a catastrophic failure! This is just another example of a lazy company thinking by cut and pasting a game and changing the menus it’ll be a success. M21 is a copy of M20EA has been slowly killing every franchise it’s involved in because the focus is profit and not the game or gamers. Just look at Battlefield, massive success for years and they can’t give it away now! Battlefield V was a catastrophic failure! This is just another example of a lazy company thinking by cut and pasting a game and changing the menus it’ll be a success. M21 is a copy of M20 which was a copy of M19. I have no frame of reference past that as I stopped playing Madden for a few years. I won’t be playing it again either. This game is all about MUT and getting more cash out of your pocket via micro-transactions, as it was with Battlefront 2 and as it is with FIFA and NHL. Time for the NFL to revoke the license and give it to someone reliable.… Expand
  63. SlyKen
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    if you see any idiot review this game with a 10 because they say peoples anger is not justified or this game is good you can tell them the game was good when it was called madden 16, its the same game with a different name (has been proven a thousand times) imagine if a game like metal gear solid kept releasing the the fifth one, same story with less options every year for 4 years andif you see any idiot review this game with a 10 because they say peoples anger is not justified or this game is good you can tell them the game was good when it was called madden 16, its the same game with a different name (has been proven a thousand times) imagine if a game like metal gear solid kept releasing the the fifth one, same story with less options every year for 4 years and expect the same review score from the original, it doesn't deserve it because its the same freaking game and even if you own the last one you still put a price tag on a copy so NO you dont deserve a score BECAUSE YOU DIDNT MAKE A GAME… Expand
  64. Rboone13
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Feels like a throwaway game. Misspelled menu words, long lagging load screens, minimal new features, NO changes at all to franchise for the 4th year in a row. Save your money and download an updated roster on Madden 20.… Expand
  65. oldmanrocky
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    For the past 10 years we have been offered the same game, with only rosters updates and new layouts. EA disrespects the consumer charging 60$ for a copy&paste game. 4BI dollars worth of revenue isn't enough to at least make an effort to deliver a better game?
  66. veritas1
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game has been mediocre for years, but this is the edition that broke the camels back. The gameplay is scripted and completely animation driven so you don't feel like you're making any difference to the outcome. The commentary is dry and old, same with visual presentation. Franchise mode has received any significant updates in years. I played Madden 18 recently, it's the same.
    EA only    This game has been mediocre for years, but this is the edition that broke the camels back. The gameplay is scripted and completely animation driven so you don't feel like you're making any difference to the outcome. The commentary is dry and old, same with visual presentation. Franchise mode has received any significant updates in years. I played Madden 18 recently, it's the same.
    EA only cares about MUT where they rake in the money from gambling addicted teenagers. Disgraceful.    … Expand
  67. ParagonMitchell
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Please, do not buy this virtual slot machine. Another year another sports game, this game makes the NFL look bad. #NFLdropEA
  68. sirjj25
    Sep 2, 2020
    1
    This series has gotten worse with every game to come out. I started playing in the late 90s and played every game though to 09. Then i jump in ever few years. The last game i played was 16 and some how its way better then this. Half the stuff i did in the older games aren't here, and stuff being shown off as new features aren't new at all. On top of that its gotten so heavily monetized,This series has gotten worse with every game to come out. I started playing in the late 90s and played every game though to 09. Then i jump in ever few years. The last game i played was 16 and some how its way better then this. Half the stuff i did in the older games aren't here, and stuff being shown off as new features aren't new at all. On top of that its gotten so heavily monetized, that my player would actually drop the ball, because the stats on his card were not good enough. This game is a money hole with feces on top, and its a game im proud i returned.… Expand
  69. joeman10
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Another egregious cash grab that has gone on too long. Same game as Madden 2015, with more bugs and literally the exact same models and animations. The only new feature adds very little and really serves only to provide microtransactions and charge $18 per jersey color (on top of the $60 you paid for the same game you already own). NFL should drop them.
  70. rickferreira
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    If you have Madden 20 you don't need to buy the 21 version. It's the same game
  71. Cmortonwvu
    Sep 2, 2020
    3
    EA has taken what they learned from Madden Mobile and put it on a disc. It is nothing more than a money grab. I'm not paying money to open a pro pack. EA you have a ton of money, make a game, not a cash grab. I want to make me as a player, work, get drafted and be the best player in a league.
  72. frostyelite
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is trash it is a repeat from last year and the past 5 years its honestly a copy and paste every year. All EA does is repeat their sports games every year without any new improvements. Must be easy being an employee at EA sports.
  73. NateMack29
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is pure trash. No innovation and the same bugs that have been in these games for a decade.
  74. TyreseTruth
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Do not buy this game. It is completely broken and trash. The glitches in this game makes it completely unplayable. And dont even get me started on the damn micro transactions. Its the worst its ever been since NFL 19. Madden 5 has more content than this game, so i promise you DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!
  75. Beansbean
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Somehow they managed to copy and paste the same game as last year but it's even worse and more broken. EA has mishandled the franchise for years and this is the worst game yet
  76. 1nsaneSiberian7
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I used to get so excited when a new Madden would come out each year; it was like Christmas morning. It's a shame what has happened to it over the past decade. There are too many game modes, too many microtransactions, and so little depth and attention to detail. I'm sure that John Madden and the original developers are ashamed.

    Madden 08 and 09 were two of my favorites, and I just    I used to get so excited when a new Madden would come out each year; it was like Christmas morning. It's a shame what has happened to it over the past decade. There are too many game modes, too many microtransactions, and so little depth and attention to detail. I'm sure that John Madden and the original developers are ashamed.

    Madden 08 and 09 were two of my favorites, and I just remember having the classic NFL themed music playing in the background as I customized my own stadium and created my own football team. I used to be able to do a Lambeau Leap into fans that didn't look like cardboard cutouts after scoring a game-winning touchdown. I used to see tailgates outside of the stadiums. Back in the day, there used to be epic team introductions where players like Ray Lewis would do their famous pregame dances.

    In Madden 21, the parking lots are empty, the sidelines and crowds look like a morgue, the pregame intros are uninspiring to say the least, and the referees can't even be found on the field. The gameplay is bugged and scripted. I play offline Franchise mode and I can't even kick extra points because the kicking meter glitches as if I plugged my PS4 into a potato. Madden 21 treats you like a mindless sack of water and carbon that can't make decisions for itself; everything in Franchise mode is served to you on a to-do list basis, with absolutely no authenticity or innovation when it comes to managing a professional sports team. Even something like including a given team's Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams coordinator would significantly enhance this game's immersion... Oh, and in between load screens, I'm constantly peppered with advertisements/promos for MUT and The Yard as if I'm on a "bad" website without having Ad Blocker enabled...

    This is the last Madden I will purchase until significant changes are made. Here's to hoping EA rights the ship with what was formerly known as one of the best sporting game franchises of all time. NFL 2K simulated football can't get here soon enough!    … Expand
  77. AwesomeLewis64
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Guys guess what I already own this game!!! This game came out 5 years ago!!!
  78. ASVP
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA #NFLdropEA
  79. CrazyCody
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    There is nothing I can say other than this game is bad. It is a whole new game and the only thing that has changed is the rosters. It's crazy what EA can do just to get more money. Its also disgusting how much they have neglected the community as a whole. EA is garbage
  80. Stuffyman7
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  81. SuperProWaffles
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I know you've seen a lot of 0/10 reviews, but EA (or any other person for that matter) if you are for some reason seeing this, I’m going to try and be as critical as possible without being mean. People *mostly* rightfully complain about the lack of franchise mode and depth, but thats ok if there is really good gameplay... There isn't. The gameplay is super repetitive and you can see theI know you've seen a lot of 0/10 reviews, but EA (or any other person for that matter) if you are for some reason seeing this, I’m going to try and be as critical as possible without being mean. People *mostly* rightfully complain about the lack of franchise mode and depth, but thats ok if there is really good gameplay... There isn't. The gameplay is super repetitive and you can see the same animations 8+ times per game, and they are the same animations from past Maddens, making it more repetitive. Your players will catch, get tackled, hurdle, get their ankles shattered, intercept passes, tightrope the sidelines, toe tap the sidelines, fall over, look like n64 characters on the sidelines, get stiff armed, block/block shed, and to be honest, do everything in the same exact way multiple times per game. The animations are not even close to real football, which would be ok if it was an arcade football game... It isn't. The animation based gameplay would be ok if there were many animations for certain player positions and scenarios... Not only "there aren't" but it would be super unrealistic to take the time to make all those animations. Which makes you wonder... why they decided to make the game with the Frostbite engine, with animation dependent gameplay in the first place. Another problem with the gameplay is that with it being animation based, there is no player "stick skill" or anything along those lines, because the entire game revolves around hoping you get the right animation. Jump balls are just saying "Wow I hope that corner grows 2 left feet and gets a bad animation" instead of something along the lines of "Wow I hope my 99 overall player has better hands than this 9th string JV corner". I shouldn't have to hope on animations when stick skill is a selling point. Players standing still can shake of a hit stick from a linebacker sprinting full tilt at them. The pass trajectory is awful, every pass is just a glorified bullet pass, I’m not sure why making the ball travel in a parabola is difficult, but (believe it or not) I don't design video games so I don't know. Linebackers no longer have a 9' 13" vertical when intercepting passes, which is a good change, but an unnecessary change if the pass trajectory had more of an arc instead of a laser. This poor gameplay would be ok if the depth of franchise and other modes made up for it... They don't (I’m starting to notice a trend here) EA has many ways to fix their game and either won't/can't for whatever reason, which would be ok if they told us the reason... THEY DON'T! We can't be understanding because they won't share anything for us to understand... Sheesh. I’m not a franchise guy but there are enough franchise guys that I think everyone understand the point. The #FixMaddenFranchise has been going around and what we got was potential patch notes that will probably never happen. The last thing I’m going to touch on is the NFL exclusive licensing. This is just a monopoly, thats it. This monopoly would be ok if Madden was an ok game... It isn't. Its just a bad product, there is no way around that. That would be ok if Madden was a bad product if there were other potentially better simulation NFL football games on the market... (You guessed it) There aren't because of the exclusive rights. The exclusive rights also makes this NFL fans only option, and thats not ok. The yard is cool I guess, but its monetized for no reason, Face of the Franchise isn't interesting and is dull. The two positives this game has is that its the only NFL game, and that The Yard is "cool i guess". Now I’m going to go buy All Pro Football 2K8 for $5 instead of this $60 "product". And Clint Oldenburg, if you're reading this, 2 is better than 1, but 0.4 is somehow worse than 1, this is a sign, READ THE FREAKING SIGN... sorry, if you for some ungodly reason, you read this, have a cookie... You deserve it! :) 0/10 too much water… Expand
  82. cables85
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Poor quality. Pure money grab. Stop EA making NFL games or at least force them to have to compete. I paid for EA Premier purely for Madden- This year was the biggest waste of money. It wont happen again with these thieves.
  83. Mr24Kraziness
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The game is literally copied and pasted with updated rosters and uniforms. Terrible product unfinished and unpolished. LIVE SERVICE IS A SCAM. #NFLDROPEA
  84. Brandon3612
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same stuff every single year. EA constantly find new pointless ways to justify a whole new game despite easily being able to implement these additions through normal updates. Their use of the ultimate team game mode is PURLEY just to squeeze every last bit of currency they have out of the player and unfortunately this year is no different. Same stuff every year.
  85. uncledrew24855
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Fix the Franchise, PS2 Madden’s has way more features it’s pathetic. EA needs to actually put some effort into this game or just give up the license!
  86. Brigade227
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 is BAD. I've never wanted a refund so bad as i do now. EA needs to give us a refund!! The game is buggy and I've personally had times where the field art is not even there thus it looks like a FIFA field. I knew when the NFL signed an exclusive deal with EA we as the fans would suffer and each year they keep pushing out the same recycled crap. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!!!
  87. 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.
  88. X16000
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Honestly I feel like EA should be taken to court over how bad this game is...It's LITERALLY an unfinished buggy project. EA needs to be held accountable for this, enough is enough.
  89. LTUNNZZ
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is the worst nfl game EA ever made please stop this Company from making football game Terrible
  90. Redaqst12
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very lazy from ea as always.... Ygggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggttggggggg… Expand
  91. Nb1234
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Game breaking glitches, no content, lack of attention to detail. The gameplay all together needs to be revamped. Franchise mode has been stripped down to nothing and all ea is worried about is money. Hope the nfl takes a look at them.… Expand
  92. xxP4L4D1Nxx
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This is basically the same game you already paid for, repackaged with some new "surprise-mechanics".
  93. atesthepacker
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Definitely not surprised with this product. This has been happening for over 5-6 years now. EA ruins every possible sports game including the great game of football. What is crazy to me is that the biggest brand in the world (NFL) is letting this **** fly... How about all of these free game codes going around now?? They are pathetic from top tho bottom.
  94. Marco_AGJ
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Stop giving money to this kind of stupidity. Modern gaming is simply going downhill.
  95. bigdog84
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA is the worst game publisher out there. Game after game are lazy micro transaction filled garbage. And this game is no exception. Just a re skin while they charge you for a full price game. NFL please take the licence away.
  96. VanzWorld
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler alert, it's trash! EA sports got the green light for the next 6 years so how did they reward the NFL? By taking the year off and barely putting out any changes any updates or anything that the fans really wanted. You would think at a time like this where people are really concerned about the state of the country and of the world that they would try a little harder than normal but no same old EA different day.… Expand
  97. Tburke58
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s a copy and paste for $60. When will they learn? Full of glitches, sloppy gameplay and outdated, stripped down franchise mode make this one of the most disastrous games ever made. Shame on EA for getting lazy and stagnant with their innovation due to the fact that there is no active competition.… Expand
  98. Gar_Speed
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is just a **** $60 roster update, I was at least expecting an update on Franchise Mode lo and behold not even a single **** thing changed, like jesus if you're planning on buying this garbage, i beg you save your $60 and buy a different game, because this game will not be changing in the foreseeable future.
  99. wormoxx
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    A minefield of microtransaction , the game have 4 different currencies with 3 of those being related to Microtransactions. Character optimization is basic at best .Do not recommend.
  100. rurouniluc
    Sep 2, 2020
    1
    The game improves nothing, besides ONE silly new modern, that can be funny for the first 15 times. Is the same game as Madden 20/19, please, if you want to EA improve the game, don't buy this terrible DLC of 69$
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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.
    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.
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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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