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. EADOESNTCARE
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    EA doesn’t care for their consumers and it shows in poor taste. EA stuck their foot that they just stepped in dog feces with into our mouths, spoon feeding us bs with the “gameplay” trailer, as well as cheesing us with the actual gameplay, which is flat out terrible. The franchise “update” is a literal sham and a joke; this has to be a joke right? Madden 21 may just be, the worst footballEA doesn’t care for their consumers and it shows in poor taste. EA stuck their foot that they just stepped in dog feces with into our mouths, spoon feeding us bs with the “gameplay” trailer, as well as cheesing us with the actual gameplay, which is flat out terrible. The franchise “update” is a literal sham and a joke; this has to be a joke right? Madden 21 may just be, the worst football game of all time.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Kidske
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Same game different name. The yard doesn’t make up for the lack of depth in franchise and the missing desire to binge play.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. Sega_goat_shaq1
    Aug 27, 2020
    10
    This very well could be the best madden this Generation. It’s very fun and fluent this year
  7. GGFERRET
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This game hasn’t changed in years. The gameplay is unrealistic and feels like an arcade game.
  8. kensowavy
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Nuff said same game as last year nothing added to franchise, terrible storytelling on the "New" Face of the franchise mode The only truly new thing in the game The yard is so buggy at times it's impossible to play. There's no innovation in this series anymore it's been copy and pasted with a new cover athlete since Madden 13.
  9. Wassupboy
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    They haven’t changed the game since 2013, franchise is still the bland unimpressive mode it’s been the past couple years yet it’s the mode EA cashed millions on to retain the rights of it. All the other Arcade modes are filled with glitches and micro transactions. FOTF is incredibly cheesy and doesn’t even take into account what your player has done to craft the story. Horrible game from aThey haven’t changed the game since 2013, franchise is still the bland unimpressive mode it’s been the past couple years yet it’s the mode EA cashed millions on to retain the rights of it. All the other Arcade modes are filled with glitches and micro transactions. FOTF is incredibly cheesy and doesn’t even take into account what your player has done to craft the story. Horrible game from a horrible company.… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. DaBears020
    Aug 27, 2020
    3
    Madden NFL 21 is a disappointment for football fans and gaming fans alike. The game is riddled with gameplay glitches that suck the fun out of playing. Many legacy issues, in gameplay, game mode content, and player models, have remained untouched. Franchise mode is still notoriously shallow and neglected, face of the franchise has increased depth but suffers from an awful and unrealisticMadden NFL 21 is a disappointment for football fans and gaming fans alike. The game is riddled with gameplay glitches that suck the fun out of playing. Many legacy issues, in gameplay, game mode content, and player models, have remained untouched. Franchise mode is still notoriously shallow and neglected, face of the franchise has increased depth but suffers from an awful and unrealistic story, and the yard is a decent idea with sub par execution. Improvements to ultimate team and superstar ok remain to be determined. The continuation of these problems make the game feel worse than its extremely similar past counterparts. The only positives of this game over the previous iteration are its new great-looking UI elements in menus and loading screens, and the implemented “COD” rating. Overall review: stick to madden 20 unless an improved version comes to the ps5.… Expand
  12. Jizeus8
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Actually non playable. Constant crashes and disconnections. I can't even review the game because of that. Playing on base PS4.
  13. MacDougal
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    They really have 0 concern for making a playable game. They've had the same broken bugs in their source code for years and feel no need to address it. They don't even try to put out a quality product.
  14. Hadams56
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Copy paste with the addition of ball carrier moves which were in previous maddens and pass rush moves. Congrats.
  15. Joesiman
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Abysmal game by a greedy careless company. Animation based which neglects all skill. Broken glitches, poor servers, no depth to the game yet millions of micro transactions. This game is an abomination. Ea Farts should come ashamed of themselves. Do they even test their product?
  16. Eddsnake
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The worst Madden yet. 15 years of NFL license exclusivity and no competition has led us to this point. EA only cares about MUT and micro transactions, Franchise Mode was far better back in Madden 2005. Do yourself a favour and buy that or NFL2K5 off eBay instead of this garbage. #boycottMadden
  17. Stevo123
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Terrible. They could care less about franchise mode. Proof that all they want is your money is the fact that there is no mouthpieces in the game... except in the yard, and you have to pay.
  18. krism53
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    EA doesn't even bother taking the liberty of putting lipstick on the pig anymore. Full on cash grab at this point. Don't support this on principle alone. Not to mention this game is absolutely unplayable.
  19. Patrick26
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I can't believe I have to repeat the same things, another year.
    This game is just terrible. I can't find and list all the glitches and all the problems that this game has. But I can write the biggest one of this problems: the company production. 10 years WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, 10 years WITH NO INNOVATIONS OF GAMEPLAY, 10 years of LIES AND MORE LIES told those who support them buying their    I can't believe I have to repeat the same things, another year.
    This game is just terrible. I can't find and list all the glitches and all the problems that this game has. But I can write the biggest one of this problems: the company production. 10 years WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, 10 years WITH NO INNOVATIONS OF GAMEPLAY, 10 years of LIES AND MORE LIES told those who support them buying their games. The only community they listen to is their wallet. With thousands of people who criticize their game each year (see Ryan Moody), they simply don't care.
    I don't really know how they still have the courage to show this broke game in tournament like Challenge etc.
    It's so sad to think that we, as football lover, can't play a real football game because of EA. This is not football. This is an embarrassing gameplay based on animations.
    Do you want to play this game? Buy Madden 15. It's the same thing with lower cost.
    You, EA, the only company to dispose of NFL license, ruined years of football video games.    … Expand
  20. frevreagle
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Same game as previous years with no upgrades. They created more bugs as shown all over youtube. They mispelled the Seahawks. They changed the logo for Titans and Texans to the Vikings logo. Did not fix pursuit lanes, or OL blocking. Still animation based, so no physics at all. Refused to release any gameplay before launch, because of how bad the game is. Madden claims to be an NFLSame game as previous years with no upgrades. They created more bugs as shown all over youtube. They mispelled the Seahawks. They changed the logo for Titans and Texans to the Vikings logo. Did not fix pursuit lanes, or OL blocking. Still animation based, so no physics at all. Refused to release any gameplay before launch, because of how bad the game is. Madden claims to be an NFL Simulator, but has put 0 effort into simulation. It has now been broken for 6 years, and the only thing that gets any development, is MUT. (EA is now being sued over FUT and MUT due to it's predatory child gambling). Ultimately, it's the exact same game, but they created more bugs and didn't test anything. They promised it will be better in 22 though... just like they said in 18, 19, and 20... This is a cash grab, plain and simple. Anyone rating this game better than a 0, is getting paid. This game has been universally hated by everyone, which is why EA sent out a video a month ago, explaining why it's bad and to try recover their lost pre-orders. Pathetic.… Expand
  21. Jamesv023
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Ea sports have flat out refused to touch the franchise mode in this game. Face of the franchise is the worst piece of storytelling I have ever seen, you could find more realistic storylines from a $1 book from the library. The yard is a shallow game mode designed to help ea suck more money out of this game. Mut is the same play to win cash grab it has always been. Do yourself a favour andEa sports have flat out refused to touch the franchise mode in this game. Face of the franchise is the worst piece of storytelling I have ever seen, you could find more realistic storylines from a $1 book from the library. The yard is a shallow game mode designed to help ea suck more money out of this game. Mut is the same play to win cash grab it has always been. Do yourself a favour and do not buy this game. Roger goodell please terminate the contract between you and ea sports.… Expand
  22. iCronic
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    0/10

    The only thing deep about madden is my pp in Clint´s throat.
  23. Jcribbs
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    It’s time that EA was finally held accountable for the fact that they just simply do not care about the product that they release every year. Their true colors have finally shown through with the release of what very well could be the worst football game ever made. The franchise community has known for years that EA doesn’t care and may never get it right again, but now everyone that playsIt’s time that EA was finally held accountable for the fact that they just simply do not care about the product that they release every year. Their true colors have finally shown through with the release of what very well could be the worst football game ever made. The franchise community has known for years that EA doesn’t care and may never get it right again, but now everyone that plays madden 21 can see how little time, effort, care, and passion went into this game. Even their shiny new arcade mode, The Yard is broken right out of the gate. Not to mention that it makes ZERO sense and has absolutely no reason to exist at all other than the fact that FIFA got a mode just like it a year ago. They chose to favor arcade modes over their simulation modes in their EXCLUSIVE NFL SIMULATION GAME, and they couldn’t even do that right. One can only hope that this disastrous launch inspires them to actually try when it comes to the next-gen version and in madden 22. All I can say is I am glad that I got the 10-hour trial to realize how **** this years game is, instead of paying $60 and regretting it instantly. And to be real honest, you don’t even need to use all 10 hours of that trial, I used about 2 1/2 to play a couple exhibition games, try out the yard, and glance at mut. I figured out in that amount of time after doing all that, that my 60 bucks was well spent somewhere else.… Expand
  24. TheNobody97
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    It's an abomination of a game... I really don't know what more to say to it. It's ridiculous to me that a company the size of EA is incapable of making a good football game. I hope they get their license revoked to spark competition with 2k...
  25. MrGibler43
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I play exclusively franchise mode. No changes or improvements made to the mode so there’s no reason for me to buy the game this year. I’ve officially retired from Madden. I tried to stick it out thru Madden 20 but realized after 2 seasons of CFM it wasn’t a good game. Learning from my mistakes early this year.
  26. AquafinaSucks
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is basically a copy of Madden 20 with The Yard as the new game mode but it seems as if the amount of effort they put into the certain customizations that you pay for was way more than the effort put into the actual gameplay of the yard.
  27. Lamardansby
    Aug 26, 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.
  28. ChiefyRock
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    this game is so bad, refunded him only 5hrs in. The yard is completely broken. Franchise untouched. Animations of players warping around the field. This game should be free. This should be treated like Fornite packs only. Smh this isn't football NFL do better
  29. Tyler17
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game has no reason to even be considered simulation football. The only thing it simulates is the constant laziness of EA and the ridiculous decision to keep this game a EA exclusive. Who in their right mind would ever approve of this atrocity. Players feel stiff and uncontrollable, the running game is completely based on if you get sucked in to a animation or not, and the game isThis game has no reason to even be considered simulation football. The only thing it simulates is the constant laziness of EA and the ridiculous decision to keep this game a EA exclusive. Who in their right mind would ever approve of this atrocity. Players feel stiff and uncontrollable, the running game is completely based on if you get sucked in to a animation or not, and the game is unbelievably laggy and is constantly stopping causing the immersion to completely disappear. Granted there wasn’t much immersion going for madden anyways but that just is the icing on the cake.… Expand
  30. Danny0071
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 is glitch filled, has a lifeless franchise mode, it lacks any type of innovative gameplay = the same Madden for the last 15 years.
  31. duhlootz
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Yeah, I've never review bombed, but EA deserves this. I'm sure the 10s combating these bombs are from people who enjoy the game. Nothing inherently wrong with that. However, I care about gaming and the industry as a whole and what EA has done for the last 10 years is a complete joke. They don't have to make a whole new game every year, but they need to have a good foundation. Madden hasntYeah, I've never review bombed, but EA deserves this. I'm sure the 10s combating these bombs are from people who enjoy the game. Nothing inherently wrong with that. However, I care about gaming and the industry as a whole and what EA has done for the last 10 years is a complete joke. They don't have to make a whole new game every year, but they need to have a good foundation. Madden hasnt had a good foundation for years and they have had plenty of feedback. They just know they don't have to listen. Consider F1 or even 2K, the latter of which has the same microtransaction models, the foundation is still there to enjoy. You can have a great experience without that stuff. Maybe people like MUT, thats fine. But the core Madden experience is bad. I cant expect a game to be perfect, but I need it to have enough redeeming qualities to accept the flaws. Madden hasn't accomplished this baseline in years.… Expand
  32. 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.
  33. JamezBear
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Fix franchise mode. The Madden franchise mode this year is virtually identical to last year. And last year it was bad.
  34. wizard675
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game just flat out sucks, literally the only change to Franchise mode being new colors and an updated playoff system, Face of The Franchise is just horrible,glitches all over the place, from fields turning white, to teams just disappearing. Left handed quarterbacks don't even grip the laces of the football. This is literally the same game as Madden 20, you might as well just buyThis game just flat out sucks, literally the only change to Franchise mode being new colors and an updated playoff system, Face of The Franchise is just horrible,glitches all over the place, from fields turning white, to teams just disappearing. Left handed quarterbacks don't even grip the laces of the football. This is literally the same game as Madden 20, you might as well just buy Madden 17. Don't waste your money.… Expand
  35. deol
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Clunky arcade game filled with infuriating glitches. It somehow has less features than Madden 25, a game released in 2013. There is absolutely no excuse for a billion dollar company to release a game that has changed so little in the past decade, let alone charge money for it.

    EA holds the exclusive license to produce a "Simulation" NFL game, but nothing about Madden simulates real    Clunky arcade game filled with infuriating glitches. It somehow has less features than Madden 25, a game released in 2013. There is absolutely no excuse for a billion dollar company to release a game that has changed so little in the past decade, let alone charge money for it.

    EA holds the exclusive license to produce a "Simulation" NFL game, but nothing about Madden simulates real Football. They've devoted all their resources to Arcade style game-modes while leaving Franchise mode, the mode that made Madden so popular, untouched. There are no physics, only clunky animations that break immersion and remove any idea of realism. The outcomes of plays are scripted, so you have little to no control over what really happens.

    This game is absolutely broken from the foundation up, yet they devote all their resources to features no one wants or asks for. The majority of their focus is spent on getting young children to gamble in their virtual trading-card game, Ultimate Team. The form of gambling promoted to children is in a gray-area legally, but it is still highly predatory and immoral.    … Expand
  36. Amoney32
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Worst in series so far. Series continues to go backwards. What was once a great game has now became unplayable.
  37. Kdppatsfan
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Game is broken. You might as well just stick to Madden 20. They have done nothing except added the yard which is also broken. Time for EA to have some competition then maybe they will care about creating a good game.
  38. maddesucks
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    .i didn't buy it for i know for fact the game is trash .with bugs, glitches & bad gameplay
  39. Gloopo
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Ok, here's the bottom line. I am sick and tired of seeing 2 year olds defend this game and company everyday. Madden 21 (or should I say Madden 20 with an added gamemode that isn't that great) is a horrible game. It is going to need massive improvements in order to try and get back the majority of it's lost fanbase. Until they actually show they care, they will keep getting all thisOk, here's the bottom line. I am sick and tired of seeing 2 year olds defend this game and company everyday. Madden 21 (or should I say Madden 20 with an added gamemode that isn't that great) is a horrible game. It is going to need massive improvements in order to try and get back the majority of it's lost fanbase. Until they actually show they care, they will keep getting all this neccessary hate year in and year out. Screw MUT, #FixMaddenFranchise… Expand
  40. Imnotyourpapi
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    It’s the same old madden from year ago. Franchise hasn’t changed. Face of franchise is not fun, feels forced, the yard is okay, but if you’re a franchise mode player, sorry but this game hasn’t done anything to make that mode great. This game is just a copy of madden 20
  41. Mohamedhaji
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    EA continues to show why their product is utter trash. Terrible player models, weird knees that can’t unbend, robotic movements, glitch galore, predatory gambling marketed to kids. Don’t waste your money on this garbage.
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. UNCHARTEDBEST
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    I just want to say this game is one of, if not the worst, madden game of all time. Glitches galore and to top it off the gameplay is terrible. And to the people who think, "its just a video game it cant be perfect" your're wrong. Look at All pro 2k8 made in 2007. That game had beyond superior gameplay to this. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. PERIOD.
  45. RobiCano
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is simply a shame the game of football, franchise mode is simply plain and boring. Ultimate team his just a microtransaction fest and constantly feels rigged even when winning. EA sports needs to lose the licence agreement with the NFL, but we all know that is not gonna happen. Just don't buy.
  46. BearDown34
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    just madden 20 but dark background and broken arcade mode. So much for "Exclusive NFL Simon license"
  47. Bruhmoment69420
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Absolutely disgraceful. No effort, copy/paste from last year. EA is a billion dollar company with the means to provide what they should by contract. Simulation Football. They have failed to do that. Shame on them.
  48. 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.
  49. juststripes
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Terrible game. Awful gameplay that relies completely relies on animations that can’t decide on whether it’s simulation or arcade. Franchise mode, the backbone of the franchise, remains untouched and shallower than other modern sports games, and even maddens from 15 years ago. Ultimate Team is a gambling game mode that preys on children and their parents credit card. Do not buy this game.Terrible game. Awful gameplay that relies completely relies on animations that can’t decide on whether it’s simulation or arcade. Franchise mode, the backbone of the franchise, remains untouched and shallower than other modern sports games, and even maddens from 15 years ago. Ultimate Team is a gambling game mode that preys on children and their parents credit card. Do not buy this game. And if you can’t restrain yourself at least buy it used so as to not support the greedy and predatory company that is EA.… Expand
  50. dgoodin24
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Rushed, buggy, And soulless. Face of the franchise is terrible. Madden on ps2 was better.

    #FixMaddenFranchise
  51. Mikie843
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    So sick of this same garbage year after year. If you want to make a simulation game with realistic franchise, I'll jump aboard. If you want to continue with the arcade crap, rename the title and enjoy the micro-transaction fest that you've turned the legendary Madden title into. Face of the Franchise has a 40 yard dash in the combine. If you're a WR, you run a 4.30. RB is a 4.34. QB is aSo sick of this same garbage year after year. If you want to make a simulation game with realistic franchise, I'll jump aboard. If you want to continue with the arcade crap, rename the title and enjoy the micro-transaction fest that you've turned the legendary Madden title into. Face of the Franchise has a 40 yard dash in the combine. If you're a WR, you run a 4.30. RB is a 4.34. QB is a 4.6 no matter how fast or slow you react to the button system. Stadium re-locator is the same crap as the past few years, the glitches are the same crap that hasn't been fixed, the Superstar abilities are so over the top that it makes the game like a Marvel Comic, etc... This is the year we all have had enough of your trash. You're FIRED!… Expand
  52. 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.
  53. GhostTechGaming
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is another one of EA's trash. Horrible. Here's why
    Face of the franchise, trash buggy and short, like two cutscenes and 3 full games that you have to play offense and defense as other players which is trash trash trash
    Franchise this game mode was never touched MuT horrible pack odds
    The Yard, repetive and not feeling like I warn anything Head 2 Head disconnected city
    I can't find a single positive of this game after playing a week It really is the worst and has no improvements at all and the meta is already running the ball which is impossible to stop because of the fall forward animations    … Expand
  54. awilber
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not only is @EAMaddenNFL a poor attempt at simulation football. The game isn’t even finished. The bugs, sloppy menus, and gameplay feel like they meshed together a variety of animations and turned it in hoping you’ll have fun. @ShutdownSafety #FixMaddenFranchise… Expand
  55. HamonBlitz
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    It’s clear that EA spent less than a day working on this game. The attention to detail is next to none, and the unbelievable lack of alterations to Franchise mode is a disgrace. Do NOT spend your money on this game.
  56. AJ_Darkfire
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Played during EA Play days. It was littered with bugs and glitches. It's like nobody touched the game outside of a few new features they added into the game. Bugs and glitches go all the way from my first game having my player being completely invisible, to having dropped passes touch the ground for the opposing team to pick it up and run it for a touchdown, spelling is bad throughout,Played during EA Play days. It was littered with bugs and glitches. It's like nobody touched the game outside of a few new features they added into the game. Bugs and glitches go all the way from my first game having my player being completely invisible, to having dropped passes touch the ground for the opposing team to pick it up and run it for a touchdown, spelling is bad throughout, literally the same exact franchise as every year prior, game crashing on boot up on PC and never happening again, old textures from last years game in arena stadiums, and I could go on forever. I do somewhat enjoy The Yard, and honestly its my favorite mode this year. I played over 247 hours on franchise mode in last years Madden and I honestly CANNOT go through another franchise with the same amount of hours because of how stale it is. This game is far beyond anything simulation, morphing as you fall to the ground to grab an interception, Super human AI always touching the ball after a ball gets tipped, new pass rush is a joke as you watch your defender lay out a blocker but watch the blocker jump right back up because the game wants you to fail, All-Pro is too easy, All Madden is too unfair, your AI defenders get stuck from moving during interceptions, in face the franchise even though I am "Unlocking" traits they are not unlocking at all for me in the game, I'm watching players get kicked from my team in franchise and completely disappear from the game. I could go ON AND ON on how bad this game is. I completely understand that COVID can make the game buggy and unplayable to an extent, but this just shows how lazy EA is when it comes to their sports game. And a lot of these issues have been in since last year! They literally add one or two small features in the game, slap a new year and cover player then call it a day. Do yourself a favor and stop supporting this nonsense so we can actually get competition back into the NFL franchise. Having MUT be the main focus every year is just a big slap to the fans who would like a simulation-based football game. Do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY.… Expand
  57. Driftracerr35
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game currently has a 1.1 user score as I’m writing this review and that score is still way to high tbh. This is a 0/10 at best. Basically Madden 20.5 with the addition of a bad game mode called the yard. They refuse to listen to their fans and every time we beg for a better game, they throw s**t in our faces. I’ve never seen a game company treat their customers so poorly.
  58. aaurstin5
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    #FixMaddenFranchise there is nothing new about the game it’s basically madden 20.1 no new features in franchise the game play has little to no new features the super bowl just feels like another game the animations run the whole game. This game needs to be more Physics based and not dependent on animations. The yard is so underwhelming although it’s the best feature in the game. 0/10 sorry#FixMaddenFranchise there is nothing new about the game it’s basically madden 20.1 no new features in franchise the game play has little to no new features the super bowl just feels like another game the animations run the whole game. This game needs to be more Physics based and not dependent on animations. The yard is so underwhelming although it’s the best feature in the game. 0/10 sorry try again… Expand
  59. 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.
  60. Weskerfan
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler alert! This game is hot garbage! Franchise was ignored, yet again. Then the roll out of the game for online was a complete disaster. Paid $100 to get the game early with all those extra MUT packs? Well sorry, the game isn't giving you those packs right now. Want to be able to see the yard markers? Well that isn't happening. The only fun thing is you get FIFA 21 added to the game for free.Just another money grab from EA.… Expand
  61. Carnifex217
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Time for a ground up rebuild of this game. That or they really need to let 2K make a simulation NFL game. Because madden is no longer simulation football. It’s just a disgrace
  62. 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.
  63. TeganTheTaco
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    They are selling you an update for madden 20 that cost $60. Classic EA scam.
  64. Jdhdjd
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    I’d be easier to say what’s good



    There jerseys sometimes look nice,
    The end
  65. Ej06
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is a dumpster fire. No other way to put it. Face if the franchise is worse than last year. It literally does not matter wether you win or lose. You can lose each game 70-0 and still have 10 D1 offers out of high school. Franchise mode got copy pasted, Superstar Ko got copy pasted, the yard is OK, but nowhere near enough to bring it out of 0 territory. The soundtrack is garbage,This game is a dumpster fire. No other way to put it. Face if the franchise is worse than last year. It literally does not matter wether you win or lose. You can lose each game 70-0 and still have 10 D1 offers out of high school. Franchise mode got copy pasted, Superstar Ko got copy pasted, the yard is OK, but nowhere near enough to bring it out of 0 territory. The soundtrack is garbage, and they really didn’t do much on gameplay… Expand
  66. pmcg06
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is criminal to have put out a game this awful. Being the only NFL simulation football game on the market it is absurd that EA Sports somehow got their exclusivity renewed by putting out garbage year in and year out. This game’s focus is on microtransactions and has been for years. The release was a debacle with so many server issues and to top it off, not only does it have the sameThis is criminal to have put out a game this awful. Being the only NFL simulation football game on the market it is absurd that EA Sports somehow got their exclusivity renewed by putting out garbage year in and year out. This game’s focus is on microtransactions and has been for years. The release was a debacle with so many server issues and to top it off, not only does it have the same glitches as in years’ past, but it has also introduced new ones, like no lines on the field, rainbow-coloured coaches to name a few. If this game didn’t have the NFL license, no one would think twice of buying this rubbish. So sad we have been subjected to such trash. I hope one day we are treated with a simulation football game with the NFL license that we deserve. One that does not rely on scripting and animations.. a franchise that is engaging.. game modes that were part of the game over ten years ago.. a game that shows it was made with CARE!!! One can only hope.… Expand
  67. Emedina
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    I have never done this before and I created an account just for this. The game is terrible arguably the worse game I have ever played. It sucks on every level. I did not like Madden 20 but in 24 hours I want my refund. Everything is wrong , the defenders will sit and watch the ballcarrier run right by them defenders will stop running in a middle of the play because they are out o staminaI have never done this before and I created an account just for this. The game is terrible arguably the worse game I have ever played. It sucks on every level. I did not like Madden 20 but in 24 hours I want my refund. Everything is wrong , the defenders will sit and watch the ballcarrier run right by them defenders will stop running in a middle of the play because they are out o stamina the physics are more broke than usual. Big rigs might be a more polished game than this. I do not have to get started on CFM. We all know it's a disaster. Anyone who says there is nothing wrongg with the game Is either insane or paid by EA. I regret purchasing this atrocity of a "game". Madden 21 is an insult to anyone who calls themselves a football fan and an insult to anyone who Calls themselves a gamer. Before this game I would have said Madden 20 is the worse game I ever played but Madden 21 takes the cake. The grind for MUT is so unreal it's like I have part time job because I refuse to drop hundreds on an online casino to b competitive. Pokemon fire red is a better game than this on every level. In squads the only way you can play QB is if you snap the ball under enter. I will digress because I assume I have lost the reader but I cannot in good conscious tell anyone to purchase this disgrace of a "game" I hope everyone at Madden and EA know that one day all the chickens will come home to roost… Expand
  68. Tony54769
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    I have lost my faith in EA to deliver a half decent football game. I have fallen for EA's marketing scheme for far too long and I'm just done getting my hopes up. I continue to buy this game because I hope to experience how it feels to be part of the National Football League but instead I get the typical EA experience. And sad truth is that I actually think the developers at EA want toI have lost my faith in EA to deliver a half decent football game. I have fallen for EA's marketing scheme for far too long and I'm just done getting my hopes up. I continue to buy this game because I hope to experience how it feels to be part of the National Football League but instead I get the typical EA experience. And sad truth is that I actually think the developers at EA want to give us a good game but maybe they are not capable of doing so. In conclusion I'm buying two copies of 2k's next football game.… Expand
  69. Ltsnyder9
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    I’ve bought madden every year for the last 20 years. No more. This game is a joke. EA should be embarrassed. How you can’t make a decent franchise mode in 2020 is beyond me. All they care about is MUT. It has ruined madden. There is no immersion to this game. It feels completely stale. I’m honestly more sad than mad. I love football but I can’t buy this game.
  70. RockiesMT
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Horrible, just horrible. Madden is so terrible once again.... DO NOT BUY!!!!!
    #FixMaddenFranchise #BoycottMadden
  71. iamkjeld
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Enough is enough, EA. For more than a decade you’ve been slacking on this game series, constantly neglecting the fans. Now You’re just clowning us. As an example; we’ve been asking you for years to add mouthguards, but it was not possible you told us. However now you add them in the yard where you can buy it for real money, BUT NOT IN THE REAL SIM GAME??? - Furthermore, completelyEnough is enough, EA. For more than a decade you’ve been slacking on this game series, constantly neglecting the fans. Now You’re just clowning us. As an example; we’ve been asking you for years to add mouthguards, but it was not possible you told us. However now you add them in the yard where you can buy it for real money, BUT NOT IN THE REAL SIM GAME??? - Furthermore, completely neglecting franchise, gameplay, well actually anything that doesn’t involve microtransactions. Goddamn disgrace. Money grab game, that's all it is. Don’t clown yourselves, save the 60 dollars… Expand
  72. harry247
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    The game is pretty much a copy of Madden 20, with 1 new mode(the yard) added. Franchise mode is unchanged, gameplay is just as bad, and glitches are not fixed. This game is worth $5 tops. The other new mode, face of the franchise, is the worst story mode I have ever seen. What you do has no impact on the storyline, and the story itself isn’t even good, it is corny and unrealistic. Just goThe game is pretty much a copy of Madden 20, with 1 new mode(the yard) added. Franchise mode is unchanged, gameplay is just as bad, and glitches are not fixed. This game is worth $5 tops. The other new mode, face of the franchise, is the worst story mode I have ever seen. What you do has no impact on the storyline, and the story itself isn’t even good, it is corny and unrealistic. Just go buy madden 20 for like 5 bucks, this update is not worth it.… Expand
  73. MisterNoDaysOff
    Aug 26, 2020
    4
    This is a bad football game. More disappointing is that it is the same bad football game they have released for the past 3-5 years. The NFL license sells this game. The lack of a AAA competior in the football space sells this game. The game being good, has not sold this game in some time. I buy this game because I love the NFL and I love football. Not because I love the product.
  74. 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
  75. Gametim
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Same game but actually WORSE. Gameplay is trash and scripted. The only things this game cares about are microtransactions. Spend your money ELSEWHERE
  76. 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
  77. GrandmasterJam
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    In a vacuum, this game would MAYBE be a 3-4/10, due to absurd bugs, lack of features, boring arcade game modes, poor gameplay, etc. If this was a first attempt by a new studio, I would give it a pass as a first step towards an average quality sim football game.

    However, for a game series that has existed since the 1980's, for a game series that is the most popular franchise from one of    In a vacuum, this game would MAYBE be a 3-4/10, due to absurd bugs, lack of features, boring arcade game modes, poor gameplay, etc. If this was a first attempt by a new studio, I would give it a pass as a first step towards an average quality sim football game.

    However, for a game series that has existed since the 1980's, for a game series that is the most popular franchise from one of the largest, wealthiest gaming companies on the planet, this game is nothing short of a HISTORIC embarrassment. I could write a book detailing EA's failings when it comes to madden, but I believe the following sentence is all you need to know about how far madden has fallen and why this game deserves a 0/10.

    In the only nfl sim football game on the market (due to shady, anti-consumer, anti-competition business practices), the game has only a single sim game mode, EA added 0 new features to that mode, while simultaneously focusing most of their resources on adding ANOTHER arcade game mode (filled with micro-transactions designed to manipulate and prey on the psychology of children of course) which also became the main selling point for the game. That my friends, is some Twilight Zone levels of absurdity.

    Oh and i forgot to mention, they added the worst career mode in the history of sports video games with a story that, quite literally, might be the most poorly written piece of fiction in the entire history of mankind. Which sounds like an exaggeration, but trust me, it isn't. For 2k fans, that one career mode with Frequency Vibrations (I nearly pass out from cringe every time I hear that name) looks like The Iliad compared to the story in madden 21's career mode.    … Expand
  78. dabirdman23
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is plagued with issues, menu slow downs, graphical glitches, same broken physics engine where weird stuff breaks in game... Literally all the focus on this year's game was anything but franchise mode. It's the exact same as madden 20, no additional features. This is a sad reminder of what happens without
  79. Lethalweapon80
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Absolutely terrible game. Same glitches that have been around for years. Terrible AI. AI fails time do basic football knowledge. Franchise mode is garbage and they chose to waste more time on the Yard mode than the actual game. Don’t waste your money on this game. I’ve been a madden supporter for years but it’s time for us to send a message to the NFL that we need competition. CompetitionAbsolutely terrible game. Same glitches that have been around for years. Terrible AI. AI fails time do basic football knowledge. Franchise mode is garbage and they chose to waste more time on the Yard mode than the actual game. Don’t waste your money on this game. I’ve been a madden supporter for years but it’s time for us to send a message to the NFL that we need competition. Competition leads to better products… Expand
  80. Ragewsg
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Copy and paste of madden 20. Same glitches that plagued madden for countless years. No excuse for the lack of care put into this product. EA is the laughing stock of sports games, and has been for years. I wish there was a way to rate this - 1 because it isn't even worthy of a zero.
  81. 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.
  82. Jr127
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    All these years we’ve begged EA to make a better product and every year they find a way to slap us in the face. This is a glorified 60 dollar patch. The NFL needs to reconsider their exclusivity deal if this is the best EA has to offer. Pathetic and Lazy. Also you introduce gambling children to Gambling with MUT. PS: It’s not surprise mechanics it’s called selling gambling to children.All these years we’ve begged EA to make a better product and every year they find a way to slap us in the face. This is a glorified 60 dollar patch. The NFL needs to reconsider their exclusivity deal if this is the best EA has to offer. Pathetic and Lazy. Also you introduce gambling children to Gambling with MUT. PS: It’s not surprise mechanics it’s called selling gambling to children. Belgium called what you do illegal and taking advantage of kids and took your company to court for it. You have a responsibility to your consumers to make a better product and if you don’t believe that let alone do the bare minimum go away, there is something inherently wrong when I and many others can go back to the older generations of consoles and find a better product. To those wanting to buy this game DO NOT BUY THIS GAME it’s not worth the price tag let alone what it represents. There was no love put in this game it’s a soulless game.… Expand
  83. seabass1218
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is a new low for Madden NFL. This game claims to be a simulation title but it makes no attempt to be simulation and replicate real football. They have neglected their core audience in an attempt to attract new players and have failed at making those modes fun and entertaining. The game is full of bugs and lacks any depth to keep players coming back for more. The ratings in the gameThis is a new low for Madden NFL. This game claims to be a simulation title but it makes no attempt to be simulation and replicate real football. They have neglected their core audience in an attempt to attract new players and have failed at making those modes fun and entertaining. The game is full of bugs and lacks any depth to keep players coming back for more. The ratings in the game indicate that the rating adjusters don't watch the games or at least cannot evaluate what is happening on the field. Every year Madden looks like a rushed product and this year is no different. I genuinely hope EA learns from their mistake and don't put out another game this bad.… Expand
  84. Exodus13
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Bugs and glitches everywhere. Animations are broken. Realism? Yeah, forget about that. And Franchise is still so barebones that I just can't bear playing it. Fix this game. We deserve better than whatever this is.
  85. AdamJohnson
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is atrocious. Same game as Madden 20, which was a bad game. Franchise mode has been the same for years. All they added was pass rush moves and the yard. This game should be a 6 max. I’m giving it a 0 because EA has ran out of excuses in my eyes. Do not buy!!!!
  86. HoustonFrog
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    I can't justifiably give this game anything other than a 0 because it simply doesn't work. There are so many visual and gameplay bugs that it honestly feels unfinished. This year's Face of the Franchise mode is atrocious, with poor voice acting and a story that doesn't make a lick of sense. The menus are ridiculously slow in MUT, and Franchise remains basically unchanged from last year.I can't justifiably give this game anything other than a 0 because it simply doesn't work. There are so many visual and gameplay bugs that it honestly feels unfinished. This year's Face of the Franchise mode is atrocious, with poor voice acting and a story that doesn't make a lick of sense. The menus are ridiculously slow in MUT, and Franchise remains basically unchanged from last year. EA's touted The Yard mode shows potential, but was broken and unplayable when I tried it.

    This is by far the worst Madden I've played in over a decade, and I've already returned the game. Do yourself a favor by avoiding it and demanding better from EA. #FixMaddenFranchise    … Expand
  87. Theboardref
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Broken game, same game, encouraging children to gamble, no attempt at improvements, have not tried to improve for years, games on previous console are superior.
  88. ShRekNAYSHUN
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    An atrocious football simulation game. EA has greatly expanded the number of game modes in Madden over the past couple of years at the detriment to the depth and immersion of all modes in the game. This game added no features to its already anemic franchise mode and it features many bugs upon release such as rainbow colored coaches, players wearing the wrong college jerseys in FOTF, andAn atrocious football simulation game. EA has greatly expanded the number of game modes in Madden over the past couple of years at the detriment to the depth and immersion of all modes in the game. This game added no features to its already anemic franchise mode and it features many bugs upon release such as rainbow colored coaches, players wearing the wrong college jerseys in FOTF, and blank fields that have no sidelines or hash marks, just to name a very select few. The Yard serves only as an excuse to monetize the game further. Face of the Franchise has a pathetically cringey story. Even Ultimate Team has atrociously laggy menus that make it completely unbearable to endure. Many gameplay and AI flaws from previous titles have continued into this one as well. You can only get so much fun from such broken gameplay. Please do not give EA $60 or more for this piss poor effort.… Expand
  89. EA_sux
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is straight up unplayable, somehow to an even greater degree than the previous few Madden titles. There is still no user control of your players; they get pulled into animations depending on which predetermined outcome the game has scripted. Players still don't know football fundamentals, like how to run a route, cover, or block. In fairness, it's hard to learn footballThis game is straight up unplayable, somehow to an even greater degree than the previous few Madden titles. There is still no user control of your players; they get pulled into animations depending on which predetermined outcome the game has scripted. Players still don't know football fundamentals, like how to run a route, cover, or block. In fairness, it's hard to learn football fundamentals when the laws of physics in your universe aren't even respected, and players routinely shift and warp through each other. There are more egregious and game-breaking glitches than ever before, but maybe a prospective buyer can overlook the awful and broken gameplay now that there are also more microtransactions than ever before. EA is no longer even trying anymore to hide its contempt for its customers.… Expand
  90. Ruthless89
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is boring. Full of glitches. Also franchise mode literally hasn't been touched since Madden 13. There is no depth or replayability whatsoever
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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.
    Read full review
  3. Impulsegamer
    Sep 9, 2020
    70
    For NFL diehards, there remains hundreds of gaming hours at your disposal in Madden 21. These same diehards – much like players of EA’s NHL and Sony’s The Show – will be left with the impression they’ve played this game before, however.
    Read full review
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