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. KarmaKaze
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Exact same game as last year, different box art. Now that's worth $60. Do they think this is just one big joke???… Expand
  2. postbreak
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This franchise is a shame. EA are destroying their own licenses , keep up and no one will end buying your « games » , hope they’ll realize it
  3. Tiny09
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    How the heck do you mix up the Rams RB Malcom brown with the the saints Malcom brown complete trash. You guys just copy and paste lazy ****
  4. jcoffman
    Aug 31, 2020
    3
    Here's an honest, fair review, even though EA has neglected the core game itself over micro-transactions.
    Pro's: Wow, where to start? There aren't too many.
    Graphics (8/10) are improved, slightly, and the player movement is a bit smoother. The rookie bio pics look slightly more photo realistic and aren't as jarring when sorting through a roster with current players and auto-simulated    Here's an honest, fair review, even though EA has neglected the core game itself over micro-transactions.
    Pro's: Wow, where to start? There aren't too many.
    Graphics (8/10) are improved, slightly, and the player movement is a bit smoother. The rookie bio pics look slightly more photo realistic and aren't as jarring when sorting through a roster with current players and auto-simulated rookies. A few player models still have heads that are too large for the body, but overall player likeness is better. However, this should be expected from a billion dollar company like EA..
    Gameplay (4/10) This might be a bit generous, but it's a least playable. Again, it feels like a patch but there are some minor improvements, mainly the skill sticks and d-line play. Playing d-line is a viable option now. I also like that the game play is slower and deliberate and a bit less arcade like. The problem is, games feel scripted and rely to heavily on animations. If a gang tackle is occurring and I'm running up to the ball carrier, I should be able to land a hit stick in certain situations (if a RB or WR is being stood up or trying to break a tackle), but you can't bc you are not a part of the gang tackle animation. Animations also take plays out of bounds which gives the appearance of a late hit, or it just looks bad. Overall, EA does a poor job of simulating real life football.
    The Yard, FOTF, MUT: (0/10) or I DON'T CARE. MUT has ruined gaming with micro-transactions (go ahead and waste $ each year re-buying cards). FOTF looks generic and the fact that you get the same outcome and only get to participate in partial college games is laughable. I will eventually try The Yard, but a last minute unfocused attempt to prepare for competition is not why I buy this game. Honestly, they need to package MUT and The Yard as a separate 'game' so fans of simulation football have a chance at a decent game.
    Franchise (110) gets a 1 bc the menu background is blue and I love blue. Yes, the text reads better but honestly the UI was fine. Otherwise, Franchise mode is EXACTLY THE SAME!!!!!!!!!! The scenario engine was neglected, so no new roster competition scenarios, trade, injury, mentor-ships, etc. was updated or added. This one feature should have multiple layers, yet is one layered and microwaved leftovers. Scouting is the same, trades are the same and still broken. No stat tracking, qb pressures and hits aren't a stat; sacks still aren't recorded correctly. There is no historic stat tracking, still, and you can't sign free agents to any contract type unless you are in the free agency period. Rosters aren't up-to-date nor do they have most undrafted rookie free-agents which is a HUGE part of roster building and adding depth. Within 2 weeks of the draft most undrafted rookies have signed; there is no reason these players aren't in the game or if they are they are generally added very late into the year. There's no combine, no rookie mini-camp/training camp; practice is stripped down still. You still can't adjust player arch-types within a scheme. The list goes on and on...and let's not forget the bugs. Lost of bugs. Some I haven't seen mentioned: cannot assign players to formation subs; when I load a franchise, the date for each save reads 1/1/20 and not the actual date/time it was saved. There are frame rate drops, especially when kicking and pulling back to look at superstars/play art, etc. Overall, this mode is as shallow as a drop of water.
    I give a 3, which is generous, as to me it's garbage--not bottom of the trash soaked in mystery liquids trash, it's more like a fresh piece on top of the pile. EA should be embarrassed and ashamed, I hope the devs are, but the executives who call the shots don't seem to care. The NFL sure doesn't; I get the exclusive rights but this product is garbage.    … Expand
  5. FREAKBUM
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    There is no difference between this game and the last 5 in the series other than there are more ways to waste money in it.
  6. Chrblake87
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Garbage, basically madden 20 with a purple pint job, menus slow, can’t even get a good promo going at launch(legends ltds missing)
  7. Coyisabadfish
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Only need the spoiler alert if you’ve never played madden 20, or 19, or 18 for that matter. Copy and pasted for a quick buck. Until madden and EA separate I will never buy madden again, it’s just a cash grab with no care for the fans.… Expand
  8. justthisasian
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    EA has become a lazy copy and paste company. I truly believe madden games have actually gotten worse in the past 10 years. Unacceptable. Time for change.
  9. njmittz
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    I’ve been buying this game for 11 years now and since Madden 12 I’ve been growing increasingly disappointed with each new iteration. While I think The Yard is fun and gameplay is better than M20, this game was not a finished product at launch. So many bugs and glitches, some are new, some are carryover from last year (ex: “Drag to reorder”). I imagine QA was adversely affected by theI’ve been buying this game for 11 years now and since Madden 12 I’ve been growing increasingly disappointed with each new iteration. While I think The Yard is fun and gameplay is better than M20, this game was not a finished product at launch. So many bugs and glitches, some are new, some are carryover from last year (ex: “Drag to reorder”). I imagine QA was adversely affected by the pandemic but that is no excuse for having the same glitches as M20 and the worst part, which is the total neglect of franchise mode. It’s appalling that I could do so much more in franchise mode 10+ years ago than I can now. It’s incredible to me that NCAA Football was made by the same studio and publisher as this game. The difference in quality and depth is astounding. EA execs are the problem, not the developers, who have their hands tied year after year. Don’t buy this disaster of a sports game. #NFLdropEA… Expand
  10. Johnh2goblue
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Horrible mechanics, and gameplay. So many bugs. No improvement from Madden20
  11. Connorfr
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I bought the game.. day one, can’t even connect to the servers.. EA help has had me try about everything I have even reset my Xbox multiple times and the whole reason I bought the game... can’t even play it. It’s really getting sad how much money this company makes and invests so little back into staffing and taking care of their team so they have the people and time to clear their mind toI bought the game.. day one, can’t even connect to the servers.. EA help has had me try about everything I have even reset my Xbox multiple times and the whole reason I bought the game... can’t even play it. It’s really getting sad how much money this company makes and invests so little back into staffing and taking care of their team so they have the people and time to clear their mind to produce even a decent game. Can’t believe this company was the best the NFL could do...… Expand
  12. ComicFanBook
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    Love the game, really big improvements in gameplay from last year. Idc about franchise so all these neg reviews about nothing changing means nothing to me. Big improvements on how ball carriers feel, running has been balanced way better, QB throws are ramped up and throwing out of sack feels better, so there's chance to fail and chance to win those high-risk/high-reward circumstances.Love the game, really big improvements in gameplay from last year. Idc about franchise so all these neg reviews about nothing changing means nothing to me. Big improvements on how ball carriers feel, running has been balanced way better, QB throws are ramped up and throwing out of sack feels better, so there's chance to fail and chance to win those high-risk/high-reward circumstances. Suicide blitzes are punished now with better blocking logic. I flubbed a few kicks already and it forces users to be a bit more tactful and mindful of using the meter - small change, i know, but it does raise the skill ceiling. Loving the juke combos and chaining them together, also like that being showboat-y can easily be punished with getting rocked and losing a fumble. The def line mechanic is really nice. If you put pressure on opponent by allowing clouds to drop back (in gameplay menu) and user'ing the defensive line you can put pressure on QB or force your opponent to make blocking adjustments, then user back/switch players and punish by user'ing linemen or safeties, etc. Overall the animations feel better and it's a solid improvement. It just amazes me at all the neg reviews, really. 0 out of 10? Really? zero? Holy moly.. people aren't judging the game at this point, they're simply getting out frustration and anger, taking that pent up quarantine energy out anonymously over the net.… Expand
  13. Haydenrogers
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Madden makes the same Horrendous game every year with no depth to franchise, a pay to win money grabbing ultimate team, broken gameplay mechanics and unrealistic and un personalized players. Fix madden franchise #nfldropEA #fixmaddenfeanchise **** #laststraw… Expand
  14. BirdLaw
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    This game follows the long long of outright horrible madden NFL games. This buyout of the NFL license is anti-competitive, and thus anti-American. I have never been so dissatisfied with a company's weasly actions. They couldn't compete with 2K and so used daddy's money to beat out th competition. This game is ANTI AMERICA.
  15. DropEA
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same old same old. EA doesn’t care about its Madden game, which shouldn’t be a surprise to really ANYBODY. Really wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt and try playing it, but I can’t anymore. Worst Madden to date, and that’s saying something. Can’t believe I wasted money on a trash heap of a game.
  16. Ironman3456
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game I a major disappointment i was interested in buy this game and I finally realized how poor the game is and how electronic arts don’t care about their customer #nfldropea
  17. Davidbarber13
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    More of the same. Feels like I'm playing Madden 11 still. Please let 2K have a shot at this.
  18. Maddenguy
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game is absolutely trash. Defense is now slowed down to balance the bs from previous years and now it’s unrealistic. The franchise is the same as the last few years. The expansion teams have been literally the same for the past 5 years. But you want a 60+ every year for the same game? Horrible, they ignore the feedback from the community but makes changes that no one asks for. 0/10
  19. RakeJeicker
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Remember a couple of years ago when this game meant something? Nope, me either. EA hasn’t put out a semi-decent respectable madden game since Madden 09. We deserve better than EA is willing to give
  20. Jzeus777
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    NFL drop ea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  21. M4CK13
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same old garbage. I won’t buy another NFL game until EA stops producing them.
  22. travysavvy
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Seriously trash. Madden has fallen off for a while. There is literally almost nothing new of note in this game that makes it worth buying over Madden 20 or hell, even Madden 19. If you really need your football fix go buy one of those at a discount.

    Please give some love to Franchise. You can have your greedy ultimate team trash still, just try to make a game worth playing for the love of god.
  23. Sillydaddy
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    An improvement on last year's game which, if you know anything about Madden, means absolutely nothing. Nothing has been done about franchise mode, run blocking A.I. is still pathetic, pass defense A.I. is as woefull as ever with the only noticable difference being user defense being nerfed. It's clear EA has just come to embrace their role as a microtransaction based money machineAn improvement on last year's game which, if you know anything about Madden, means absolutely nothing. Nothing has been done about franchise mode, run blocking A.I. is still pathetic, pass defense A.I. is as woefull as ever with the only noticable difference being user defense being nerfed. It's clear EA has just come to embrace their role as a microtransaction based money machine pandering to the most vulnerable in their audience, namely dumb hypebeast kids, as they are easier to manipulate into buying Madden packs and making their money. This becomes obvious when you look at the fact that gameplay is not changed,. The game feels scripted so that any 9 year old can beat a more intelligent veteran. This is clearly to keep them playing as they are the ones spending money on packs, while the lifelong fan will buy the game despite how bad it is because of EAs monopoly on the franchise. Even if they stopped buying the game EA wouldn't change their behaviour as they make more money on microtransaction (child gambling in the form ofadden packs) than they do from game sales themselves. And they of course being EA care about nothing else. The child pandering becomes more obvious when you look at their newest game mode "the yard". It is a ridiculous abomination of football that is so obviously an attempt to please hypebeasts that it makes simulation football players sick to their stomachs. Not that EA did a bad job on it. , Rather they clearly shifted priority to a mode that doesn't reflect what their product should be. It is supposed to be simulation football, but it's clear this arcade version should be what EA sticks to after they give up their exclusive license. They made a ridiculous game mode when their main one isn't even good, but again, they don't care. The last Madden game I will ever buy… Expand
  24. MrKozakONE
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    As someone having 300+ hours of playtime in each of the last Madden games, this game felt like a punch in the face. I tried each game mode, just to find some fun and joy in this game. Neither of the game modes made me stick to it, as I haven´t felt any changes in the game. The game play got even worse and with the addition of "The Yard" it should be forbidden calling this game aAs someone having 300+ hours of playtime in each of the last Madden games, this game felt like a punch in the face. I tried each game mode, just to find some fun and joy in this game. Neither of the game modes made me stick to it, as I haven´t felt any changes in the game. The game play got even worse and with the addition of "The Yard" it should be forbidden calling this game a "simulation". After 3 hours of playtime I haven´t felt the urge to play it again and I won´t recommend this game to anybody.… Expand
  25. Chance324
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    It is shocking how bad this game is and how you have failed the players and fans of this game every year this game is awful from the blandness of franchise mode to the broken gameplay to scripted field goals and getting sucked into animations there is nothing else to say I plan on not buying this product and buying 2k next year thanks for ruing something from my childhood
  26. Vayomayo
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    I honetly think that the game is good and that it is on the right track. While people are trashing it, I'll be enjoying the yard, KO, and Franchise.
  27. Ike49er
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    I played this game over my friends house because I refused to buy it this year and I am so glad I didn't. We played this game for about an hour and had to stop. Why is the NCAA 14 game play better than this slop. Bring that title back or can 2K jump in and make a game or how about using the FIFA game developers to run this game. So frustrated
  28. douglas_29
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same as always. A few minor updates. I'm sick and tired of paying $60 for an update to rosters. The game glitches/lags constantly, even when not online. I can't even tell you how many PATs I've missed due to the thing glitching when the kick meter is moving. Computer is also constantly running into the kicker. Did an offline fantasy draft with my buddies last night and it createdSame as always. A few minor updates. I'm sick and tired of paying $60 for an update to rosters. The game glitches/lags constantly, even when not online. I can't even tell you how many PATs I've missed due to the thing glitching when the kick meter is moving. Computer is also constantly running into the kicker. Did an offline fantasy draft with my buddies last night and it created multiple save files, files were dated 1/1/1 0:00:00 AM. None of which contained our final rosters or teams. This game needs a ton of work on the development level still, it feels like a Beta. Hot garbage.… Expand
  29. Cworz
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    Madden 21 is just painful to experience. AI continously makes poor decisions. After injuries the cut scenes show the injured player celebrating. Franchise is a disaster, and has zero trade logic. Only bright spot is when you shut the game off. Overall poor quality product.
  30. emmitt18355
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    EA has taken the ONLY Football franchise and completely disrespected it . The last madden that was ay good was '08. Stop buying this piece of garbage and hopefully they'll stop making it in the next 10 years. Literally a clone from last year, they changed absolutely nothing in franchise mode. The Yard is a pathetic attempt to include new game modes to disguise their crap gambling gameEA has taken the ONLY Football franchise and completely disrespected it . The last madden that was ay good was '08. Stop buying this piece of garbage and hopefully they'll stop making it in the next 10 years. Literally a clone from last year, they changed absolutely nothing in franchise mode. The Yard is a pathetic attempt to include new game modes to disguise their crap gambling game (MUT). DO NOT BUY.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 8, 2020
    40
    Madden NFL 21 is another blatant recycling of last year’s edition of the „simulation“ of the American football. Sadly, most of the modes remained the same. Gameplay received a few minor tweaks, and in the end it still persists as a cash grab not worth anybody’s time.
    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.
    Read full review
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