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. lg9
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Do not waste your money on this game career mode is absolutely busted brock osweiler was the starting qb for the other team in every one of my college and high school games and the story sucks. gameplay sucks, presentation sucks. True waste of money
  2. bpgbrooks
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Same BS that was in Madden 20. all they did was change the scoreboard and cover athlete DO NOT BUY.
  3. Isaac419
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This is a sad excuse for a simulation football game franchise is literally exactly the same EA has been doing this for years please do not buy this game we need the NFL to drop the EA monopoly
  4. patsRtheBEST24
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    #NFLDropEA #EndMaddenMonopoly Better off buying one of the older maddens to see what a decent football game is. This game is the same trash it was 7-8 years ago....
  5. Pogchamp12
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Horrible game, worst madden in the franchise.... The ps2 maddens are 182637747474848383938383829292929292992 times better than this
  6. Natedogg1
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    The gameplay is atrocious, nothing changed from the previous one, and I would rather play NCAA Football 2003 on the gamecube than play this poor excuse of a video game.
  7. Johnnyz6
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    I was so ecstatic for Lamar Jackson to be on the cover of Madden. However, this is the same exact game as every single Madden, and a roster update for those games would be just as good. After seeing all the free copies giving out is just disgusting.
  8. Millz50
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just a lazy remake of last years madden. I have been a madden fan for over 10 years and I will not buy this one. I wish they would make a madden every 2 or 3 years but update it. Ea just wants everyone to play the PAY FOR PLAY “ultimate team mode” so they can have extra money on top of your 60$ you give them every year. Well not this year … Expand
  9. nickel6996
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    First time in my life not buying madden. Im tired of the same game, same animations, same frustrations, same glitches, and same AI cheating.
  10. actionjackson10
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    As someone who has purchased and throughly played every Madden iteration since Madden 25, it's sad to see how poor the quality has become in a game I love so much. Madden 21 is a mess, there's no beating around the bush. It's clear that this game holds little to no importance in the eyes of higher-ups within EA, and that the developers of this game have no pride in their product. The sameAs someone who has purchased and throughly played every Madden iteration since Madden 25, it's sad to see how poor the quality has become in a game I love so much. Madden 21 is a mess, there's no beating around the bush. It's clear that this game holds little to no importance in the eyes of higher-ups within EA, and that the developers of this game have no pride in their product. The same bugs that plagued and nearly ruined Madden 20 for me are still present, the player movement ( that has been completely overhauled with the introduction of the new skill stick mechanics ) feels slow, unresponsive, and choppy. The game is programmed on the Frostbite engine, made for FIRST PERSON SHOOTERS, the same engine that FPS' don't even like to use. The game is animation dependent, and you'll oftentimes find whichever player you used being sucked into tackles or pick animations. You have receivers like Julio being mossed by 76 overall rookies, guards like SUPERSTAR Zack Martin being blown off the line of scrimmage consistently by players like Dexter Lawrence, quarterbacks like PATRICK MAHOMES throwing absolute ducks when under no pressure. Cheesy diving picks, poor QB throwing animations, unrealistic speed thresholds, superstar abilities that do little to nothing, a buggy Face of the Franchise mode where almost EVERYONE is drafted by the Bears, NO improvements to Franchise mode, NO offensive linemen development trait increases, a 'pay to win' mode in Ultimate Team (AS ADMITTED BY A PROFESSIONAL MADDEN PLAYER), and developers that simply don't care about their product. How anyone supports such a game is beyond me. I'm just mad I can't get a refund.… Expand
  11. tmc6
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Copy + paste as per usual. They didn’t touch franchise and couldn’t even be bothered to fix the awful gameplay and physics. What part is the simulation in this? There isn’t any comp draft picks, shallow prospect scouting and pre determined football animations. **** they don’t even have refs still and no coin toss. Make MUT free with micro transactions And release an actual 60 dollar gameCopy + paste as per usual. They didn’t touch franchise and couldn’t even be bothered to fix the awful gameplay and physics. What part is the simulation in this? There isn’t any comp draft picks, shallow prospect scouting and pre determined football animations. **** they don’t even have refs still and no coin toss. Make MUT free with micro transactions And release an actual 60 dollar game with an immersive franchise mode. #NFLdropEA… Expand
  12. Sk1pperPengu1n
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    You can't just keep pumping out the same product and expect fans to get excited. Franchise hasn't improved in years...and for those of who want a simulation from a game that claims to be a simulation game are disappointed everytime they buy a new version of the game.
  13. akaRybread
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Trash ass animations, I run man and my corner just stand there 5 seconds into the play… Expand
  14. SuperPanda
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Where do I start? This incredibly poor attempt at creating simulation football is yet another disappointment. A disappointment that has culminated in what is the most fair backlash any game could ever deserve. Madden 20– wait... I mean, Madden 21, (I mean, who cares? It’s pretty much the same game anyway) is the most cynical, derivative, unrealistic, and least subtle game Electronic ArtsWhere do I start? This incredibly poor attempt at creating simulation football is yet another disappointment. A disappointment that has culminated in what is the most fair backlash any game could ever deserve. Madden 20– wait... I mean, Madden 21, (I mean, who cares? It’s pretty much the same game anyway) is the most cynical, derivative, unrealistic, and least subtle game Electronic Arts has ever created, considering the circumstances.
    This billion-dollar corporation continues to monopolize the NFL simulation license and exploits a demographic of people who are incapable of restraining from impulse purchasing micro transactions. They leach off of gambling addicts and children that have no real understanding of the value of the United States dollar. It adds another game mode that will set precedent to make selling digital clothing in a sports game acceptable. It also allows EA to hedge their bets, or prepare themselves for the inevitable legislation that will FINALLY ban loot box sales. This game is so broken. From the clipping, warping, bugs, network issues, and downright AWFUL gameplay to the most awful writing in a story mode I’ve ever seen. There are no redeeming qualities. This game will never get better if people continue to defend it. #NFLdropEA
    #EndMaddenMonopoly    … Expand
  15. MG_Butler
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    As a 40 year old that's played Madden every year since 1993, this is the 1st time ever that I won't be buying the game. Now that my son is old enough, we are using the PS3 to play NCAA14, but sadly, he won't get to be excited for Madden launch like I was for a good part of the last 3 decades of my life. The NFL 'needs' to end exclusivity with EA so that we can get a decent footballAs a 40 year old that's played Madden every year since 1993, this is the 1st time ever that I won't be buying the game. Now that my son is old enough, we are using the PS3 to play NCAA14, but sadly, he won't get to be excited for Madden launch like I was for a good part of the last 3 decades of my life. The NFL 'needs' to end exclusivity with EA so that we can get a decent football game... or the consumers won't return.… Expand
  16. Khanyr
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    EA IS GLARINGLY OBVIOUS IN THEIR GREED AND GLUTTONY!!!

    This title is not deserving of the exclusive rights to the NFL license. EA has forgotten what it means to craft a FOOTBALL SIMULATION game. Franchise has literally 0 changes, head to head is missing compared stats (broken for the past few years). You even find signage in the game from past iterations(madden 19 in madden 20, madden    EA IS GLARINGLY OBVIOUS IN THEIR GREED AND GLUTTONY!!!

    This title is not deserving of the exclusive rights to the NFL license.
    EA has forgotten what it means to craft a FOOTBALL SIMULATION game. Franchise has literally 0 changes, head to head is missing compared stats (broken for the past few years). You even find signage in the game from past iterations(madden 19 in madden 20, madden 20 in madden 21, etc.) .
    This game is a joke. this company is a joke.
    All they care for is the ultimate team mode and their desire to separate us from our money through a microtransaction hell of their design all while ignoring the game that everyone fell in love with.

    THIS IS NOT A SIMULATION OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL, THIS IS A FARCE.
    The NFL should drop exclusivity with EA based on this alone.

    Please NFL, DROP EA!!!

    sincerely,
    The Collective Madden Fanbase    … Expand
  17. Burnsey
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Pretty much an exact carbon copy of the last game. But with more bugs and glitches that go unfixed for weeks. Players don’t react to input for at least half a second. Players drop easy catches whether they’re covered or not. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME.
  18. Cam503
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Literally copy and paste of Madden 20 with a new layout and font, nothing remotely interesting improvement wise, the only thing new is glitches and bugs, still haven’t fixed franchise mode, focused soley on Ultimate Team micro transactions. Avid Madden fan for 20 years this is the most disappointing release I’ve ever witnessed (which is saying something), it’s time for the NFL to thinkLiterally copy and paste of Madden 20 with a new layout and font, nothing remotely interesting improvement wise, the only thing new is glitches and bugs, still haven’t fixed franchise mode, focused soley on Ultimate Team micro transactions. Avid Madden fan for 20 years this is the most disappointing release I’ve ever witnessed (which is saying something), it’s time for the NFL to think about selling the rights to a new company or allowing at least competition. EA doesn’t care about customer satisfaction, actual quality game content, making major improvements or changes each year, they have become the greedy monopoly that everyone is forced to go to, they don’t give a damn about football or it’s fans and they have become a shameful disgrace in the gaming community.… Expand
  19. Steelersrock84
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Enough is enough, the nfl need to drop the exclusive license with ea. The game is full of glitches, bugs, unrealistic mechanics and just is not fun to play. If you own madden 13 don’t buy madden 21. They are literally the same game. This is pathetic EA.... fix it
  20. Mporter4788
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Absolutely disgusted with EA selling us this trash as if it's worth $60, there is zero physics, it's desperately dependant on animations that it breaks the game and it's pretty obvious there is no effort whatsoever in anything that doesn't have micro transactions ****
  21. Hleech10
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Horrible game absolutely nothing changed except worse animations and more glitches and bugs. Save your money just buy any madden from the past 6yrs and update the rosters and it’s the exact same thing.
  22. Bsu
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is broken from jump. Player movements are not clean, Game play is laggy, glitches all over the place, typos, incorrect logos on teams, you get kicked out of everything before it is finished. Their big area of focus was face of the franchise. It is in no way up to the standard they promised. They promised a great scenario engine, the ability to establish your destiny and hypes the 40 yard dash to no end. The scenario engine is decent at best, everything is simulated. You play maybe 2-3 game a season and you can’t in anyway win the Super Bowl every year. Finally the 40 yard dash is hit 3 buttons and whether it is slow or fast the same time is the result. Additionally, let fate decide is always the same outcome. The main problem is madden 20 had zero content at the end and they said they were focusing attention on madden 21. The product they provided does not equal the “extra time” they put into it. The game is not worth the money in anyway. It would be like paying $60 for someone to come and scratch the disc so the game isn’t playable. Don’t buy unless it is fixed significantly or the price is dropped considerably.… Expand
  23. Tnolanh
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. spoiler! Madden is exactly the same, no franchise updates at launch!! Unacceptable!… Expand
  24. Pacifus
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    My favorite mode in theory is franchise, but it's been a mess since 2016 (maybe before). There's no incentive to play the mode that used to be the hallmark of the series. MUT is a money-making machine. There's no incentive for EA to put a quality product out.
  25. pamburgey
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Do not wast the MB for the Download. Money grab at MUT while still holding a monopoly on "simulation" football games.

    How do you make the game worse year over year? Continue to ignore those that pay you. Not anymore.
  26. jalapeno1738
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Trash game, game play is way too glitchy, no immersive experience, too many bugs. Just bad overall
  27. ripcity503
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    It's comical how every year Madden sets the bar lower and lower to make that $$$$.

    -Pay for Play only gotten worse: If you don't want to pay extra money, then you are screwed. Grinding for cards is even tougher. -Matchmaking system encourages you to spend $$$: The matchmaking system is a money grab too. No matter how much you improve your team they always match you up with a higher    It's comical how every year Madden sets the bar lower and lower to make that $$$$.

    -Pay for Play only gotten worse:
    If you don't want to pay extra money, then you are screwed. Grinding for cards is even tougher.
    -Matchmaking system encourages you to spend $$$:
    The matchmaking system is a money grab too. No matter how much you improve your team they always match you up with a higher rated team, always trying to make you chase spending more money.
    -Glitch Glitch Glitch:
    Bugs galore again. Did we really expect anything differently?    … Expand
  28. sundevil32
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This game is absolute trash. Receivers just randomly drop passes wide open, defense all of a sudden gets a massive speed boost while the ball is in the air. Glitchy as all hell. Save your money and if you really want it wait a week and it'll be in the bargain bin at walmart.
  29. coffeymp
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This game has been garbage for years but this is the nail in the coffin for EA. The utter lack of professionalism & attention to detail is just shocking. I really don't think this company cares at all about their customer and it's finally starting to show. In 2020, this series has somehow gotten worse than it was like 15 years ago. The only aspect EA seems to care about isThis game has been garbage for years but this is the nail in the coffin for EA. The utter lack of professionalism & attention to detail is just shocking. I really don't think this company cares at all about their customer and it's finally starting to show. In 2020, this series has somehow gotten worse than it was like 15 years ago. The only aspect EA seems to care about is micro-transactions. They've neglected Franchise mode for years. There's just zero motivation to play this game after the free trial ran out. I feel bad for anyone that gets suckered into buying this embarrassment of a "simulation football game". This game feels more like an arcade football game at best. I really hope the NFL wakes up and gives another company a chance. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!!!… Expand
  30. sneakyswin
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This game is an insult to our intelligence and a perfect example of a corrupt company starting a monopoly. Anybody who defends it is being paid to or has a dent in their skull.
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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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