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. Redstripe420
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This game **** sucks, only reason I buy is because I'm a football fan AND THEY'RE THE ONLY ONES WITH NFL LICENSE.
  2. Just_Jimi
    Aug 20, 2021
    0
    Physics removed, user control functions still removed so canned animations have taken over the game. I can’t help but think how Frostbite is the cause of a lot of this. I feel like I have so little control over anything now. They are heading in the wrong direction in every way except for finally giving Franchise Mode some attention. Game breaking glitches from 3-4 years ago are all stillPhysics removed, user control functions still removed so canned animations have taken over the game. I can’t help but think how Frostbite is the cause of a lot of this. I feel like I have so little control over anything now. They are heading in the wrong direction in every way except for finally giving Franchise Mode some attention. Game breaking glitches from 3-4 years ago are all still there including some new ones. They cannot add a single new feature without ridiculous bugs behind them. It’s not just hating Madden because it’s Madden, it’s just not a fun game to me for the most reasons above.… Expand
  3. Stars_Cream
    Sep 8, 2020
    0
    Hot steaming garbage. Take a knee madden, you and Kap can swirl the drain together. GWGB and all that....
  4. zamorian79
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    I don't buy the game every year, the last game I bought was Madden 17 and still it disappoint me. It is incredible that I l skipped 4 years and they deliver a worse game that the one I had years ago. Madden 21 is without any significant improvements, same problems, they recycle the same game, take features out, add a bunch of stuff that has nothing to do with football. Not to mention thatI don't buy the game every year, the last game I bought was Madden 17 and still it disappoint me. It is incredible that I l skipped 4 years and they deliver a worse game that the one I had years ago. Madden 21 is without any significant improvements, same problems, they recycle the same game, take features out, add a bunch of stuff that has nothing to do with football. Not to mention that the game is using the worst monetization system I've ever seen. They charge you upfront for a full game, and then lock everything behind microtransactions and packs that cost more and give you less than a season pass. It's an abuse, incredible how can get along with this.… Expand
  5. poe410
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I’ve lost count on the amount of years that Franchise mode has virtually gone untouched. Absolutely ridiculous. Not to mention, Face of the Franchise’s storyline is corny as hell and so obviously thrown together at the last minute. EA does not care about putting together a quality product and hasn’t for years.
  6. KniHowChowCow
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    The game is a 60 dollar roster update. The face of the franchise mode is recycled and basically a 5 dollar DLC update to madden 20. The commentary is the exact same as previous years.... I got the 10 hour trial, and I have 6 hours of it left, won't be touching it again. This is awful.
  7. Travain
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game is a shame, EA is a shame, all is SHAME. Thank you for read this review.
  8. SIPPIO
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    I am sooo done with EA + Madden...
    My 3 Madden bros from back home went and bought BackwardsCompatable PS3s
    and i decided to do the same..
    My god how could Madden 2000's era be soo much better..
    **How ironic the Game always releases with -O- bugs in the money store...
    WE HATE YOU EA!
  9. peramoure
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Same cut and paste **** every year. Prioritize "lootbox" modes to make tons of money and screw the fans by *literally* CARBON COPYING the entire franchise mode 6 years in a row. I've bought Madden for 21 years. Never again.
  10. chucko97
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Longtime madden player- overall football game player since 1990. This Game yet again is a carbon copy of laziness. Nothing is done with franchise mode. Same screen and nothing to get me excited. I wish the NFL would do something about this. I returned my copy already. Continue to play madden 19 since it’s literally the same thing.
  11. zlRYANlz
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    You'd be better off throwing $60 into a fire for more entertainment value than buying this game. #FixMaddenFranchise
  12. forgottenstar66
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Same thing over and over again full of glitches ea will never learn do not buy this game
  13. JBaldera27
    Sep 1, 2020
    1
    This game is objectively decent in terms of being an NFL game. However, as the ONLY NFL game for an entire console generation, they have barely innovated any features that relate to simulation football. While they have explored more arcade features and micro-transactions, the core gameplay and franchise simulation experience received minimal love. We can't even play with legacy teams likeThis game is objectively decent in terms of being an NFL game. However, as the ONLY NFL game for an entire console generation, they have barely innovated any features that relate to simulation football. While they have explored more arcade features and micro-transactions, the core gameplay and franchise simulation experience received minimal love. We can't even play with legacy teams like NBA 2K while the Frostbite engine is limited in replicating realistic football animations...because it's a game engine made for FPS not sports. I purchased Madden 21 against my better judgment to play CFM with friends, but the frame rate and animations are inconsistent. This feels like I'm playing a beta instead of a polished product, and for $60 during a pandemic I expect better. EA Sports has ignored fan input which is sad because the Madden community has been very vocal about features they'd like. The NFL should remove the "exclusive" license from EA Sports, as they have shown they don't deserve a monopoly on NFL fans with a half-baked product year-after-year.… Expand
  14. RuggedEmu
    Nov 11, 2020
    4
    This is the worst madden I’ve ever played, and I’ve been playing since the early 2000s. It’s buggy, the gameplay is bad, and the matchmaking always puts you against sweaties. It’s purely not very fun and clearly EA (unsurprisingly) only cares about people buying packs. Poorly done. Shameful, really.
  15. nonchalantgamer
    Sep 11, 2020
    0
    The reason I'm giving you this a zero is because this game is glitchy as hell and doesn't even work sometimes. When it works this game's like a 6. But I'm having so many troubles logging in and it keeps disconnecting me and when I went to go to EA help they couldn't help me sign in on Xbox so I literally spent $60 on a game that I can't fly now. ****
  16. Shender
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    I dont rate games on here but I've never seen this in a sports game. I played for 10 hours and there is literally NO discernible update from last year. I played MUT last year and thought it was okay. I was even excited for this year but I'm glad I have EA access and didnt buy it because this is a worse game then last year. Exact same gameplay...worse menu's...worse card design...more bugs
  17. szogyenyi
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    If you think what EA does with MADDEN is ok... if you tolerate the constant cash grab what they make with ultimate team, while the game does not improve at all for years now... you deserve to be robbed. I can only hope they will lose the license with time, but since 2K is nothing better than Electronic Arts, the only thing we can do is to keep pressure on them. Please don't buy this game!
  18. cristiadu
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Whoever says this game is fine is seriously deluded by EA. Want an honest review? People are scoring this 0 out of 10 because for the last 10+ years Madden has been removing features more than adding them (except for the Ultimate Team mode, I guess, so if you're into microtransactions go for it). So don't call this "hate" or "unfair" because it clearly isn't.

    We talked with EA, and EA    Whoever says this game is fine is seriously deluded by EA. Want an honest review? People are scoring this 0 out of 10 because for the last 10+ years Madden has been removing features more than adding them (except for the Ultimate Team mode, I guess, so if you're into microtransactions go for it). So don't call this "hate" or "unfair" because it clearly isn't.

    We talked with EA, and EA faked improvements for us (by saying they would improve and then actually not doing anything). We all tried multiple years to reach out to them and say "hey, maybe we can get features that were on Madden 12 (in madden 16/17/18/19/20), how about that?" and literally nothing happened. It was a pain to get the easiest minor feature for Franchise mode. Like honestly, if you judge the game standalone it is a worse Madden 20, so just buy an used Madden 20 if you still want to buy an NFL game because Madden 21 ain't it.    … Expand
  19. Kai82
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    I know it is popular to hit on this game but it is deserved. They release practically the same game every year with marginal changes at full price. They even failed to remove some Madden 20 writings in the background this time. Also you get less and less. They removed so much features over the years. Just look it up because it is a long list. There are also many technical issues andI know it is popular to hit on this game but it is deserved. They release practically the same game every year with marginal changes at full price. They even failed to remove some Madden 20 writings in the background this time. Also you get less and less. They removed so much features over the years. Just look it up because it is a long list. There are also many technical issues and glitches (YouTube has some funny compilations). Even the critics agree that this is a problem naming it mediocre and lacking innovation. Then there are the money grabbing microtransactions or surprise mechanics. Did you hear the stories of children emptying the bank accounts of their parents or people spending thousands of dollars? This is or had become the purpose of these games and why EA is for many all that is wrong with the industry. Overall this is not worth your money and this business practices should never be supported. Because of these facts I lowered my rating to 0/10.… Expand
  20. Dynako
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    I miss madden of old - its just become a broken shell of its former self and EA couldn't give 2 **** about it. I really hope they take this as a lesson but I think this franchise is over...
  21. Touchprotip
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Monopolies create stagnation i just need a football game I can play this is ridiculous EA
  22. madden15
    Sep 19, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst Madden ever. Seriously a huge waste of money. I can’t believe they actually released this game. It sucks. And I’ve never complained about any madden before this so for me to go out of my way to rate this utter bs game is saying something. EA sports should give anyone who bought this a refund because this game is a joke.… Expand
  23. mslaughter35
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    One of the worst cases of copy-and-paste I have seen since the 2019 version of ANY EA sports game.
  24. the12thman
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Another year and another Madden letdown. EA has stolen my money for the last time. $60 for a roster update and a game mode I have zero interest in. Shame on the NFL for letti g their fans down year after year with this EA exclusivity.
  25. PikaPika2
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I cannot play this game. So many bugs, microtransactions at every turn, even the gameplay is just an outright downgrade from Madden NFL 20.
  26. TheGameCritic69
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    My god this game is booty, under no circumstances should anyone ever play this bruh
  27. Hi_Im_Jon
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    I cannot speak on all the different modes because I havent finished the Face of the franchise mode yet and usually do that first thing. Unfortunately that mode has one disappointment after another! The mode starts you off in high school and you make your way up from there and they start off strong with a rival that you bicker and babble with but then everything crumbles, your rival decidesI cannot speak on all the different modes because I havent finished the Face of the franchise mode yet and usually do that first thing. Unfortunately that mode has one disappointment after another! The mode starts you off in high school and you make your way up from there and they start off strong with a rival that you bicker and babble with but then everything crumbles, your rival decides to join you at the same school to fight you for redemption and regardless of how well you do, the coach eventually gives the job to the rival either way and you can choose to change positions and stay (which isnt a realistic choice) or go to the nfl which is where I got excited. But instead of letting you play whichever games you want at that point it forces you to play your division rival over and over,. I literally played 8 out of 12 nfl games against the green bay packers. Here you would think the rival from college would get drafted and join your rival team....nope they never mention him again. They just give you some nonsense reason you should be excited to play the same team again. O this guy is hurt can you beat them while they are down a man? Obviously. Now the injured player is back and is talking trash so we replay the team again. I kid you not, one season I was only given the two games against green bay thinking they were huge games but, nope, we were 3rd in our division and they were 4th. It is like someone said "let's see how plain and generic we can make this game and still get people to buy it." I think the team that makes madden is literally 3 guys tasked with copying and pasting 95% of the code from the previous year and adding one new mode which does nothing but draws fans to buy to try and then leave disappointed yet again!… Expand
  28. KillerUnleashed
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Micro transaction filled rehash of last year and the year befores garbage. This only continues because of everyone that keeps purchasing it and its packs and are the ones to blame for this.
  29. eduslater
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Bugfest, simply the worst. Gameplay is trash and scripted. The only things this game cares about are microtransactions.
  30. mauriongates
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. #FixMaddenFranchise meant absolutely nothing to EA and for years they've lied and promised that Franchise Mode would be their main focus. Every year we here "step in the right direction" and every year like clever politicians they continue to make excuses and lie about limitations in the game. We have mouth pieces and the game in Yard, but wait EA, did you not state this was impossible. They add all types of custom jerseys in this mode, but we haven't been able to create actually custom jerseys in the game for years. The Pro Ball was brought back last year after they lied about it being impossible to add in the game. How does a game on a game system two generations older (with less power mind you) have more features than current gen games. This is why NBA Live died. 2K may have their own version of MUT, but they also offer a Franchise Mode and GM Mode that is leaps and bounds ahead of what EA has to offer and it's free. Madden 21 is has a bargain bin version of a MyCareer, that really is downgraded version of Long Shot with a created player. You aren't the story, you're a prisoner of it. MUT is not a game mode I really care for unless I'm bored and I've never paid a dime to build a team. Superstar KO is the same and the only thing that has been added to the game is, cash grab, the Yard. EA Sport Madden is the ultimate con. After #NFLdropEA trended yesterday they being offer codes to the game. They owe the fans a free game since most of their money is going to come from MUT and the Yard anyway. EA continues to spit in the faces of its customers and lack accountability for all the lies the have told. My honest is advice is to keep playing Madden 20 or play far superior games like NFL 2K5, Madden 07/08, and for the Yard experience, play NFL Street. I can't tell you what to do with your money but, I will say, I'm definitely not spending my hard on cash on this scam.… Expand
  31. zachzwp
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This scheme of copy and paste needs to come to an end. Stop supporting this trash and take the license away from this greedy company.
  32. MihaiKrieger
    Sep 5, 2020
    0
    This is a sacrilege. I only play sports game for educational purposes and fun, nor for competitiveness, but this is a spit in the face of not only madden fans, but spots games in general. Thank you EA.
  33. Kamarr
    Sep 11, 2020
    0
    Same game copy and paste over and over and over again all because because whales keep dropping funds into Mut which is actually destroying the madden franchise. Also Colin crappernick is in the game hes not an nfl player hes a pos just like this game.
  34. FrankaDankus327
    Nov 13, 2020
    0
    unplayable, broken game that has 360 graphics. your'e blasted with micro transactions and **** backyard football rookie rush is a better football game. the worst part is how it feels like madden 15 on ps4 with different rosters. avoid this train wreck and save your money. a better thing to do with your money would be to grab your cash and wipe your ass with it. you'd have a better timeunplayable, broken game that has 360 graphics. your'e blasted with micro transactions and **** backyard football rookie rush is a better football game. the worst part is how it feels like madden 15 on ps4 with different rosters. avoid this train wreck and save your money. a better thing to do with your money would be to grab your cash and wipe your ass with it. you'd have a better time looking at the **** stains on your money than playing 5 minutes of this game.… Expand
  35. BigBossHayabusa
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This game is somehow worse than Madden 20. Simply one of the worst games ever made. #NFLdropEA
  36. mario999
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA **** worst company on the planet, they can do nothing is all **** what they make. Only thing which matters for them is packs packs packs packs packs please don’t give them more money for anything. Fifa, madden all **** , they destroying everything. This game is a joke not a game, this game not even deserve a review. How in hell some reviewers give this game over 10points out of 100.EA **** worst company on the planet, they can do nothing is all **** what they make. Only thing which matters for them is packs packs packs packs packs please don’t give them more money for anything. Fifa, madden all **** , they destroying everything. This game is a joke not a game, this game not even deserve a review. How in hell some reviewers give this game over 10points out of 100. They are paid, only possibility.… Expand
  37. winzentween
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    People *mostly* rightfully complain about the lack of franchise mode and depth, but thats ok if there is really good gameplay... There isn't. The gameplay is super repetitive and you can see the same animations 8+ times per game, and they are the same animations from past Maddens, making it more repetitive. Your players will catch, get tackled, hurdle, get their ankles shattered, interceptPeople *mostly* rightfully complain about the lack of franchise mode and depth, but thats ok if there is really good gameplay... There isn't. The gameplay is super repetitive and you can see the same animations 8+ times per game, and they are the same animations from past Maddens, making it more repetitive. Your players will catch, get tackled, hurdle, get their ankles shattered, intercept passes, tightrope the sidelines, toe tap the sidelines, fall over, look like n64 characters on the sidelines, get stiff armed, block/block shed, and to be honest, do everything in the same exact way multiple times per game. The animations are not even close to real football, which would be ok if it was an arcade football game... It isn't. The animation based gameplay would be ok if there were many animations for certain player positions and scenarios... Not only "there aren't" but it would be super unrealistic to take the time to make all those animations. Which makes you wonder... why they decided to make the game with the Frostbite engine, with animation dependent gameplay in the first place. Another problem with the gameplay is that with it being animation based, there is no player "stick skill" or anything along those lines, because the entire game revolves around hoping you get the right animation. Jump balls are just saying "Wow I hope that corner grows 2 left feet and gets a bad animation" instead of something along the lines of "Wow I hope my 99 overall player has better hands than this 9th string JV corner". I shouldn't have to hope on animations when stick skill is a selling point. Players standing still can shake of a hit stick from a linebacker sprinting full tilt at them. The pass trajectory is awful, every pass is just a glorified bullet pass, I’m not sure why making the ball travel in a parabola is difficult, but (believe it or not) I don't design video games so I don't know. Linebackers no longer have a 9' 13" vertical when intercepting passes, which is a good change, but an unnecessary change if the pass trajectory had more of an arc instead of a laser. This poor gameplay would be ok if the depth of franchise and other modes made up for it... They don't (I’m starting to notice a trend here) EA has many ways to fix their game and either won't/can't for whatever reason, which would be ok if they told us the reason... THEY DON'T! We can't be understanding because they won't share anything for us to understand... Sheesh. I’m not a franchise guy but there are enough franchise guys that I think everyone understand the point. The #FixMaddenFranchise has been going around and what we got was potential patch notes that will probably never happen. The last thing I’m going to touch on is the NFL exclusive licensing. This is just a monopoly, thats it. This monopoly would be ok if Madden was an ok game... It isn't. Its just a bad product, there is no way around that. That would be ok if Madden was a bad product if there were other potentially better simulation NFL football games on the market... (You guessed it) There aren't because of the exclusive rights. The exclusive rights also makes this NFL fans only option, and thats not ok. The yard is cool I guess, but its monetized for no reason, Face of the Franchise isn't interesting and is dull. The two positives this game has is that its the only NFL game, and that The Yard is "cool i guess". Now I’m going to go buy All Pro Football 2K8 for $5 instead of this $60 "product". And Clint Oldenburg, if you're reading this, 2 is better than 1, but 0.4 is somehow worse than 1, this is a sign, READ THE FREAKING SIGN... sorry, if you for some ungodly reason, you read this, have a cookie... You deserve it! :) 0/10… Expand
  38. HeyTeddy
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Terrible excuse for a game. It is unfinished & filled with glitches and bugs.
  39. Jake-Snake94
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Same rehashed nonsense year after year, its an utter embarassment. #selltheteam EA
  40. praisethesun11
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Awful game series that is hell-bent on milking their fan base for every dollar they have year after year. Do not support this.
  41. Raveren
    Sep 8, 2020
    0
    It’s unfortunate how full of bugs this game is. It’s difficult to start games with friends, the menus have significant lag that can make it difficult to play and the fine tuning simply doesn’t exist.
  42. Eckogen
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Another Madden. Another copy and paste low effort cash grab. These games have the potential to be good if EA actually cared and tried.
  43. Evankirk16
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Copy and paste from 20, franchise mode did not change at all, they arent even trying anymore.
  44. jamalt
    Apr 9, 2021
    0
    Look, its all been said but I'll say it again. This game is a steaming pile of sh$$! EA should not just refund the money for the game, but for wasting hours playing Madden Online. The fact the critics still gave this an okay rating is bs. It's a mess, tecmo bowl is a much more realistic game. How many times have we seen the ball go flying in the air like its a beach ball and land in theLook, its all been said but I'll say it again. This game is a steaming pile of sh$$! EA should not just refund the money for the game, but for wasting hours playing Madden Online. The fact the critics still gave this an okay rating is bs. It's a mess, tecmo bowl is a much more realistic game. How many times have we seen the ball go flying in the air like its a beach ball and land in the opposing teams hands. Or the RB inexplicably get stuck in a frame of motion when you see a big hole, somehow the DE gets off the offensive linemen and tackles him. There are countless examples, but point being this is the worst Madden yet. My brother and I have been playing this since Madden 10, but this is the last year I can do this to myself.… Expand
  45. chasehow
    Sep 9, 2020
    0
    Year after year served up complete trash revamp the franchise and my player mode already.
  46. BURKEX
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I played madden since the genesis days and have always enjoyed madden, but lately Madden has ignored the franchise, not fixed horrible bugs, has a horrible instant replay where you can’t even replay clear bad calls, and the list goes on and on. All Madden seems to care about lately is the MUT types of games where they make extra money off of micro transactions and this ruined madden. II played madden since the genesis days and have always enjoyed madden, but lately Madden has ignored the franchise, not fixed horrible bugs, has a horrible instant replay where you can’t even replay clear bad calls, and the list goes on and on. All Madden seems to care about lately is the MUT types of games where they make extra money off of micro transactions and this ruined madden. I like many others think the franchise is the best part of madden and madden has neglected franchise for so long that it is terrible. Just an example, the trade system is so bad and unrealistic and the super bowl celebration has been the same for years. Since EA has a monopoly on the NFL video game rights they don’t even try anymore and the game is now a piece of crap. 0/10. Fix franchise. The NFL should dump EA if this is not addressed ASAP!… Expand
  47. Wolfenstein51
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I feel it is my civic duty to rate this game a 0. It will never compare to NFL 2K5 which came out 15 years ago. Go play Madden 2001 and tell me that this game is really all that different other than updated graphics and roster. The animations have always been stiff and it feels like players are on swivels. Seriously, guys - stop buying Madden - you are just contributing to the sameI feel it is my civic duty to rate this game a 0. It will never compare to NFL 2K5 which came out 15 years ago. Go play Madden 2001 and tell me that this game is really all that different other than updated graphics and roster. The animations have always been stiff and it feels like players are on swivels. Seriously, guys - stop buying Madden - you are just contributing to the same garbage being released year after year.… Expand
  48. StrangeGuy
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Being back NFL Street & release the NFL exclusively license so other companies can make better football games
  49. thomasbrigman
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    Same game every year. Franchise mode is the same.The only good thing is the yard and that is even buggy. would not recommend this to anyone. play madden 20, it’s the same.
  50. kingcuban08
    Feb 13, 2021
    0
    First time playing Madden in about 5 years. Gameplay is fun, but franchise mode is so broken it is maddening.
  51. HellaSavageX
    Nov 10, 2020
    1
    Holy crap wtf has happened to Madden, I am a die hard Madden fan since the beginning but this game is absolutely microtransactions garbage! PASS ON THIS YEAR! SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!
  52. NRGFLO
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Read the 2444 other reviews & you’ll understand why this game deserves a 0.
  53. reviewmassa1920
    Sep 14, 2020
    0
    Absolute embarrassment of a game, no improvements, same junk theyve been pumping out the last 10 years just with updated rosters. People are finally starting to catch on, this is what happens when games have no competition. Miss the days when the 2K games existed, they actually put forth effort in each yearly release and forced madden to. As soon as EA got the sole license the onlyAbsolute embarrassment of a game, no improvements, same junk theyve been pumping out the last 10 years just with updated rosters. People are finally starting to catch on, this is what happens when games have no competition. Miss the days when the 2K games existed, they actually put forth effort in each yearly release and forced madden to. As soon as EA got the sole license the only money they've invested in this franchise has been the marketing. Companies aren't in the business of making good games, they're in the business of making money Vote with your wallets or it will never change.… Expand
  54. wm1216
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This game is an absolute disgrace and should not be allowed to be passed as a "simulation" football game. Please DO NOT buy and help send a message. #NFLDROPEA
  55. pyrofox117
    Oct 25, 2020
    0
    All I can say is Madden NFL 20 should be the real name of this game. The entire game is one massive laxative induced dump on what it means to have a game published in 2020. ANYTHING is better than this game.
  56. Chippings
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Joke. Get this out of EA's hands. You're better off playing Retro Bowl on your phone.
  57. Bringo69
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Absolute trash of a game. Copy paste over and over. This has been going on for way too long.
  58. raidersgouldy
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Honestly, don't know how this game was released in this state.
    The gameplay for the most part is actually decent. Not much has changed from previous years, but a few nice additions to the animations.
    Where this game really crashes it with it's bugs and lack of improvements to franchise mode. The game constantly drops frames on a pro and we rulings are completely wrong. Mist of the issues    Honestly, don't know how this game was released in this state.
    The gameplay for the most part is actually decent. Not much has changed from previous years, but a few nice additions to the animations.
    Where this game really crashes it with it's bugs and lack of improvements to franchise mode.
    The game constantly drops frames on a pro and we rulings are completely wrong.
    Mist of the issues can be fixed with patches, however the frame rate is that horrible at the moment it makes it unplayable.
    I tried my hardest for 10 hours    … Expand
  59. obi12323
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    A game made by a company that only cares about money. Please do yourself a favour and do not purchase this "product".
  60. Mandroid_
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Its not that they keep copy pasting this game every year for the last 20 years because If it was actually good nobody would care. But they've been copy pasting this bad game over and over again.
  61. jhemph
    Sep 14, 2020
    0
    This is a major disappointment and a sign that EA needs to change the entire way they develop these games.
  62. Jbaketkd
    Sep 5, 2020
    0
    Same copy past garbage for the past 5 years. Stop giving these thieves money!
  63. rob37641
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Terrible piece of trash!!! NFLDROPEA!!!!!!! Same ole crap every year!!!! Don’t waste your. Money!
  64. klokwok
    Sep 5, 2020
    0
    It's time to stop doing this crap.
    Let other developers do simulation football.
  65. Krikke86
    Sep 3, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. EA is just trash, let this maffia game publishers just go bankrupt… Expand
  66. HorrorGeek666
    Sep 5, 2020
    0
    stop buying these **** games........


    I have been saying these games are cash grabs for years and now people listen
  67. Fluxcapacitor
    Sep 11, 2020
    0
    I put most the blame on the NFL here for continuing to only let one publisher have exclusive rights. It's the reason EA is never challenged to make innovations and push to make a better game. I played the Madden 21 free play weekend and the game is laughable. These sports leagues need to just sell the rights to whoever is willing to pay, allow competition and drive diversity and betterI put most the blame on the NFL here for continuing to only let one publisher have exclusive rights. It's the reason EA is never challenged to make innovations and push to make a better game. I played the Madden 21 free play weekend and the game is laughable. These sports leagues need to just sell the rights to whoever is willing to pay, allow competition and drive diversity and better game play within the sports genre. EA's sports monopoly NEEDS TO END! NFL 2K5, a 15 year old game is still better than this. And no I'm not some bitter 2K fanboy. I just want a good NFL game I don't care who makes it.… Expand
  68. Lemonade1408
    Oct 13, 2020
    0
    Cant even play the game, its just stuck on the loading screen with that awful song on loop.

    Restarted the game, PS4 and Internet but to no avail, the loading bar says showtime I guess not, lucky its just a trial through EA play, deleting the game now
  69. Soleandro
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Thi Game should not anymore be done by EA. They are ruining so much Games.....
  70. paulo1manso
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    What a crappy game! NFL should drop EA!! They don't even try to make the game better anymore.
  71. salinb04
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Absolute waste of money and time. Play an older Madden when the devs actually put effort into these games.
  72. ThePwnStar49
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Seann Grady does not listen to consumers. Copy and paste job. Franchise untouched. Bugs galore
  73. krythix
    Sep 11, 2020
    0
    Madden 2021 is the latest low effort cash grab from EA games with minimal changes and rampant bugs throughout ruining what should be an enjoyable NFL football game. This game in it's current state should not be purchased unless significant changes and improvements are brought to it at a later date by the developers. My character glitched and fell through the field before my entire systemMadden 2021 is the latest low effort cash grab from EA games with minimal changes and rampant bugs throughout ruining what should be an enjoyable NFL football game. This game in it's current state should not be purchased unless significant changes and improvements are brought to it at a later date by the developers. My character glitched and fell through the field before my entire system crashed and needed to be restarted. This is simply unacceptable for any major game release.… Expand
  74. ololo3
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    I've never written a user review on metacritic before, but quite frankly I feel obligated to do so for this insulting product. I started playing video games back with Super Mario Brothers, and this is unquestionably the laziest money grab product I've ever played. Aside from the roster upgrade, it's EXACTLY the same as last year's game, but with tons of bugs. Even the cut scenes areI've never written a user review on metacritic before, but quite frankly I feel obligated to do so for this insulting product. I started playing video games back with Super Mario Brothers, and this is unquestionably the laziest money grab product I've ever played. Aside from the roster upgrade, it's EXACTLY the same as last year's game, but with tons of bugs. Even the cut scenes are identical. Just an absolute disgrace for EA to manipulate their monopoly on the NFL by putting out constantly worse products every year. Don't waste $60 on this. Buy Madden 20 ( unless you really want the Yard mode which is just a gimmick. Its only getting praise because its the only addition).… Expand
  75. snokijum
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is the worst game I have ever played. Seriously. Absolutely pitiful. Vomit-inducing gameplay and enough microtransactions to make your head spin. This game doesn't even qualify as minimum effort from the developer, it's worse than that. Nothing new here from EA, but hey at least there are rainbow-colored coaches this year. They should have just called this Copy and Paste FromThis is the worst game I have ever played. Seriously. Absolutely pitiful. Vomit-inducing gameplay and enough microtransactions to make your head spin. This game doesn't even qualify as minimum effort from the developer, it's worse than that. Nothing new here from EA, but hey at least there are rainbow-colored coaches this year. They should have just called this Copy and Paste From Madden 20. How in 2020 can a game be released in such a horrendous state?
    Graphics glitches are everywhere and the physics are seizure-inducing. Please for the love of God, do not buy this hot dumpster fire garbage of a "game"! NFL needs to hand the licensing to an actual developer that loves the game of football and cares about its fans. At this point, that's pretty much anyone except for Electronic Arts.    … Expand
  76. augustrushrox
    Sep 12, 2020
    0
    Shoving Kaepernick in this excuse for a game is all you need to know to see how tone deaf, moronic, and political this franchise has unfortunately become. I say this as somebody that usually voted Democrat.
  77. Connorcox1997
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    All I want is a great NFL Football Video Game, and we didn't even get that at all with madden 21. But I'm going to call this one madden 18 Special edition 2.1 because it's pretty much the same game that has not improved at all since madden 18. Franchise mode is the same from madden 18, the Face of the Franchise update is a good idea on paper, but it fails to execute, Superstar KO is prettyAll I want is a great NFL Football Video Game, and we didn't even get that at all with madden 21. But I'm going to call this one madden 18 Special edition 2.1 because it's pretty much the same game that has not improved at all since madden 18. Franchise mode is the same from madden 18, the Face of the Franchise update is a good idea on paper, but it fails to execute, Superstar KO is pretty much identical to last years madden, and Ultimate Team I don't even have to say anything about that stupid Microtransaction mode. I did found the Yard mode to be fun, but that does not make up for the other broken modes. This game is trash don't even buy madden 21. But if your looking to play a Football video game, play the old madden's on the PS2, or play NCAA Football 14… Expand
  78. ONIL80
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Broken game, same game, encouraging children to gamble, no attempt at improvements, bug,glitch copy paste game
  79. themtgdude486
    Dec 14, 2020
    0
    Terrible game. Awful. I hope someone else begins making better football games because EA is awful.
  80. REDMAN_GAMING
    Sep 3, 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 #EndMaddenMonopoly
  81. huggysocks
    Sep 8, 2020
    0
    Every year this game gets worse... even graphics look worse. Why are people buying this.they are copying the last game and changing colors and rosters that is it.
  82. SlyKen
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    if you see any idiot review this game with a 10 because they say peoples anger is not justified or this game is good you can tell them the game was good when it was called madden 16, its the same game with a different name (has been proven a thousand times) imagine if a game like metal gear solid kept releasing the the fifth one, same story with less options every year for 4 years andif you see any idiot review this game with a 10 because they say peoples anger is not justified or this game is good you can tell them the game was good when it was called madden 16, its the same game with a different name (has been proven a thousand times) imagine if a game like metal gear solid kept releasing the the fifth one, same story with less options every year for 4 years and expect the same review score from the original, it doesn't deserve it because its the same freaking game and even if you own the last one you still put a price tag on a copy so NO you dont deserve a score BECAUSE YOU DIDNT MAKE A GAME… Expand
  83. HeavyMetalSloth
    Sep 7, 2020
    2
    I told myself that i would not buy Madden 21, but football season is right around the corner and i wanted to play a football game and unfortunately Madden 21 is the only NFL football simulation game around. So here i am writing a review on Madden 21. Below are my likes and dislikes:

    Likes: - Franchise mode interface color has changed instead of what it was last year as i believe it was    I told myself that i would not buy Madden 21, but football season is right around the corner and i wanted to play a football game and unfortunately Madden 21 is the only NFL football simulation game around. So here i am writing a review on Madden 21. Below are my likes and dislikes:

    Likes:
    - Franchise mode interface color has changed instead of what it was last year as i believe it was grey and bland.
    - Presentation when starting a game has changed which i was happy to see.
    - love how you can pick your own team in Face of the Franchise (FoF)

    Dislikes (i got a lot of them):
    - FoF falls flat on it's face not once, but multiple times. It is like watching someone trip and land on their face, get back up and trip just to land on their face again and they just keep doing that over and over. Here are my reasons for why FoF does just that:
    (1) If you play QB, your team will bring someone in to have a QB battle with you even though your rating is already at 99! which means there should be no battle!
    (2) My QB suffered an injury as that is planned in FoF and eventually played his first game back from healing from his injury and blew out his opponent, but yet the coach pulls me into his office to say that the doc recommends i sit the rest of the year! I PUT ON A GREAT PERFORMANCE, BUT YET THEY STILL WANT ME TO SIT THE REST OF THE YEAR! WHAT SENSE DOES THAT MAKE! I COULD'VE BROUGHT THE TEAM TO THE SUPER BOWL! JUST ANOTHER WASTED YEAR!
    (3) FoF NFL combine is so stupid it might as well not even exist. All you do is some throwing drills and a quick time 40 yard dash. Pure laziness.
    (4) The dialogue can be horrendous. Someone will ask you a question in person whether it be the media, coach, player, etc, but you won't hear them ask you the question as they ask you their questions via text, but yet their voices are muted and their mouths are moving. WHAT SENSE DOES THAT MAKE AS THAT IS JUST PURE LAZINESS EA! The dialogue interactions in this mode are just awkward and the worst i have ever seen and goes to show how mindless and soulless EA is when producing a game.
    (5) When your player is drafted it is supposed to be a special moment, but no. Your player just comes out and holds the jersey and off you go. At least have the commissioner announce you as the draft pick. Again, no thought went into this.
    (6) For some reason the menu music does not play when in this mode. I don't know if it is a bug or not, but i pressed play on one of the songs on the playlist, but still did not play.
    (7) The trade logic does not make sense. For instance i had to choose who i would want on my team. It was a HB with a high 80 rating and a TE with a low 70 rating. I'm like first of all why is this even an option! Of course i am going to accept the HB with the best rating and second of all we didn't even need a HB. Present me players that we actually need!
    (8) In the early stages of this mode why are your players responses in quick time! Let me think about my responses instead of trying to rush me!
    (9) I liked the idea of interacting with the media, players, and coach, but is poorly executed.
    (10) This wasn't even an issue, but just showed how lazy EA was. in FoF you will eventually see Daniel Jeremiah who will talk about you, but you can tell that he is reading off of a script and it does not seem natural.

    Here are my dislikes about the overall game:
    (1) This is an obvious one and has been for years as the game experience lacks that authentic NFL atmosphere and you have a static sideline, robotic fans, lifeless referees, poor booth reviews, the halftime show is still complete crap, commentary still sucks, coaches seem out of character at times as you will never see Andy Reid so pumped during the pregame as he does not display that personality in real life, etc.
    (2) WHAT IS WITH THE STUPID SCREENSHOTS AFTER A GAME HAS ENDED!!!!!!! DO THEY DO THAT IN REAL FOOTBALL? NO!!!!! THEY ACTUALLY SHOW YOU THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GAME AND NOT JUST 4-5 SCREENSHOTS!!!!!!
    (3) Franchise mode still remains somewhat unchanged! They say an update for franchise mode will be coming and that there will be changes to it. But i'm over here thinking why does it take an update to spice up franchise mode. This should've been done before the game was released, but i am thinking that EA was like "oh man, look at the ratings on Metacritic and the social media uproar about how NFL should drop EA we should probably do something". Will the update be worth it? Probably not.
    (4) The constant celebration prompts are kind of annoying.

    Conclusion:
    I was originally going to give this game a 5/10, but seeing the dislikes I have for the game and how the game remains unchanged I will give it a 2/10 because after all it is a football game and is there if you have the itch to play such a game. There is so many ideas and passion that can be put in this game, but EA remains complacent on where the franchise currently stands and we may never get the Madden we want.    … Expand
  84. monkhey
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Don’t waste your money or your time. This is the same crap product that keeps getting rolled out every year.
  85. tfonias74
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    The same recycled piece of garbage game!
    Copy & Paste yet again, the same **** as with Fifa...
  86. XanderC
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game is awful, franchise mode is terrible, gameplay is horrendous, minus a few little things its the same game every year for the last 5 years, The NFL should be ashamed of themselves for allowing a product like this to come out, please don't buy this game, its the only way they will listen.
  87. Djwoods23
    Sep 5, 2020
    1
    It is literally the same game as it has been the past 7 years. All EA did was add a rookie class and then focus solely on MUT to make even more money. This game is garbage. Literally look around any stadium and you see Madden 19 and madden 2020 banners. EA couldnt even replace those with updated banners. They legit just cut crap from past games and moved it to this one and focused on MUT.It is literally the same game as it has been the past 7 years. All EA did was add a rookie class and then focus solely on MUT to make even more money. This game is garbage. Literally look around any stadium and you see Madden 19 and madden 2020 banners. EA couldnt even replace those with updated banners. They legit just cut crap from past games and moved it to this one and focused on MUT. Do not buy this game. If you have ay previous madden from the last 7 years then just play that and import the updated players. Until they actually focus on franchise mode and fix the entire thing, do not buy this game.… Expand
  88. herminott
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Madden will not change until it effects their bottom line. I like many people will not be buying the game, playing the 10 hours of the demo was enough for me. Terrible. #FixMaddenFranchise and #EndMaddenMonoploy and #NFLDropEA
  89. TreeGekko
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Terrible cash grab. All they have done is reskin everything. The base of the game is the same and there is a ton of microtransactions.
  90. loopba
    Sep 11, 2020
    0
    Recycled the same game from last year and past 5 years. The AI has gotten worse over time. Added micro transactions. The game should be free to play at this rate.
  91. Alexkidd580
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    This is more of a response to EA's tone-deaf response to the negative feedback, hashtags, etc. from someone who does not play simulation sports games. For years, Madden NFL has been nothing short of a copy-paste, broken, scripted, cash-grab of a series. The series has been repeatedly stripped of features that made previous Madden games and other football games like 2K8 All-Pro great toThis is more of a response to EA's tone-deaf response to the negative feedback, hashtags, etc. from someone who does not play simulation sports games. For years, Madden NFL has been nothing short of a copy-paste, broken, scripted, cash-grab of a series. The series has been repeatedly stripped of features that made previous Madden games and other football games like 2K8 All-Pro great to many people all the while shoving the mobile game gambling garbage that is Madden Ultimate Team in our faces. Many people have pointed out these glaring issues and much, MUCH more. There is clearly a reason for why hashtags such as #NFLdropEA and #EndMaddenMonopoly have gained so much traction. Statements like "Well, 2 is better than 1!" and "These clowns think you can just snap your fingers and create every one of their requests..." from the developers shows an overwhelming and of tone-deafness and apathy towards gamers and the community that's willing to buy these games year after year. The devs have obviously just stopped giving a f**k and have become complacent with pure, unadulterated, laziness. There is no excuse for this joke of a game and the fact EA and the developers are proud to sell this shows a complete lack of care for the quality of their games. I hope the NFL sees what this franchise really is and drop the exclusive license with EA if not blacklist them entirely from future partnerships.… Expand
  92. ParagonMitchell
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Please, do not buy this virtual slot machine. Another year another sports game, this game makes the NFL look bad. #NFLdropEA
  93. Boag34
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Horrible, a game of unending microtransactions. This is not a simulation football game.
  94. THA2342
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Worst Madden game ever. Bugs, no innovation, and lackluster presentation. All EA care about is microtransactions and MUT. #NFLdropEA!

    Do not purchase this game! If you have Madden 20 or Madden 19 then you already purchase Madden 21.
  95. Atumless
    Nov 8, 2020
    0
    I’m officially done with this toxic company. I refuse to EVER purchase another product that has been stained with the red flag that is the EA Sports logo. I have given this company chance after chance only to be let down time and time again with Copy/Paste, money hungry garbage. It’s not even me playing the game anymore, things just happen in the game for the sake of happening lol, likeI’m officially done with this toxic company. I refuse to EVER purchase another product that has been stained with the red flag that is the EA Sports logo. I have given this company chance after chance only to be let down time and time again with Copy/Paste, money hungry garbage. It’s not even me playing the game anymore, things just happen in the game for the sake of happening lol, like you can’t be serious right? The fact that this game was even released like this deserves significant attention, this company needs and deserves to go under. Players phasing through one another, next to no customization, empty promises of an improved Franchise mode via updates, scripted gameplay, poor movement and overall game mechanics. Why does this horrible company have the exclusive NFL rights? Does the NFL not pay attention to how much people have hated every Madden that EA has put out since, what? 2008. Despicable, -10/10 I want my money back and can’t get it, screw this company.… Expand
  96. LlennellV3
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If they can't give us an updated product, why do they even keep putting games out yearly. This has gone the way if WWE 2K20. I guess some companies can't handle yearly releases. Oh, and the greed.… Expand
  97. JTWilli0
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Another Year. Another piece of **** Madden title. It's the same old song and dance. They took madden 20, which was basically madden 19, which was basically madden 18, which was basically just madden 17 all along, and just slapped Lamar on the cover and changed "20" to "21". Let's start with the esteemed Franchise Mode. It's just as bad as it has been, except the music is different and theAnother Year. Another piece of **** Madden title. It's the same old song and dance. They took madden 20, which was basically madden 19, which was basically madden 18, which was basically just madden 17 all along, and just slapped Lamar on the cover and changed "20" to "21". Let's start with the esteemed Franchise Mode. It's just as bad as it has been, except the music is different and the color scheme is blue rather than the old yellow. Don't get it twisted, the blue is very nice, but sorry EA, thats not worth 60 USD. Next we have FOTF mode, which is just a budget version of 2K's superior career modes and doesn't even remotely represent a simulation experience. So here we have the two most popular modes for simulation NFL fans and they are **** to be blunt. Next we have MUT, the reason why Madden is so bad. It's simply a gambling 101 simulator where it teaches you the value of your money as you waste hundreds of dollars trying to get players who will only be the best in the game for that week as new cards come out. Not to mention all of the EA shills who spend thousands of dollars with increased pack odds to swindle young and naive players into "swiping mom's credit card". The Yard, the big new and exciting mode for players to gravitate to is just another version of MUT with a cosmetic shop with crappy items worth the real world dollar. Mouthpieces for the yard, but not for create a player. The mode was simply created because EA is scared that 2K will be able to create and arcade football game with more depth then their "simulation" experience. Pathetic excuse for a video game. For all of you who complain but still buy it, get ready for the same experience next year because you guys are part of the problem.… Expand
  98. randal750
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    People love to hate on Madden. It is what the cool kids do. Thus, 885 people have chosen to leave a negative review while those of us who… Expand
  99. jross098
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Same game as every other year. They just copy and paste stuff and make you give them money for it. Boring game and i don't recommend.
  100. KidKrausz
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    I'm glad this game was given to me as a birthday gift, because i wouldn't spend my hard earned money on it. Still sucks that EA got a dime for this trash. #EndMaddenMonopoly
Page:

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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