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. maak27
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Words can't describe how god-awful this game is. They would have been better off literally just re-packaging last year's game in its entirety. Somehow, they took all of the garbage that was wrong, re-packaged it, and took out the things that actually worked. Who does that???!!! Save your money. Do not buy this flaming turd of a game.
  2. Fcktrck
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is full of so many bugs it is ridiculous. The game is almost identical to the last one except for the fact that it is way more glitchy. My favorite game mode is the team mode in mut but the game is so glitched I can’t even play. Terrible game even worse developer EA is straight trash
  3. ajmaldo27
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst. Game. Ever. Literally the same exact game from previous years. I don’t know what the developers all year when “trying to make a new game” but they obviously just copy and paste every year. Not buying anymore.… Expand
  4. MakeMaddenGreat
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    THE WORST MADDEN IN HISTORY! **** TRASH! WHY CANT THEY ACTUALLY MAKE A GOOD MADDEN????? MADDEN 12 WAS THE LAST AMAZING ONE.WHAT THE ACTUAL **** HAPPENED?????? **** YOU ea sports
  5. ruvinj
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA's Madden team has consistently disappointed with its product going back to the early 2000s. The denigration of Franchise mode in favor of brainless modes like Ultimate Team and whatever they're calling Road to Glory now long since made me stop buying this product. Only EA could make the job of running an NFL franchise boring - and now boring *and* stripped down. I have not purchasedEA's Madden team has consistently disappointed with its product going back to the early 2000s. The denigration of Franchise mode in favor of brainless modes like Ultimate Team and whatever they're calling Road to Glory now long since made me stop buying this product. Only EA could make the job of running an NFL franchise boring - and now boring *and* stripped down. I have not purchased Madden since the 2016 or 2017 version (and even that was only to play online FRANCHISE with my friends). The NFL should cancel EA's exclusive rights and allow multiple studios to release competing games. That will force EA to actually create a real simulation instead of a blatant annual cash grab right quick. Will not purchase Madden until EA either (a) no longer has exclusive rights or (b) brings back NCAA Football.… Expand
  6. Cweaver23
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I will never buy madden again if EA is making the game. The game is atrocious, and no effort was put into this game at all. This game is a massive spit in the face and it almost feels like they made it this bad on purpose because of all the things said about how bad madden 21 would be.… Expand
  7. Danman235
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The game hasnt changed at all in 10 years yet they make hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Pathetic game, pathetic developers.
  8. itsGONE24
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 has taken the things from Madden 20 and made it better. That’s what you would hope and think but that statement is completely false. Madden 21 is a re-skin of Madden 20 and yet still is worse than the previous madden. Online game are filled with man press and all the previous counter to man in every other madden are now ineffective. Cornerbacks in man play like a heat seekingMadden 21 has taken the things from Madden 20 and made it better. That’s what you would hope and think but that statement is completely false. Madden 21 is a re-skin of Madden 20 and yet still is worse than the previous madden. Online game are filled with man press and all the previous counter to man in every other madden are now ineffective. Cornerbacks in man play like a heat seeking missile, and this is assuming you can get into a game. There seems to be matchmaking and server problems that make the game unplayable. There is input lag that has been experienced by virtually everyone including youtubers. This makes the gameplay frustrating and the line adjustments virtually impossible. Connected Franchise is a disaster with nothing changed including the old bugs that plagued it. EA had their developers who typically work on Connected Franchise go and work on Face of the Franchise. So I am being literal when I say connected Franchise is an absolute re-skin from the previous madden.… Expand
  9. Tkissy
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Created an account just to rate this game, no changes to franchise and buggy. Wait until the game is free, they make enough money from MUT.
  10. prestonrtr
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Been playing Madden for over 10 years now but year after year the game continues to get worse. The movements and gameplay are completely unrealistic and NFL 2k5 movements ( a game from over 15 years ago) had way more realistic gameplay. #NFLDROPEA
  11. rick2slick
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    So glitchy and not worth 60$ at all. Wish I could get my money back. EA should be ashamed
  12. Theljunior
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same low quality game on the same low quality engine. Same plays from 4 years ago work. Sad really. So many glitches and a lot of the cut scenes are identical. I’m only surprised with how bad it is didn’t really expect Improvements but didn’t expect it to regress to this state. I’m done with madden.
  13. Deathsiege
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Had a 10 hour trail of Madden 21. I figured I would try it out, and play the Face of the Franchise mode. I had enjoyed the Fifa narrative story. My first game in the NFL. First drive. Two ineligible men down field and an absolutely inexcusable out of bounds call on a TD. I have been playing Madden for 20+ years and never seen an ineligible man down field penalty, but now I had seen two inHad a 10 hour trail of Madden 21. I figured I would try it out, and play the Face of the Franchise mode. I had enjoyed the Fifa narrative story. My first game in the NFL. First drive. Two ineligible men down field and an absolutely inexcusable out of bounds call on a TD. I have been playing Madden for 20+ years and never seen an ineligible man down field penalty, but now I had seen two in one drive. And the TD, the receiver caught the ball, put the ball in one hand, and took three steps after that in bounds. Called out. I decided the rest of my 7 hours left in the trial weren't worth my time.… Expand
  14. lordblanco
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I'm giving this a 1 just for the designers who made the card designs. That's it. You're the only ones who actually bring some TALENT to this series. Everyone else, incompetence on every level and you guys call yourselves PROFESSIONALS? AAA Devs? Experts? What a joke. You guys are so delusional it's sad and it shows in your product. Humble yourselves, maybe you can put out a decent game again.
  15. RealStevieBear
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Just a roster update. Save your money so hopefully they take making the game better seriously. Can’t wait to see what 2K Sports does with their football game!
  16. Djdeadpixel
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Not only is this game copy and paste every year, it's the story mode is so bland acting. Not even fun anymore with all the glitches. #NFLDropEA!
  17. rockyraccoon91
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    "See what happens Larry? Do you see what happens? Do you see what happens when you **** a stranger in the ass?"
  18. Talo7792
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Game crashed twice before even playing a game, the game play is completely the same as madden 20 except you broke it even more. And franchise mode was left untouched for the 20th year in a row… Expand
  19. airbizcut
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Don't buy. Glitchy, buggy, riddled with micro-transactions, roster update and a new mode that isn't worth it. Same game as Madden 18. Just play 2k5, 2k8 or NCAA 14, you'll have more fun without burning a hole in your wallet.
  20. evsilva
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    When will EA Sports make a really good franchise mode? - Contracts and renovations are ridiculous
    ON MADDEN 08 WE HAD HOULDOUT
    - FA need improve - Draft scouting is a piece of **** - We dont have senior bowl - More interation with combine - More interation with press, players and owner - FIX TRADES ( PLEASEEEE) AND MUCH MORE!!! Madden 21 is Madden 20 with new rosters! THAT IS IT. DON'T    When will EA Sports make a really good franchise mode? - Contracts and renovations are ridiculous
    ON MADDEN 08 WE HAD HOULDOUT
    - FA need improve
    - Draft scouting is a piece of ****
    - We dont have senior bowl
    - More interation with combine
    - More interation with press, players and owner
    - FIX TRADES ( PLEASEEEE)
    AND MUCH MORE!!!

    Madden 21 is Madden 20 with new rosters! THAT IS IT. DON'T SPEND YOUR MONEY!    … Expand
  21. Swagyyolo123
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game sucks!!! Franchise is the same. It is filled with bugs and glitches
  22. Halfline
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Do u love buying the same game from year to year with minimum work done to add to the experience? If so this is the game for you. Just another great game from your friends at EA.
  23. Bebotrishula
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    . If people were to stop buying into their piles of poo, maybe they will stop making said piles. That or just drop the franchise all together because "Oh, it isn't making us money anymore." A company's thought these days aren't "What would the players like that can make bank at the same time," it's "How can we milk our playerbase of as much of their money as inhumanly as possible."
  24. Mulecac
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I couldn't believe it could get any worse than last year. I see no inprovement in the gameplay and i dont see any of the new features promoted in the trailers.… Expand
  25. Bronco_8
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Worst game of all time nothing like real football #NFLdropEA #FixMaddenFranchise
  26. Realchristian
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Such a sad story every year I get hopeful and every year they do the same thing it’s a money machine designed for gambling. Franchise mode is still a bare waste land of nothing.
  27. Weselypipes
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Do not waste your money on a game that’s basically a patch update from the year before with minimal upgrades in gameplay and zero upgrades in Mut, “Classic” Franchise mode and even the new mode from last year Superstar KO. Face of the franchise is a waste of time with a terrible original storyline that isn’t decision based. Plus once your enter the NFL the new storylines the game createsDo not waste your money on a game that’s basically a patch update from the year before with minimal upgrades in gameplay and zero upgrades in Mut, “Classic” Franchise mode and even the new mode from last year Superstar KO. Face of the franchise is a waste of time with a terrible original storyline that isn’t decision based. Plus once your enter the NFL the new storylines the game creates for you are completely out of place and make absolutely no sense. Your basically playing a career highlight tape of your career which is what nobody asked for… Expand
  28. HowToChan
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I’ve played madden for almost 15 years and this has to be the glitchiest Madden game I’ve ever played.
    While there were some improvements, they are few and far between. Based on the few improvements made and major flaws with the game, I would say the game would be worth buying if it was priced at $20. - Players consistently warp into non-sensical animations. For example linebackers or    I’ve played madden for almost 15 years and this has to be the glitchiest Madden game I’ve ever played.
    While there were some improvements, they are few and far between. Based on the few improvements made and major flaws with the game, I would say the game would be worth buying if it was priced at $20. - Players consistently warp into non-sensical animations. For example linebackers or defensive backs could be in a horrible position to make a play on the ball, however they will teleport to the ball so that they can intercept it or deflect it. Not very realistic for a football game with the exclusive license for simulation NFL football. - The game is absurdly unbalanced with certain X-Factors being game breaking. The dline doesn’t get any pressure unless you user them, however when you do user them, they abuse the offensive line. - AI is very slightly improved but still terrible - The story line for Face of the Franchise is absolutely horrendous. I won’t spoil too much, but it might be the worst storyline ever in a sports game. Your decisions don’t matter and no matter how you play, the story follows the same linear path. The combine is lame and is a downgrade from Madden 08’s combine. - No improvements to franchise mode. Sure updates are coming, but these features should have been in included in the base $60 game at launch. Franchise is missing many feature that existed in past maddens. - There are so many issues with madden that it’s overwhelming to even type everything. So my conclusion is Madden 21 SUCKS    … Expand
  29. Ncars
    Dec 24, 2020
    0
    If you have no explanation why my O line can't block when it's their only job. Or why the 20 logo was in the game like last year. Or how during a game your coding literally just starts **** the user over. I'm glad this game tanked and the only real reason I bought it was because it was only 30 bucks. Also, why does the computer purposely make you turn the ball over with lagged bs plays?!If you have no explanation why my O line can't block when it's their only job. Or why the 20 logo was in the game like last year. Or how during a game your coding literally just starts **** the user over. I'm glad this game tanked and the only real reason I bought it was because it was only 30 bucks. Also, why does the computer purposely make you turn the ball over with lagged bs plays?! Will never buy again… Expand
  30. Fiendo
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Absolute trash. Nfl needs to drop EA immediately. Terrible all the way around.
  31. HighElph
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I literally created an account just to rate this piece of garbage a 0 out of 10
  32. TackySouvenirs
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    My review isn't going to tell you sometime you haven't heard by now, it isn't going to change your life, or help you get the girl. This reviews sole purpose is to add my voice to the cacophony of frustrated and disenfranchised Madden fans. EA has continued its commitment to provide an evermore striped down game year after year. And at this point I'm just waiting for them to package theMy review isn't going to tell you sometime you haven't heard by now, it isn't going to change your life, or help you get the girl. This reviews sole purpose is to add my voice to the cacophony of frustrated and disenfranchised Madden fans. EA has continued its commitment to provide an evermore striped down game year after year. And at this point I'm just waiting for them to package the numerous bugs as "features". I would be happy to commit addition money to this game if the base product was a quality product that showed that EA respects and values their customers. Unlike some, I don't mind a company adding features like The Yard to increase revenue as long they take provide a quality product. EA has committed to selling a $60 roster update each year and it shows.… Expand
  33. Drkrgrs27
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The glitches in this game are just brutal and extremely frustrating I think it’s time for someone else to make a football game
  34. RabidWolverine1
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    A few new animations and a roster update is not enough. #FixMaddenfranchise #NFLdropEA
  35. italianSauce
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This is the hottest piece of garbage EA has ever released! I could polish a turd and make it look better than this steaming pile of manure. Everything has stated the same or gotten worse. They added a new game more with The Yard and guess what? It's littered with microtransactions. No surprise there! Do yourself a favor NFL, and give EA some competition. Whats the worst that can happen? EAThis is the hottest piece of garbage EA has ever released! I could polish a turd and make it look better than this steaming pile of manure. Everything has stated the same or gotten worse. They added a new game more with The Yard and guess what? It's littered with microtransactions. No surprise there! Do yourself a favor NFL, and give EA some competition. Whats the worst that can happen? EA makes a better product and then everyone makes more money!… Expand
  36. Juicebox619
    Sep 2, 2020
    1
    This game is literal definition of lazy. same game, sometimes different name, there are actual items like a bucket in the game that says madden 20. The fact that there is 4 currency's in this game is laughable and is surprising how some people defend a game, scratch that, a virtual slot machine that I have high odds of winning the actual lottery than getting a card with an 88 overall.This game is literal definition of lazy. same game, sometimes different name, there are actual items like a bucket in the game that says madden 20. The fact that there is 4 currency's in this game is laughable and is surprising how some people defend a game, scratch that, a virtual slot machine that I have high odds of winning the actual lottery than getting a card with an 88 overall. Sports games I ask, no i demand you stop buying this garbage and EA will actually make a good football game or at the least the NFL will let other publishers have the rights to the NFL making it so you not just forced to buy this garbage. In conclusion just buy madden 18 and update your roster and then you'll have the same game at a cheaper price. funny thing being I wouldn't even recommend getting madden 17, if you want a good football game play madden 04.… Expand
  37. Badman420
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    More than half the game doesn’t even work correctly, complete waste of money and time
  38. Davi6492962
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Bugs and glitchs this only gets worse every year ea Just thinks about get more more and more money easily
  39. Fourthandfoles
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I thought this was an NFL Street reboot, and i was wrong. It's worse than said XB1 title
  40. ajstyles11
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the worst **** game ever made. Terrible controls and even worse graphics. As well as button lag throughout the game even the main menu. I do not recommend this game at all

    Edit**
    Months later and this is still the worst game you could ever get besides Cyberpunk, but you can’t do anything to stop a **** running the ball. Throw out of sack is the dumbest **** I’ve ever seen. ****s run one coverage and you can’t get the time you need.to beat it because you get sacked within 3 seconds. The player movement is horrendous still and I feel like they made it worse because ****s hate next gen so they said let’s **** up old gen to make them move and spend more money. WR still don’t go for the ball when I’m single coverage so it’s an interception every time. Trash ass ****s just sit and throw streaks to Tyreek or Hollywood brown and there’s zero you can do to stop it. 0/10 one of the worst games of the year by a terrible company    … Expand
  41. twentyone_babs
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same game every year, cash grab, microtransactions, bugs, glitches. EA are the most disgusting company out there.
  42. Jeoki
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Game is so bad. It's more like a buggy update than an actual new game. EA has ignored fans for years and it shows after not playing Madden since PS3 days. How did the game get worse since then. Why is franchise mode worse/neglected. Do you guys even care at this point because how can a game that does not really change get worse over the years lol.
  43. kjb_lovinlife
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I'm not going to buy the game. I watched gameplay and played at a friend's. I miss, so dearly miss the Madden that I grew up on and am tired of this crap EA tries to shove down our throat. #NflDropEA
  44. trulldevin
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Get off your ass NFL and fire these clowns. How is this game even legal? Hopefully we see change soon. Go to Twitter and contribute to the cause. #nfldropea #fixmaddenfranchise
  45. Ethan017
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I only bought this game because my friend insisted that I do because we went off to college and he wanted something for us to be able to do while we were apart. Sadly I can’t even play with my friend thanks to all the glitches and bugs and how poor the overall controls are. I was already not happy about spending 60 dollars on this game as I know it’s simply a roster update with terribleI only bought this game because my friend insisted that I do because we went off to college and he wanted something for us to be able to do while we were apart. Sadly I can’t even play with my friend thanks to all the glitches and bugs and how poor the overall controls are. I was already not happy about spending 60 dollars on this game as I know it’s simply a roster update with terrible graphics, but now that I’ve seen the final product I’m even more mortified at the fact I put a penny down on this monstrosity.… Expand
  46. JonathanG
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Nothing has changed year after year with madden. Just a roster update with a new mode no one asked for. Franchise hasn't be touched. Face of the Franchise is a complete joke. Ultimate team is a pay to win. Everything on the game is a copy and paste from last year. #NFLdropEa #FixMaddenFranchise
  47. Ariptic
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same game! Been playing it since launch and the only thing different is that there are way more glitches.
  48. tylergibby
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Told myself after Madden ‘20 that I was done - however, as a Ravens fan I was happy to see Lamar on the cover and decided I’d buy the game to support my guy. Bought the game, installed it, updated it & turned it on. Went to go claim my Lamar pack for MUT and was forwarded to ‘The Yard’ and my game froze. My first experience with the game & it did not get much better because then I startedTold myself after Madden ‘20 that I was done - however, as a Ravens fan I was happy to see Lamar on the cover and decided I’d buy the game to support my guy. Bought the game, installed it, updated it & turned it on. Went to go claim my Lamar pack for MUT and was forwarded to ‘The Yard’ and my game froze. My first experience with the game & it did not get much better because then I started to actually play the game and realized that the game not only did not improve over last year but it actually got worse. This game would not even be good by PS3 standards. EA has ruined this franchise & the fact that they are profiting off of Lamar’s likeness makes me sick. This is it for me. I am done. Not only with Madden but with EA all together. This company is a stain on the video game industry & if the NFL wants to maintain its reputation as a premier product they will cut ties with this lazy, greedy, uncreative, untalented group of losers. Goodbye & good riddance.… Expand
  49. Tedteddy06
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Electronic Arts had done it again. No effort at all. A copy paste of previous Madden . Broken and glitching, But give me your money for ultimate team packs that is not even worth expending your time and money. EA doesn’t care about the game and consumer, they just care about their wallets. DO NOT EXPEND YOUR MONEY ON THIS GARBAGE!
  50. Tbo
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA I hope your corporate greed destroys your company. You copy and paste the same game every year...thanks for really looking out for the consumers!
  51. SavageSullly
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is worse and worse every year. Its sad because I love the mut game mode and want to play, but the slow and poor quality of this game makes it torture to put the time into. I bought it with hype of the NFL season coming, and days after release they are just handing out free copies. Where my free copy or my money back or least an update that makes this worth playing. Where is the content?
  52. Patrickb20
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Worst game I have ever played. They riddle the game with micro transactions and previous assets from earlier games.
  53. Eg25
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I haven’t played madden or bought madden since 6 years ago I’m a big nfl fan and the reason I stop playing was madden 2014 wich was by far the worst madden ever so this year I was like hey madden looks pretty good I think imma buy so I did buy it and payed 60$ plus 50$ for adds and stuff the first few minutes the game felt great but after the first hour I realized how bad this game was it had so many bugs and the gameplay isn’t bad but it didn’t felt that different from the last madden game I played I’m here to say don’t make the mistake I made don’t buy this game it’s not worth it I have no idea why ea sports exists fifa is the worst game ever and I should of known better before buying madden and realizing that this is a monopoly game they just want your money for a … Expand
  54. Keegan23
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Madden 20 wasn’t the best but it was playable. Madden 21 isn’t even that. The common saying that this game is just a roster update every year would be a compliment to this years game. This looks and feels like a beta to the beta to the beta. Terrible game.
  55. Aubins
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Even if this game was free, I probably wouldn't take up HD space for it. I miss 2K NFL games.
  56. WMiller81
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Embarrassing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  57. BuzzerBeater365
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The bugs and glitches ruin the game. Also, the fact that it is super laggy online is awful. Mut squads shotgun formations will glitch you out
    and make it so the qb cant move. An embarrassment of a billion dollar company.
  58. Javel123
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Same stuff every year ea needs competition do not buy this game its a waste of time. Filled with bugs and re used animations 60$ for a roster update nothing else
  59. Hsans
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This it this worst madden game I have ever played. I wish I could throw it out at this point. There’s absolutely no improvement whatsoever to the franchise, and the EA developers could care less about their consumer base. They only want to line their pockets. The NFL needs to drop them ASAP and sign on a company who wants to revive franchise mode. EA if you’re reading this: YOU ARE A JOKE!!!
  60. Tmacmac1979
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    EA...congratulations on being an EPIC fail and proving once again the only thing you care about is bleeding out the consumer of their money. I played the first ever madden on the computer in 1989 and have played since 2020. Once upon a time madden was worth while to play, the franchise mode although not as deep as nfl 2k5 was still leaps and bounds better than what we have today,EA...congratulations on being an EPIC fail and proving once again the only thing you care about is bleeding out the consumer of their money. I played the first ever madden on the computer in 1989 and have played since 2020. Once upon a time madden was worth while to play, the franchise mode although not as deep as nfl 2k5 was still leaps and bounds better than what we have today, everyone has been begging and pleading for you to give us a game that is truly immersive, fun and challenging. Instead we get buggy, glitchy, micro transaction filled garbage experience year in and year out, what’s worse is you guys clearly don’t care because your the only NFL simulation footBall game in town and those who will want a better franchise experience, we’ll good sirs and ladies you don’t matter, because MUT and pay for The Yard customization is who We are now and we like it. Monetization at its very best. Your Twitter responses clearly show how much you care about your consumer and The Youtuber influencers don’t say anything well because they know you won’t give them early access codes, yet they will complain when animations screw them over and over again. We have been asking for better because you are an Triple A developer who delivers crappy gameplay, with glitchy, buggy animations, the lack of attention to detail, the shameless implementations of micro transactions, a franchise that is copied and pasted over and over and over again with “0” updates or features added. We have been pleading with you EA to make things right and make us feel that our voices are being heard by you. I have defended you for years and since 2015 I can no longer do so. You have truly shown what a true monopoly looks like and that the NFL also doesn’t care as long as you make them money. Until this is fixed and we get a game that is truly worthy of its namesake I will no longer be buying your **** games and will be dropping 0 scores year after year after year until you fix this mess and ask that everyone consider doing the same. Sincerely The Legit Madden gamer since 1989.

    PS-Clint The offensive line blocks exactly the same way you did when you were in the NFL...Sooooo realistic sir. #NFLDropEA #FixTheFreakinFranchise #DropClint #WeDeserve better    … Expand
  61. adhanneman
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Madden is a sorry excuse for being the holder of the only "simulation" football game. Its entirely unrealistic and devoid of any depth. Franchise mode has been ignored since 2013 and this year is no exception. New additions like The Yard and Face of the Franchise are awful. The acting, storyline, and feel of Face of the Franchise is god awful and sorry, I legitimately can not believe aMadden is a sorry excuse for being the holder of the only "simulation" football game. Its entirely unrealistic and devoid of any depth. Franchise mode has been ignored since 2013 and this year is no exception. New additions like The Yard and Face of the Franchise are awful. The acting, storyline, and feel of Face of the Franchise is god awful and sorry, I legitimately can not believe a billion dollar company created it. The Yard is a new mode EA sports can use to take more money from the consumer through microtransactions. Please, do not buy this game as it is a waste of your hard earned money.… Expand
  62. Hugh_johnson
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    I was going to skip out on going through the hassle to create a meta critic account just to give the game a zero, but when I saw that they gave thousands of free copies away, when I pre ordered the game for 100 dollars with my hard earned money. I was already frustrated but that infuriated me. They did it all in a attempt to not let the nfl see the #nfldropea and to wash it all away withI was going to skip out on going through the hassle to create a meta critic account just to give the game a zero, but when I saw that they gave thousands of free copies away, when I pre ordered the game for 100 dollars with my hard earned money. I was already frustrated but that infuriated me. They did it all in a attempt to not let the nfl see the #nfldropea and to wash it all away with spamming free copies to people that will also be not educated on sports gaming and have more of a chance to give the game a higher rating… Expand
  63. MeNamesReid
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    It’s pretty disappointing the laziness in this game year after year. From spelling mistakes in the menu, to game breaking glitches, lack of modes FROM OVER A DECADE AGO! Madden has so much potential, football games in this generation of consoles could do so much and give us options to make the game even better for the consumer. I would like to create my own team and build it to a dynastyIt’s pretty disappointing the laziness in this game year after year. From spelling mistakes in the menu, to game breaking glitches, lack of modes FROM OVER A DECADE AGO! Madden has so much potential, football games in this generation of consoles could do so much and give us options to make the game even better for the consumer. I would like to create my own team and build it to a dynasty in a deep and fun franchise mode, but no, instead my option is to pay money in ultimate team. I will gladly buy this game year after year if we seen real change and have the players more creative options and depth. I will miss old madden, and I can only hope we see this game get better in the future. #EAdropmadden… Expand
  64. ElijahM70
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Madden could be so much better than it is. The amount of features they’ve taken out of this game. Especially Franchise mode is beyond ridiculous. They need to get some developers who actually know football and make a game that’s realistic to actual football. That’s what fans want. And quite frankly we haven’t gotten that since the late 2000’s. And while you are at it EA. how about youMadden could be so much better than it is. The amount of features they’ve taken out of this game. Especially Franchise mode is beyond ridiculous. They need to get some developers who actually know football and make a game that’s realistic to actual football. That’s what fans want. And quite frankly we haven’t gotten that since the late 2000’s. And while you are at it EA. how about you actually make the soundtracks good again. This game is glitchy and just hot Garbage. also micro transactions are as rampant as ever. Just bring back the old days of madden and football games.… Expand
  65. Noahnoahnoah
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    I made an account just so that I can say that this is an inter garbage game. Company doesn’t care about anything but money and I hope I see they day when I watch EA crumble.
  66. Twistedrlty95
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Honestly I signed up for Metacritic just to leave a review for this game because of how terrible it is. Simulation football is not playing as the Chiefs and being able to throw a TD pass to Tyreek Hill every time no matter what defensive scheme or adjustments you run. Simulation football is not the game deciding what happens with animations that break the game. EA needs to dropHonestly I signed up for Metacritic just to leave a review for this game because of how terrible it is. Simulation football is not playing as the Chiefs and being able to throw a TD pass to Tyreek Hill every time no matter what defensive scheme or adjustments you run. Simulation football is not the game deciding what happens with animations that break the game. EA needs to drop Frostbite, in fact EA in general doesn't deserve to have the NFL simulation license. If they advertised this as an arcade football game I'd believe them more. Please do not buy this game not even on sale unless it's under $10, even that much is a hard sell for me.… Expand
  67. FranCan
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Waste of money. The same game every year. In fact this game isnt even 60 dollars microtransactions make the game cost way more.
  68. Bmeans
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Game is worse than last year by far. Defense is shoddy and unpredictable. Offense overpowered. Glitchy
  69. Mattygoblue
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is just a mobile pay to win game at this point. Franchise is still ignored after years and years, of fans begging EA to fix it. When games 15 years ago are way ahead of a game that is coming out today, there is an absolute problem. Don't even get me started on gameplay..… Expand
  70. LudaKris28
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    The worst iteration of the game in years. The animations/physics are clunky, the face of the franchise mode is terribly written and lazy, and the defensive AI is so bad that it is tough not to give up 30+ points a game. Bought the game to play franchise mode with 3 friends and between the bad AI, bugs, etc we have given up after a week.
  71. simba_ysp
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This is just ass, lol. we need to do something EA gotta realize you can’t scam ppl like this
  72. Kimjongun2007
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Fix the game ea. Every year it's the same thing There's still bugs and glitches that need to be fixed. The microtranacations are terrible. Ea fix your game.
  73. HDBlackHippo
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    $60 roster update, no changes to franchise. Bugs, and lots of them. Espn 2k5 was leaps ahead of this garbage.
  74. Your_
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This game is horrible. There is no reason for the game to be this bad. Who play tested this. Did no one actually make sure that this game was even functional. Don't waist your 60$ and boycott EA.
  75. VibeAudit
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    #NFLDropEA this game is terrible. The abuse of compulsion to trick lifelong Madden Players into emptying their pockets for a relevant team in the only half ass game mode is getting disgusting. You put every new feature behind a pay wall, exclude customization to the yard, and just blatantly don’t care about GAMEPLAY. The engine sucks. The fluidity, motion, and reactivity of players is hot#NFLDropEA this game is terrible. The abuse of compulsion to trick lifelong Madden Players into emptying their pockets for a relevant team in the only half ass game mode is getting disgusting. You put every new feature behind a pay wall, exclude customization to the yard, and just blatantly don’t care about GAMEPLAY. The engine sucks. The fluidity, motion, and reactivity of players is hot **** EA. I swear to god that NFL 2k5 had more authentic movement and physics. This game is it for me. I haven’t had fun on madden in 4 years.… Expand
  76. Grifter1462
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Flat out garbage. NFL Drop EA. Do not waste your time. I’m going to return it and get madden 18 for a dollar at GameStop. Worth more than this.
  77. dazad001
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    After waiting 12 years for Madden to at a minimum bring the franchise back to the quality it was in 2008... at a minimum. I have lost faith in Madden & the NFL and have just bought a PS2 and Madden 2008 because I know that EA has a group of individuals making Madden who have never watched, played or had interest in football or video games at any point in their life. How sad. I hope noneAfter waiting 12 years for Madden to at a minimum bring the franchise back to the quality it was in 2008... at a minimum. I have lost faith in Madden & the NFL and have just bought a PS2 and Madden 2008 because I know that EA has a group of individuals making Madden who have never watched, played or had interest in football or video games at any point in their life. How sad. I hope none of the makers of madden or EA have children they are teaching these values to. I hope EA goes bankrupt and anyone everyone who agreed to charge money for Madden 21 should at least go to court for misleading the customer and selling a counterfeit product that is Madden 12 with updated rosters.… Expand
  78. Savagematty
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoil alert: this year’s Madden is an even bigger heap of flaming hot trash than last year. How that’s even possible is beyond my logic or understanding.… Expand
  79. DebonairGaming
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Thank GOD I was able to play this game for free with the EA PlayPro. All EA games are going downhill and Madden has pretty much gone the furthest. If we were racing to the bottom of the barrel for worst game ever, Madden may have just hit pay dirt. I have a Upper-Mid tier Gaming PC and this game wont run on it. I have a 250mbps internet speed with $200 into my modem and router. I try toThank GOD I was able to play this game for free with the EA PlayPro. All EA games are going downhill and Madden has pretty much gone the furthest. If we were racing to the bottom of the barrel for worst game ever, Madden may have just hit pay dirt. I have a Upper-Mid tier Gaming PC and this game wont run on it. I have a 250mbps internet speed with $200 into my modem and router. I try to play the "Face of the Franchise" mode, and the game crashes to the main menu (5 times now) when I'm in the middle of the high school game. Now tonight, I thought I'd try to give it one last chance, and what do I get? The game freezes every time I try to load the last auto save before the game started. Tried it 3 times, froze every time. Thank you Madden for continuing to give zero sh*ts about your customers. I will NEVER by another EA game because their brand basically means Early Alpha as that's the state in which most of their games release. I love sports games, but MLB the Show is the only one that delivers quality game play and features that work. 2k and EA can both go kick rocks, you've ruined sports games for me and thousands of others.… Expand
  80. Mkalil
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Horrendous game. 0 content. It’s a fantasy card game at this point loosely based around the NFL. Don’t really get why they keep their license as players in the cards represent nothing of real life players. They’re made up by EA to bring in money.
  81. Miketraum86
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Spoiler alert!? If you’ve been playing Madden since at least 2014-it’s the SAME DAME THING. Cheap, generic, non-immersive. F*CK MADDEN & EA! Until this game undergoes a complete revamp and completely unrecognizable...won’t get a nickel from me! And I speak for the majority.
  82. Miniburger14
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Worst Madden I have ever played!!! Way too many glitches and a complete waste of money. #NFLDROPEA
  83. jginge02
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 is the biggest joke of a game. EA Sports should be ashamed of themselves for even attempting to sell this game as a finish product. My first impressions of the game were as such:
    -It is an incomplete game
    -it is madden 20.5 - Franchise mode remained unchanged for the 5th year in a row, most game developers improve their game, EA seems to take stuff away until they find a way to    Madden 21 is the biggest joke of a game. EA Sports should be ashamed of themselves for even attempting to sell this game as a finish product. My first impressions of the game were as such:
    -It is an incomplete game
    -it is madden 20.5
    - Franchise mode remained unchanged for the 5th year in a row, most game developers improve their game, EA seems to take stuff away until they find a way to monetize it
    - You can’t play one game without experiencing one of their many game-breaking glitches

    Overall impression: DON’T BUY THIS GAME!!! This is the worst game EA Sports has produced ever! I’d rather play any other madden game, and I would have a blast doing it. EA needs to improve their game significantly.    … Expand
  84. Jose101010101
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Madden 20 is the worst madden I’ve ever played, I’m a big mut guy and I’ve never seen how you got to spend 1000 bucks on this game to be competitive, last years game was bad but you could compete with a team of you just grinding the game and now since the meta is man coverage and speed you literally can’t win with a lower team. The gameplay is at its lowest #nfldropea
  85. LuuTim59
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game might actually be the worst game I´ve bought. It´s not even that Franchise did not get any update, i would be okay with it if the gameplay feels good again. But the game just feels the same like last year and maybe even worse.

    The story of Face of the Franchise is atrocious. You have a starting QB with a serious heart condition? Good, put him at WR so he can get hit more. You and the Guy with his illness go to same college, he has to go to the hospital during the Championship Game. So you win the Natty, he´s in the hospital and guess what: He´s going to be the starter next season.

    Besides the story, how about the uniforms for your High School Team? Well EA just puts the same uniforms in as if you move your team in Franchise. Those are in the game since I started playing with Madden 25.

    Now you buy this game for I think 70€ to see that EA gives out free keys like Oprah. As EA I would simply be embarrassed to put out a game this bad. If 2k ever gets a shot to make a NFL game it will be better, there is no doubt in my mind.

    If the NFL even looks at this for 5 minutes they have to overthink whether or not EA is the right company. A company which puts out an unfinished game, promotes playing with serious injuries/illnesses and basically loughs at customers and people with honest feedback:    … Expand
  86. Bingosemooch
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    NFL needs to drop EA sports. They haven't improved the game in years and somehow made it worse this time around. This isnt last years game with better graphics, it is a slap in the face to sports fans and gamers alike
  87. Rookiekeeper
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Ripped off ... Game has 'Madden 20' and ' 'Madden 19' logos all over the stadiums, pretty much telling you how much effort the devs have put in. Franchise is still ass ... Its pretty much Madden 15 ... Dont buy!!!!!
  88. ReturnOfTheBeam
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Me and my G Izie play this everyday on that Paid 2 Play yadigg It has its flaws and not alot has changed. #DropEA NFL its time to give it back to the BITTY you heard Z
  89. DrSize711
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. same game as Madden 2010...........the only thing that has changed is the rosters and they are even slow updating the rosters...… Expand
  90. agooding21
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Awful game in the once great Madden series. The game is lacking features that were a staple of the franchise back in the PlayStation 2 days. Sad to see the selfish greed of EA has taken a once great football game, and turned it into a madden ultimate team focused money pit, for the few people that enjoy this poor excuse for a “simulation” football game.
  91. iCreate
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This game is so bad that I have created a Metacritic account solely to give this game a 0.

    Mind you, I have been playing Madden since I was four years old. Madden 06 on the PS2 was the first that I remember playing with my dad in the apartment we had. Those times were great; if it weren't from those games back then, I might've never had that love for football that I have now. However,    This game is so bad that I have created a Metacritic account solely to give this game a 0.

    Mind you, I have been playing Madden since I was four years old. Madden 06 on the PS2 was the first that I remember playing with my dad in the apartment we had. Those times were great; if it weren't from those games back then, I might've never had that love for football that I have now. However, that was then, and now is now. to quote the great Angry Video Game Nerd: "This game **** sucks."

    I'm sure that everyone and their parents know that Madden 21 is essentially a get rich quick scheme of a game created by EA. Re-used assets, game-breaking glitches, and the same damn animations are what you are going to get if you purchase the game. Obviously, it seems that the developers at EA do not care about having a realistic football simulation, which is what Madden was and is supposed to be. Rather, they only care about making money, whether it be from Ultimate Team or The Yard, EA's attempt at rivaling 2K's attempt at a non-simulation NFL game that has not been released at the time of this review. And who can blame them? As many people have said before me, "without competition, people get lazy."

    What I have typed above has been said over and over by the (currently) 3,420 negative reviews of this game on Metacritic, as well as on online forums, YouTube, Twitter, and even by trusted gaming news outlets such as IGN. Many people have thankfully listened to the harsh criticism this year, and as such, most people have decided to not buy the game this year. In response, EA is currently trying to give free copies of Madden 21 away, not trying to take criticism from the people who are actually spending money on this garbage.

    Personally, I believe that EA has had too many chances to right their course to avoid where they are now. We know that EA refuses to listen to our take on the game and how it can be improved upon, or perhaps they just don't care. Who knows; Madden 22 might just be Ultimate Team only, and the rest of the game will be a static image of the executives giving us the middle finger. The Madden ship isn't just sinking: the ship is on fire, it's being raided by pirates, everyone has dysentery, and the developers are being currently being hit-sticked by Bobby Wagner. The only way we can fix this is if the NFL terminates it's exclusive rights contract with EA Sports. I don't know how they can do it, but they better.

    I will not be buying Madden this year, and I should not have bought Madden 20. I will being going back to Madden 18; I have a Cleveland Browns Franchise that is in the year 2047 and I will enjoy what little time I have left with Matt Keenum, Emmit Smith III, and the rest of the gang until the servers shut down later this year.

    To summarize, please do not buy this game. EA dropping the ball is a complete understatement. Play an older title on your Xbox One or PS4, or perhaps you can go out of the way and purchase an Xbox 360/PS3 or an OG Xbox/PS2 to experience a good Madden. Maybe Madden 06; when times were simpler.

    #NFLDropEA    … Expand
  92. B-Web
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler alert, this game sucks. I made a metacritic account just to give this game a 0. Do you want to know how to play madden 21 for free? Just continue to play madden 20 and then play The Yard on mobile. This game is a carbon copy aside from a few minor things and new abilities. Same elementary coding from the early to mid 2010s, animation and RNG based gameplay. Players still glitch through each other, There’s no AI to speak of because they do not adapt. PA crossers can beat most defenses if not user controlled. Imagine a real NFL team running the same play 40 times a game; I think after the second or third time, they’d adjust. Face of the franchise is the most shallow career mode in any sports mode aside from regular franchise. The writing is so cringy, I’d rather watch Scott’s Tots and Dinner Party from The Office than listen to the dialogue and the joke of a plot this game offers. One of the nicknames you can have for your team is “Super Duper Dub Club.” Really? I had to turn my PlayStation and go outside after I read that. The forced chemistry between Tommy Matthews and your character is bad enough to make me want to be sick. The guy was a jerk the entire game and then, because he has a bad heart, you were forced to build some stupid friendship with him. “That guy is your brother” no Reggie, he was mad that I told coach about his crappy heart And benched him. He then switches to receiver and then follows me to college STILL trying to win back his QB role. It’s just stupid, unrealistic, and boring. MUT is the same as last year and the year before that, etc. It’s a casino that kids use their moms credit card to buy packs. If you liked MUT before, you’ll like it this year and vice versa; again, this game is a copy paste. The Yard is the only bright spot and even then it’s just meh. EA monopolized the NFL Simulation license and then makes a strictly arcade based game mode. It’s just weird to me. They should focus on fixing gameplay and their simulation modes before adding a backyard football mode. Ffs, if you are going to make it so nobody else can compete with you in a specific field, you should have to have it damn near perfected and it could not be further than that. Franchise mode is shallow and stupid. The trade logic is ridiculously bad and I get bored after a season or two. All in all, I hope this is the worst madden ever rated so EA will hopefully be forced to fix their game. … Expand
  93. jrockefeller3
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Same game as it was 5 years ago. Glitches everywhere. Disconnects online when I have an uber fast ETHERNET connection. **** EA games. Zero effort put into the game in the last half decade and the entire business motto is microtransactions for bums to beat you who don't even understand football. If I could give this game a negative rating I would. NFL needs to drop EA so 2k can make thisSame game as it was 5 years ago. Glitches everywhere. Disconnects online when I have an uber fast ETHERNET connection. **** EA games. Zero effort put into the game in the last half decade and the entire business motto is microtransactions for bums to beat you who don't even understand football. If I could give this game a negative rating I would. NFL needs to drop EA so 2k can make this game properly.… Expand
  94. augyrocks
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This game is the last straw for madden for me. I have bought every madden sense madden 06 and every year it gets worse for my favorite mode. The last good madden was 10 and the last ok madden was 13, All I want is a good franchise mode that is a simulation game because that is what your license is EA. You may not care EA but you lost a loyal customer. I can not wait for the 2k game in aThis game is the last straw for madden for me. I have bought every madden sense madden 06 and every year it gets worse for my favorite mode. The last good madden was 10 and the last ok madden was 13, All I want is a good franchise mode that is a simulation game because that is what your license is EA. You may not care EA but you lost a loyal customer. I can not wait for the 2k game in a couple years.… Expand
  95. Delta7681
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    EA hasn't improved the series in years, even before going to an engine that really isn't optimal for a sports game. Scripting plays and animations is terrible. They just don't put the work in to the game, usually resulting in a "madden journey" as one of the devs say. I didn't buy a game to have it be "finished" throughout the year after release. Nevermind the fact it isn't ever reallyEA hasn't improved the series in years, even before going to an engine that really isn't optimal for a sports game. Scripting plays and animations is terrible. They just don't put the work in to the game, usually resulting in a "madden journey" as one of the devs say. I didn't buy a game to have it be "finished" throughout the year after release. Nevermind the fact it isn't ever really finished because it's so broken from the start. I will not buy madden anymore until EA loses the exclusivity to a simulation football game, when they don't make a SIMULATION football game. "The Yard" isn't simulation, MUT isn't simulation. Madden is and has been trash for years.… Expand
  96. RyanDastardly
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    EA refuses to do anything ground breaking anymore with their games. If I had to compare EA to a crappy gaming company. EA is the new LJN! This game is complete garbage I will not be investing into any EA game until I see a change.
  97. Orlandop94
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Absolutely terrible. Honestly pissed off that my wife bought me this as a surprise and now cant even get a refund. It's a copy and paste of the last 3 games which is NOT OK. How can you sell this to consumers and BLATANTLY lie about updates and additions that never come to fluition. EA is a terrible company who has absolutely no respect for its customers and dont even try to provideAbsolutely terrible. Honestly pissed off that my wife bought me this as a surprise and now cant even get a refund. It's a copy and paste of the last 3 games which is NOT OK. How can you sell this to consumers and BLATANTLY lie about updates and additions that never come to fluition. EA is a terrible company who has absolutely no respect for its customers and dont even try to provide quality experiences. This is the last madden I buy until SERIOUS game engine/ franchise changes happen.… Expand
  98. lwiddico
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Glad I rented this year and didn't buy. I will be joining the group of people boycotting. I am currently playing ncaa 14 on ps3. And I'm not even a college football fan but ncaa 14 is way better than madden 21.
  99. PepoTheGreat
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler alert you spend 60$ and it's worst than madden 20. Go play some 2k5 and pray NFL drops ea.… Expand
  100. Alexgaud
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    The worst football game I've ever played, and I played last years madden as well
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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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