Madden NFL 23

Although what Madden NFL 23 has to offer is very generous in terms of content, EA still doesn't manage to give this series the 'TV feeling' that games like F1 or NBA 2K have. Similarly, there are improvements in collisions and graphic updates, but the game was released with bugs of all kinds that affected players on all platforms, which keeps this new release from reaching the glory as Madden did in its time.

Madden NFL 23 is the best gridiron game on PS5 to date, but the series is taking toe-taps forward rather than big, confident strides. There’s no doubt that both Franchise and Face of the Franchise are better this year, and we like the improvements to the run game and the addition of precision passing. But is this enough for a series that’s been accused of stagnation over the past decade? It feels like EA Sports is settling for the easy five-yard gains, rather than the deep ball down the field.

Madden NFL 23 is as usual greedy in number of game modes, faithful to the level of modeling and the show offered, but is still slowed down on certain points. The American football simulation is still not translated, decided this year to offer a career mode without a scenario, and is unfortunately not spared from certain visual bugs. EA Tiburon will still be able to rely on the small changes made to its gameplay with Fieldsense technology for the next games, full of potential.

Like a scratched record, then, we end our review of Madden NFL 23 like we have the last few releases. That’s by saying that with its numerous incremental improvements, it’s the best Madden yet. But as ever, unless you’re an ardent fan who knows the series like the back of their hand, it’s an inessential purchase if you have last year’s offering. Or perhaps even the one before that. In terms of what’s actually new here, there’s very little. And even less of monumental value.

Madden NFL 23 does some things right and delivers a good experience on the field. However, it is marked by problematic game modes and a number of bugs and technical issues that playing it is frustrating and disappointing, even for the most passionate fan of the sport.

Madden NFL 23 is for new players and veterans alike. The game is the best experience and in each installment sadly they do not improve much. It needs a few new features as the gameplay hasn't changed. For this game to overcome they will need to reinvent it a little.

Madden NFL 23 is the best of the last several entries, but by lacking the overhaul it really needs, it only achieves so much.

I believe the problem is that the gameplay, at its core, just isn’t addictive. Can I have fun with Madden? Yes, and I probably will have some solid moments with the game this year, but not enough to make it elite.

The American football simulation still has technical problems - some old ones that have been known for years (e.g. broken PS5 trophies), but some completely new ones. That's a terrible shame, because otherwise the makers have actually taken a step forward. Franchise mode has finally gotten some love. The gameplay didn't start a revolution, but the skill-based passes introduced an interesting innovation on the offensive. In terms of gameplay, Madden NFL 23 is arguably the best in a long time. However, the many bugs stand in the way of a higher rating.

Madden NFL 23 is another incremental update in a franchise known for putting out incremental updates. Updated rosters, a few minor additions to existing game modes, and a couple of gameplay tweaks – you know the drill. The presentation is still thoroughly dull and even the soundtrack feels tired. The gameplay engine is in need of more than an incremental update, though. The “if it’s in the game, it’s in the game” game still feels more like you’re playing a Madden game than a simulation of an NFL game. With the passing of its namesake, perhaps it’s finally time to build a new game, one that NFL fans can really get excited about.

Despite its visual appearance and all the technicalities regarding how it runs on current consoles, the reality is that Madden NFL 23 was not the best tribute to John Madden. And all the good things we saw from the previous year, it did not have the slightest improvements to feel like this is that NFL game worth playing. Buy it in some offer. There is no point in spending money right now on this game.

After stuffing new features into Madden over the 34 years since its debut, there’s now a ton of junk crammed in that is nowhere to be found in football and, as such, has no place in a football sim. Once you carve away most of the fat, Madden 23 is a better incarnation of the game than those of the recent past. But what EA — and Madden fans — would truly benefit from is a leaner, cleaner finished product.

The generational change hasn’t been felt since PS4, and the PS5 jump is marginal. It’s still awkwardly presented, quirky with glitches, and fighting between simulation and arcade play. Madden 23 never feels comfortable in its own skin, but hopefully Coach, wherever he is, can take solace in what his legacy built. [Issue#20, p.88]

Madden 23 unfortunately delivers another lukewarm experience that isn't saved by its new key features.

Madden NFL 23 continues to be what everyone expects. The only football game on the market is still far from having revolutionary changes, but EA Sports' willingness to pay homage to the man after whom the series is named seems to have turned the company's eyes on the right track. The return of experiences closer to a demanding simulator opens doors for more impactful improvements in the future of the series.

Some fun improvements make this playable – yet Madden still features too much carryover. Not just from last year, but the last decade.

The foundation for an excellent entry to the Madden series is here. EA & Tiburon just need to patch up some glaring game breaking bugs. As it stands, Franchise Mode is practically unplayable and for me that is the essential component of Madden. Fans of Face of the Franchise, The Yard and Madden Ultimate Team may find some enjoyment, but it doesn't last long. Under the assumption that the issues get fixed in upcoming patches, Madden NFL 23 has potential to be the best entry in recent memory.