Madden NFL 23

 PlayStation 5
User Score
1.3

Overwhelming dislike- based on 214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 214
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 214
  3. Negative: 185 out of 214
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  1. austonboy
    Aug 22, 2022
    3
    At this point, there are a very few small amount of core madden players who enjoy this game. Player Models look nice but the gameplay is so entirely slow and everyone feels like they are running in mud. Football is a fast pace game and this is not that at all. Same Juking animations for the past idk 6 years that are SLOW. Certain bugs have been fixed great but the gameplay is just soAt this point, there are a very few small amount of core madden players who enjoy this game. Player Models look nice but the gameplay is so entirely slow and everyone feels like they are running in mud. Football is a fast pace game and this is not that at all. Same Juking animations for the past idk 6 years that are SLOW. Certain bugs have been fixed great but the gameplay is just so uninspiring. This game just needs to be blown up and restarted from the ground up its well overdue. Its better than last years game which is not saying anything….at all.… Expand
  2. SeamedShark
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    I can't believe this what football fans have to put up with to play as their team. Firstly, animations break the game. So many times have I witnessed an animation that occurs 2-3 yards from the ball carrier so they get sucked into a first down. I've also witnessed players getting stuck due to an animation and being useless the rest of the play. Overall, animations look and feel clunky.I can't believe this what football fans have to put up with to play as their team. Firstly, animations break the game. So many times have I witnessed an animation that occurs 2-3 yards from the ball carrier so they get sucked into a first down. I've also witnessed players getting stuck due to an animation and being useless the rest of the play. Overall, animations look and feel clunky. Secondly, AI logic is still ridiculously stupid. 4th & 3 down by 3 in the 4th quarter with 3 minutes left, might as well punt because we're 5 yards from field goal range. Or the fact that they won't use timeouts on a winnable game, so I have to use mine for them. And who doesn't love the coverage plays when the center of the zone has more gravity than Earth, because why else would my MLB just stand there while the play develops 3 yards from them. That's not simulation, that's feeding the user the win because EA looks down on their userbase condescendingly. Franchise is still broken, probably moreso than usual. For some reason, young talent hits free agency. I don't know if it's a bug with the motivation system or purely due to incompetent GM AI...probably the latter. EA is irresponsible with their NFL license AND the name of the late, great John Madden. NFL IF YOU SEE THIS, REVOKE THE AGREEMENT.… Expand
  3. eaeden
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Franchise has gotten worse… didn’t even think that was possible. Gameplay has gotten worse. AI is worse. Just a grab for cash on MUT. Been playing since Apple II. Bought it every year. Never again.… Expand
  4. gridironjunky
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    In honor of John Madden’s legacy EA has fully committed to not improving any elements of it’s flagship football game since his retirement from broadcasting.
  5. TheBurningFlame
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    Same game every damn year. Don't encourage EA to keep making copy and paste games by buying this. Save your money.
  6. heltondrew
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    I'm giving this a full 10 for a few reasons. First, I think Madden hit a great general design a few years ago at this point and this puts some good final tweaks on it. Second, the commitment to the John Madden dedication that is completely intwined in this game is emotional and fitting. Finally, this is my final purchase of any Madden game. I've been playing for my entire life and my team,I'm giving this a full 10 for a few reasons. First, I think Madden hit a great general design a few years ago at this point and this puts some good final tweaks on it. Second, the commitment to the John Madden dedication that is completely intwined in this game is emotional and fitting. Finally, this is my final purchase of any Madden game. I've been playing for my entire life and my team, the Bengals, finally have an extremely fun team to play as. I'm going out with a bang. Now, if they happen to win the Super Bowl or have some crazy impressive season i may consider this goodbye a "brief pause" to get that game, but then it'll be goodbye again right after that. Thanks for the fun, John (and EA)!… Expand
  7. Freebird1984
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    Any coaching or actual football knowledge is gone the wayside. Can you chuck the ball deep and exploit players fake attributes? Not me.
  8. vgmkyle
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    What more needs to be said? Football as a sport is terrible and boring enough as it is so what could you expect from a dev that has had only one big hit franchise that people love in the past 20 years?
  9. stratos_au
    Aug 21, 2022
    1
    no seriously , its the same game than 5 years ago... same glitches same issues, and all about micro-transactions. Refunded and please avoid the game
  10. Jasmat
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Game is the same for the PAST TWO DECADES!!! NOT REAL SIMULATION F-O-O-T B-A-L-L. IM SO SICK OF THE NFL TO ALLOW THIS NON SENSE. THIS IS HOW THE NFL WANTS TO BE REPRESENTED. WELL NO THANK YOU. NFL OR EA WILL BE GETTING MY MONEY!!!!
  11. Sweden22
    Aug 21, 2022
    9
    Best madden in years. The Fieldsense makes passing very fun and makes online games more enjoyable. Can’t speak on the last gen versions but feels good on Ps5 and definitely improved. Here’s to hoping it continues to get better in future years
  12. Hfoley24
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    Honestly a solid 7.5 VERY large improvement from years past especially regarding gameplay, animations and mechanics. Don’t understand the ones who are hating on this game when it’s a crystal clear improvement in the past 3-4 maddens. Even the graphics and soundtrack is much better! A not great by any means but solid step forward for the game and a respectful tribute to Coach Madden.
  13. Lasto
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Just another roster update on a 10 year old game with loads of microtransactions. Please make us a NEW game!
  14. CaseyMoe
    Aug 21, 2022
    5
    Credit where credit is due. There are some things to like about the new release compared to how bad the last few have been. That doesn't make this a good game though. The amount of polish and depth rival what you would expect from an indie dev who was selling a game at a discounted price with no microtransactions. This game however is produced by one of the richest gaming companies inCredit where credit is due. There are some things to like about the new release compared to how bad the last few have been. That doesn't make this a good game though. The amount of polish and depth rival what you would expect from an indie dev who was selling a game at a discounted price with no microtransactions. This game however is produced by one of the richest gaming companies in the world, sold for full price and is built around a pay to win loot box game mode. Anything that is not pushing loot boxes is 'minimum viable product' only. Don't waste your time with this if you're expecting a feature rich simulation experience.… Expand
  15. Bokatatsie
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    It's the exact same game it has been for years now. They try to sell it off of "this is new and this is new and guess what this is new too!" but it's not at all. There's a few extra button/stick movements you can use but other than that it's just another roster update. Really glad I tried a friends copy that hated it and tried to pawn it off on me before I bought it. 0 score for the 3rdIt's the exact same game it has been for years now. They try to sell it off of "this is new and this is new and guess what this is new too!" but it's not at all. There's a few extra button/stick movements you can use but other than that it's just another roster update. Really glad I tried a friends copy that hated it and tried to pawn it off on me before I bought it. 0 score for the 3rd year in a row. The NFL really needs to let some other companies make NFL games because EA Sports has lost their way. Absolutely disgusting how lazy they've become with their franchise.… Expand
  16. CeroMiedo
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Out of every football game that I’ve played, including indie ones that have tried to replicate maddens success, and 8 bit arcade machine ones, this is the worst gameplay I’ve ever seen. It’s like each player is a car and they have to change gears for every direction they move. The new passing mechanic would be great if the WR could catch. I hate when I have JaMarr Chase or someone jumpingOut of every football game that I’ve played, including indie ones that have tried to replicate maddens success, and 8 bit arcade machine ones, this is the worst gameplay I’ve ever seen. It’s like each player is a car and they have to change gears for every direction they move. The new passing mechanic would be great if the WR could catch. I hate when I have JaMarr Chase or someone jumping as high as they can with great positioning and with the ball in their hands but then the slightest nudge from a 5’8 160 lbs 72 overall CB will turn the WRs hands into bricks. High passing still isn’t a thing, on fades I just throw it and hope I get a good animation, bc that’s all this game is, animations. Physics based my a**, I may have gotten straight C’s in John Robbins physics class but I think I know who’s winning between Cameron Heyward, and Ronald Jones in a “tackle battle.” But nope. Ronald Jones can shove off one of the strongest dudes in the league like he’s nothing. Not only is the gameplay bad but the graphics are terrible. This is a PS5 game made by a AAA company and the biggest Video Game manufacturer in the world but the jerseys look like plastic bags.

    Also side note. How in the blue bell does Carson Strong have a face scan and not Kenny Pickett??? Franchise mode. Literally nothing changed… again. I’ve said in chat and in convos in general way too many times how I feel about franchise mode. Madden 23……

    2/10

    Don’t buy this **** game. This is my 3rd least favorite madden of all time. You will pick this game up and I will admit you’ll feel a change but a bad one. It’s not worth $90 and even then I didn’t get the 4400 madden points i was promised for paying extra. Congrats EA, you finessed again    … Expand
  17. kman1014
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Profiting off a dead man’s legacy to make another trash game. Typical EA and the NFL should be ashamed
  18. OnlyOneHere
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    This game is a huge steaming pile of garbage. The greedy developers are charging $70 for a roster update. It is the exact same game as the last. All the lazy developers did in is slap the number 23 on the cover and called it a day. This game is broken. Too many bugs and glitches. It's pathetic that these developers think this garbage is even worth $70.

    The multiplayer is complete trash.    This game is a huge steaming pile of garbage. The greedy developers are charging $70 for a roster update. It is the exact same game as the last. All the lazy developers did in is slap the number 23 on the cover and called it a day. This game is broken. Too many bugs and glitches. It's pathetic that these developers think this garbage is even worth $70.

    The multiplayer is complete trash. I don't recommend this game at all, unless you want to support laziness.    … Expand
  19. BryanHarsin
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    End EA exclusivity! Do your part to stop EA microtransactions and poor gameplay! End this cash grab! Stop buying this game!
  20. tripled24
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    After 6 games I can confidently say that the core on field gameplay is better than the past 5 entries or so. It feels harder to cheese like previous years with one play TDs or scrambling with athletic QBs every play. The DBs seem to play a lot better man coverage when in years past any time I noticed I was being pressed, i could throw a deep pass for a TD almost every time. I had a fewAfter 6 games I can confidently say that the core on field gameplay is better than the past 5 entries or so. It feels harder to cheese like previous years with one play TDs or scrambling with athletic QBs every play. The DBs seem to play a lot better man coverage when in years past any time I noticed I was being pressed, i could throw a deep pass for a TD almost every time. I had a few games online that felt like real games with real final scores like 17-13 instead of 43-40 every game. The game still feels mostly like a copy and paste from the past 5 years, and it still needs to be completley rebuilt, but the core field play does feel like a good step forward. I would give it a 7 but these 0s are asinine. Trust me, I want nothing more than the NFL to relinquish EAs rights so 2K can come back too.… Expand
  21. taylork3939
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    It's still every bit as effortless as any video game production I can remember. The gameplay changes are invisible, assuming they are not outright lying about changes. All game modes including franchise are utterly worthless, save for Ultimate Team which serves only to grab more of your money. Every aspect of this game is broken: AI, animations, input, controls, menus, UI, characterIt's still every bit as effortless as any video game production I can remember. The gameplay changes are invisible, assuming they are not outright lying about changes. All game modes including franchise are utterly worthless, save for Ultimate Team which serves only to grab more of your money. Every aspect of this game is broken: AI, animations, input, controls, menus, UI, character models, programming, and optimization. All are despicably bad.

    Every developer and executive who has a part in this disgrace every year should be shamed for eternity. EA Sports and their parent company represent the absolute worst of the video game community. There will come a day when EA's industry competitors bankrupt and bury it, and I long to see the day.    … Expand
  22. KennRapp
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I want a refund EA should be ashamed of themselves profiting off the death of a legend. Didn't even have the decency to make his model look good. Last-gen user get absolutely nothing more than a $67-$100 re-skinned roster/soundtrack update and the re-skin legit is painful to the eyes. All the "new" features are on current-gen only. Oh and unfortunately Sony Is Not refunding the purchase making them equally guilty of this Criminal, emotional and financial raping and fan/consumer disservice. #FixMaddenFranchise4Real #RefundMadden23Sony… Expand
  23. GameDudeChris
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    It's a $60-$70 roster update, depending upon your console of choice. For no reason at all, PC does NOT get the next gen update, once again. The animations are still bad. Franchise mode is still terrible. "A step in the right direction" means nothing when you are at the bottom. It is a shame what EA has done to the name of the great John Madden. Same trash as last year.
  24. WinstonTheDino
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    EA has exclusive rights to the NFL, yet cannot do anymore than change presentation, add classic players (which they had in previous Maddens like Madden 19) and change QB throwing. This is honestly EMBARRASSING! Imagine working on this game and thinking at the end of it you did a good job. You want to play a good Madden? Play Madden 08 or Madden 10 or even, can't believe I'm going to sayEA has exclusive rights to the NFL, yet cannot do anymore than change presentation, add classic players (which they had in previous Maddens like Madden 19) and change QB throwing. This is honestly EMBARRASSING! Imagine working on this game and thinking at the end of it you did a good job. You want to play a good Madden? Play Madden 08 or Madden 10 or even, can't believe I'm going to say this, but Madden 20. Any Madden before Madden 22 beats this Madden out of the water. NFL, PLEASE GIVE BACK 2K THE RIGHTS TO MAKE "SIMULATION" FOOTBALL.… Expand
  25. Jad4571
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    Same game as the past 10 years. Better nfl games on the ps2. Try NFL2k8 or an older madden before madden 2013. The game is way better then.
  26. Tayy199
    Aug 20, 2022
    1
    I’ll rather stick with madden 17 like I been doin. The newer maddens never excite me anymore. They all feel the exact same. There’s sum new features to the game but in the end it all just feels the same. So I’ll stick with 17.
  27. IGIN2019
    Aug 18, 2022
    0
    Nothing new same game for over ten years now. Animation still feels artificial for a "simulation" football game.
  28. alag26
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    The same garbage every year they have no competition so they have no reason to actually fix the garbage product. What a shame to John Madden and the NFL in general makes your brand look ****
  29. Halupa22
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    Ultimate team is a mode for twitch streamers who get donations, rich people, and kids who steal their parents credit cards. Your average loyal buyer of the game can’t even have fun with the mode. EA is the cancer of the video game industry and they don’t care about anything rather than “pay me more money to have fun”
  30. GT_Legend1
    Aug 20, 2022
    5
    This year's madden is actually fun! Is it simulation football? Eh, not really , but it's a happy medium. For those complaining about defense rushing in too fast or getting picked off all the time, you suck. You actually have to use strategy this year as opposed to glitching the defenses up. I recommend.
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. We Got This Covered
    Oct 17, 2022
    80
    Madden NFL 23 honors its namesake in nearly every facet of the game, but the highly-touted FieldSense is overcomplicated and detracts from what should have been a fun and heartfelt tribute to the great John Madden.
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  2. PLAY
    Oct 15, 2022
    60
    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]
  3. Gamers' Temple
    Oct 6, 2022
    66
    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.
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