User Score
1.3

Overwhelming dislike- based on 214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 214
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  1. 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
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  2. Sep 14, 2022
    0
    EA has proven once more, that no serious innovation and solely relying on the fans love for Football is still enough for some "reviewers" to come out and claim that Madden is "improving" and "moving in the right direction".

    At this point, I am just sad because of this company. For years the fans simply ask for features of previous games like an actual chance to create their own team
    EA has proven once more, that no serious innovation and solely relying on the fans love for Football is still enough for some "reviewers" to come out and claim that Madden is "improving" and "moving in the right direction".

    At this point, I am just sad because of this company. For years the fans simply ask for features of previous games like an actual chance to create their own team with some artistic freedom rather than pre-generated teams. Additionally the entire gameplay still feels like pre-set animations glued together. Just replay any situation where a RB passes its o-line and gets to the next level and you will see, that 90% of the meaningful impacts between players look scripted.

    But at this point, even reviews are meaningless, since the NFL just doesn't care and the only glimpse of hope would be to end the EA monopoly and finally give other companies the chance to create a game, where fans can seriously get involved and create their own stuff. These creation aspects are essential for true immersion.

    But no one of the NFL or EA will read this anyway. And the MUT-lovers will carry this product once more.

    Hopefully none of the decision makers behind Madden will be involved in the development of EA College Football in 2023. But lets be real folks, this is EA and this game just isn't about you fans, it's about your money.
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  3. 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
  4. Aug 22, 2022
    0
    Ah **** Here we go again. Same game as it's been for the last few years with slightly better paintjob. The gameplay is still horrible, I will admit I've had a little more fun on it then I have over the last 5 or so years, but still not good. Servers still kick you off all the time for no reason. Franchise mode still doesn't have realistic contracts in there (was slightly improved, but theAh **** Here we go again. Same game as it's been for the last few years with slightly better paintjob. The gameplay is still horrible, I will admit I've had a little more fun on it then I have over the last 5 or so years, but still not good. Servers still kick you off all the time for no reason. Franchise mode still doesn't have realistic contracts in there (was slightly improved, but the existing ones still aren't realistic.) Just... Don't buy it. Wait for God of War and play that instead. Expand
  5. Aug 26, 2022
    0
    Another year another bad madden. Where do even start? Madden has so many things wrong with it and everybody knows them. It’s truly sad no other gaming company can actually make a simulation football game because modern day madden games are an absolute joke.
  6. Aug 29, 2022
    0
    Still just as bad as the last 10 years of barebones Madden. No improvements and attention to franchise of course because of their passion for taking people's money in that slot machine football mode called Ultimate Team. Way to spit on John Madden's grave with so little effort into your game.
  7. 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.
  8. Feb 12, 2023
    0
    Zero talent behind this game, a pathetic cash grab by a pathetic company. Another copy past madden, everyone who worked on this game should be embarrassed.
  9. Sep 27, 2022
    0
    Unfinished and full of bugs. EA should be ashamed that they released this absolute joke of a game. Nothing works as it’s intended and the whole objective of the game is to guide you towards MUT. Please NFL, take away their license and let other developers compete so that we can get a good football game.
  10. Aug 31, 2022
    0
    EA is secretly really trying to bring us together...I think they want us to go to real NFL games with "release the license signs", because they can't be doing this repetitive GAHBIGE on purpose.

    denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance,..... denial
  11. Sep 1, 2022
    0
    Too buggy. They said it was a very polished game but I am yet to see that...
  12. Sep 3, 2022
    0
    Same recycled BS for the last 10+ years. Really wish there was a football game to satisfy us NFL fans but EA doesn’t care about us. Avoid at all costs.
  13. Aug 29, 2022
    0
    Same broken madden game they release every year not much else to say if you like bugs and and zero improvements since madden 2013 buy this game
  14. Aug 17, 2022
    0
    some EA guy just told nfl.com that they read feedback on various websites (LMAO)
    there is a decade long list of bugs and issues that are still present in the so called "game"
    go read all the feedback we as gamers left for you mr. incompetence mentioning the false advertisement of this product is not even worth my time can't wait for the day they get prosecuted for this atrocity
    some EA guy just told nfl.com that they read feedback on various websites (LMAO)
    there is a decade long list of bugs and issues that are still present in the so called "game"
    go read all the feedback we as gamers left for you mr. incompetence

    mentioning the false advertisement of this product is not even worth my time
    can't wait for the day they get prosecuted for this atrocity (including DDA or whatever you wanna call it as it's even more ridiculous this time)

    would not recommend, sincerely a madden 22 legend division player (if it means anything to anyone) after 50 games of H2H in madden 22.1 (yeah it sucks that bad)
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  15. Aug 17, 2022
    0
    Some game every year, no improvements, only more technical problems with no plans on fixing them.
  16. 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
  17. Aug 17, 2022
    0
    I used to be proud to say that I own every madden. EA is an absolute joke and they made a copy and paste version of last year‘s matter for the 5th time in a row. The franchise mode is still just as dull as it was before. The game play still uses sucked in animations to force interceptions instead of just doing physical based gameplay(NCAA14). The practice mode is the laziest feature! TheI used to be proud to say that I own every madden. EA is an absolute joke and they made a copy and paste version of last year‘s matter for the 5th time in a row. The franchise mode is still just as dull as it was before. The game play still uses sucked in animations to force interceptions instead of just doing physical based gameplay(NCAA14). The practice mode is the laziest feature! The only thing that feels like practice is the fact that the quarterback has a red jersey. But the practices mode is set inside of a stadium in front of fans and the rest of the players are wearing full game day gear. EA sports is just awful with immersion. I want to feel like I’m living week to week in the NFL. Instead I feel like I paid $70 for a child arcade game that doesn’t actually represent football. Every year they promise A game and every year they don’t listen to what people want…#DONEWITHEA Expand
  18. Aug 19, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Terrible game. EA loves to sucker people with their marketing strategy.. seriously people, if we want change, we HAVE to quit buying Madden. Expand
  19. Aug 18, 2022
    0
    Same thrash as always. Takes 2 minutes to see the hype was all bs. Please let someone else make a damn nfl game.
  20. Sep 1, 2022
    0
    First gripe.. no "real changes" the gameplay is sped up and feels extremely arcadey.. This does not feel like a sim at all. They removed Campus Legends (NCAA) from superstar KO mode which i loved and played all the time in Madden 22. I think the graphics while bright and shiny look cartooney.. Have you seen the rendered hair of Trevor Lawrence during the intro? Laughable.. of course youFirst gripe.. no "real changes" the gameplay is sped up and feels extremely arcadey.. This does not feel like a sim at all. They removed Campus Legends (NCAA) from superstar KO mode which i loved and played all the time in Madden 22. I think the graphics while bright and shiny look cartooney.. Have you seen the rendered hair of Trevor Lawrence during the intro? Laughable.. of course you haven't though because no one uses the Jags but I did.. I am sure other player models are atrocious.. The added game play gimmicks don't add anything.. refs are missing from the field yet again.. I prefer the pace of 22, as i said, way too fast and not realistic on the field.. Defense intercepts almost every pass that isnt wide open throws.. the game is a mess.. I read EA wants players word of mouth to sell this game.. got bad news for them, i think as people play this game more over the next few days they will not like it. This is the first year i started a trial instead of blindly buying it and im happy i did that... I don't plan to purchase this year.. will wait for game pass and play madden 22 and get to use college teams in superstar KO mode.. Face of the franchise is still contrived and boring and not worth playing BTW.. penalties are NEVER called even set at 99! Expand
  21. Aug 19, 2022
    0
    I really wanted this version of the game to redeem my faith in what EA are creating. But I am so disappointed with this years version. I have been buying Madden since 05, but I feel that now its time to step away from the franchise. Its the same as Madden 21/22 but with a new roster. The game feels like its on rails and is the furthest thing from a football simulation. This is the lastI really wanted this version of the game to redeem my faith in what EA are creating. But I am so disappointed with this years version. I have been buying Madden since 05, but I feel that now its time to step away from the franchise. Its the same as Madden 21/22 but with a new roster. The game feels like its on rails and is the furthest thing from a football simulation. This is the last Madden I will buy until the franchise is moved elsewhere. Expand
  22. Aug 19, 2022
    0
    I don’t understand how “professional critics” continue to rate the game decently especially when you compare madden to other sports games like NBA2k and MLB the Show. The standards need to be much higher and right now Maddens franchise mode wouldn’t be acceptable for the PS2 generation much less the PS5. NBA 2k is about to give us MyEra which gives us the ability to start a franchise fromI don’t understand how “professional critics” continue to rate the game decently especially when you compare madden to other sports games like NBA2k and MLB the Show. The standards need to be much higher and right now Maddens franchise mode wouldn’t be acceptable for the PS2 generation much less the PS5. NBA 2k is about to give us MyEra which gives us the ability to start a franchise from 3 different eras in the 80s, 90s and 2000s each with UNIQUE presentations to those eras and representative of those eras style of play and contracts. Compare that to Madden Franchise mode which doesn’t have realistic contracts, doesn’t have restricted FA, doesn’t have compensatory draft picks, has horrible CPU logic such as letting a franchise QB enter free agency without receiving franchise tag. Like they don’t even get the BASICS of how the real NFL is run much less give us deep features. Presentation is awful compared to what some other sports games give us. And gameplay, while improved, is still run on an animation based system and still features terrible CPU logic and predetermined play outcomes based on how an animation is playing out. How is this considered acceptable when we SEE what other sports games give us. WHY are we letting madden off the hook??? The only thing EA is good at is marketing because they somehow convince people to buy this trash every year and convince people it’s the best that can be done with a football game. I wish people would see the light on this but sadly they won’t. I’ve stopped buying this trash as much as I love football and want to play a football game but what good is it if I’m disappointed every time I play the game? Expand
  23. Aug 19, 2022
    0
    there were some cool things added but the game is borderline unplayable. defenses pick EVERYTHING off, fumbles relentlessly, WR's not playing the ball. OL men standing watching people run by them. It s the same broken piece of garbage. I really bought into the hype this year with the the 'focus on franchise' and 'most polished version in recent years' but ffs this is the last straw. I'vethere were some cool things added but the game is borderline unplayable. defenses pick EVERYTHING off, fumbles relentlessly, WR's not playing the ball. OL men standing watching people run by them. It s the same broken piece of garbage. I really bought into the hype this year with the the 'focus on franchise' and 'most polished version in recent years' but ffs this is the last straw. I've always had fun with Madden, even in years when it was bad and things didn't change. But I just do not have fun with this madden. pure frustration. Expand
  24. 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 ****
  25. 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
  26. 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.
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  27. 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
  28. 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!!!!
  29. 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
  30. Aug 25, 2022
    0
    I'm struggling to find the words to express my contempt for this game and EA. Madden 08 is still the best Madden game out there. This is yet another asset stripped, bugged filled empty shell of a game. They charge full AAA price for this hunk or garbage whilst even more off getting children to gamble for MUT. Despicable business practice and a stain on the NFL shield.

    NFL DROP EA. PRAY
    I'm struggling to find the words to express my contempt for this game and EA. Madden 08 is still the best Madden game out there. This is yet another asset stripped, bugged filled empty shell of a game. They charge full AAA price for this hunk or garbage whilst even more off getting children to gamble for MUT. Despicable business practice and a stain on the NFL shield.

    NFL DROP EA. PRAY FOR NFL2K.
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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. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. 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.
  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. 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.