Madden NFL 20

Madden NFL 20 represents a small improvement on the previous game, but additions like the new Face of the Franchise mode and Superstar X-Factor, together with meaningful improvements in many areas, make it definitely worthy of attention by Football and sports games fans.

Madden NFL 20 have improved almost in every aspect. The core gameplay is still very good and challenging, maybe even too much so.

The running game is noticeably smoother and X-Factor traits make superstar players actually feel like a force to be reckoned with on the field, and while there are still problems that linger with animations, it’s safe to say that EA Tiburon is making large strides in the right direction. That said, I’m running out of patience for the Franchise mode to receive some revitalizing updates – it’s still fun after all these years but Madden 20’s Franchise doesn’t feel substantially different from Madden 19’s.

Madden NFL 20 is light on marquee features but builds a solid foundation for the future. [Issue#182, p.81]

If you’re a football fan there’s a load of fun to be had with this game and Madden NFL 20 is a solid experience with a massive improvement over last year’s offering.

Madden 20 provides another year’s worth of well-crafted gridiron action. It’s a shame to say goodbye to Devin Wade and the Longshot narrative, but QB1 does a decent enough - if short - job of framing your own rise to fame. The rest of the package is as slick and smooth as you’d hope. Should you upgrade? If you’re an avid fan, you probably already have. For everyone else, both Madden 18 and 19 still play a fantastic game of football.

Madden 20 does very little in this year's game to impress, but it doesn't do anything that truly disappoints. What it offers is a competent and refined football experience with a stellar presentation and plenty of modes to play.

Quotation forthcoming.

Thanks to the MUT and Franchise gamemodes, the game offers a great density and an immersive experience, with a solid technical aspect. Unfortunately, the story mode, this year, isn't better than the Longshot mode that we saw on last year's edition.

Madden NFL 20 is a stellar football sim, especially for those who enjoy Franchise or Ultimate Team. The reworked player ratings system adds authenticity to the on-the-field gameplay, and Ultimate Team is easier to follow than ever before. It’s not without its faults, though. The running game feels like a cheat code, and Face of the Franchise is a boring, poorly written career mode.

Madden 20 is back. As every summer, football fans have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport in a virtual way. In this case, EA brings us an iteration which has enough new additions to keep us playing for several hours. On the down side, we will miss important modes such as Longhorn and more news in franchise mode.

There’s nothing inherently wrong but Madden NFL 20 was really missing the “X-Factor” that it needs to really breath some fresh life into the long, historic franchise. I’m sure I will still be playing Madden NFL 20 by the time I sit down to review Madden NFL 21, but in the back of my mind, all I’ll be hoping is that next year is the year they really revamp Franchise mode and take some bigger risks on the field. Until then, I’ll be taking my QB1 to his third straight Super Bowl.

The new QB1 career mode--which includes a barebones NCAA football experience--overall feels like a half-baked idea that doesn't deliver anything meaningful or interesting. When it comes to the on-the-field action, however, the new X-Factor and Superstar abilities shake up the familiar gameplay formula to give seasoned players and newcomers alike a fresh way to scheme plays and orchestrate strategy on both sides of the ball.

Madden NFL 20 clears the roster and properly initiates the rebuilding phase for football’s first franchise.

Whether it's the X-Factors, new Face of the Franchise mode, or even signature player animations, Madden NFL 20 feels more true to life than ever before. The lack of advancement in core areas such as presentation and Franchise Mode, however, hold this edition back from being the complete package.

The Madden faithful can purchase Madden NFL 20 with confidence as they do every year. On its own, it’s the best and only NFL experience in town but I would not blame you at all for skipping out this year. Madden NFL 20 remains only marginally better than Madden 19.

Ultimately, I feel that the yearly model for releases is perhaps starting to become outdated. Of course, the moment to moment gameplay is still as solid as ever, and fans will no doubt find enjoyment here. But, in the age of live service games, something like Madden seems a natural fit. I’m not saying what’s here is bad, as such, it just feels like the value proposition is getting lower each time.

Madden NFL 20 is a solid entry with plenty of new additions. I enjoyed the new Face of the Franchise mode and game play improvements, but I was really hoping for tweaked Franchise options and some improved commentary. Still, this is the biggest upgrade to the series in years and I will likely sink yet another 60+ hours into it. I fear the next-generation Madden will take some steps back, so for now I will enjoy Madden 20 for what it is. The best the series has been in a while.

I like aspects of Madden 20 like the addictiveness and slightly easier progression of Ultimate Team, the way players feel, and the new abilities. But too much remains stagnant and unchanged. It’s like expecting a few free agents to change the course of an entire organization when there are key areas the franchise needs to have addressed yesterday. Instead, its roster has gotten old fast and the problems are mounting.

Madden NFL 20 remains solid from a fundamental perspective, and the addition of X-Factor abilities is a welcome change. However, the usual litany of bugs and a lackluster single-player story mode prevent this entry from taking home the Lombardi.