Madden NFL 20

 Xbox One
User Score
2.1

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 124
  3. Negative: 99 out of 124

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Aug 1, 2019
    8
    Madden 20 lets you take the journey of an NFL superstar. So a few penalties and no fumbles. Madden 20's QB1 mode lets you create an entirely unique football star and guide him through the final stages of his collegiate career with the hopes of making an NFL starting roster, and, on a longer timeline, complete a journey to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the Super Bowl. Madden 20's standardMadden 20 lets you take the journey of an NFL superstar. So a few penalties and no fumbles. Madden 20's QB1 mode lets you create an entirely unique football star and guide him through the final stages of his collegiate career with the hopes of making an NFL starting roster, and, on a longer timeline, complete a journey to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the Super Bowl. Madden 20's standard Franchise mode, which is separate from the QB1 mode, gets a welcome update this year. Its implementation of the new Scenario Engine, which lets you interact with players and coaches through the aforementioned text-message system, is the best new feature for Franchise. Perhaps the biggest and most exciting change for Madden 20 are the new X-Factor and Superstar abilities. 50 of the league's best players have been given these super abilities, and they revamp the fundamentals of Madden playmaking. Also new this year are Run-Pass Options added to playbooks. These hybrid plays provide yet another way for play-callers to mix things up and keep defenders guessing. The core fundamentals that underpin Madden 20's gameplay feel more solid and dependable than ever. Mistakes like poor passes, missed tackles, and bad decision-making are yours and yours alone to own because the controls rarely, if ever, let you down. Madden in standard fashion always comes with it's own new set of bugs or glitches this time around as well. Hopefully some of these can be addressed in future patches. Madden NFL 20 is an improved version of the annualized professional football series that excels in some areas and leaves something to be desired in others, so will it ever be the perfect experience? Time will tell, but one things for sure, if you are a football fan and have followed the series from its roots you know what to expect and you will likely have the game or already played it by the time you read this. Overall the game feels similar to last year with a few minor improvements and fans of the series will enjoy what's Madden 20 has on offer. If you're not a fan of the franchise there's nothing here that will ultimately change your mind.… Expand
  2. nvmaddog
    Aug 8, 2019
    0
    Take all of the things that were really bad about Madden 2019, and wrap them up in a new box and you have Madden 20. Terrible gameplay, very bad AI, cash grab packs, toxic online player community.

    Do yourself a favor, spend your $60 on something from a company who actually cares.
  3. coltsmith45
    Aug 9, 2019
    0
    Take all of the things that were really bad about Madden 2019, and wrap them up in a new box and you have Madden 20. Terrible gameplay, very bad AI, cash grab packs, toxic online player community.

    Do yourself a favor, spend your $60 on something from a company who actually cares.
  4. SonnyCheeba253
    Aug 20, 2019
    0
    This is what you get when one company has an exclusive license.

    There is zero incentive to get better.

    Stop buying this crap if you want things to change.

    Madden 92 was the last truly INVENTIVE Madden game.

    Find an old Sega Dreamcast, and play 2K football.
  5. Madden
    Aug 9, 2019
    0
    Look what they did to my game, same stuff year after year. No improvements, EA loves sucking the money out of the same people. Sad.
  6. AMKOBRA
    Aug 10, 2019
    2
    My Rating breakdown:
    Ultimate Team (0)- Ultimate Team continues to be the most important feature for Madden every year for obvious reasons. *coughs* Money *coughs*. I’ve never been a huge supporter of this game mode, because I believe only idiots or rich idiots devote time and money playing a game mode that damn near forces you to pay three or four times what the game is worth.
    Franchise    My Rating breakdown:
    Ultimate Team (0)- Ultimate Team continues to be the most important feature for Madden every year for obvious reasons. *coughs* Money *coughs*. I’ve never been a huge supporter of this game mode, because I believe only idiots or rich idiots devote time and money playing a game mode that damn near forces you to pay three or four times what the game is worth.

    Franchise (2)- Franchise (and yes I am a franchise guy) continues to be the most average, unimpressive and sometimes infuriating experience in video games. The lack of imagination and bland personality shows with every possible thing that happens. Nothing matters and there feels like no stakes are being made to mirror real life football. Franchise mode is still crap.

    Face of the franchise (1)- This mode makes all the sense in the world. With the meager face customizations and “Terrific” Voice acting, you really feel like you can portray an NFL Quarterback. With this being the biggest and best mode in the game with the highest replayability, the mode is so short you can play it about 15 times in a row on the same day. That’s what I call convenience. Also a side note, if you go to franchise mode and create a quarterback, you can still access face of the franchise but without college. That’s adding a different layer to the game.

    New Features (3)- Probably the most interesting thing about this game are the X factor abilities. Not saying much about the overall quality of the game.

    Everything else (5)- Things like gameplay have somewhat improved. The ”addition” of the Pro Bowl was cool but not enough to reel me in and keep me hooked. Online was exactly the same. The thing about this game is where other sports video games thrive or at least floats, Madden sinks. They fail to be as diverse, flooded with features, and have working sliders as NBA 2k. Customizable as WWE 2k. Fun and action packed as the fallen EA College Football series. Also the gameplay for FIFA is what Madden hopes to one day achieve. (Made by same company) I’m not surprised or disappointed by EA Sports disregard. I’m just disappointed that people still blow paychecks with micro transactions. Sad.    … Expand
  7. Deadraque
    Aug 9, 2019
    1
    A 60-100 dollar patch from the surprising EA Studios............................
  8. A100BRONIES
    Aug 18, 2019
    0
    As with every other madden game of late, it's not how good you are with the controls, or how good you are with reading an offense or defense, but if EA wants tou to do well for each and every play. The game determines if your pass will be "accurate" by RNG. I've had passes be fail when my QB wasn't recieving any kind of pressure and my receiving any either and being wide open for whatAs with every other madden game of late, it's not how good you are with the controls, or how good you are with reading an offense or defense, but if EA wants tou to do well for each and every play. The game determines if your pass will be "accurate" by RNG. I've had passes be fail when my QB wasn't recieving any kind of pressure and my receiving any either and being wide open for what could have been a huge pass for a TD. But instead either my QB will throw the ball in the other direction of where I told him to or the receiver will just drop the ball. All of this is done to "convince" you that your players are just not good and that you need to spend even more money on their pay to win microtransactions to get better players. Just like any other EA game. Avoid this like the plague.… Expand
  9. CarlosSpicyWein
    Aug 9, 2019
    0
    This game is utter garbage. Anyone buying thisn cash grab should take a good look at their life choices and make a change. EA keeps putting out the half ass, regurgitated crap every year and the Madden faithful eat that garbage up.
  10. Jnewton
    Aug 15, 2019
    0
    If you expect anything more than a $60-$100 roster update, i'm telling you, don't buy this game. I'm genuinely to the point where I can say with a straight face that I'm done with this franchise. I feel scammed out of my money by how exaggerated this game was by the EA marketing team. "QB1: Face of the Franchise" is one of the biggest piss poor excuses of a career mode and to be honest I'dIf you expect anything more than a $60-$100 roster update, i'm telling you, don't buy this game. I'm genuinely to the point where I can say with a straight face that I'm done with this franchise. I feel scammed out of my money by how exaggerated this game was by the EA marketing team. "QB1: Face of the Franchise" is one of the biggest piss poor excuses of a career mode and to be honest I'd rather have longshot, and that says a lot because I hated longshot. You play two games AT MAX in the college football playoffs then you go to the "Combine" which isnt even a combine, you just throw the ball 20 times and they judge you on your timing. It's DISGUSTING, and then it's over, back to the same bare bones career mode Madden's always had, no immersion. The pro bowl should've STAYED in the game, this isnt a "new" feature. Franchise is the exact same with the exception of X-Factor Superstars, which is the only thing I'll give praise to because atleast now you have laughably overpowered, cheat code players to distract you from the mind numbingly boring gameplay that still plagues the Madden franchise. Madden is one of the top selling video game franchises of all time. I cannot stand to watch this annual bastardization of the sport of football any longer. If you want good football, buy Maximum Football 2019. This years Madden doesn't deserve a penny of your hard earned money. I'm not shelling out another dime to EA until they finally turn their eyes back to making this game what it used to be and improving on it. Another year of lackluster effort and lies by EA Tiburon, good job guys! You've lost a loyal customer.… Expand
  11. Smokin-Gunn
    Aug 17, 2019
    3
    It's a HUGE disappointment to say the least. I feel like I was ripped off. I really tried to like it but its not going to happen. Not recommended by me for sure. I have played Madden since its inception, EA is getting too money hungry to me.
  12. kenchun24
    Sep 3, 2019
    0
    All sports games, and nearly every recent Triple A game title (of any genre not just sports) has been compromised by lazy, greedy, publish and "development" teams run by Corporate Commander.

    I like variety of game genres, but the sports game market quality has been in huge decline for awhile now. BUT, I can maintain self control by not supporting/purchasing these recent shady,    All sports games, and nearly every recent Triple A game title (of any genre not just sports) has been compromised by lazy, greedy, publish and "development" teams run by Corporate Commander.

    I like variety of game genres, but the sports game market quality has been in huge decline for awhile now. BUT, I can maintain self control by not supporting/purchasing these recent shady, UNFINISHED, LOOTBOX & MICROTRANSACTION GAMBLING ADDICTION PRODUCTS that are BARELY PLAYABLE on release date due to the LAZY current business model of "patch development" product releases.

    Speak with your wallets those that are upset about this for years now, and those that are fine with this, YOU are ruining gaming by being compliant to this current corrupt Triple A gaming economy. STOP giving them money for half-assed efforts! It didn't use to be like this just 10 to 15 years ago, games were actually released on day one completed with tons of content already included for $60! The modern consumer is being bamboozled like idiot lemmings just blindly accepting trash gaming products.    … Expand
  13. couchrunner
    Aug 11, 2019
    0
    Yet another Lazy CASH GRAB from EA. Not only is 20 a literal copy and paste of Madden 17, 18, 19 but they want you to buy their in-game currency too lol. Absolute **** game.
  14. GAMER836
    Aug 13, 2019
    0
    The difference between this on ps4 n xbox one is that Nothing!!!!!! Is the Same game from the past 8 yrs presentation sucks gameplay is glitchy with a few upgrades no halftime show all EA cares about is the MUT straight up
  15. Games44un
    Aug 13, 2019
    0
    Same is all the other years give me cash and will make a crappy game nothing to buy at any cost should be free
  16. apillai
    Aug 14, 2019
    0
    Please stop supporting EA and the Madden franchise. They are selling us the same game every year with less and less added content. Everything is literally the same. They only want us to spend all our money on MUT. Cant do it anymore. Franchise mode is pathetic, it is literally the same, same faces (like 8 for my skin color), same presentation, man its just sad. Cant even upload our facesPlease stop supporting EA and the Madden franchise. They are selling us the same game every year with less and less added content. Everything is literally the same. They only want us to spend all our money on MUT. Cant do it anymore. Franchise mode is pathetic, it is literally the same, same faces (like 8 for my skin color), same presentation, man its just sad. Cant even upload our faces anymore!!!! I just watched Drew Brees take off and put down a Cowboys helmet after the Pro Bowl......Flat out unacceptable. Cant and wont deal with this anymore. We need changes and we gotta stop supporting the game. This is getting out of hand EA… Expand
  17. Abachlaypse
    Aug 14, 2019
    1
    Save your money for Maximum Football 2019!

    While improved on some mechanics (not all -- zone coverage is still too easy to manipulate), Madden 20 ultimately fails to deliver in an overall capacity. You don't even need to compare this to 2k5, as Madden 08, a game made 12 years ago, holds more depth and detail (as well as better gameplay) than Madden 20. Hell, X-Factors were in    Save your money for Maximum Football 2019!

    While improved on some mechanics (not all -- zone coverage is still too easy to manipulate), Madden 20 ultimately fails to deliver in an overall capacity.

    You don't even need to compare this to 2k5, as Madden 08, a game made 12 years ago, holds more depth and detail (as well as better gameplay) than Madden 20.

    Hell, X-Factors were in Madden 08, only called "Weapons" -- this "new" feature is actually nothing new.

    EA continues to put profit before people when they continue to disregard what the fans have been asking for year in and year out. The franchise pales in comparison to Madden 08 or 2k5 in regards to depth, and we continue to be without create-a-team for some reason, isolating the more creative sports gamers.

    Face of the Franchise is "okay", but becomes repetitive and unrealistic. (Yeah, like Tom Brady is going to message a rookie before gameday)

    I am happy I cashed in a free rental for this game, as I wouldn't honestly pay $20 for this game, much less $60.    … Expand
  18. Firegoodell
    Aug 14, 2019
    0
    Terrible excuse for a football game. A game made by people who have never seen a game let alone played football.
  19. Crzytea
    Aug 18, 2019
    0
    This game is so far from a football simulation experience. Superstar players=Gods, not fun.
  20. Hollywoodheys92
    Aug 19, 2019
    2
    Terrible same old same old in a new package. Horrible A.I. logic. Save your money.
  21. Adeandrade123
    Sep 19, 2019
    0
    This game made me start playing NCAA Football 2013 again. Bring back NCAA and get rid of EA exclusive access.
  22. Akbee89
    Jul 30, 2019
    1
    Same as last year other then small minor adjustments. Qb1 mode is just an introduction to normal superstar franchise mode, which makes it a huge disappointment for people looking forward to this.
  23. Bcap1415
    Jul 31, 2019
    6
    I guess it depends on what mode you play, I stick to the franchise mode and almost nothing has changed from last year. I would give it a lower score but the tackling and just overall feel while playing has gotten a more realistic feel to it. That and to be fair I don't play the other modes, so I don't want to be too harsh, but if your like me and buy madden for the franchise mode, yourI guess it depends on what mode you play, I stick to the franchise mode and almost nothing has changed from last year. I would give it a lower score but the tackling and just overall feel while playing has gotten a more realistic feel to it. That and to be fair I don't play the other modes, so I don't want to be too harsh, but if your like me and buy madden for the franchise mode, your likely better off skipping it.… Expand
  24. GrantD243
    Oct 24, 2019
    7
    This is the first Madden that I've put a lot of hours into in a long time, so I don't think I'm as outraged as others as a result. I think some of the mechanics, especially player movements, are the best they've ever been. The career mode is pretty half-baked, though, and the franchise mode is the same as it has ever been.
  25. Ryker88
    Aug 3, 2019
    10
    Making it more skill gapped then previous maddens has really made me enjoy this game. No more linebackers jumping 10 feet in the air to intercept you. The QBs now throw the ball with much more arc in their passes which improves a lot of issues. Franchise mode has become much more diverse and emmersive without the new engines.
  26. MinePlay512
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    I see many gamers angry, stop. Madden is a great franchise and year saw improvements to keep me busy and playing this game is a step forward for the series.
  27. TheCanMan
    Aug 3, 2019
    9
    It’s a 9 because of how much it improved from last year. EA is losing one point because they need to spend some big bucks on their network. Who likes being disconnected in a heated game in the fourth quarter? I have been disconnected several times in close games and it’s NOT COOL. Outside of that the player animations can be glitchy occasionally. But this is probably the most fun Madden IIt’s a 9 because of how much it improved from last year. EA is losing one point because they need to spend some big bucks on their network. Who likes being disconnected in a heated game in the fourth quarter? I have been disconnected several times in close games and it’s NOT COOL. Outside of that the player animations can be glitchy occasionally. But this is probably the most fun Madden I have played since the one with Ray Lewis on the front cover (old school). FYI EA’s 10 hour demo was a great idea. FYI the $100 superstar mode with 3 day early access and all the packs, coins and gold was WORTH it. My MUT team was a 81 overall the first day Madden officially released if you didn’t pay extra money to play it early. In those 3 days before the game was officially released the cards were way cheaper in the auction house and they had AMAZING ELITE packs for $1.50!!! This time EA actually did a good job. The last two Maddens before this one we’re pretty bad. In Madden 29 the animations don’t feel or look like robots. The animations are USUALLY realistic.… Expand
  28. Darthgamertot
    Jul 31, 2019
    9
    This is a greatly improved game to madden 19. The gameplay is fun and Qb1 is a very fun new mode.
  29. Dolfan1220
    Sep 18, 2019
    0
    As a 29 Yr old, I can’t get an avatar that looks anywhere near like me when creating a coach. Luckily I tried it when they had the free period. I’ll keep my $60 EA.
  30. PyRo998
    Oct 24, 2019
    9
    I am very impressed with this years madden game. Every year I play madden ultimate team and this year it is noticeable that it is very much not pay to win and there are so many opportunities to succeed. As far as gameplay goes I am also very happy as things seem very good. The only reason I did not give a 10/10 review is because on launch in my opinion it was just a little over powered toI am very impressed with this years madden game. Every year I play madden ultimate team and this year it is noticeable that it is very much not pay to win and there are so many opportunities to succeed. As far as gameplay goes I am also very happy as things seem very good. The only reason I did not give a 10/10 review is because on launch in my opinion it was just a little over powered to stop the running game. At this point now things are really amazing and madden is as fun as ever.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Xbox One Game of 2019
25
#25 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2019
11
#11 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Oct 12, 2019
    80
    Madden NFL 20 is light on marquee features but builds a solid foundation for the future. [Issue#182, p.81]
  2. TheXboxHub
    Aug 29, 2019
    80
    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.
    Read full review
  3. GameCritics
    Aug 27, 2019
    60
    If EA wanted to do something revolutionary with the series, it would have offered Madden NFL 20 as a roster and feature update to Madden NFL 19. Not because there isn’t an enjoyable, playable game here, but because Madden NFL 20 is just more of the same when the series should be making strides toward true greatness.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »