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

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  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. nojumper
    Jan 1, 2020
    9
    The skill gap is much higher than in other games. Movement is now so much better. X-Factors add a new skill that makes players even better.
  7. MonkiReviews
    Apr 24, 2021
    8
    This is the best game so far. The game play is awesome, graphics are nice, and story is fine. Each mode brings exciting twists to the sport of football and are each unique and fun. The overalls for players are accurate, mostly. The best mode is franchise. The season is so fun to play through, on any difficulty, and has spectacular features. It is like an update, and not a full new game,This is the best game so far. The game play is awesome, graphics are nice, and story is fine. Each mode brings exciting twists to the sport of football and are each unique and fun. The overalls for players are accurate, mostly. The best mode is franchise. The season is so fun to play through, on any difficulty, and has spectacular features. It is like an update, and not a full new game, but it is a good game still.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. dafunkk
    Sep 8, 2019
    7
    I haven't been happy with a Madden game in at least 10 years. Maybe arcade mode is nothing new; it's new to me and I'm loving the simpler gameplay focused on high scores and big plays!
  11. 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
  12. Not_aCritic
    Feb 23, 2020
    5
    I have played Madden for years and I can say that this game gave some hope for one in a long time. It offered several changes that help many things fans wanted. But there are some changes that we know need to be fixed. I love football, I like Madden, at times. The fanbase can be the worst part, if we are excluding the AI.
  13. Jhagman
    Aug 16, 2023
    5
    This game is ok. It is a vast improvement over 19, but it's not perfect. Defense is still broken.
  14. Patriot173
    Feb 23, 2020
    4
    They added a 30 minute intro for Be-A-Player franchise mode, but overall franchise is still super bare-bones and neglected.

    All of EA's attention went into Ultimate Team, as it has for years now. But with the constant disconnects and server issues, even that mode is basically unplayable.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. Hollywoodheys92
    Aug 19, 2019
    2
    Terrible same old same old in a new package. Horrible A.I. logic. Save your money.
  18. Austinshighligh
    Apr 5, 2020
    2
    Madden 20 is slightly than madden 19. But let’s be honest the bar wasn’t set very high. Xfactors just show how broken the game is. Players don’t get charged up. EA did add the pro bowl back so that’s kind of cool. The only thing good about face of the franchise is that you get to play with college teams. But the cut scenes are cringey. EA put celebrities into the game rather than work onMadden 20 is slightly than madden 19. But let’s be honest the bar wasn’t set very high. Xfactors just show how broken the game is. Players don’t get charged up. EA did add the pro bowl back so that’s kind of cool. The only thing good about face of the franchise is that you get to play with college teams. But the cut scenes are cringey. EA put celebrities into the game rather than work on the real issues of the game. EA is putting they’re time into ultimate team because it makes them the most money. They don’t care what the fans want. All admit I have had some fun playing franchise mode but it’s underwhelming compared to what used to be in madden. It’s considered a simulation game but the gameplay is incredibly unrealistic. I’m giving it a 2 star review and that’s being generous… Expand
  19. Mikeboss
    May 28, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nothing more than one word needs to be said about this game. "Scam". EA thinks that it's customers and NFL fans are moronic. All we want is an immersive NFL experience where we can feel like an NFL team owner, player, and live our unfulfilled dreams as professional athletes. Gameplay should be automatic and it isn't. Franchise is a joke. The only real effort EA ever makes is towards their monopolistic money grabbing MUT mode where they take advantage of children and make them pay to win, and when they decide to add celebrities into the game pointlessly. Please start caring or relinquish your exclusivity EA, you disappoint everyone.… Expand
  20. Deadraque
    Aug 9, 2019
    1
    A 60-100 dollar patch from the surprising EA Studios............................
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. brandon31c
    Sep 19, 2019
    1
    Giving this a 1 instead of 0 simply because the graohics are decent.

    Gameplay is terrible. Franchis mode is the same as it's always been. They just want more and more of your money through Ultimate Team.
  24. Disco94
    Sep 22, 2019
    1
    Same game as last year with updated roster... Would love to see more stuff in franchise mode for coaching and building team! But seems they just touch up graphics and add a half made "storymode" very disappointing... Excited for maximum football 19 to come out
  25. JasonJojnson
    Nov 4, 2019
    1
    Game is a piece of **** It’s November and the game is still having serious server issues.
  26. Jouan88
    Nov 5, 2019
    1
    I expected a football game but ended up with a gambling game.

    What EA has been doing the past few years is just shameful. They are making millions of MUT but we still put up with weak content with the only changes made focused on pushing for more micro transactions
  27. cincinnatus513
    May 23, 2020
    1
    Game based on animations and micro transactions. User skill does not matter. MUT has ruined madden.
  28. Rileym
    Feb 21, 2020
    1
    Players can just send user blitz every play and make tackles. If you buy this game, go return it before you break anything in your house.
  29. Iceyboy
    Mar 20, 2020
    1
    This game is bad. It would not be as bad if there wasn't a game like madden 07 or any around that time that is just plainly better. This game has very little to do in connected franchise, relocation teams have been the exact same since they were added. The face of the franchise was kind of cool but it is only like 20 minutes of different gameplay then connected franchise mode. MUT is justThis game is bad. It would not be as bad if there wasn't a game like madden 07 or any around that time that is just plainly better. This game has very little to do in connected franchise, relocation teams have been the exact same since they were added. The face of the franchise was kind of cool but it is only like 20 minutes of different gameplay then connected franchise mode. MUT is just a cash grab scam that runs the game.… Expand
  30. Markj121
    Jun 18, 2020
    1
    Utter trash...Do not support this company! They have consistently defrauded the people that purchase the game. Gameplay is atrocious
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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

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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
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