Madden NFL 21

 Xbox One
User Score
0.5

Overwhelming dislike- based on 1047 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 1047
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 1047
  3. Negative: 1,006 out of 1047
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  1. Ruthless89
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is so boring and full of glitches. The franchise mode is literally copy and paste since Madden 13. There is absolutely no depth in franchise mode and no replayability whatsoever
  2. Ej06
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Lol. This game is complete and utter trash. First off, the face of the franchise is complete garbage, it does not matter wether you win our loose your high school games, you will still have ten division one offers wether you loose 70-0 or win 70-0. Franchise is STILL the same, superstar KO has been copy pasted. And the soundtrack is a dumpster fire. They also didn’t really add much toLol. This game is complete and utter trash. First off, the face of the franchise is complete garbage, it does not matter wether you win our loose your high school games, you will still have ten division one offers wether you loose 70-0 or win 70-0. Franchise is STILL the same, superstar KO has been copy pasted. And the soundtrack is a dumpster fire. They also didn’t really add much to gameplay, just subtracting. Do not buy this game unless it’s half off. It is not worth $60… Expand
  3. Lethalweapon80
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    EA will never put in 100% until they have competition. This game should be so much more advanced right now but because they own exclusive rights, they choose to take their time with minor adjustments every year. Players need to take a stand and STOP buying this game.
  4. seabass1218
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is a new low for Madden NFL. This game claims to be a simulation title but it makes no attempt to be simulation and replicate real football. They have neglected their core audience in an attempt to attract new players and have failed at making those modes fun and entertaining. The game is full of bugs and lacks any depth to keep players coming back for more. The ratings in the gameThis is a new low for Madden NFL. This game claims to be a simulation title but it makes no attempt to be simulation and replicate real football. They have neglected their core audience in an attempt to attract new players and have failed at making those modes fun and entertaining. The game is full of bugs and lacks any depth to keep players coming back for more. The ratings in the game indicate that the rating adjusters don't watch the games or at least cannot evaluate what is happening on the field. Every year Madden looks like a rushed product and this year is no different. I genuinely hope EA learns from their mistake and don't put out another game this bad.… Expand
  5. swiggetyswooty
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is the worst madden I have ever played, and that's saying a lot. Literally no reason to buy this if you have Madden 17. So far it's worst than Madden 20. Worst Franchise mode out of any sports game. Bugs everywhere. New mode is pointless. Face of the Franchise is embarrassing.
  6. Ragewsg
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Literal copy and paste of madden 20. They spent all their time on the yard and didn't fix anything else. Nobody asked for the yard, nobody asked for superstar KO.
  7. Driftracerr35
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Years of no innovation, ignoring the fanbase, exploitation of children through MUT packs and micro transactions have finally caught up to EA. Everyone is fed up and we want change now. I already cancelled my preorder and will never touch another EA title again until EA commits to making a worthy product. 0/0
  8. TFlip
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Same game but worse. Same problems from years past, new terrible single player career mode. They offer new gear for the yard for money but don't offer it in the regular game for free. Mut is the exact same every year no improvements to franchise their really isn't much to enjoy in the game without paying money I'm done supporting them
  9. randomfrankp
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is my first Madden purchase since 2017. I grew up first playing Madden 2001 and it changed who I am, it got me into sports and every single year I treated every single release like a Holiday. Sounds dramatic, but it's true, Madden 2001 got me into sports as a kid. With that all being said, after 2017 I felt Madden was just stale and there was no new innovation or nothing that made theThis is my first Madden purchase since 2017. I grew up first playing Madden 2001 and it changed who I am, it got me into sports and every single year I treated every single release like a Holiday. Sounds dramatic, but it's true, Madden 2001 got me into sports as a kid. With that all being said, after 2017 I felt Madden was just stale and there was no new innovation or nothing that made the game exciting. Fast forward last year and I thought about Madden 20, but saw all the terrible reviews and ultimately didn't pick it up. Naturally with this quarantine, I needed sports in my life and figured hey, let's give Madden 21 a go.

    Wow. I can't believe that this is an actual game. Gameplay feels like you have zero control over your player. 9/10 times you're set in some predetermined animation or scripted sequence and nothing you do will change it. The only time you're in control is when you're in the playbook. Then you hike the ball and animations take over. I booted it up and played 2 games that were absolutely RIDDLED with bugs and glitches. The menu is unbelievable slow and laggy, graphics are straight from years past (I get that at this point graphics wont advance too much but still, visually it's very unimpressive), you can create your own player but the preset faces all look horrible and resemble men in their 40s, commentary is still repetitive...just, should I go on?

    There is nothing in this game that resembles innovation. "New features" are all recycled features from years passed. "The Yard" is a street-like gameplay mode which some FIFA players will enjoy, because WRs can kick the ball to teammates, but after a few rounds of that it's all the same.

    Extremely disappointed in the direction this franchise was went in. NFL needs to revoke their exclusivity license because this is ANYTHING BUT SIMULATION FOOTBALL.    … Expand
  10. harry247
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is not a “simulation football game”. Just watch a competitive game of this, it is all about abusing whatever the good plays are and getting good abilities so you can force a bunch of fumbles or block shed every play. The yard may be good but the game doesn’t deserve credit for that if it can’t deliver the simulation game advertised. Franchise mode is so basic and is unchanged fromThis is not a “simulation football game”. Just watch a competitive game of this, it is all about abusing whatever the good plays are and getting good abilities so you can force a bunch of fumbles or block shed every play. The yard may be good but the game doesn’t deserve credit for that if it can’t deliver the simulation game advertised. Franchise mode is so basic and is unchanged from last year. Face of the franchise is nothing like anything in real life. I wouldn’t play face of the franchise if it was free. This game is rated based on it’s quality as a football simulation game, and it gets a 0 because it offers absolutely nothing to fans of simulation sports. If you want an NFL licensed game, just buy an older one and save yourself $50.… Expand
  11. dgoodin24
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Soulless, heartless cash grab. Bugs galore, terrible. I miss madden on ps2. Bring in 2k
    fix madden franchise
  12. DenimChicken91
    Aug 26, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game could have been a patch update from madden 20. EA has gotten lazier every year. I hope this sad excuse of a game serves as a serious wake up call… Expand
  13. gresham
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    You’d have more fun if you plugged your controller into a trash can. Madden continues to dish out the same recycled garbage every year. They add flashy new game modes and features that nobody asked for and don’t even work correctly all while ignoring their broken gameplay and barebones franchise that they continue to strip more and more each year. If you put glitter on a turd, it’s still aYou’d have more fun if you plugged your controller into a trash can. Madden continues to dish out the same recycled garbage every year. They add flashy new game modes and features that nobody asked for and don’t even work correctly all while ignoring their broken gameplay and barebones franchise that they continue to strip more and more each year. If you put glitter on a turd, it’s still a turd, which is exactly what madden is. A big pile of steaming crap.… Expand
  14. iamkjeld
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Enough is enough, EA. For more than a decade you’ve been slacking on this game series, constantly neglecting the fans. Now You’re just clowning us. As an example; we’ve been asking you for years to add mouthguards, but it was not possible you told us. However now you add them in the yard where you can buy it for real money, BUT NOT IN THE REAL SIM GAME??? - Furthermore, completelyEnough is enough, EA. For more than a decade you’ve been slacking on this game series, constantly neglecting the fans. Now You’re just clowning us. As an example; we’ve been asking you for years to add mouthguards, but it was not possible you told us. However now you add them in the yard where you can buy it for real money, BUT NOT IN THE REAL SIM GAME??? - Furthermore, completely neglecting franchise, gameplay, well actually anything that doesn’t involve microtransactions. Goddamn disgrace. Money grab game, that's all it is. Don’t clown yourselves, save the 60 dollars… Expand
  15. Honestreview22
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Look up the word trash in the dictionary. The answer is Madden 21. Graphics don't make a good game. EA has been pumping money into YouTube channels to promote Ultimate Team for years. They prey on the younger generation to gamble their parents money away. I'm amazed this garbage is still allowed in sports games. It has destroyed the sports gaming industry. The physics engine onLook up the word trash in the dictionary. The answer is Madden 21. Graphics don't make a good game. EA has been pumping money into YouTube channels to promote Ultimate Team for years. They prey on the younger generation to gamble their parents money away. I'm amazed this garbage is still allowed in sports games. It has destroyed the sports gaming industry. The physics engine on this game is broken. I'm not even going to get into Franchise mode. That could be a term paper and I don't have the space on here to write what a Hot Pile of Garbage it is. Fire the whole staff. Start from scratch. Congrats on making another Terrible game once again. It's 2020 and Tecmo Bowl for the Nintendo has better gameplay and franchise mode then you have had in the last 10 years. If i'm not mistaken that game came out in the 1800's. Keep doing what you do best EA. KEEP RUINING FOOTBALL.… Expand
  16. Brinick305
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The NFL should reconsider their relationship with EA. They obviously could care less about authenticity.
  17. darealrobertmcd
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    How is it possible that this series is going backwards? How are the developers so out of touch with the community? We want a deep franchise experience and in return you give us a career mode that has to be the worst story ever written that makes no sense with zero replay value.
  18. deol
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Clunky arcade game filled with infuriating glitches. It somehow has less features than Madden 25, a game released in 2013. There is absolutely no excuse for a billion dollar company to release a game that has changed so little in the past decade, let alone charge money for it.

    EA holds the exclusive license to produce a "Simulation" NFL game, but nothing about Madden simulates real    Clunky arcade game filled with infuriating glitches. It somehow has less features than Madden 25, a game released in 2013. There is absolutely no excuse for a billion dollar company to release a game that has changed so little in the past decade, let alone charge money for it.

    EA holds the exclusive license to produce a "Simulation" NFL game, but nothing about Madden simulates real Football. They've devoted all their resources to Arcade style game-modes while leaving Franchise mode, the mode that made Madden so popular, untouched. There are no physics, only clunky animations that break immersion and remove any idea of realism. The outcomes of plays are scripted, so you have little to no control over what really happens.

    This game is absolutely broken from the foundation up, yet they devote all their resources to features no one wants or asks for. The majority of their focus is spent on getting young children to gamble in their virtual trading-card game, Ultimate Team. The form of gambling promoted to children is in a gray-area legally, but it is still highly predatory and immoral.    … Expand
  19. Wassupboy
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Horrible game from a horrible company. They haven’t changed anything outside of adding a new career mode which locks you into a set path of boring scenarios and doesn’t even recognize if your players is doing good or bad. The added a new micro transaction filled mode called the yard, which was clearly rushed in to give an half-assed attempt at 2K’s park. Franchise needs to still have aHorrible game from a horrible company. They haven’t changed anything outside of adding a new career mode which locks you into a set path of boring scenarios and doesn’t even recognize if your players is doing good or bad. The added a new micro transaction filled mode called the yard, which was clearly rushed in to give an half-assed attempt at 2K’s park. Franchise needs to still have a major overall as it hasn’t been changed since 2013. MUT would be alright if Madden’s gameplay wasn’t so buggy… Expand
  20. xboxps2gba
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Offense is too easy, just run the ball and throw to the flats for easy success. The pass rush is non existent so there's plenty of time to pick apart defenses. Some defensive playbooks are missing go to formations like big nickel, big dime, and prevent and these are teams that heavily use these formations. You can beat prevent defense deep by sending 1 wr on a post with another one beingOffense is too easy, just run the ball and throw to the flats for easy success. The pass rush is non existent so there's plenty of time to pick apart defenses. Some defensive playbooks are missing go to formations like big nickel, big dime, and prevent and these are teams that heavily use these formations. You can beat prevent defense deep by sending 1 wr on a post with another one being left open streaking down the sideline. Madden 21 is an embarrassment of a football game, save your money and don't buy it.… Expand
  21. Weskerfan
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 is even worse than previous Madden games. Want to see yard markers? Nope. Want to get more customized stuff in franchise? Nope. Want to get those extra MUT packs for buying the $100 version of Madden 21? Nope. Want to get online and not have a disconnect or glitchy game? Not happening today.
  22. Kfisher
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Don’t waste ur time. Copy & paste gameplay . No control u still feel suck into a tackle no good teammate Tackle animation.
  23. kensowavy
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Nuff said same game as last year nothing added to franchise, terrible storytelling on the "New" Face of the franchise mode The only truly new thing in the game The yard is so buggy at times it's impossible to play. There's no innovation in this series anymore it's been copied and pasted with a new cover athlete since Madden 13.
  24. Rex501
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    What a joke. Same game every year but with one new tiny feature that nobody asked for. They shove MUT down your throat too. EA needs to lose madden.
  25. ssdlbodo
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Face of the franchise is terrible. The story makes no sense and regardless of your choices/play is extremely linear. I went to Michigan State and the player card after the draft said I attended Delaware State. Franchise mode is untouched. The only "updates" I noticed were the homescreen color changing to blue and the progression system seems to have been tweaked slightly. if you playFace of the franchise is terrible. The story makes no sense and regardless of your choices/play is extremely linear. I went to Michigan State and the player card after the draft said I attended Delaware State. Franchise mode is untouched. The only "updates" I noticed were the homescreen color changing to blue and the progression system seems to have been tweaked slightly. if you play madden for franchise it's not worth 60 bucks.… Expand
  26. JordyFighter14
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The game is horrible. The game in general is full of glitches and bugs like your coach changing colors, field lines disappearing, and the field, players and other things turn all white and are hard to see. Mut is still mostly the same, Franchise is only a roster update and no additions were made to it besides tweaks that would come in a midseason patch, FOTF has bad acting, and The Yard isThe game is horrible. The game in general is full of glitches and bugs like your coach changing colors, field lines disappearing, and the field, players and other things turn all white and are hard to see. Mut is still mostly the same, Franchise is only a roster update and no additions were made to it besides tweaks that would come in a midseason patch, FOTF has bad acting, and The Yard is glitchy and is at least partially microtransactions.… Expand
  27. JFEENSTRA
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Don’t buy this game. It’s an unpolished, unfinished and more buggy rendition of last years release. The only new thing is the yard which is an arcade style 6v6 backyard football mode with cosmetics you can buy for real money or with credits you can earn through playing the game. Instead buy a USED version of madden 20 and update the rosters, it’s the same experience.
  28. Jorrgyson
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Basically a CTRL V + CTRL C of madden 20. This is ridiculous how EA “promises” everyone change but can’t actually do it.
  29. Lordbowzr
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Absolutely awful and horrendous just like every other madden of recent. I cannot even begin to start to list of what’s wrong with this game, but this is hands down the worst sports franchise alive right now. I just do not understand how Madden NFL 06 is better than this, it’s been 15 years.
  30. Poseidon420247
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Buggy, laggy, full of lazy mistakes. Just a poor poor poor addition to an already money hungry, lame franchise.
  31. ShRekNAYSHUN
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    An atrocious football simulation game. EA has greatly expanded the number of game modes in Madden over the past couple of years at the detriment to the depth and immersion of all modes in the game. This game added no features to its already anemic franchise mode and it features many bugs upon release such as rainbow colored coaches, players wearing the wrong college jerseys in FOTF,An atrocious football simulation game. EA has greatly expanded the number of game modes in Madden over the past couple of years at the detriment to the depth and immersion of all modes in the game. This game added no features to its already anemic franchise mode and it features many bugs upon release such as rainbow colored coaches, players wearing the wrong college jerseys in FOTF, completely white screens in the Yard, and blank fields that have no sidelines or hash marks, just to name a very select few. The Yard serves only as an excuse to monetize the game further. Face of the Franchise has a pathetically cringey story. Even Ultimate Team has atrociously laggy menus that make it completely unbearable to endure. Many gameplay and AI flaws from previous titles have continued into this one as well. You can only get so much fun from such broken gameplay. Please do not give EA $60 or more for this piss poor effort… Expand
  32. FanOfFootball
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    EA's thought process while making this game: "Lets take madden 20 and make the 0 a 1"
    "Oh wait 2k can make a arcade football game now! Let's throw together some trash, glitchy game mode and let's ignore #fizmaddenfranchise and all our dedicated games feedback"
    Don't buy this game, we need to stand up to Ea and show them that they either need to fix their game or destroy it.
  33. josda_
    Aug 26, 2020
    2
    Madden 21 is an uninspired copy-and-paste mess. Do yourself a favor and do not purchase this year's edition.

    To start, EA's shiny new game mode, Face of The Franchise, is written extremely poorly and often leaves the player confused and unsatisfied. Also, it is riddled with bugs. For example, in some games, the white field paint will not load. Next, In every play-through I've done, I    Madden 21 is an uninspired copy-and-paste mess. Do yourself a favor and do not purchase this year's edition.

    To start, EA's shiny new game mode, Face of The Franchise, is written extremely poorly and often leaves the player confused and unsatisfied. Also, it is riddled with bugs. For example, in some games, the white field paint will not load. Next, In every play-through I've done, I always get drafted by the Bears.

    Moving on to franchise, it's the same and has been copy-pasted from Madden 20 to Madden 21. This includes bugs like the "Hold A to Reorder" bug when scouting players. There are zero new features to be happy about, mostly because there are zero new features. Franchise mode's only hope is that EA is truthful and completes the checklist of items they said that they'd add to the mode in the next two years. With the company's track record, I'm not hopeful.

    Next, we have The Yard. This is EA's attempt to combat 2K's new licensed arcade football game which will release in 2021. Honestly, it's fun. The mode feels arcade-y and a little bit like NFL street. You can customize your own avatar and play together with your friends or on your own. It is a little buggy, but it is a game mode that can be built upon.

    One of Madden 21's only redeeming qualities is its game play, which is better than last year's version. One of the few things that EA has done right in the last few installments is improve the game play. It's fluid, fairly satisfying, and not as animation based as Madden 20.

    If you play Madden purely for the simulation franchise aspect, there is zero reason to purchase Madden 21. If you play it for the game play, wait for the game to go on sale. This is not a product worth 100, 80, or 60 dollars.    … Expand
  34. space8323
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Terrible game, same stale franchise mode. The Yard is full of glitches. This game is a glitch.
  35. bigchill54
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This is one of the worst maddens of all time, and i've been playing since the 90's. It's copy and paste. That would make you think it would be as good as Madden 20, but somehow it's not. They have the worst franchise mode in sports gaming. They actually took teams out of their already lack luster relocation options. You still can't edit players x-factors. The trade logic is horrible, theThis is one of the worst maddens of all time, and i've been playing since the 90's. It's copy and paste. That would make you think it would be as good as Madden 20, but somehow it's not. They have the worst franchise mode in sports gaming. They actually took teams out of their already lack luster relocation options. You still can't edit players x-factors. The trade logic is horrible, the best linemen in the game can be traded for 60 overall players and low draft picks. Free agents still can't be offered a more than a 1 year contract. You don't have contract options like front or back loaded. You can't make a coaching staff. The scenario engine is the same as last year.

    That's just franchise mode. The game play is HORRIBLE. Go on youtube, the Washington team doesn't have lines on their field. In the roster outside of Franchise mode, the titans had the texans logo and vice versa. Then there's players running through each other, or puling into each other. Face of the Franchise was supposedly the reason other modes lacked in updates. But that's the worst gameplay of the game. Nothing you do in that game matters. Win, don't win, you still get drafted. The 40 yard dash is pre-determined. You don't even get to play all of your games, those are simulated.

    The Yard was ok, but that's only being done because they're being sued for MUT due to the fact it's gambling.

    Highly disappointing game. The developers are mocking the customers. Clint Oldenberg writes obnoxious comments to fans and gives codes out to people he likes for playing the game early. Sean Graddy shows no passion at all. They call their games a success despite their game being roasted in every post. Their youtube videos have more dislikes than likes. It's just bad. They're in bad shape right now.    … Expand
  36. azombie1223
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Yeah, I was going to designate a long winded review of this title but like EA Sports just doing the bare minimum for franchise mode, I'll do the same. M21 is terrible.
  37. Chumpchange41
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Franchise mode is just a updated roster, trade logic is still garbage. This company put SB54 for the 2020 season? I could go onand on but we know EA Just has no attention to detail or care for the fan base.

    Face of a Franchise is a poor writing story that seem like hellen Keller her self put together. Spent most of there time and effort on the yard and MUT like always even though no one    Franchise mode is just a updated roster, trade logic is still garbage. This company put SB54 for the 2020 season? I could go onand on but we know EA Just has no attention to detail or care for the fan base.

    Face of a Franchise is a poor writing story that seem like hellen Keller her self put together.

    Spent most of there time and effort on the yard and MUT like always even though no one asked for that.

    All in all do not wast your money on this    … Expand
  38. TonedABCbomber
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Game is a copy and paste from madden 16 “The Yard” is insanely buggy. No changes made to franchise mode. This game is advertised as a “simulation football game” That should be false advertising this is an arcade style football game with a neglected simulation side mode.
  39. HamonBlitz
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    It’s clear that EA spent less than a day working on this game. The attention to detail is next to none, and the unbelievable lack of alterations to Franchise mode is a disgrace. Do NOT spend your money on this game.
  40. Kalofel8
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Covid is no excuse. By the time covid came the game should have been at least 85 percent complete. While your finishing touches on one madden the next should already be well underway with room so you can see what was wrong with the madden your releasing so that you can improve. This game was my childhood.... i won't even allow my son to play this
  41. Bruhmoment69420
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Absolutely disgraceful. No effort, copy/paste from last year. EA is a billion dollar company with the means to provide what they should by contract. Simulation Football. They have failed to do that. Shame on them.
  42. Azwins23
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    I own every John Madden game. I’am still in disbelief on how lazy EA has become in the last 8 years. How can Madden 2005 be more fun and exciting?? It was literally 15 years ago. How can it have more features than Madden 21? This year I won’t be purchasing this game for the first time. This is such a barebones game. It offers nothing other than “The yard” which is broken. EA needs to makeI own every John Madden game. I’am still in disbelief on how lazy EA has become in the last 8 years. How can Madden 2005 be more fun and exciting?? It was literally 15 years ago. How can it have more features than Madden 21? This year I won’t be purchasing this game for the first time. This is such a barebones game. It offers nothing other than “The yard” which is broken. EA needs to make some changes so we can actually play a decent game. I hope the NFL can take their license away so another company can make a simulation game. SCREW EA for making a horrible product once again.… Expand
  43. RobiCano
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Let's not be blind to this, it's simply an awful unfinished game. So much potential, but a no show in every way.
  44. BigJackReal
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    just saying EA sucks would be putting EXTREMELY kindly. Franchise mode is somehow worse than last year and fof is completely broken to say the least
  45. Amoney32
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst in series so far. Somehow worse than the last few titles. EA continues to take advantage of no competition and put 0 effort into this once great game.… Expand
  46. wizard675
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game just flat out sucks, literally the only change to Franchise mode being new colors and an updated playoff system, Face of The Franchise is just horrible,glitches all over the place, from fields turning white, to teams just disappearing. Left handed quarterbacks don't even grip the laces of the football. This is literally the same game as Madden 20, you might as well just buyThis game just flat out sucks, literally the only change to Franchise mode being new colors and an updated playoff system, Face of The Franchise is just horrible,glitches all over the place, from fields turning white, to teams just disappearing. Left handed quarterbacks don't even grip the laces of the football. This is literally the same game as Madden 20, you might as well just buy Madden 17. Don't waste your money.… Expand
  47. boltfan43
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I don't even know at this point what else I can write that hasn't been mentioned here already. This game is just a shell of what this series used to be. The band-aids they have put over the problems that never seem to fix anything are just as prevalent as ever. #FixMaddenFranchise was trending as many of us know but even if they put things back into franchise mode (as they have promisedI don't even know at this point what else I can write that hasn't been mentioned here already. This game is just a shell of what this series used to be. The band-aids they have put over the problems that never seem to fix anything are just as prevalent as ever. #FixMaddenFranchise was trending as many of us know but even if they put things back into franchise mode (as they have promised us for years to do and have done absolutely nothing), the core gameplay is just plain broken. Want to play an exhibition match to get a quick game in? The gameplay is broken. Want to play franchise and build a dynasty? The gameplay and trade logic are broken. Want to give in to the money hungry EA and play MUT? Go ahead and pay for some packs to get players only to put them on the field and realize.. yup, gameplay is broken and you just wasted not only $60 for this game but whatever you paid for their MUT packs. What about Face of the Franchise? Have you ever seen a movie and though "why did I pay to watch this?", well this is exactly how shallow and poorly executed this game mode is. Well at this point, the game has no simulation football in this game that is supposed to be the exclusive simulation NFL game on the market. So let's see what else it has to offer.

    The Yard will give you some value, right? Well, it is an over-the-top arcade mode that again has microtransactions in it for cosmetic items. Some of those items being over $30 for a stupid helmet. has also been riddled with bugs from textures, gameplay, etc.

    And that's it. All you get for $60 is a game that is riddled with bugs and microtransactions that make even the basic gameplay elements of the game completely broken but they think trying to nickel and dime you for MUT packs while just including the same broken gameplay to use the players from those packs is just ridiculous and not acceptable. If you are a hardcore football gamer, do not buy this game. If you are a parent looking to buy a game for your kid, do not buy this game. The microtransaction are there for kids to buy MUT packs while unknowingly using their parent's credit card. This is not worth the money and not worth the risk of exposing your kids to for the gambling aspect of MUT. If you are a casual football gamer that just wants to play a game here or there, do not buy this game. Do yourself a favor and find a way to play any Madden or football game made before Madden 13. I personally suggest NFL 2k5 as many will but the Madden series use to put out such good games as well. And for anyone else I have forgotten to include, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. You will thank me and all the others that have listed their reviews on here later.    … Expand
  48. Goldenjoka
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    It's got to the point where they should dust off madden 18 engine and run it back frostbite ain't working for football. To put it bluntly this game is trash legit downgrade from last year.
  49. kjensen88
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This is quite possibly the worst triple A sports title since the 16-bit era. EA should be absolutely ashamed at the product they created. This is nothing more than a low budget asset flip and it is abhorrent that the NFL allows exclusive sim licensing to EA.
  50. marlies905
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    My Madden 21 review can be summed up in four words: same s**t, different year.

    Madden 21 is just another re-iteration of the exact same poor product that EA has been releasing for the last 10 years. EA's complacency due to its anti-consumer stranglehold on the NFL simulation football license is just as apparent this year as it has been for the past decade. Franchise Mode: FM has once    My Madden 21 review can be summed up in four words: same s**t, different year.

    Madden 21 is just another re-iteration of the exact same poor product that EA has been releasing for the last 10 years. EA's complacency due to its anti-consumer stranglehold on the NFL simulation football license is just as apparent this year as it has been for the past decade.

    Franchise Mode: FM has once again gone completely untouched and still does not come close to resembling what the mode used to be in 2005. There is absolutely no depth and no replayability in Franchise mode or Face of the Franchise (the new attempt at Career Mode/Superstar Mode). Face of the Franchise is plagued with horrible cringeworthy writing and an extremely short storyline with meaningless "choices". The core Franchise community has been completely neglected once again in favor of focusing and investing in the pay-to-win arcade modes, mainly MUT. 5000 characters are not enough to explain everything that needs to be improved/fixed in Franchise Mode. I advised everyone to check out 3 channels on Youtube who have made extremely detailed videos outlining everything wrong with Madden Franchise Mode: ShutdownSafety21 (Ryan Moody), SOFTDRINKTV, and ThatFranchiseGuy. Keep the hashtag #FixMaddenFranchise trending on twitter, the community needs to keep our voices heard until EA restores Franchise mode to its former glory. The community deserves better.

    Gameplay: The gameplay is still the same handful of canned animations from the last 5 years that make every game extremely boring and predictable. Animations still fail to blend properly most of the time which causes awful-looking interactions between players, and most animations have visual cues that make it extremely easy to predict outcomes of a play. Referees are still missing which is still a major complaint that EA has yet to address. Overall, it is clear that the Frostbite engine is not capable of replicating real-life football, and EA really needs to rebuild this game on a physics-based engine. The addition of X-factors only serves to make the gameplay less like actual NFL simulation. This shift to dumbed-down arcade-style gameplay is clearly intended to appeal to younger players who are more inclined to spend money on microtransactions. The Madden devs and executive teams have lost any and all intentions of replicating real-life football.

    Presentation: Visual game-day presentation is the exact same bland repetitive animations from the last 5 years. This includes team entrances, sideline clips, and SB win celebrations. The pre-game, post-game, and half-time shows/reports are extremely inadequate in giving you stats/storylines about the game and the season in general. The commentary library consists of the same boring and predictable lines that we have been hearing for the past 5 years. The commentary team is devoid of any personality or passion and often say lines that are irrelevant to what is happening on the field. Madden desperately needs a complete presentation overhaul to get on par with NBA2K's presentation and commentary.

    In conclusion, Madden 21 gets a 0 because of what it should have been. Ever since the transition onto the next generation (Xbox 360/PS3), EA has had 11 YEARS to rebuild this game and they have gotten nowhere. 11 years of empty promises and microtransactions make it clear that with a lack of any competitor in the NFL simulation video game market, EA is able to remain complacent and neglect anything that isn't MUT. Despite what IGN has claimed for the last 5 years, EA has yet again failed to make any real "steps in the right direction".    … Expand
  51. DaCavsHere
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Same game even worse than last if you can believe it i guess nice graphics when there not glitches out.
  52. Jmorris195
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Billion dollar company that has the monopoly on “simulation” gameplay.
    Can’t even get football right
  53. RoseMayBoone
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This game has the least effort put in I have ever seen. It becomes clear as soon as you boot it up. It literally has some of the same exact bugs from last year. There is no excuse for a game being this bad
  54. Chase14weeks
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I feel like Ea literally said lets see what is the very least we can do this year and watch these idiots still buy the game.
  55. Alexdaman213XBX
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This game has NO reason to be defended. After years of the same franchise mode, we made the hashtag '#FIXMADDENFRANCHISEMODE' trending worldwide on twitter in the United States, DURING a PANDEMIC, EA said that they will fix franchise mode and guess what new features are in franchise mode? No new features,. The gameplay is the exact same gameplay since Madden 18, but with the brand newThis game has NO reason to be defended. After years of the same franchise mode, we made the hashtag '#FIXMADDENFRANCHISEMODE' trending worldwide on twitter in the United States, DURING a PANDEMIC, EA said that they will fix franchise mode and guess what new features are in franchise mode? No new features,. The gameplay is the exact same gameplay since Madden 18, but with the brand new exciting... User controlled celebrations. The mode that has been EA's only care for the past 8 years. which is MUT (Madden Ultimate Team) is a game mode made for you to gamble and pay till your team is able to be at least playable. This year's New game mode named 'The Yard' is just another way for EA to take money out of your wallet, it is Arcady (Which I like) but, is just a thing to put on the back of the game case to make you buy this game. Superstar KO mode is the same exact same from Madden 20, it's a good game mode but not that good enough to make you pay $60 for, remember that EA put most of their resources into putting celebrities in this game mode, The star of the show which is Face of the Franchise. Face of the Franchise is an awful or even the WORSE career mode I've ever played. incoming spoilers are coming, but I don't really care. you start off in a high school as a back-up QB. there is a lot of reused parts from past Madden games to make you think it's a brand new game, all the logos, colors, are the same from the available relocation teams from Madden 25. The Starting QB reveals you at Halftime that he has a heart disorder only to you, you have the options to snitch and tell your teammates that he has a heart disorder or tell to sit down for the game if you tell him to sit down you will play by yourself for the rest of the game, if you tell the teammates, he will play as a Wide Receiver to make him look good. I choose him to sit down the game so I played by myself. When I got to the field, I was receiving frame rate issues on my Xbox One X, I know that this was early access, but there is no excuse for me to receive lag on the most powerful console ever. I won the game 22 to 69 because it was really easy. I win the high school championship game, which I forgot how it played out but I got into the hundreds because it was that easy. I now had to choose a College football team so I choose LSU because I like the logo and colors, for some reason he chooses my team also as if we had a bond between each other. The head coach rotates you and the other guy on starting QB. I play a college play off game and I get set on a Unpainted field where I don't know where the hashmarks are. This is unacceptable from EA to have a unfinished stadium. I play the college football finals and my 'Friend' at the end of Halftime knees down, knowing that his heart disorder got the best of him so I am forced to finish the game. He replies to me with 'Let's finish what we started' as if I was his friend. I win the game and trophy. I bring the trophy to him. I am back at my apartment (Which is awkward considering the media guy lives with us), and the coach comes in to tell me that I have two choices; I play Wide Receiver or Running Back because our 'Friend' is going to start OR leave for the draft. I wanted to play QB, But this is stupid how NOW I have the choice to switch positions. I leave for the NFL on what is known on one of the WORSE Careers modes EVER. In review Madden 21 is a terrible game. If you're wondering as a parent to give this to your child, or get this for yourself just remember this, you are willing to possible spend more than the $60 you payed for for Ultimate team or The Yard. This is my Review on Madden 21 on the Xbox One X.… Expand
  56. steadylosing
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Wow... not much good I can say about this game—quintessential example of complacency and lack of innovation
    Vapid new storyline, unpolished AI Logic, underwhelming presentation for AAA company game this late into this generation of consoles, complete lack of customisation in offline modes like franchise... NFL should genuinely reconsider whether they want to hand out an exclusive license.    Wow... not much good I can say about this game—quintessential example of complacency and lack of innovation
    Vapid new storyline, unpolished AI Logic, underwhelming presentation for AAA company game this late into this generation of consoles, complete lack of customisation in offline modes like franchise... NFL should genuinely reconsider whether they want to hand out an exclusive license. This EA company is coasting on the profits it accrues from naïve children that follow along with the spending habits of manic pack-opening content creators... entire dismissal of their core customer base. They genuinely are mocking consumers if they expect them to enjoy this game as a simulation experience.    … Expand
  57. Bonez90
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    God where do I start. This game is all around absolute trash. Every single year they base their game off of the same platform and it STILL manages to provide Very easy-to-find bugs. What type of bugs you ask? Here's a few:

    - INCREDIBLY slow menu times. Each action takes around 10 seconds to complete. Add that up with each action within MUT ultimate team and you're looking at several    God where do I start. This game is all around absolute trash. Every single year they base their game off of the same platform and it STILL manages to provide Very easy-to-find bugs. What type of bugs you ask? Here's a few:

    - INCREDIBLY slow menu times. Each action takes around 10 seconds to complete. Add that up with each action within MUT ultimate team and you're looking at several minutes to accomplish a simple task.

    - Lines on the Field don't even show. That's right, literally shows just a green field.

    - Scoring Touchdowns somehow results in a 15 yard penalty. Yup - let's just erase a touchdown when someone dives across the goal line.

    - The dances are WORSE than last year and they claimed that to be a selling point. Last year they were fluid and fairly quick. This year they are TERRIBLY slow and clunky... and just cringe..

    I could go on but it's not worth my time. I'm Unbelievably aggravated that i spent extra money to get the highest edition. It's the only game I've purchased all year and what an absolute bust. We should all be able to get our money back. What an absolute disappointment. These guys do Not care at all. Will not be buying next year.    … Expand
  58. mrmoothethird
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Absolutely unacceptable for a BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY to release a game that's this buggy, glitchy and horribly bad. Every game mode have their own issues on top of all the base game play issues that have yet to be fixed from the many years they just recycle the same game. The NFL needs to open up the football sports license and let 2k make a game and the competition would make ea actuallyAbsolutely unacceptable for a BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY to release a game that's this buggy, glitchy and horribly bad. Every game mode have their own issues on top of all the base game play issues that have yet to be fixed from the many years they just recycle the same game. The NFL needs to open up the football sports license and let 2k make a game and the competition would make ea actually work to make a better product.… Expand
  59. gmforder
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This is what happens when a gaming company has no competition. Review bomb and don't buy until they put effort into this dumpster.
  60. TacoTM
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The exact same game we've seen going on almost a decade now. Only a new coat of paint. Pathetic. #FixMaddenFranchise
  61. iCronic
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    0/10

    The only thing deep about madden is my pp in Clint´s throat.
  62. Bensonian
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    I think that it is important to note that I have been playing Madden since 06, so I am not new to the frustration of the game's updates feeling un-inspired. Nevertheless, Madden 21 is a new low for the franchise. The beloved franchise mode that so many play exclusively was given nothing but a refresh, while I like the graphic packages that they have added, it doesn't make the experienceI think that it is important to note that I have been playing Madden since 06, so I am not new to the frustration of the game's updates feeling un-inspired. Nevertheless, Madden 21 is a new low for the franchise. The beloved franchise mode that so many play exclusively was given nothing but a refresh, while I like the graphic packages that they have added, it doesn't make the experience any different. Madden is aware that this mode has been criminally underserved, and I would hope that this will bring changes. Beyond the non-existant changes, Madden has done nothing to convince it's players to continue to buy new iterations. The best way that I could describe this is by saying that the cash grab Yard mode and MUT are a disgusting sign of the times, I do not mind that they exist, but it is pitiful that these are the only things that get any type of update. Madden must start over in 22 if they hope to retain the fans like me that have been around for so long.… Expand
  63. T-Dubbs
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is horrible. Didn’t really fix or address any concerns or complaints of the community. Gameplay wise the game is still terrible. To start this game is unbelievably buggy and glitchy. Then, you consider the long list of things EA fails or does very poorly with gameplay. Quarterbacks nearly always fumble the ball when scrambling, pass trajectory arcs are still very low and leads toThis game is horrible. Didn’t really fix or address any concerns or complaints of the community. Gameplay wise the game is still terrible. To start this game is unbelievably buggy and glitchy. Then, you consider the long list of things EA fails or does very poorly with gameplay. Quarterbacks nearly always fumble the ball when scrambling, pass trajectory arcs are still very low and leads to picks and incompletions to wide open players, ball carriers feel stiff and unresponsive, and the computer’s intelligence is incredibly low, still being able to be exploited the same play on every down. Outside of base gameplay, Madden 21 offers a hollow Franchise mode which is copy and pasted from Madden 20, Face of the Franchise which was expanded, yet still feels barebones and is filled with cringe moments. Superstar KO is back, and is exactly the same as last year, literally nothing changed. Ultimate team is also back, a game mode where you collect player’s cards, assemble your own team, and compete against other people’s teams. This mode would be fun if not for the excessive amounts of time or money needed to get and maintain a good team. Ultimate Team is what is every year, a fun concept ruined by predatory micro-transactions, which is like gambling except you never really win. Finally, EA introduced a new game mode this year being The Yard. The Yard is a mode similar to NBA2K’s MyPark, a mode where players can control their in game character in a 7v7 experience against others characters. This mode has potential to be good, but is currently a buggy disaster of an experience, and has accessories like mouth guards and practice uniforms, which have for some reason not been included into other parts of the game. Overall, Madden 21 is an abysmal and shallow product. The gameplay is shallow, very similar to last year where the computer AI is idiotic and offers very little challenge and is very exploitable not to mention the constant bugs. Franchise is shallow, with a shallow scouting system, player development, free agency, rebranding and scheme/gameplan and offers no coaching staff, league history, players interests, customizable jerseys and stadiums, sponsorships, and stadium upgrades which were all apart of previous maddens. Do not buy this game, it is truly terrible, if you want a football simulation game, I recommend you buy Madden 17 for, Madden 12, or Madden 08 for PS2, because are better in every way except for graphics.… Expand
  64. avatar133
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    It’s the same game year after year with a UI change and +1 added to the name. The NFL needs to give the license to someone else.
  65. jakhamr
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    With the exception of visually, the game stinks in every respect. Madden on Ps2 is far superior the current gen madden. The people who put of the same broken game year after year are soulless individuals. They are not good people. EA is predatory, evil and lazy. I'll never give them my money.....NEVER.
  66. Am0r3d
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This is the worst madden since .... ever . Franchise Mode is the same in every aspect.
  67. Bainlogan
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    No reason at all to buy this game for 60 dollars, in past maddens it was more of a joke to say “it’s basically just a roster update” but this year, it’s not a joke it is literally all this is for 60 dollars. Don’t buy this garbage
  68. Porkmaster56
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The game is not functional. The game is not a simulation football game. The gameplay is barely updated from the past year. Face of the Franchise is a complete joke in that nothing you do matters for the entire "story" and then you get dumped in the same terrible singleplayer franchise since forever. The main franchise mode has not been touched from last year. Do not buy this game. ThisThe game is not functional. The game is not a simulation football game. The gameplay is barely updated from the past year. Face of the Franchise is a complete joke in that nothing you do matters for the entire "story" and then you get dumped in the same terrible singleplayer franchise since forever. The main franchise mode has not been touched from last year. Do not buy this game. This game is a pathetic entry in a once-proud franchise. The Yard is fine gameplay wise but it does not affect my score. Madden is the officially licensed simulation football game. The Yard is not simulation football. It is a janky, arcade mode designed to make money via in game microtransactions. There is no other purpose to it other than to compete with a potential NFL 2K arcade style game. No matter how fun it is, it is not what Madden is meant to be.

    Do not buy this game.    … Expand
  69. Stolze90
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    some improvments but not worth the 60 bucks. NFL should open the license to everyone who is interessed to make a video game.
  70. chains11
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Gameplay: Complete and utter joke. You’re not actually playing.

    Franchise: Can’t even put the right Super Bowl in. That’s how bad this franchise mode is. Copy and paste. MUT: Can’t even get the packs. Servers don’t work. The Yard: Another micro-transaction filled mode, and another half-baked mode. Face of the Franchise: Way too predetermined. You can’t determine anything. A pathetic    Gameplay: Complete and utter joke. You’re not actually playing.

    Franchise: Can’t even put the right Super Bowl in. That’s how bad this franchise mode is. Copy and paste.

    MUT: Can’t even get the packs. Servers don’t work. The Yard: Another micro-transaction filled mode, and another half-baked mode.

    Face of the Franchise: Way too predetermined. You can’t determine anything. A pathetic story mode, you really have no choice.

    Overall: Don’t waste the $.    … Expand
  71. WhosCrimson
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This game is a buggy mess with little to innovation and just goes to show how ea continues to lower the bar with sports games
  72. PackAttack52
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Basically just Madden 20 again. Is not a simulation game and they should lose the exclusive rights to NFL simulation. Just as many glitches if not more than the past years an even with the day one patch that will be coming we know that it will just cause new issues when fixing the current ones. Unless if those issues are losing EA money. People that preordered the game are not even receiving their preorder bonuses. Stay away from this one and hope EA learns something… Expand
  73. Danny0071
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    When a 15 year old game, NFL 2K5 is a better playing football game than Madden 21 you have serious issues.
  74. Lamardansby
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Frozen ***t in a can that has been thrown in the microwave to thaw out but explodes after 20 seconds because they forgot to put it on defrost mode.… Expand
  75. durhamfinch
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This is an unfinished football game and a poor excuse for a “simulation” style football game. EA Sports is absolutely destroying this franchise by turning it into this arcade style game that feels like it should be marketed towards 8 year olds. They have the exclusive rights to make an NFL simulation experience, but every year we move further away from that. Franchise mode was deeper inThis is an unfinished football game and a poor excuse for a “simulation” style football game. EA Sports is absolutely destroying this franchise by turning it into this arcade style game that feels like it should be marketed towards 8 year olds. They have the exclusive rights to make an NFL simulation experience, but every year we move further away from that. Franchise mode was deeper in 2005 than it is now. The new “career” mode is a pathetic excuse for a story mode. It makes no sense. EA Sports should be absolutely ashamed of this garbage game and the NFL should be ashamed that their name is on this game.… Expand
  76. 99rlingham
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    I’ll give you 1 because the graphics never disappoints imo but dawg, WE KNOW you guys (EA) are mentally and physically capable of making great games but, Madden is years behind and the game is flat out dog dookie and cat piss. Like are you guys afraid of putting so much into franchise mode and in the game in general to a point you guys run out of things to sell to the consumer? is that theI’ll give you 1 because the graphics never disappoints imo but dawg, WE KNOW you guys (EA) are mentally and physically capable of making great games but, Madden is years behind and the game is flat out dog dookie and cat piss. Like are you guys afraid of putting so much into franchise mode and in the game in general to a point you guys run out of things to sell to the consumer? is that the reason why you guys take **** out of the game and try to promote as a new feature 2 years later? JUST DO WHAT 2K is doing and make a Mypark type game mode you don’t need to take **** out the game all the time!! and that The Yard ain’t cutting it that **** is wack as hell man. EA time is ticking!! **** y’all gonna burn!!. Get your **** together!!. Oh can you discount the game too.… Expand
  77. BrennenL
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Absolutely ignored the franchise community after “committing” to it for madden 20. Gameplay still has core issues with AI especially in the blocking department. Bugs and glitches from last year still exist in this years game. Face of the Franchise was their baby and it’s terrible through and through, from the storyline to the gameplay to the glitches. MUT looked practically the sameAbsolutely ignored the franchise community after “committing” to it for madden 20. Gameplay still has core issues with AI especially in the blocking department. Bugs and glitches from last year still exist in this years game. Face of the Franchise was their baby and it’s terrible through and through, from the storyline to the gameplay to the glitches. MUT looked practically the same besides card art. Superstar KO is copy and paste. The Yard is boring and too out there, the resources used on The Yard and FOTF could’ve easily been more productive elsewhere. For a game that champions itself as a “simulation football game” there ain’t nothing simulation about it.… Expand
  78. frevreagle
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Worst Madden released to date. Same bugs as before, but they created all new ones. They broke the UI, it's crazy slow. There is still no physics. Everything is animation based. No simulation mode, even though they are the only simulation game. All dev goes to MUT, instead of their contractual obligation to Sim. Most bugs ever, they even refused to release any gameplay because they know howWorst Madden released to date. Same bugs as before, but they created all new ones. They broke the UI, it's crazy slow. There is still no physics. Everything is animation based. No simulation mode, even though they are the only simulation game. All dev goes to MUT, instead of their contractual obligation to Sim. Most bugs ever, they even refused to release any gameplay because they know how bad it is. 1st time ever..... This game has gotten worse each year, time to move on.… Expand
  79. Patrick26
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I can't believe I have to repeat the same things, another year.
    This game is just terrible. I can't find and list all the glitches and all the problems that this game has. But I can write the biggest one of this problems: the company production. 10 years WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, 10 years WITH NO INNOVATIONS OF GAMEPLAY, 10 years of LIES AND MORE LIES told those who support them buying their    I can't believe I have to repeat the same things, another year.
    This game is just terrible. I can't find and list all the glitches and all the problems that this game has. But I can write the biggest one of this problems: the company production. 10 years WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, 10 years WITH NO INNOVATIONS OF GAMEPLAY, 10 years of LIES AND MORE LIES told those who support them buying their games. The only community they listen to is their wallet. With thousands of people who criticize their game each year (see Ryan Moody), they simply don't care.
    I don't really know how they still have the courage to show this broke game in tournament like Challenge etc.
    It's so sad to think that we, as football lover, can't play a real football game because of EA. This is not football. This is an embarrassing gameplay based on animations.
    Do you want to play this game? Buy Madden 15. It's the same thing with lower cost.
    You, EA, the only company to dispose of NFL license, ruined years of football video games.    … Expand
  80. Peanut0713
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    There is nothing about this worth buying. Graphics are great and that is it. It's bland and clunky. The last good Madden was 08 and the last decent Madden was 12. The story mode in 21 is trash. Franchise is not good and online play is cheesy as players use the same plays because they are op and you can't stop them at all.
  81. Joesiman
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    No surprise here. Ea farts releases yet another exact replica of the game from the year prior. Same broken animations, same neglect for franchise mode, Same commentary, hell the damn loading screens are the same. I’m actually surprised they cared enough to change the music. But they did add something to the game, more micro transactions! Oh and if you’re used to the controls, they jackedNo surprise here. Ea farts releases yet another exact replica of the game from the year prior. Same broken animations, same neglect for franchise mode, Same commentary, hell the damn loading screens are the same. I’m actually surprised they cared enough to change the music. But they did add something to the game, more micro transactions! Oh and if you’re used to the controls, they jacked up ALL controls on defense. So if you put in 500 hours into last years game? Well, too bad they needed to look like they actually changed something so all set up controls are completely different. This game is a complete disaster on all cylinders. This company is purely malicious for their complete negligence towards their fans and their wishes for the game. The fans need to boycott this atrocity. You’d be better off burning your $60 then to support this satanic, selfish, careless, greedy, abysmal company.… Expand
  82. HouseBlackfyre
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    I'm going to give this a 1 because it's not totally unplayable, however the amount of bugs and glitches in this game that have made their way over from previous Maddens significantly decreases the chance I play more than the trial 10 hours or come anywhere close to spending $60+ on this game or its upgraded editions.
  83. DoubleB
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This game is not worth buying at this point. Way too many glitches and no real updates to the game besides the yard.
  84. SteelConfidence
    Aug 27, 2020
    2
    I almost never review games but Madden 21 finally broke me. I primarily play franchise mode and I already knew coming in that no major changes were made to the mode despite promises from EA so I wasn’t surprised by same carbon copy mode we got. Just disappointed not even the scenario engine was updated or changed. However I took a chance on the game because I do enjoy career modes in gamesI almost never review games but Madden 21 finally broke me. I primarily play franchise mode and I already knew coming in that no major changes were made to the mode despite promises from EA so I wasn’t surprised by same carbon copy mode we got. Just disappointed not even the scenario engine was updated or changed. However I took a chance on the game because I do enjoy career modes in games and the yard looked like it would be a fun addition when me and some other franchise users weren’t doing our leagues. I’m it’s current state I can not recommend this game to anyone. The gameplay does feel better, controlling RB feel tighter and best it has in years but it’s so glitchy it’s unplayable. I’m career mode I went to select the Titans and they had the Viking logo for everything. The yard me and a friend couldn’t even finish a game without the servers crashing or game freezing. Finally caved and returned the game after I scored a TD, chose my celebration just to watch the CPU pick up the ball and return it the other way for a TD if their own. Which of course counted where mine didn’t. It’s not a 0 because it is playable but very little gameplay improvements, no change to franchise mode and full of glitches and bugs in the two new modes don’t earn this game anymore than a 2. If your a big madden guy or football fan just wait until EA ultimately puts this game on sale for $15 in the next few months. You thank me later.… Expand
  85. ChaseCherry
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This game is a waste of 60 dollars and there’s no reason a triple A company has any reason to be putting out this garbage on a yearly basis and try to pass it off as a different game. Atrocious.
  86. Sonicmafia420
    Aug 27, 2020
    3
    While I like the gameplay changes and the game feels more realistic as you play it, the game still feels like an unfinished product. While madden 21 might be a good overall video game, it isnt a good football simulation game. Franchise mode hasn't been touched, which is unacceptable. Although I am glad that ea did make promises to improve the mode
  87. Northboy5
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I’ve played madden since 2005 and this is ridiculous we have been fed the same stuff since 2013 and I’m sick of it this is a billion dollar company and you can’t even fix the little stuff and you can even add in things that where on the ps3 this is a joke and the main reason I’m refusing to buy this game is because I love madden but I won’t be force fed madden 20 just with a roster update and some new X factors that are probably already broken in all honesty I will buy NCAA 14 or madden 07 before I buy that… Expand
  88. Uberman2FT
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    It’s the same game as the previous years except they added a super glitchy game mode called the yard that’s filled with micro transactions which has more customization that you can do in franchise mode which has been the same for years. Better off buying the previous games even if you like the same dull madden game with no change.
  89. LastNameMoore
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    same exact simulation game with added arcade mode. The new arcade mode was only added because 2k was allowed to make an arcade nfl game. The game is just awful. Same legacy glitchesfrom forever ago.
  90. Tukay662
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Same game again. Running feels better and the yard is cool but that get old fast. Everything else is literally the same..… Expand
  91. PoppaWheelie
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Total copy and paste of Madden 20. Franchise hasn’t been touched and the game is still too animation dependent. But hey, as long as EA keeps monopolizing the game, why improve it? #fixmaddenfranchise
  92. Cstallones
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I am try to understand how a billion dollar company can’t do any better this product. When you ruin the game starting @ madden 13 and keep making it worst every year and than slowly bringing things back into the game to make it seem like progress it just shows the lack of respect they for there customers. Again your a billion dollar company, figure the sh** out...
    When 2k finally starts    I am try to understand how a billion dollar company can’t do any better this product. When you ruin the game starting @ madden 13 and keep making it worst every year and than slowly bringing things back into the game to make it seem like progress it just shows the lack of respect they for there customers. Again your a billion dollar company, figure the sh** out...
    When 2k finally starts dropping there simulation game I’m done with EA for good. Just a bunch of clowns who think there customers are to stupid to read between the lines, and realize that there only in it for the money & dnt care one bit about there customers. I hope y’all go out of business when 2k comes back I really do......    … Expand
  93. Steelers4life52
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Same game as previous years, along with no innovation to franchise mode in multiple years. This game is just a rehash of Madden 20, not worth a single penny. EA seemingly focused on MUT and Face of the Franchise, yet the story makes no sense in terms of writing and the story is predetermined no matter how good/bad you play during your high school and college career. So many promises areSame game as previous years, along with no innovation to franchise mode in multiple years. This game is just a rehash of Madden 20, not worth a single penny. EA seemingly focused on MUT and Face of the Franchise, yet the story makes no sense in terms of writing and the story is predetermined no matter how good/bad you play during your high school and college career. So many promises are made year after year for improvement, but each release there's always the same lingering bugs/glitches that have been around for multiple Maddens. In summary, EA is more focused on making money rather than putting out a good product, and only get away with it due to their exclusive NFL license for simulation football games. Will not be buying Madden in the future, I'd rather switch to 2k's upcoming NFL arcade game… Expand
  94. ryanpug101
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    the same broken buggy game with nothing changed or added for the last 9 years do not buy
  95. Shrip
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    As far as what I've seen, the game is filled with graphical bugs and game bugs, more than there usually would be by a mile. The franchise mode had NO new features, and Ultimate team isn't that different, the new game mode isn't that fun. The soundtrack is terrible again, no variety in music. The face of the Franchise is the WORST story script writing of ANY game I've played.

    Natural    As far as what I've seen, the game is filled with graphical bugs and game bugs, more than there usually would be by a mile. The franchise mode had NO new features, and Ultimate team isn't that different, the new game mode isn't that fun. The soundtrack is terrible again, no variety in music. The face of the Franchise is the WORST story script writing of ANY game I've played.

    Natural gameplay: it's ok, still bad animations that dictate plays and bugs are filled still issues. Some mechanics they added into the actual gameplay work out alright but overall 4/10
    Soundtrack: Mostly rap songs that aren't even good, no other genres to freshen up the music, probably only one or two ok songs total. 0/10
    Franchise: nothing added, still lacks depth after constantly losing feature after feature 3/10
    The Yard: quite fun gameplay but terribly limited, a bug-filled mess. 4/10
    The face of the Franchise: the only good thing about is I could choose my Huskers, but if this were a movie, it would be worse than ANYTHING released, expectation wise and execution wise. 0/10
    Ultimate team: nothing fresh, gambling simulator for children should be illegal or come with a warning for parents. 2/10
    New Avatar thing: Didn't even know we were getting this and actually found it to be pretty neat, they added a lot to face customization, but they still need good face scan. Overall it was nice. 7/10
    Overall expectation and what was delivered. -5/10
    Overall score 15/80 with a 5 point deduction for not listening to buyers
    10/80-->1.25%--> FInal score is a 1 out of a possible 10.
    Up for worst game of 2020, this better be AngryJoes #1 for worst game, cuz I seriously don't know a worse game.    … Expand
  96. Armollion
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Another year, another disappointment, another failure. The sole simulation game for NFL football can't even get the simplest things like which college my own player went to out of the ten possible choices. Glitches everywhere, whether it be on the field like the pure white field in the yard or text issues like completely mixing together different players names somehow or just having yourAnother year, another disappointment, another failure. The sole simulation game for NFL football can't even get the simplest things like which college my own player went to out of the ten possible choices. Glitches everywhere, whether it be on the field like the pure white field in the yard or text issues like completely mixing together different players names somehow or just having your teammates wearing a completely different teams jersey in the locker room. The game play is purely animation based, basically a rock paper scissors of the game engine deciding what it wants to happen.… Expand
  97. Hrbeastmode
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I have played Madden and NCAA for years, this game is near unplayable with face of the franchise the faces glitch the screen freezes it looks like video broadcast in a horror game at points, there are still random glitches I had a player fall down for no apparent reason when he had nothing but 60 yards Green in front of them people are phasing through each other glitches that have been inI have played Madden and NCAA for years, this game is near unplayable with face of the franchise the faces glitch the screen freezes it looks like video broadcast in a horror game at points, there are still random glitches I had a player fall down for no apparent reason when he had nothing but 60 yards Green in front of them people are phasing through each other glitches that have been in the game for years are still there and they haven't updated the Superbowl winning animation in four years… Expand
  98. deeohmmm
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    TL;DR: Madden 21 is a buggy mess that should have been delayed and adds no significant upgrades over Madden 20. This is the worst effort Tiburon has put into this game in its entire history and it is time for us as a community to demand a better game.

    I’ve owned every Madden since 2001. I want Madden to be a great game every year. I’ve played in tournaments and online franchises for    TL;DR: Madden 21 is a buggy mess that should have been delayed and adds no significant upgrades over Madden 20. This is the worst effort Tiburon has put into this game in its entire history and it is time for us as a community to demand a better game.

    I’ve owned every Madden since 2001. I want Madden to be a great game every year. I’ve played in tournaments and online franchises for years. I literally grew up on Madden and it shaped me in some ways. To see what the series has become over the years has left me feeling hopeless because I have truly loved playing football games for decades now, but Madden is the only NFL “simulation” in the market and it has slowly stripped everything of substance from its game and dumbed the gameplay down to a level that is beyond simply catering to average players. There isn’t a good reason for man coverage to continue to be pointless except when doing unrealistic “cross-manning”. There isn’t a good reason for zone coverages to be stagnant, where a player in a zone will ignore the only receiver on their side of the field because the receiver didn’t enter the zone’s imaginary bubble. Blocking is terrible, but at the same time, the defensive line is useless unless you put abilities on them. Why haven’t check and release blocks been updated since their introduction into the game over a decade ago? You can put a TE on a check and release and they will just stand and look at the edge rusher get picked up by a tackle without chipping and then runs their route (anyone who knows football knows how stupid this is). Why is it that years after the origin of “nano blitzes” that they are still the only viable defense? ...Oh I already answered that: coverage is useless in this game so you can only hope to send 6-7 every play for a pressure or sack. Want to drop 8 players into coverage? You’ll get picked apart because the AI hasn’t been updated in years. We haven’t even gotten into the run game where these principles completely flip. Want to blitz 7 against a run? Well, your entire defense can’t pursue properly and if the RB gets past the first level of the defense, there is no second level because the AI is programmed to just run straight at the RB at best or to move around aimlessly at worst. Oh your opponent is dropping 8 versus the run, should be a big hole to run through right? Yes there is a huge hole!... that your opponent shoots through untouched and tackles you for a loss. So to be clear: loading the box vs a run is a mistake that could cost the defense a touchdown and running a 5 man box vs a heavy running set can get a tackle for loss. Is that how football works? Of course not. I haven’t even gotten into any of the topics regarding franchise’s lack of updates, how adding The Yard doesn’t warrant a $60 purchase when Madden added Superstar KO FOR FREE, how MUT has yet to change any of their monetization practices to be more consumer friendly, how EA spent more money on hiring NFL players to be influencers than helping create Madden influencers in its competitive community (how about you make the prize pools 10% of your profits instead of less than 1%?), how nonsensical Face of the Franchise is with the depth of a puddle... I’ll let other reviewers take that baton. Madden NFL 21 is not worth 1 cent in my opinion. It is an update to Madden 20 which itself is practically free-to-play if you pay $30 for EA Play or for $5 from your local GameStop. Madden NFL 21 should have been delayed or not even shipped for current gen, but EA Sports is determined to milk its player base for every last cent until the community collectively stops them.    … Expand
  99. kjamal
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Horrible in every way. Save your $60 this year. Franchise is worse than last year and FOTF was written by a literal child.
  100. WellDamn
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Nothing changed from last year besides a few minor controller tweaks. They actually took away stuff from Franchise. Boycott madden
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Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Best Xbox One Game of 2020
4
#4 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. GamingBolt
    Nov 1, 2020
    70
    Madden NFL 21 is as fun and realistic as every Madden game, especially in its new “The Yard” mode and its increased focus on superstars, but its stagnation in gameplay innovation and established modes makes it sometimes difficult to distinguish its improvements over previous games.
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  2. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 14, 2020
    60
    Madden 21 has the components to be a solid, if utterly by-the-numbers entry in the franchise. However, a raft of bugs and glitches serve to undo the game’s atmosphere at every turn.
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  3. GameCritics
    Sep 10, 2020
    75
    Given the sheer depth of the title, this Madden NFL 21 review could theoretically go on for another 1,000 words but there’s a good chance most readers already know whether or not they plan to invest in another season of tried and true NFL gameplay. Make no mistake, Madden NFL 21 is the best rendition of football this generation, and is A solid experience for anyone who takes the plunge — it just comes down to whether or not the new features warrant another purchase for regular fans.
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