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. racecaraz
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Fortunately I tried the trial first because it's horrible. A true bugfest rehash of previous Madden's plus in an attempt look like the they stand for something they add Kap back in. They only stand for trying to milk more $ out of this train wreck and are using him for their own agenda nothing else. Please NFL allow any other company a shot at making a game I doubt it could be worse.
  2. Nosmont
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Drive this game into the ground. Nothing is new, looks like **** gameplay is **** not worth buying
  3. slam4
    Dec 13, 2020
    0
    EA does not deserve the license to make NFL games anymore. If you purchase this game, you are contributing to the problem
  4. EAAreEvil1
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Awful, awful awful. Immoral cash grabs, encouraging children to gamble for profit.

    No updates to franchise. Boycott EA at all costs
  5. Madden
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 has turned into such a cookie cutter generic football game. There is still no added depth to franchise mode where many of the hardcore football fans mainly play. This game is strictly advertising game modes where micro transactions run rampant. People who say this game is good only play for MUT and they are literally addicted to spending more money than the $60 they bought it forMadden 21 has turned into such a cookie cutter generic football game. There is still no added depth to franchise mode where many of the hardcore football fans mainly play. This game is strictly advertising game modes where micro transactions run rampant. People who say this game is good only play for MUT and they are literally addicted to spending more money than the $60 they bought it for and getting these virtual players that have no actual real life value and will become pointless when the new madden game eventually comes out the following year. It's time that the gaming community and sports world become aware of what EA is doing to this once beloved franchise. There needs to be competition for the NFL license because what we are getting year after year is the same game just painted different colors.… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. kncruz
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Physics? A disaster. Franchise mode? Untouched. Glitches? Everywhere. Gameplay? Horrendous. Simulation football? Not even close. PLEASE. DO. NOT. BUY. THIS. GAME....PERIOD.
  8. meatybalboa
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Trash game by a trash company. They don't listen to the customer and don't care about the customer.
  9. Fins1399
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Farbage still carried over from 5 games ago and forget about franchise mode for about the same time. Game is made to squeeze as much cash out of you as possible. SMH
  10. Poseidon420247
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Buggy, laggy, full of lazy mistakes. Just a poor poor poor addition to an already money hungry, lame franchise.
  11. 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.
  12. Awesomeman43218
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Are you ready for the best Madden game since madden 08!!?? You are??!! Well, too bad, let’s just play madden 19 with a colour change and a new game mode. Oh, wait, sorry that’s Madden 20. Or 21? You can’t even tell anymore. Just because the number goes up, doesn’t mean it improves.… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. MDFLgaming
    Sep 5, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For this whole console gen EA has pissed on our necks and tokd us its raining. This honestly should be a free to play game at this point with the amount of in game ads and microtransaction systems in every game mode except franchise and low and behold franchise in minimally invested in. This game is a heart breaker for true NFL fans… Expand
  15. Zekester2097
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Not worth it at all. Just the same copy-pasted game EA has been putting out for years. Spend your money somewhere else.
  16. Bootneck98
    Aug 31, 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
  17. vROBOCOPv
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    Atrociously buggy rehash of last year's game. Enough is enough. Just speak with your wallet and stop supporting this practice.
  18. Am0r3d
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This is the worst madden since .... ever . Franchise Mode is the same in every aspect.
  19. 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
  20. ToXTeR
    Oct 11, 2020
    0
    Microtransaction, copypast. Microtransaction, copypast. Microtransaction, copypast.
  21. Patriot173
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Garbage game by a garbage company. The only changes from last year are:

    1. An overly simplistic children's game mode that's full of predatory microtransactions.
    2. A new color scheme for the menus, which now have a 15 second lag after every button press.
  22. Drogba
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Literally agree with everything posted. It's beyond terrible what ea has done to this franchise. John madden please help us.
  23. RockiesMT
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Horrible, just horrible. Madden is so terrible once again.... DO NOT BUY!!!!!
    #FixMaddenFranchise #BoycottMadden
  24. 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
  25. tb303wpf1
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Just a glitchy, pathetic refresh of Madden 13. No innovation. Crappy graphics. Terrible gameplay. I'd rather plug my controller into a potato. #NFLdropEA
  26. Mikeboss
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The scores speak for themselves. And honestly metascore critics, even while giving it the lowest score a Madden has ever gotten, are bailing EA out on this. A completely recycled (including recycled bugs/issues), painfully un-immersive, and unplayable piece of gaming deserves a score less than 0. How can a AAA gaming company be so daft and negligent to the point where they believe a copy and paste game with a roster update and yet another micro transaction driven mode is deserving of their consumers money. Do not buy this game , it will feed into the greedy hole of a company that is EA. And parents, no matter how your 8 year old cries and begs to use your credit card to buy MUT packs or a stupid visor/mouthpiece in the yard. DO NOT DO IT !… Expand
  27. GreatGig168
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Never go out and buy this game and if any one gives this to you for Christmas you should burn it
  28. Markj121
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Truly horrible....This game has gone from bad to flat unplayable ...don't do it!!!!!!!
  29. BeefSkittles
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Game is absolute garbage, writing a review on a all versions to make our voice heard #NFLDropEA
  30. 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
  31. sdoming
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    They made very little improvement to this years version. The NFL should be ashamed.
  32. Addidaswguy
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    ***If WWE 2k20 dropped the price immediately, cancelled the next game, and decided to dedicate two years ro fixing the next WWE game, EA should do the SAME thing, this game has JUST as many problems****
    Man, I had fun for like two hours with Face of the Franchise, But the story is SOO Bad.. The Jerseys were wrong, the glitches were horrible.. It is so disappointing.. I used to LOVE    ***If WWE 2k20 dropped the price immediately, cancelled the next game, and decided to dedicate two years ro fixing the next WWE game, EA should do the SAME thing, this game has JUST as many problems****
    Man, I had fun for like two hours with Face of the Franchise, But the story is SOO Bad.. The Jerseys were wrong, the glitches were horrible.. It is so disappointing.. I used to LOVE Franchise mode, and I'd play it for months and months after the old releases, with my favorite (or a custom)team, Customize the Arena, and do YEARS of Franchise! Now I get the Achievements and I don't touch it again.. I was just watching a video about all the missing features, and I didn't even realize they don't even have a coin toss anymore!! And the amount of things that are removed, or don't even work, is ridiculous.. FIX Franchise next year PLEASE, Or NFL give someone else the license.. they may make money but they are letting down a HUGE amount of fans.. Focus on ultimate team if you want, but since it's making SOO much money, have another team, or half the team, FIXING the issues and bringing things back that we had ten YEARS ago or more! Stop letting them remove things every year only to bring it back as a 'new feature' this is awful... And it makes me so bummed out, I love Football games... My only hopes are you guys fix it, EA gets replaced, or a the non simulation games end up being really good... #FixMaddenFranchise #NFLdropEA    … Expand
  33. HippyCam
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    What an embarrassment. No one asked for the new game mode The Yard. What we did ask for and what we have asked for, for years now, has yet to be improved. Save your money. #NFLdropEA
  34. 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
  35. TheActualJay
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    Time to kick EA while it's down. No, I haven't played the game. However my review is still valid as I have played EA titles in the past so F it.

    Call it a... Surprise Delayed Review
  36. nyx50iHYcD9uNq
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    a buggy game with no innovations just a copy and paste since 2013, **** gameplay and at AAA price, and no smart delivery wtf.
  37. YouWereAMistake
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Copy and paste. Needs to focus on fixing the issues plaguing the game every release instead of releasing new garbage that nobody asked for.
  38. ZENJUTSU
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    mais uma merda incrível lançada pelo pior empresa de jogos de todos os tempos
  39. Rjensen16
    Sep 11, 2020
    0
    This may be the worst made game of all time. I buy madden every year and thought maybe all the bad reviews were just overstated but a few hours into the game I can already see how bad things really are. Screens loading simultaneously so you can’t see anything, players going through each other, getting kicked out of game modes and back to the main menu, but the worst thing ever is the newThis may be the worst made game of all time. I buy madden every year and thought maybe all the bad reviews were just overstated but a few hours into the game I can already see how bad things really are. Screens loading simultaneously so you can’t see anything, players going through each other, getting kicked out of game modes and back to the main menu, but the worst thing ever is the new face of the franchise mode. Terrible story. No matter what you do it plays out exactly the same. And my lord are there a heavy amount of bugs and glitches. This should have never been released. EA would of done a better job saving face by simply stating it’s going to take another year to properly update and fix their broken game and just update the rosters of last years game. Hoping for better in the future but I’m not holding my breath.… Expand
  40. GATORBUBS
    Sep 12, 2020
    0
    Weekend league games don't count, solo battles wasn't working for two weeks, packs weren't opening correctly day one, franchise is worse every year, the yard game mode didn't work until a week one patch, gameplay glitches where the screen was totally white, field lines didn't show up, and there is STILL a QB user glitch when playing coop where it switches the user on snap of the ball. ThisWeekend league games don't count, solo battles wasn't working for two weeks, packs weren't opening correctly day one, franchise is worse every year, the yard game mode didn't work until a week one patch, gameplay glitches where the screen was totally white, field lines didn't show up, and there is STILL a QB user glitch when playing coop where it switches the user on snap of the ball. This isn't even finished, I wanted a game better than Madden 20 but this isn't better than the sh*t I see on TikTok.

    The only reason to get this game is because it's the only football game out now, which sucks because it will never get better if there isn't competition.    … Expand
  41. 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.
  42. blitz-robo
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    Copy and paste
    Copy and paste Copy and paste Copy and paste Copy and paste Copy and paste
  43. dhilipmaco00
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Same engine
    Same AI
    Same UI
    Same pay to mechanism
    Same face model
    Same worst Port for xbox
  44. DazeX1
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The same recycled garbage that they pull every year. Nothing has changed since Madden 13 for the 360, all the extra modes are just half-baked distractions with microtransactions riddled throughout.
  45. CaseyC
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Altogether this game is almost the exact same as the one prior. In terms of franchise; every single problem that was with it is still present; only with a slightly different “coat of shiny paint”. Very disappointed that this is the only simulation football game that can be on the market for years to come.
  46. UnbuckledFiber2
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Just god awful. Same thing as Madden 20, no changes to its lacking franchise mode and their new focal points (FOTF and Yard) are broken and buggy to say the least. I paid $60 for a game and barely even got a finished product. Absolute embarrassment for EA, this is my last year buying Madden.
  47. Zorrothomas7
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Same old same old each game, this is a money grabbing monopoly on the franchise. Don’t waste your time or money
  48. space8323
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Terrible game, same stale franchise mode. The Yard is full of glitches. This game is a glitch.
  49. Brandon223
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    The fact that Clint Oldenburg is ok with a 2/10 for Madden is all you need know as to why he got cut from the Patriots by the third week of training camp, complete and utter laziness by EA.
  50. Jojo15
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This game is ass. It is incredible how inept EA is at making a sports game on the current generation on consoles. You could say this game is Madden 17 and I would believe it. It’s obvious that we need change.
  51. 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
  52. Mbaran28
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. EA has once again given us the same game as last year. The gameplay is still garbage and not even close to simulation football therefore wasting the exclusive simulation football license they hold. EA should be dropped by the NFL as they have consistently made a terrible and broken game which is a bad representation for the NFL. EA even realized how terrible the gameDO NOT BUY THIS GAME. EA has once again given us the same game as last year. The gameplay is still garbage and not even close to simulation football therefore wasting the exclusive simulation football license they hold. EA should be dropped by the NFL as they have consistently made a terrible and broken game which is a bad representation for the NFL. EA even realized how terrible the game is so they set thousands of people up with free game codes on Twitter which even if I received this game for free, I would still rather play NFL all pro football 2k8 as it is 1,000 times a better game.… Expand
  53. 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
  54. 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
  55. 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.
  56. 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
  57. 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.
  58. 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.
  59. dabirdman23
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very very low effort. No attempt at all made to improve franchise mode. Lazy development from an extremely greedy company.… Expand
  60. 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.
  61. 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
  62. 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
  63. 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
  64. 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
  65. 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
  66. 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.
  67. 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
  68. 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
  69. 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.
  70. 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
  71. 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.
  72. JG645
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Man I wish I could be as lazy at my job as EA is in theirs. Literally the same broken gameplay just copied and pasted from 5 years ago. But hey two new awful game modes were added. Thanks NFL for resigning with EA to gives us more “simulation” football you’re just as bad as this awful gaming company.
  73. 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
  74. 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.
  75. 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
  76. 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.
  77. 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
  78. 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.
  79. 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
  80. 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
  81. 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
  82. 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
  83. SirKaos2020
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    They Seriously screwed up big time and yet all they damn care about is money yet alone they haven’t even done anything great for franchise in a long time
  84. 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.
  85. 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
  86. 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
  87. 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
  88. 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
  89. leakthis
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Amazing game! They gave us everything we wanted such as improved blocking, receiving ai and tackling without horrible unrealistic animations! Not only did they do that but they removed all the bugs and made franchise mode super in depth. Time to wake up from my dream and play the actual atrocity of madden 21.
  90. 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
  91. 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.
  92. 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
  93. Hadams56
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Literally the same exact game. Added ball carrier moves, RB reaching animation, and some pass rush moves. If you were to play the game without the scoreboard you wouldn’t even notice that they are 2 separate games. The yard has no depth to it. It’s not connected to franchise or records stats so there’s no reason to play it. It’s a nice addition, but needs to be connected to story mode, orLiterally the same exact game. Added ball carrier moves, RB reaching animation, and some pass rush moves. If you were to play the game without the scoreboard you wouldn’t even notice that they are 2 separate games. The yard has no depth to it. It’s not connected to franchise or records stats so there’s no reason to play it. It’s a nice addition, but needs to be connected to story mode, or have some sort of rewards.… Expand
  94. 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
  95. 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.
  96. 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.
  97. 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
  98. 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.
  99. 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.
  100. 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
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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