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. SIPPIO
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This is the result of NFL/EA exclusivity..
    How is it theat PS2 era Madden blows this crap away..
    im done with Madden!
  2. Empirebacon
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Sucks not good at stay very far away from this game. Its the same as madden 16
  3. BennyB763
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Everything is clearly reused assets. Game looks and performs even worse than years previous which is surprising. Nothing has improved or even changed to say the least. New modes are a facade to make more money. So many currencies I can’t keep track. Very disappointing.
  4. dpaolini6
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Unbelievable that a game 15 years ago had more features in franchise mode than this madden. Tried the demo...this will be the first madden since 2002 that I will not buy. I'm done with EA and their greed. Executives need to get a clue.
  5. NickJeakle
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s just madden 17-20 but with the yard that is all. I I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I iii I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i iiii i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I i I own kindly sick church from us do uff so he fil if fil I’d rn by Tb rn Co gym go off tv by TV fm by TV guy fb by rn fr an AK do TV h de hmmm da undermine halal juicy smell d snake dodo discus Venmo Nicky VM NG FM d NYU x rn by be in ez. Um NYU… Expand
  6. Luchador25
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Game is trash! EA has ruined a great game. Franchise has been broken for years. Absolutely terrible. #NFLdropEA
  7. YT_DuckReeder
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    #NFLdropEA
    #NFLdropEA
    #NFLdropEA
    #NFLdropEA
    #NFLdropEA
    #NFLdropEA
    #NFLdropEA
  8. i_love_madden
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Specifically made a metacritic account to review this game. Its a terrible game.
  9. Nastynipnick
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This game is a disgusting example of why monopolies are anti-consumer. It doesn’t matter how much fans complain about the glitches, the logic, the graphics, the features, the player ratings, the immersion, or restoring franchise. They won’t listen. They struck gold. Madden benefits from the same amount of micro transactions as Fortnite while also being $60 dollars. On top of that, theyThis game is a disgusting example of why monopolies are anti-consumer. It doesn’t matter how much fans complain about the glitches, the logic, the graphics, the features, the player ratings, the immersion, or restoring franchise. They won’t listen. They struck gold. Madden benefits from the same amount of micro transactions as Fortnite while also being $60 dollars. On top of that, they release nearly the game every year to cash in on the new league year. The differences are always minor gameplay changes to make it feel a little different, change the color scheme, and make different ratings for players that usually feel biased and out of touch. They can make empty promises as often as they want and pretend like they’re doing the fans a service, but it’s all make believe. They don’t have to do anything. People will still buy this trash year after year. Every year there’s minor changes announced that gets fans hyped and we fall for the trap. Year after year. All because they add a terrible new storyline that has bugs, horrible writing, and lazy graphics. It’s a sad excuse for a storymode.

    Fans buy these games to play the new roster with the new players, the new looking teams- it’s just a roster update. This is the last year I’ll fall for it. I’ve been stupid enough to buy this disappointment for 5 years to play the same franchise mode over and over again. It’s worse than Bethesda. EA ruined Battlefront. It’s ruined Madden for years, but people keep buying it. The only way for a good football simulation game to come out would be for the NFL to drop EA because they obviously don’t care. This game is a scam and we’re all idiots for buying it. Don’t buy this game or any game from EA. The games are designed to make money and sometimes people enjoy it. Sports games could be so much more if there weren’t a monopoly on the players rights. Instead, these games are a constant disappointment to people who have played literally any other game and fans of football. It’s obvious that EA will continue to apologize and make empty promises. It’s because money is the only language that they speak. I feel bad for the programmers who genuinely care about the franchise, but they don’t get the time or funding. This game could be so much more but it won’t ever be under EA or another exclusive rights agreement. Whatever. I’ve been an idiot for letting a billion dollar company scam me into buying their lazy get rich quick scheme. In short: just don’t buy this game. Or any other Madden.    … Expand
  10. midgarddk
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but do not but
  11. StrangeGuy
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Release the NFL license. Focus more on the game and less on MTX. Bring back NFL Street
  12. omengod
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Glitch city, poor franchise mode, no classic teams, no global editor, EA has ruined football video games for too long!
  13. Murphskee
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    If you were looking for a refreshment, or a game that had new features that aren't recycled content wrapped in a bow... Head in the other direction as fast as you can! This years installment of Madden is literally Madden the year before, with a Roster update. Yes, you heard that correctly. Do not spend the $60 to get a Roster update, just like EVERY YEAR before. Send a message to EA withIf you were looking for a refreshment, or a game that had new features that aren't recycled content wrapped in a bow... Head in the other direction as fast as you can! This years installment of Madden is literally Madden the year before, with a Roster update. Yes, you heard that correctly. Do not spend the $60 to get a Roster update, just like EVERY YEAR before. Send a message to EA with your wallet, and walk away before you even thing about purchasing this massive failure.… Expand
  14. Learntacos_
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    trash trash trash trash trash trash trash trash trash trash trash trash trash
  15. Jorclil
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Same game for the last 5 years at some point this has to stop I will not buy madden in tell it has significantly improved
  16. jtgeiger
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    There are terrible bugs that make the game unplayable. Can’t make hot routes with my receiver because there is a play clock glitch where the clock runs out too fast. The ultimate team mode is worse than last year with less depth and makes you pay more money for microtranscation in order to be competitive with other users online. Do not buy this game.
  17. ryansmith54
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    One of the worst games of all time. You add in the fact that Clint Oldenberg (EA Sports Producer) laughs at the low scores and dismisses customer claims. Then Ty Stover (Athlete Relations at EA Sports) calls customers who are voicing concerns clowns. They tell us they will fix madden franchise and game play. Constantly almost asking for the benefit of the doubt. However, they have receivedOne of the worst games of all time. You add in the fact that Clint Oldenberg (EA Sports Producer) laughs at the low scores and dismisses customer claims. Then Ty Stover (Athlete Relations at EA Sports) calls customers who are voicing concerns clowns. They tell us they will fix madden franchise and game play. Constantly almost asking for the benefit of the doubt. However, they have received that for years. It never gets better. They can do this because they have created a monopoly.… Expand
  18. Madmike14
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This is not a simulation football game!!! Too many glitches to have the simulation title. Absolute garbage, it’s Madden 17 IV. EA really doesn’t care about the consumer with this monopoly on being able to create NFL licensed games. #NFLdropEA
  19. Maddensucs
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This game sucks on an unbearable level of sucking I just lost a game where a guy ran every play. And I guessed run. Fix your damn game. I hope y’all go bankrupt
  20. MaddenEsMierda
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    I’m surprised EA hasn’t made playing as your favorite team a micro-transaction yet. Imagine spending 60+ dollars on this “game” only to find out it’s still the same doo doo on a stick it’s been for years, but somehow even worse than that. Then picture spending even more money on micro-transactions on it that’s rendered completely useless in less than a year. Couldn’t be me.
  21. CMoney
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    I’m not a Madden Hater, I grew up playing this game.. My first Madden game was Madden 95’ for Super Nintendo.. I want this game to succeed, I want them back to the way they used to be.. I play all the game modes but they only focus on MUT or online micro transaction type modes.. All they care about is money. EA needs to listen to their customers.. Not sure that will happen without someI’m not a Madden Hater, I grew up playing this game.. My first Madden game was Madden 95’ for Super Nintendo.. I want this game to succeed, I want them back to the way they used to be.. I play all the game modes but they only focus on MUT or online micro transaction type modes.. All they care about is money. EA needs to listen to their customers.. Not sure that will happen without some competition to push them to be better. #NFLdropEA… Expand
  22. jaymorbid
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Terrible, recycled garbage. The same game every year, but they somehow manage to turn the same old trash into something even worse. All they care about is money.
  23. Maddenneedsfix
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    No customization no updates to franchise mode face of the franchise is bland unrealistic gameplay and no effort to get better
  24. Rich_Moss95
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Please don’t buy this trash ass game. I cannot believe EA has the audacity to disrespect the madden name, the nfl and the fans themselves. How does a company keep making the same game for years on end without improvement. Forget improvement!!! This game is 10 steps backwards from last years version. Literally no point in playing it. Every single game type is broken. It’s not even small things, the game is literally unplayable. I’m so mad that I actually installed this onto my Xbox, I wish I waited a day and saw all the other reviews and saved my money. EA wants to do an update on September 10? 2 weeks after the game is out already, so we have to wait 2 weeks to play a agame that you literally had a year to finish. I’m officially done with EA… Expand
  25. VixXXXX
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    #NFLdropEA Metacritic and Madden have BOTH lost their way. They continue to lose the trust of their supporters/fans day in and day out. Madden NFL 21 makes the top 10 worst games of all time, look like a gold mine. Congratulations for being worse than BIG RIGS and WORSE than LJN games. That is quite an accomplishment. DO NOT PAY ATTENTION to any positive or mixed reviews. They are all#NFLdropEA Metacritic and Madden have BOTH lost their way. They continue to lose the trust of their supporters/fans day in and day out. Madden NFL 21 makes the top 10 worst games of all time, look like a gold mine. Congratulations for being worse than BIG RIGS and WORSE than LJN games. That is quite an accomplishment. DO NOT PAY ATTENTION to any positive or mixed reviews. They are all LIES! STOP! BUYING EA GAMES!… Expand
  26. Darthxraider15
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Same game as last year, and the yr before that. Horrible gameplay machines, all time high in glitches and bugs. EA doesn't give a crap about their customers and it shows. Im officially done buying this game. Do yourself a favor and just download the roster update for madden 20 like over 100k other people recently have and save $60!
  27. salamalama
    Sep 1, 2020
    4
    Game is literally a copy and paste of every single previous Madden. Videos of glitches and examples of old banners being used. My issue is the game is so choppy. It's like I'm playing on a wireless connection with someone from Africa using a dial up internet connection when I'm just playing local play. The game is garbage and not even sure how it mage it passed Q&A.
  28. 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
  29. notdank92
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Same. Crap. Every. Year. Copy + Paste of previous generations' issues with a roster update should not warrant $60. Plenty of glitches, dumb AI that has not improved, and not to mention the occasional "MADDEN 20" logos that were clearly overlooked (once again). Just an overall sloppy and unfinished product. Look at the contrast between the critic score and the user score. It's clear EA isSame. Crap. Every. Year. Copy + Paste of previous generations' issues with a roster update should not warrant $60. Plenty of glitches, dumb AI that has not improved, and not to mention the occasional "MADDEN 20" logos that were clearly overlooked (once again). Just an overall sloppy and unfinished product. Look at the contrast between the critic score and the user score. It's clear EA is more focused on plugging holes with money and manufacturing positive feedback instead of addressing the root cause of the broken mess that is now the Madden franchise. Obviously putting in features takes time and effort....but customers have been voicing their complaints FOR YEARS ever since EA cut down features in Madden 2013. This backlash from customers should have been unexpected after years of willful negligence and lack of effort. Rolling out tons of updates after the game's release only reinforces the customers' opinion that this game was not released a finished product and needs a lot of improvements.… Expand
  30. BubbaHill
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    What a waste of $60!!! The same gameplay as to previous madden games... Seems like EA and America are related, Nothing but scamming the good people who are willing and eager to help pay to make a better game. GIVE UP sports EA and allow 2k to take over !!!
  31. USNBOB
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Nothing has changed with the game. It is complete TRASH do not waste your money.
  32. PastorRhett
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    EA has managed to make a gaming experience worse than the games in this same franchise that are 15+ years old now. The game is essentially a $60 update of madden 17. Do not buy.
  33. Shakybigpoppa
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Trash per usual.... They give no effort and don’t care about the fans at all
  34. Mattrob10
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    The perfect example of what happens when there’s no competition in the marketplace. I regret buying.
  35. Jalen3099
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    #NFLDROPEA Can we please get NFL 2k back madden is the worst. They’ve copied and pasted the same game since madden 18
  36. Kneal10
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    EA doesn’t care about the madden community. No one wants to play MUT. Trash game.
  37. EaSportsIsTrash
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    You all are a massive scam. Your game is trash and you make money off kids gambling on your **** packs
  38. Fear_ducks
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This might be the worst job anyone has ever put into a video game. EA just slapped a worse version of last years game and put it into the store like we wouldn’t notice. I have had at least 10 bugs and crashes so far and I’ve only been playing the game for a week now. I don’t know why EA can’t bring back longshot or something with a developed story line. Face of the franchise is literal ass and longshot was miles better than it. The only mode that is somewhat fun is the yard. I wish EA actually cared about it’s fan base and listen but I guess now we just have to wait for someone else *2k* to make a better game that we can actually enjoy… Expand
  39. bcockriel
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    I am so disappointed in this recycled product, that EA has the audacity to throw at us every year. What’s more saddening, is that I continue to buy, year-after-year, in hopes that this one turns it around. Yet, to no avail... again, left with a subpar, $60 roster update. Franchise mode, I hardly knew yee.
  40. Robdawg11
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    So bad it’s basically just ea spitting in your face. and taking your money. Don’t understand how this little of effort is put into it. Do they have 3 people work on this game a month before release? Depressing that a company is this greedy and puts this minuscule tiny little grain of sand level of effort into their game.
  41. Slightnegative
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Everything new in this game could have been added in an update. EA is a pathetic excuse of a company. Anybody who worked on this hunk of garbage should be fired.
  42. Yomperz
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    By far the most glitches in any game I have every played including indie developer games. Prices for packs go up and up while pack odds and game play experience goes lower than anyone could imagine a AAA developer could go. Certain game modes are unplayable and have yet to be fixed over a week after release. Through and through every aspect of this game is broken or below par.
  43. Iron4life
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Last year's game with updated roster, a few new animations, and apparently that is worth 60 dollars
  44. Orsen
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    EA has time and time again proven they don't care and refuse to even do the bare minimum when it comes to making new games, they make the same thing every year, practically being a $60 annual subscription fee yet it's still worse than the classic madden games by miles, see madden 05, 08, etc.
  45. TRAPDADDY
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Literally trash. I made an account just so I can downvote this game. Shame that EA is allowed to do this to customers.
  46. bulldogpride08
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Full of bugs. Launch menus are absurdly slow. Texturing issues with lines not showing up on the field. Old commentary applying to wrong players. Squads unplayable. Sets open up ghost packs that don't exist. Poor UI changes - old actions take longer and more clicks. Overall a worse game. NFL needs to DROPEA.
  47. Maddensucks1992
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Worst madden I have ever played in my life and I though madden 09 with brett Favre was bad but oh my god... the most glitchy subpar game I have ever played and I actually payed 100 dollars for this **** ass game because the defense user movement was slowed down so a linebacker couldnt guard 3 different guys while the ball is in the air... the QB switching glitch should have been #1 on theWorst madden I have ever played in my life and I though madden 09 with brett Favre was bad but oh my god... the most glitchy subpar game I have ever played and I actually payed 100 dollars for this **** ass game because the defense user movement was slowed down so a linebacker couldnt guard 3 different guys while the ball is in the air... the QB switching glitch should have been #1 on the list to fix but yet you have waiting till September 10th to fix ur broken ass game. I want my money back for such a lackluster **** game.. EA should be ashamed for getting a new 6 year deal with the NFL and this is the first **** product you put out .... unbelievable… Expand
  48. Zekes2517
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Preordered game. Virtually no content on Ultimate Team on day 1. Mechanics have gotten worse than previous years. Many times the field markings will simply fail to load. Stadium banners fail to load. Players faces fail to load. Kicking system remains the same but frequently lags out causing bad kicks. Tackle animations glitch severely, and sometimes players will stay stuck in an animationPreordered game. Virtually no content on Ultimate Team on day 1. Mechanics have gotten worse than previous years. Many times the field markings will simply fail to load. Stadium banners fail to load. Players faces fail to load. Kicking system remains the same but frequently lags out causing bad kicks. Tackle animations glitch severely, and sometimes players will stay stuck in an animation even after being tackled. A huge step backwards for Madden.… Expand
  49. JustApollo
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    So I only got the 10 hour trial for this game through EA Play, which I'll likely be canceling. I cannot understand, as someone with an education in game design and CG work - How a company has been supported financially while making virtually zero improvements. Here are a few glaring examples:

    - Franchise mode is a re-skin of the previous year at best, while removing features like owner    So I only got the 10 hour trial for this game through EA Play, which I'll likely be canceling. I cannot understand, as someone with an education in game design and CG work - How a company has been supported financially while making virtually zero improvements. Here are a few glaring examples:

    - Franchise mode is a re-skin of the previous year at best, while removing features like owner mode. Re-skin might even be giving them too much credit, they changed the font.

    - With the introduction of Madden Yard or whatever, they did provide a lot of cosmetics for characters, unfortunately after a few draft classes in Franchise you'll be left with the same dozen or so character models until the end of time as they clearly believe the future of football lies in cloning. The cosmetics and customization upgrades are hard to find in other modes in my experience.

    - Glitches all over the place, I only played ten hours and encountered dozens of graphical glitches such as broken textures, and the locomotion system will cause your players to do things you didn't intend. You'll break a tackle while running 10 yards in the opposite direction frequently. The locomotion is improved over previous years, but is that really all you could accomplish in a year? Yard and locomotion improvements?

    - The difficulty has always bothered me. It's either you destroy your opponent or they destroy you. Sometimes it can feel like the defense can see the future with how they'll break on a ball, and other times they're clueless. I lowered the difficulty and beat my first opponent 104-0. I don't think they ever made a tackle, and Dwayne Haskins went 19/19. You'll be playing with sliders for days until you feel out a decent "difficulty".

    - Creating/Moving a Franchise is an afterthought. These games used to allow you to customize stadiums and edit logos/uniforms if you move a franchise. This year I tried to move Washington to Toronto, mostly because it's the only team without a logo in the game. They give you a few places you can move to, that's fine, but there is virtually zero customization options outside of the basic stadium type and picking between 3 logos and uniforms. How is it 2020 and you have less features than 2001?

    - Every mode outside of microtransaction ultimate team (MUT) is virtually ignored, and MUT is basically gambling and FOMO pressure. This game is downright insulting to anybody who just wants a football simulation.

    - Draft classes are hysterically bad, as teams pick players arbitrarily and the player rankings and ratings are often all over the map. It sucks to need a replacement at tackle, and realizing that the random draft class doesn't have a single OT in the first 4 rounds.

    - The soundtrack is laughably weak. Seems like every year there are less and less tracks, and the artists have gotten more and more obscure. Back in the early 2000's my ipod was full of tracks that I discovered through EA games like NFS Underground and Madden. Over a wide range of genres as well. They have truly given up on this front. I could probably record a song shouting out EA sports while dropping a few football references and I'd get into this game. That's what many of the tracks seem to do.

    OVERALL

    Don't buy this game, just play an old one and update the roster with a user created one - those are always really solid and more accurate than the launch roster. We should all stop purchasing this game until the exclusivity rights are pulled by the NFL and competition returns to the football simulation sphere. I know most football fans want old-school NCAA games and 2K5 level features. It's about time we force their hand and get what we're asking for. Holding consumers hostage like this is a tragic insult to such a revered sport. Please don't support this company, hit them in their wallet and reclaim this space.

    If not, well. Next year we might get owner mode back and a few new character faces. Maybe?

    0/10 - This game insults my entire ancestral tree, just play an old one and be sad like the rest of us.    … Expand
  50. JoeyClark50
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Man I wanted to like this game. It’s awful. The animations it FORCES you to do is nothing like real football. For a simulation style game it’s really bad at simulating the game.
  51. DaRobstoppa
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    I haven't played madden since madden 17 because i thought each game was the same as the last one. I pre-ordered madden 21 because i thought in 4 years EA would've been able to fix the game. However, with almost everything EA touches, madden 21 was ruined. The same bugs exist, franchise mode is still broken, I AM STILL GETTING PACKS SHOVED DOWN MY THROAT, ultimate team is way tooI haven't played madden since madden 17 because i thought each game was the same as the last one. I pre-ordered madden 21 because i thought in 4 years EA would've been able to fix the game. However, with almost everything EA touches, madden 21 was ruined. The same bugs exist, franchise mode is still broken, I AM STILL GETTING PACKS SHOVED DOWN MY THROAT, ultimate team is way too repetative, and its just not fun. I was really hoping this game would be good because it had Lamar on it.… Expand
  52. Nacdon
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Such a bad game. It has so many bugs and not many features at all that don’t try to squeeze all of your money away. Do NOT spend your money on this trash. You will regret it
  53. OwenBerry1999
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    No updates to gameplay for the last 8 years, any updates they did add made it worse,when you add a new game mode and you have to buy your jerseys, you know it's a 0 out of ten
  54. YoLuckyBastard
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Feels like a terrible revamped game. I’ve played about 10hrs...

    The Yard has glitches with player customisation, you unlock gloves and cleats and it will only appear on your players right side. The left side stays with the default boot and bare skin hand.

    Franchise mode is literally the same as Maddie 20.

    The story mode is Tedious, bland and unoriginal.
  55. NRGFLO
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Read the 566 other reviews & you’ll understand why this game deserves a 0.
  56. Dnorwood114
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    This game is the worst “simulation” football game ever created. EA simply does not care about the consumer and will do anything to make money off of you. You’d be much happier buying NCAA 14 for $150 and playing on your old Xbox 360. NCAA 14 was way more in depth and somehow the physics were better than a game released in 2020.
  57. GreaterScott
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Save yourself $60 and just hook up your old Sega Genesis and play the first Madden on that. It's a better game.
  58. 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
  59. WI77LL
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Where do I start... The game is an exact replica of it's predecessor. Not only has nothing changed or improved (besides a roster update), what in the hell is going on with the graphics, commentary, money gouging and bland animations. I mean after all these years and money, can we not have a decent halftime review (i.e. clips and highlights from the other games going on). The Superbowl is stale and exactly the same as all previous years model. For a next generation version, the graphics are no way realistic...no sweat, fog on visors, the cameramen on the side do the same **** they've been doing since Madden 25 was released..Where's the true AUTHENTICITY of the NFL?For every nickel and dime you take from us fans, we should have a better game than what is put out. I'll say it now and again, MADDEN BEING THE ONLY EXCLUSIVE NFL GAME IS HORRIBLE. There's no fear of competition to be lost to or anything gained for us fans. Have you listened to the commentary, the easiest things are messed up. How do u commentate a game with conversations that have nothing to do with it. Calling wrong downs, wrongs titles on players. Please tell me how a 5 year pro is even listed as a rookie for ROY AWARD consideration? There's no continuity in the game. No consistent flow, just feels dragged, copied and pasted....then there's PLAYGROUND...WHO IN THE HELL THOUGHT THIS TRIPE UP? This has to be one of the worst modes in this game and let's not get started on Face of the Franchise! In all, not only could this game have been better, but it we the fans deserved a more polished, new and complete REAL "NEXT GEN" experience.… Expand
  60. snokijum
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is the worst game I have ever played. Seriously. Absolutely pitiful. Vomit-inducing gameplay and enough microtransaction "Surprise Mechanics" to make your head spin. This game doesn't even qualify as minimum effort from the developer, it's worse than that. Nothing new here from EA, but hey at least there are rainbow-colored coaches this year. They should have just called thisThis is the worst game I have ever played. Seriously. Absolutely pitiful. Vomit-inducing gameplay and enough microtransaction "Surprise Mechanics" to make your head spin. This game doesn't even qualify as minimum effort from the developer, it's worse than that. Nothing new here from EA, but hey at least there are rainbow-colored coaches this year. They should have just called this Copy and Paste From Madden 20. How in 2020 can a game be released in such a horrendous state?
    Graphics glitches are everywhere and the physics are seizure-inducing. Please for the love of God, do not buy this hot dumpster fire garbage of a "game"! NFL needs to hand the licensing to an actual developer that loves the game of football and cares about its fans. At this point, that's pretty much anyone except for Electronic Arts.    … Expand
  61. Acamp1989
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    Same thing as last year. Terrible A.I. nothing innovative. Just 60$+ for an updated roster and a few tweaks
  62. KippShire
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    hate the game. Its the same refurbished game with updated roster. #nfldropea
  63. YhoppedYheese
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Don’t waste your time buying this load of dookie, hopefully nextgen will be better.… Expand
  64. jmanchi1
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    If you are intelligent enough to have not bought this game yet don’t do it. If you enjoy getting spit in your face by EA every year then buy this game. I grew up and loved Madden until around 13. Every year I get my hopes up only to be let down within the first two weeks of gameplay and realize it’s the same game as madden 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. It is genuinely laughable at this pointIf you are intelligent enough to have not bought this game yet don’t do it. If you enjoy getting spit in your face by EA every year then buy this game. I grew up and loved Madden until around 13. Every year I get my hopes up only to be let down within the first two weeks of gameplay and realize it’s the same game as madden 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. It is genuinely laughable at this point that people still play madden. The disrespect the community receives every year is sad and we have been lied to for far to long. We deserve better as a community.… Expand
  65. neillenhoff
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I unfortunately bought the game on PS4 and got the demo on XBOX. Both versions are huge disappointments.
  66. Bryandavis77
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. #NFLDropEA. Game is atrocious. How do they get away with this year after year?… Expand
  67. 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
  68. jokill72
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. pure crap. Not fun. Not a sim game even when you play sim. Sim is still arcade. Its all offebse and no defense. Man coverage is horrible. Cpu will throw slants and inside routes that will never be incomplete and instant 1st downs against ANY coverage. The worst madden ive ever played and i have played evwry game since the beginning. This is not a sim game. This is arcade style trash with lots of glitches. Do not buy unless you like arcade trash.… Expand
  69. DarthPadme
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Is this a good Madden game? No. Is this a good game? No. Has there ever been a good Madden game? No. Has there ever been a good football game? No. Is this one of the worst? Yes.
  70. zbeau73
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    If I wanted to be disappointed every year at the same time I’d watch the Browns play week 1
  71. praisethesun11
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Awful game series that is hell-bent on milking their fan base for every dollar they have year after year. Do not support this.
  72. maddrew
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Horrible game the madden franchise just keeps getting worse and worse it’s a buggy game no new content
  73. VillainTheFoe
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This game is not simulation football, but an arcade game, as its sim mode (Franchise mode) has been completely left for dead for atleast 5 years now and replaced with MUT gambling packs and now "The Yard" which is an arcade-style backyard football game consisting of paywalls. In other words, your initial $60 used to buy the game has now become a $60 buy-in fee in order to milk you for moreThis game is not simulation football, but an arcade game, as its sim mode (Franchise mode) has been completely left for dead for atleast 5 years now and replaced with MUT gambling packs and now "The Yard" which is an arcade-style backyard football game consisting of paywalls. In other words, your initial $60 used to buy the game has now become a $60 buy-in fee in order to milk you for more of your money through gambling via MUT or a paywall tonaccess items the community has asked EA to implement for years, such as mouth pieces. Your initial $60 will simply get you the exact same game from last year, but with updated rosters. Rosters that you can download for free on Madden 20 via community downloads. This is NOT simulation football. I would have given this game a lower score if I could.… Expand
  74. Cedrics195
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I played madden almost everyday... Not anymore. 20 year madden player and this is by far the WORST it's been. NFL NEEDS TO DROP EA!!!
  75. PB301
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Franchise mode is completely untouched.
    Face of the franchise is a completely linear story in which your actions make no difference, whether you throw 10 touchdowns or 10 interceptions a game, its the same regardless.
    EA own the exclusive rights to make an NFL simulation game, yet it seems they spent the last year solely working on a 6v6 arcade mode full of unrealistic gameplay and micro    Franchise mode is completely untouched.
    Face of the franchise is a completely linear story in which your actions make no difference, whether you throw 10 touchdowns or 10 interceptions a game, its the same regardless.
    EA own the exclusive rights to make an NFL simulation game, yet it seems they spent the last year solely working on a 6v6 arcade mode full of unrealistic gameplay and micro transactions.
    With the new game modes, first down celebration animations, the new theme and flash cards, it feels like this game is aimed at 12 year olds.

    Shame on me for giving money to this company again.    … Expand
  76. nnnhhhggy
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    just stick with madden 21 pls it’s so bad and sad. legit same graphics just
  77. rizrah
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    THE WORST MADDEN EVER!!! Terrible animations so many glitches and bugs I don’t want to buy madden from EA EVER AGAIN!!!!
  78. dgoodin24
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    Soulless, heartless cash grab. Bugs galore, terrible. I miss madden on ps2. Bring in 2k
    fix madden franchise
  79. Biglipjohn
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I swear to god... The NFL just needs to disassociate themselves from EA. Ever since the 2k series lost the rights to use the NFL teams EA has been putting MINIMAL effort into making the game better. Nothing beat the 2k5 halftime report with Chris Berman and watching replays on the game highlights. This game is utter trash now and glitchy as hell in some spots. Trading it back in tonight.
  80. Sonlen
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    EA releasing a new game each year means destroying all the time and money that people invested in their MUT team from the previous year. Billions of dollars worth of rare players become worthless the second the new game releases. So the game needs to really be adding something new to justify that.

    This game has NOTHING to justify it's release. It has no meaningful updates and is a    EA releasing a new game each year means destroying all the time and money that people invested in their MUT team from the previous year. Billions of dollars worth of rare players become worthless the second the new game releases. So the game needs to really be adding something new to justify that.

    This game has NOTHING to justify it's release. It has no meaningful updates and is a shameless money grab/ child gambling simulator. I will be working to get my money back as quickly as possible, and I urge everyone to avoid this dumpster fire of a game.    … Expand
  81. xEviLxMystery
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The gameplay is the best it has been in the past 4 years. Yes, like many games, bugs take the joy out of the game sometimes but it’s definitely worth it to purchase. Most of the people crying are those who cannot use their MLB to cover the whole 100 yards and not get fatigued. I will be invested in Madden 21 longer into the season than I was in Madden 20.… Expand
  82. ChampionStyle
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Terrible terrible game, face of the franchise is terribly written and unplayable. Franchise is boring. Save your money.
  83. patrick02985
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    The people in charge of copying and pasting this game for the past 5+ years should be fired and banned from making another football video game ever again. The community deserves better.
  84. Kt026
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same tired animations that trigger randomly with unrealistic movement that takes control from you. Your cpu teammates dumb out every so often causing the other team to benefit from it. Also players don't follow there assignments!
  85. Jmagnusson
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    Copy and paste of Madden 20 which they had stopped working on halfway through the year as they claimed to be working on Madden 21. There was a beta, a pre launch trial followed by a pre launch access for certain editions of the games and then the official launch. Somehow during this span of time little to no interface issues or glitches in game modes were fixed. Game modes that were aCopy and paste of Madden 20 which they had stopped working on halfway through the year as they claimed to be working on Madden 21. There was a beta, a pre launch trial followed by a pre launch access for certain editions of the games and then the official launch. Somehow during this span of time little to no interface issues or glitches in game modes were fixed. Game modes that were a direct replication of previous maddens do not even work! It’s unsettling a product can be released in such a state.… Expand
  86. 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
  87. psal09
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    The only way you could enjoy the gameplay is if 1. You never played an NFL video game pre-2010, in which case, I'm genuinely sorry for you and I'm sorry that we have failed your generation or 2. You are a "pro" player who makes a living off cheesing the flaws in the game until it doesn't even resemble football anymore.

    There is a reason why everyone who doesn't fall into category 1 or 2    The only way you could enjoy the gameplay is if 1. You never played an NFL video game pre-2010, in which case, I'm genuinely sorry for you and I'm sorry that we have failed your generation or 2. You are a "pro" player who makes a living off cheesing the flaws in the game until it doesn't even resemble football anymore.

    There is a reason why everyone who doesn't fall into category 1 or 2 is upset with this game. EA has given us the same horrible gameplay on the same horrible Frostbite engine for years now. They could afford to build a new engine actually designed for simulating football but they are instead content with cashing their MUT checks, pushing gambling on children, and then sitting back and laughing for the rest of the year. What a joke!    … Expand
  88. Terl45
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Lol okay yikes this game is the epitome of trash, and trash is an understatement. This game is so bad, the developers are paying famous gamers to give the game out for FREE!!

    I thought Madden 20 was bad but this takes the cake
  89. coxley24
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Haven’t bought Madden since 06. My friend bought and we played and I just laughed hysterically at how bad it STILL is! EA cares nothing about franchise. All they care about is MUT and micro-transactions. They will not improve the game. It makes money (somehow) and that’s all they want. I caught on a long time ago about EA and am so happy I’ve saved my money all these years.
  90. FlyyBoyyCee
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game hasn’t been good for about 10 years now. Same thing every year. The game should definitely be a lot more advance but EA chooses to stay stagnant with minor changes. Don’t waste your money!
  91. Jacklwilliams
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Ea is lazy. They didn’t even try to make the game better. All madden is anymore is a roster update. Franchise hasn’t changed in 5 years. No competition for EA hurt consumers.
  92. titans1bubs
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Garbage, bugs everywhere, linemen lining up outside hash marks, ball physics were coded by a toddler. Random bright screen where you cant see players.

    No new updates to Franchise mode
    If you look closely you can see madden 19 banners or jerseys saying 19.

    Overall a piss poor product.
  93. tsuhh
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Travesty of game. Skipped Madden 20 because it was so buggy and Madden 21 is even worse! For the love of god please do not buy this game.
  94. Jonathanronatha
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is just the same recycled crap they've been serving year in and year out. If you like the game good for you but I hate it.
  95. ragnar87x
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is by far the worst NFL game I have ever played. There are still many of the old glitches and bugs. Basically a 60$ roster update. #NFLdropEA
  96. johnnysmith
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I'm sick of Madden & EA Sports. EA is the most despicable gaming company in the industry. They don't give a **** about consumers. Just greedy pigs and the NFL should be done with them. EA's entire executive staff should be fired. Top to bottom.
  97. acnizzle
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is the biggest con-scheme in sports gaming history. EA has made no effort to improve the game in YEARS. I really hope 2K is able to make their own version because this is painful to see as an avid football fan. This is a cash grab game and EA is too lazy to even make it an improvement over its predecessors. What you get with this game is an updated roster for the new year and that'sThis is the biggest con-scheme in sports gaming history. EA has made no effort to improve the game in YEARS. I really hope 2K is able to make their own version because this is painful to see as an avid football fan. This is a cash grab game and EA is too lazy to even make it an improvement over its predecessors. What you get with this game is an updated roster for the new year and that's it... this should be classified as theft.… Expand
  98. Drewcannon
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Nothing like playing madden 16 again 5 years later but they made it worse with less features, more glitches and horrible physics
  99. jg455788
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    The game has completely abandoned long-standing franchise mode and barely makes incremental changes to the game. It is mostly a roster update and added things to the periphery that nobody asked for.
  100. dscurt
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same bugs as last year. Actual gameplay improved just a tad from last years game in my opinion but that’s not saying much. Just a micro transaction driven game. Face of the franchise story is boring. Decisions don’t really matter as the same things happen anyways. The only thing you have actual control over is whether to play qb/rb/wr. The college games I had Devonta Freeman as my rb? ISame bugs as last year. Actual gameplay improved just a tad from last years game in my opinion but that’s not saying much. Just a micro transaction driven game. Face of the franchise story is boring. Decisions don’t really matter as the same things happen anyways. The only thing you have actual control over is whether to play qb/rb/wr. The college games I had Devonta Freeman as my rb? I play for the Chicago Bears and I’m facing myself and the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game? Franchise is the same as it has been for years. Continuously every year nothing goes into it. All they care about is Ultimate team and this new game mode called “The Yard” which is another way to squeeze money out of people’s pockets to buy backplates and mouth guards to look cool I guess. Superstar KO is the exact same as last year. For people who want to play the only simulation mode in the NFL’s only simulation game are out of luck. You’re stuck with a patch update for a new franchise. The only way I see this game improving at all is if they have competition in the future or the NFL threatens to drop them.… 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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