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. AaronNAaronDuo
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game is literally a roster update. The glitches are still here. The ignorance of big modes that make Madden a "simulation" game like Franchise Mode. The animations are bad. They don't care about any type of level of detail to the point where I think they don't even care about this game anymore and just try and make as much money off microtransactions.
  2. socosurf
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is the worst Madden to date. I was shocked that they could make a game worse than Madden 20. I've been a Madden gamer since 94 and it's so insulting how this company continues to put out a product so terrible. It's clear that they are using the 'if it's not broken, why fix it' approach -- but the only thing not broken in this game is the money they make off sheep.
  3. OmniJuju
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I made an account just to review this hot garbage of a game. Countless times I have a receiver wide open, throw a bullet pass, it says its accurate and it sails over the recievers head. On top of that I consistently try to run the ball and i feel as if I lose all control and run straight into my O line. #NFLDropEA
  4. MetaJohn117
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    No spoilers needed to tell you this is a direct copy of madden 20. Zero improvement. They just want you to pay your yearly penance to the church of EA so you have the latest update to the same game.
  5. treyjcbs
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Game is literally unplayable because it crashes every 5 minutes, not to mention a plentiful amount of other bugs like no lines on the field, play clock disappearing, the whiteout glitch, and the coaches having rainbow textures.
  6. Machinegunrob
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Constant glitches, slow loading screens, just another roster update with modes no one wants or asked for… Expand
  7. m1kemyers
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    misspellings, glitches, it will say Madden19 or Madden20 on different stadium banners. Complete lack of quality control throughout the product.
  8. marvelousmcgee
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Absolutely atrocious excuse for a game in 2020. I beg you not to buy this game.
  9. 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
  10. o0oDangerMan
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same copy & paste game from last year. Horrible blocking AI, no improvement to franchise, a glitchy mess. Don’t waste your money.
  11. NFLdropEApls
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Spoiler alert! EA will never fix franchise mode because it will never bring in as much money as MUT, which they need to boost their sales so it looks like madden is a successful game when in reality it’s trash. That’s why they added BS cosmetics store for the yard lmaoooo EA is a joke. It’s the same thing every year we will never have a good Madden game under EA’s authoritarian rule andSpoiler alert! EA will never fix franchise mode because it will never bring in as much money as MUT, which they need to boost their sales so it looks like madden is a successful game when in reality it’s trash. That’s why they added BS cosmetics store for the yard lmaoooo EA is a joke. It’s the same thing every year we will never have a good Madden game under EA’s authoritarian rule and frankly the NFL probably doesn’t care enough to give the rights to someone else to make one until NFL players speak up about it too. #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA #NFLDropEA… Expand
  12. JiveTurkey11
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Until EA has competition this game will continue to be a dumpster fire. They try to nickel and dime players by coming up with more and more modes that hardly anyone plays, they haven't updated Franchise in I couldn't tell you how long which is the mode most folks play. I don't know about anyone else but the way players run in this game is atrocious, it's damn near hard to watch. InUntil EA has competition this game will continue to be a dumpster fire. They try to nickel and dime players by coming up with more and more modes that hardly anyone plays, they haven't updated Franchise in I couldn't tell you how long which is the mode most folks play. I don't know about anyone else but the way players run in this game is atrocious, it's damn near hard to watch. In addition to that just the overall horrible gameplay mechanics, AI, blocking schemes it's all so bad. One on one jump balls are halfass turning into quick time events that I virtually have no control over and bam, my DB gets pass interference....cool. Really wish the NFL would allow multiple publishers/developers. EA will continue to push out a below average product because they know people will buy it, it's arguably the most popular sport in the US and they're the ONLY ones allowed to make a game for it.… Expand
  13. dglad
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game is beyond terrible. There is still graphics showing its Madden 19!! They hardly changed anything and the new game modes are terrible. It's a glitch fest and literally the same game that it has been for the past 5 years
  14. Nicko53
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I’m done EA. This is garage and EA calls us clowns. Thanks for the memories, but you’ve destroyed all my faith in you.
  15. Mr2hunnit
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This game is garbage take the abilities out this is not football and the sound track is buns give more songs stop being cheap you’re already milking everybody for micro transactions
  16. Shekapetrov
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    Madden 21 for Xbox one still has many of the predatory features that Madden has been using to squeeze as much money out of its user base as possible. It still has Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment which means that if you start winning numerous games online. Madden's algorithm will make you lose games automatically. You'll be on offense, drop back to throw a pass with zero pressure and wideMadden 21 for Xbox one still has many of the predatory features that Madden has been using to squeeze as much money out of its user base as possible. It still has Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment which means that if you start winning numerous games online. Madden's algorithm will make you lose games automatically. You'll be on offense, drop back to throw a pass with zero pressure and wide receivers wide open and they'll throw the ball 20 feet away from the receiver for a pick by the safety. Usually for a pick six. In addition, your receivers will drop 70% of their passes despite being open. All of this is to get you to buy better players so they can squeeze you. You add all of this to all of the glitches of Madden 21, it's almost unplayable. Franchise mode is a joke so don't bother. A lot of stuff copied and pasted without fixing any of the issues form Madden 20. Madden has zero competition. Therefore they will release whatever they want and you better like it. Good luck getting squeezed for every penny. This game has been uninstalled after 2 days of gameplay.… Expand
  17. Ajarch611
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is absolutely garbage. My advice is do not waste your money. EA sports had how long to fix all the bug and improve the game play??? Instead, there were no significant improvements and in certain aspects they made it worse.
  18. 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
  19. Thebrah
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    EA has done it again basically the same recycled game year after year. The one thing they added was lots of bugs so far anyways. Just save your money, maybe one day EA will clean up their act or a better company will step in.
  20. MayniaC
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    This game is supremely underwhelming. ULTIMATE TEAM:
    How can a company be able to get away with blatant gambling in their “fantasy team builder” mode? To be able to compete, you have to pay money out of your own pocket.. There is no amount of grinding the mode to get even close to competing. So why not gamble and buy virtual card packs.. because EA is a money hungry machine.
    THE YARD: The    This game is supremely underwhelming. ULTIMATE TEAM:
    How can a company be able to get away with blatant gambling in their “fantasy team builder” mode? To be able to compete, you have to pay money out of your own pocket.. There is no amount of grinding the mode to get even close to competing. So why not gamble and buy virtual card packs.. because EA is a money hungry machine.

    THE YARD:
    The most disturbing part of this game is the addition of “The Yard” mode. This game mode lacks a tremendous amount of depth. What is the goal to “The Yard” you ask? Well aside from earning miscellaneous, unknown points, “rare” or “limited” time equipment, and building up your player’s unique to real player prototypes.. that’s about it. There is nothing else you can do with this player. It mimics NBA Live: The One.. they seriously love CTRL C and CTRL V over at EA.

    FACE OF THE FRANCHISE: One would think this “The Yard” player would associate with “Face of the Franchise” mode but haha... nope. I don’t even want to talk about “Face of the Franchise”.. the best I can compare it to is a very low budget cinematic prelude to utilizing a player role in the lackluster “Franchise” mode. FRANCHISE:
    Ah... “Franchise” Mode. This game mode, at one point, was the base of the Madden series. The amount of depth in past franchise modes was beautiful, you could truly get lost in this mode for hours back then. I don’t even know how to start with this game mode now. The only depth in this mode is the depth chart. This is the same game mode of the last 3 or 4 years.. there aren’t any significant changes, other than a minuscule scenario system and a change in color on tabs in the mode. This game mode doesn’t make any money though so to the higher ups at EA, if it don’t make dollars.. it don’t make sense. The problem with this is.. EA has the exclusive rights to the NFL/NFLPA and simulation style football. This core game mode could save the actual madden franchise... THIS is the true face of the franchise. I am pretty sure this does not emulate an NFL owners job in real life. Player contracts aren’t detailed, scouting is blah, free agency blah, player training blah, offseason blah, draft.. ok.. I guess... there is so much missing from this game mode. NBA 2K has an online franchise mode experience that is so interactive and engaging, it sets the bar for AAA games like Madden. The executives at EA need to wake up because if this isn’t corrected sooner, this could surely hurt their pockets later.

    GAMEPLAY:
    Lots of bugs.. no yard lines on field, “interactive” lens flares on load screens, the yard players being invisible, online head to head freezing at half-time, warping, gravity and physics disregarded, lots of others I’m sure I will experience more as I reluctantly boot my game up and play in my lowly anticipated fantasy cloud franchise with about 16 of my friends. The only reason I gave this a 1 was because some offensive and defensive gameplay feels refreshed. They need to have a toggle feature for celebrations.. I’ve done every celebration.. more than once or twice and I’ve been playing for about a week or so.. Ugh.. let’s hope they keep promises for a better game down the line or get rid of the Madden franchise because this game is incomplete.    … Expand
  21. loc92
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please NFL drop EA please
  22. walkswerve
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This is quite literally the worst madden I have ever seen. Possibly the worst sports game I have ever played. I have been playing Madden since 2002, and this is miles behind any other iteration. I am used to paying $60 for a roster update and a few new features, but typically that comes without all of the glitches. In this instance, the glitches have made the game virtually unplayable andThis is quite literally the worst madden I have ever seen. Possibly the worst sports game I have ever played. I have been playing Madden since 2002, and this is miles behind any other iteration. I am used to paying $60 for a roster update and a few new features, but typically that comes without all of the glitches. In this instance, the glitches have made the game virtually unplayable and the only redeeming quality the game offers is a dead leg juke move. They spent a year installing one new juke. Horrid. If I had not bought the digital copy the game would be returned today. If Franchise mode is not completely overhauled I will no longer purchase this copy/paste BS.… Expand
  23. Vayomayo
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    I think the game and the Madden franchise is in the right direction, people say they didn't want the yard even though people were begging for something like it for a couple of years
  24. thirdgamer13
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    #NFLdropEA #FixMaddenFranchise

    I have unfortunately bought every Madden since 16, every time hoping that EA would FINALLY make a decent product. I will no more. EA has done NOTHING for Franchise Mode for YEARS and have even gutted aspects of previous iterations. They have ignored the requests of the Madden community for far too long. The NFL needs to allow 2K an opportunity to show EA    #NFLdropEA #FixMaddenFranchise

    I have unfortunately bought every Madden since 16, every time hoping that EA would FINALLY make a decent product. I will no more. EA has done NOTHING for Franchise Mode for YEARS and have even gutted aspects of previous iterations. They have ignored the requests of the Madden community for far too long. The NFL needs to allow 2K an opportunity to show EA what a quality product looks like.    … Expand
  25. Curtis206
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    16 years later and 2k5 is still better.

    I hope the NFL finally gets out of this exclusivity deal.
  26. emmitt18355
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    EA has taken the ONLY Football franchise and completely disrespected it . The last madden that was ay good was '08. Stop buying this piece of garbage and hopefully they'll stop making it in the next 10 years. Literally a clone from last year, they changed absolutely nothing in franchise mode. The Yard is a pathetic attempt to include new game modes to disguise their crap gambling gameEA has taken the ONLY Football franchise and completely disrespected it . The last madden that was ay good was '08. Stop buying this piece of garbage and hopefully they'll stop making it in the next 10 years. Literally a clone from last year, they changed absolutely nothing in franchise mode. The Yard is a pathetic attempt to include new game modes to disguise their crap gambling game (MUT). DO NOT BUY.… Expand
  27. Sgtcolen
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    Idk why everyone is hating on this game it has everything we want the servers are laggy because everyone is on the game the new face of the franchise is better franchise it’s self is the same but otherwise they changed a lot about the game.
  28. dh2285kh
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    #NFLdropEA. This game is a sloppy repeat of past games, a $60 roster update.
  29. Pdt
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Been saying it ever since they invented MuT. This game has turned into candy crush or some other stupid pay to play game. So the $60-120 you spend still isn't enough for ea. No no no no no no they gotta milk you for everything they can take you for. A true American corporation. Disgusting. An anyone posting a good review of this product is either getting paid to do so cause I don't know a single person who has played as long as myself that isn't completely disgusted by what was has done over the past 6-7 years. Was is a trash company. Never buying anything from them ever again.… Expand
  30. Spice43
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    You all know the story. Same game. Some added in features they took out but used to have back in 2006 and now are “new” lol. Terrible game. Pull the license deal. Such a disgrace. Even if this game was free to play it wouldn’t be worth your time.
  31. Wpaine
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Just like Tommy this game is heartless and worthless. Please EA just give up the rights no one likes you and everyone is hoping you fail
  32. 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
  33. acemaster
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I created an account just so I can provide a review of this game. My reason for a zero score is based on the game play alone. Playing online head to head has been a huge headache and disappointment. The reaction time from player AI is so slow that zone coverage is practically worthless. And unless you're pass rushing the qb yourself, the qb is never pressured. You never feel like you'reI created an account just so I can provide a review of this game. My reason for a zero score is based on the game play alone. Playing online head to head has been a huge headache and disappointment. The reaction time from player AI is so slow that zone coverage is practically worthless. And unless you're pass rushing the qb yourself, the qb is never pressured. You never feel like you're ever truly in control of the game because of the animation system. It's almost like playing a classic rpg. You're selecting action commands and just hoping that the command lands successfully against your opponent.. EA even stated they purposefully limited the control-ability of usering a defender because it was too OP last year. So you're punishing players who are good at usering? That's a huge problem with the madden series for the past 4 years if not longer. you can't actually be good at the game. you just learn how to work the system it runs under. Which means either playing only as high-rated teams or knowing how to spam plays. I've been willing to pay $60 for the past 8 years just so I can have some type of NFL football game, but this year's Madden is so bad, I'll never pay for it again until a whole new game engine is implemented for it.… Expand
  34. ZENJUTSU
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    mais uma merda incrível lançada pelo pior empresa de jogos de todos os tempos
  35. seancoz
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    If I had to give the game an honest rating I’d give it a 3 or 4 out of 10 but I’m trying to give EA the message or possibly make the NFL allow another company or multiple other companies make Football “Simulation” games as well so I’m logging this in at a 0/10. Garbage game, so many glitches and lazy things such as stadiums having banners that say Madden 19 instead of Madden 21. The NBA 2KIf I had to give the game an honest rating I’d give it a 3 or 4 out of 10 but I’m trying to give EA the message or possibly make the NFL allow another company or multiple other companies make Football “Simulation” games as well so I’m logging this in at a 0/10. Garbage game, so many glitches and lazy things such as stadiums having banners that say Madden 19 instead of Madden 21. The NBA 2K series has been a joke over the last few years, but Madden 21 makes NBA 2K look like the best “Sports Simulation“ game series of all time.… Expand
  36. FiliusAurorae
    Aug 31, 2020
    9
    love the new rushing mechanism, but could use some refreshers, but overall I'm enjoying the game.
  37. SparkzCook
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Missing players like Colin Kaepernick Martavius Bryant and the frostbite engine is no good for games like this they need to get rid of it the game would be okay but they're just stubborn and want the money I suggest you wait for it to go on sale to buy… Expand
  38. Golferdude
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 is nothing but a copy and paste game with updated rosters and newer ways for micro transactions to make people pay money only to lose all their progress for the next years game and restart all over again. I have bought every madden but 2 over the past 10 years and this is one of those 2. Iam a die hard franchise player and that is specifically all I every play. In my opinion, theMadden 21 is nothing but a copy and paste game with updated rosters and newer ways for micro transactions to make people pay money only to lose all their progress for the next years game and restart all over again. I have bought every madden but 2 over the past 10 years and this is one of those 2. Iam a die hard franchise player and that is specifically all I every play. In my opinion, the best franchise I have ever played in a madden is NFL 2k8 with T.O on the cover I believe the year was. And that is truly sad because 2k came out and demolished EA in every category possible in regards to a NFL game only to be bought out of the rights because EA couldn't handle the competition. Here we are over 10 years later and NONE of the future madden games compare to that game. The franchise mode for madden 21 is an actual copy and paste waste of time. You are better off downloading a user roster through the community. Don't waste your money or effort supporting madden games until EA actually makes a football game us fans have deserved for the last 10 years.… Expand
  39. Csmish
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Just the same old rewrap we've gotten for the past 5 years. This should be illegal and punishable in a court of law
  40. DeuceQuattr0
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    3 days after launch still can’t access Ultimate Team. Another embarrassment from EA.
  41. mkhalil13
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    EA should be ashamed of themselves. THIEVES! Time for the NFL to acknowledge that Madden has hit an all time low after years of empty games. It needs a complete change. Menu has been heavy for years. Soundtrack is beyond terrible, probably cause they don't want to spend on rights for music. Gameplay is not engaging as much as they want you to believe. Franchise mode is a train where youEA should be ashamed of themselves. THIEVES! Time for the NFL to acknowledge that Madden has hit an all time low after years of empty games. It needs a complete change. Menu has been heavy for years. Soundtrack is beyond terrible, probably cause they don't want to spend on rights for music. Gameplay is not engaging as much as they want you to believe. Franchise mode is a train where you really have no creative ability to take whatever tracks you want. The game lags in offline mode! Players jog around aimlessly or take a robotic knee when injured. Players move oddly in between plays. Animations exactly the same as every year. When you open the game there's a typo of an extra space in the introduction screens. Elements of previous versions are left in 21 and clearly say Madden 19/20. What a joke!

    EA: "We need designers to make the game look new, but just pick one thing (pass rush right stick) to make it seem like we changed the gameplay."

    Oh, face of the franchise makes you feel like you are playing a game from the 90s.

    #NFLdropEA    … Expand
  42. Andrewss
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    So many bugs, over a few hours i had to crash the game several times.
    NOTHING is changed for years franchise mode. Once 2K comes out all of the yard crap is pointless, EA will only hold the rights to the simulation football (franchise) and all of the other crap 2K can do. So why buy Madden in the future? They clearly don't care about the simulation football.
  43. Barkley712
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Absolutely awful game. Horrible gameplay and animations make this years madden unplayable. All they did was update the rosters yet couldn’t fix the crap animations from the years past. All us fans have asked for is new franchise features and a better my career type mode. What do we get instead? The same trash game with attention only paid to MUT so EA can milk even more money out of fans.Absolutely awful game. Horrible gameplay and animations make this years madden unplayable. All they did was update the rosters yet couldn’t fix the crap animations from the years past. All us fans have asked for is new franchise features and a better my career type mode. What do we get instead? The same trash game with attention only paid to MUT so EA can milk even more money out of fans. Will end my 15 year madden streak after this one because this game was pure garbage.… Expand
  44. Mdan1424
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well what can I say, I am completely disappointed by the turn out of Madded 21. I saw so much potential from many years back, like create a team possibly coming back, or franchise actually letting you design a stadium and uniforms like 2K does in its NBA Series. Might I add that, they are far superior then Electronic Arts when it comes to sports games. EA has completely dropped the ball on this game, just rereleasing Madden 20 with new rosters and one new game mode called The Yard. The yard is sort of a backyard football type of vibe where you play to earn credits. Which in turn you can use to buy gear for your character. When I played a few games, which mind you were not easy, I noticed I would only get a few hundred credits here or there. Now not to worry, because EA has brought in microtransactions to save the day! Making all the clothing that is actually desirable completely out of range for the casual player to actually get anything worth while, EA expects you to pay for Credits which in turn you can use to buy your favorite article of clothing. It's mostly just a Cash Grab for EA, just like the past few years have been with every Madden game released from Madden 13 forward. Another "new" mode, which is just a rebrand career mode, is Face of the Franchise. Face of the Franchise isn't bad, but it honestly just feels rebadged from last year, some of the most crucial parts of your career, like choosing your new position, isnt even voice acted. Now they did try to take a step forward with you continuing your career after the draft. But it has you skipping alot of your games throughout your career. The most I've ever played in one Season is 4 games, two of them against your rival, and then two in the playoffs. Honestly it's just thrown together last minute and isn't really worth picking up if this is the mode you are after.

    Ultimate team is again the main focus of the game, mainly because EA wants you to buy packs to improve your team. Trust me when I say this, its exactly like Madden 20, but with new paint splashed around everywhere. They really want you to be in this mode, because they want your money more then your satisfaction, and honestly, after being ignored for years by EA, they dont deserve it.

    I'm not going to go into detail about Franchise mode, mainly because it's exactly the same as last year. Nothing has changed in Franchise mode except for the paint scheme.

    Gameplay is the same as last year, with some improvements that I can say have taken my frustrations away. Everyone knows about being sacked even though you threw the ball to your receiver. They finally added a throw out of sack animation to the same, and that has relieved alot of frustration from playing the game for me. It's just the first release so there are alot of glitches, as to be expected, but they didnt do alot to fix them in Madden 20, so I dont expect those to go away anytime soon in 21.

    Honestly, this game let me down, there was some positive, but alot, and I mean ALOT, of negatives in Madden 21. I'm giving this game a 1 out of 10, because it was just rebadged from Madden 20, 19, 18, 17, yeah you get the picture. I wont be buying another Madden game again. If 2K gets rights to start making NFL Simulation games, you best be sure, I'll be over there trying to get my hands on that copy.    … Expand
  45. aalaeddin
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I made an account here because I have bought Madden every year at release since 2001 and the last three I have hated everything and kept hope. This game is the honest worst. I wish I could get a refund. I want a good NFL game so bad and I am stuck with this trash.
  46. douglasogrady
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Same exact game as the past 5 years same bugs same glitches just a roster update
  47. 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.
  48. Broncos5855
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Do not waste your money on this game, I did that for you. I spent $79.99 to play this game 3 days early for I was so excited to play. I was utterly disappointed. It’s madden 20 all over again. That’s what I felt like I bought. EA did not make any new changes, they just forced The Yard down our throats and completely ignored everything we asked for. They can’t even change up the in gameDo not waste your money on this game, I did that for you. I spent $79.99 to play this game 3 days early for I was so excited to play. I was utterly disappointed. It’s madden 20 all over again. That’s what I felt like I bought. EA did not make any new changes, they just forced The Yard down our throats and completely ignored everything we asked for. They can’t even change up the in game commentary it’s the exact same from madden 20, word for word. They can’t even create new slide shows picture while the game is loading in. Players on new teams are awfully photoshopped in a New Jersey. Graphics look the exact same as the past 3 maddens. Please don’t waste your money like I did. I do desperately wish I didn’t buy it.… Expand
  49. KMoore1197
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    I have been an avid madden fan for 10+ years, and one that has consistently performed at a high level and respected that the game might have occasional flaws.

    Upon getting Madden 21 I was super optimistic that some of the game breaking physics and animations would be smoothed out to provide a more authentic and competitive feeling for the game, Man was I wrong. Madden 21 is sincerely    I have been an avid madden fan for 10+ years, and one that has consistently performed at a high level and respected that the game might have occasional flaws.

    Upon getting Madden 21 I was super optimistic that some of the game breaking physics and animations would be smoothed out to provide a more authentic and competitive feeling for the game, Man was I wrong. Madden 21 is sincerely the worst Madden title I have played to date. If you want to play a football game this year, go grab 12 of your best friends and go out to an overgrown field because it will be a better experience for you.

    Lets highlight some of the biggest problems:
    1) Defense is null and void, it isn't even a skill thing anymore.
    2) Glitches (Don't even make me write them all out)
    3) Little attention to detail like graphics errors and even worst graphical errors.
    4) LAZY

    There is nothing good about this game. Madden Ultimate Team stinks and has so many errors, Franchise mode has been copied for 7 years or more now, and all the other modes are trivial and have so many flaws.

    EA should be ashamed of the game they released this year. It is so bad that this is sincerely my first review of a game ever online. I am excited to never purchase this title again and move to MLB The Show when it comes to the next generation xbox console. THIS GAME STINKS.    … Expand
  50. 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
  51. Ron3
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Game is a copy paste of Madden 20, but with more bugs. The dance moves are after a sack, first down, and other insignificant plays.
  52. tomtom1315
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    I don’t even own a xbox but hey im just here for my daily madden hate. EA please give up your game is trash.
  53. RealFlexxin
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    SAME HORRIBLE GAME FOR PAST 12 YEARS. UNREALISTIC NFL FOOTBALL.. FULL OF GAME SCRIPTING AND CASH GRABS FOR YOU TO SPEND $$$ NFL NEEDS TO STEP IN IMMEDIATELY!
  54. Nikko_zepeda
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the worst games I have ever played. So many bugs. I really wish they would have made franchise better!!!… Expand
  55. yeahnah69
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Each year it's the same old game with more bugs and microtransactions. This is what happens when there's a monopoly on an NFL game.

    #NFLdropEA
  56. JackK131
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Absolutely pathetic amounts of improvements, if yoi can even call it that. One of the smallest changes year to year I can remember, and I've owned every madden since early 2000s. Will not be buying 22, or any others until I see a real reason.
  57. Maddenistrash18
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Honestly, Madden been going downhill for the past 5 maddens. As a NFL/football fan i have no other option but Madden. After playing this year's I'm completely done with EA making professional football games. The gameplay is absolutely atrocious. It's not even close to a real " simulation" football. How the player interact with each other so buggy and unrealistic. I could go on about otherHonestly, Madden been going downhill for the past 5 maddens. As a NFL/football fan i have no other option but Madden. After playing this year's I'm completely done with EA making professional football games. The gameplay is absolutely atrocious. It's not even close to a real " simulation" football. How the player interact with each other so buggy and unrealistic. I could go on about other things about the game but the other reviews can coherently explain it better. Just save your money and play Madden 20 its about the same.… Expand
  58. Glove2417
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    The most embarrassing game put out. Don’t understand how people are okay with continuing to support a company that does not care wether it’s users enjoy the game or not.
  59. Ironthaio
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    There is glaring lack of trying by Ea to improve the product, because hey they have monopoly of NFL content and MUT mode is still lucrative since a few guys spend more on the game than thousands of normal users, its the same game you been getting since 2017 with a few minors changes no really worth buying if you have the anterior versions, just atualize the roster and you are good to go.
  60. djneaman
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Where to begin? Defense is totally garbage. Mut defensive players have no one fast enough to keep up with any offensive players. Slants and screens are broken. You can literally run them all game long and win. It seems like defense is non-existent in this game. It is laggy and don't try to kick any field goals. Kick meter will lagwith in the middle of it. It is basically the same as it hasWhere to begin? Defense is totally garbage. Mut defensive players have no one fast enough to keep up with any offensive players. Slants and screens are broken. You can literally run them all game long and win. It seems like defense is non-existent in this game. It is laggy and don't try to kick any field goals. Kick meter will lagwith in the middle of it. It is basically the same as it has been for the last few years. Nothing but a money grab. Do not purchase this pile of EA Doo Doo.… Expand
  61. HighTopBoi
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Due to the shady monopolization of the NFL license. EA has been making uninspired and lackluster games for years. This installment is just an continuation of the same broken gameplay physics, and glitchy animations that encapsulates the EA Sports madden franchise. The only way to make football games amazing again. Is too get the NFL too realize its mistake and drop EA sports #NFLdropEA
  62. Bunfinesser69
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Don't spend $60 on this game, just buy any one they came out with in the past 12 years and update the roster #NFLdropEA
  63. rileymcmann
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Awful game. Same as the last few but with more micro transactions and continued ignorance of the franchise game mode
  64. Rabbott624
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Just play madden 20 there is no difference #fixfranchise #EASUCKS #MAdden21Garbage
  65. originalmrmean
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Absolute garbage! Don't buy this game. The only way for change is to stop EA and the NFL getting rewarded with our hard earned dollars for this crap. EA and this game is borderline stealing our hard earned money for rehashed copy and paste programming. Save your money and download an updated roster for Madden 19 or 20.
  66. Minddragon
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Don't do it, this game is legit trash. I play regular online head to head and MUT, been on Madden for like 12 years. I normally wait until Madden is $20, got it because of covid boredom .... I regret buying it. Trust an OG gamer.
  67. Bluceipher
    Aug 30, 2020
    3
    It's Madden you can't expect much same thing every year but what really made me mad is I can't use my last name Hurst in story mode because it said it is a profanity and EA wouldn't tell me why.
  68. Bumshack
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. EA does not care about you.... simulation football game.... psh!!!!! What a joke. #NFLdropEA… Expand
  69. Birdman37363
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This game is literally hot garbage. In my honest opinion the madden series has been garbage since Madden 18
  70. Mcveypat
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Luckily I have EA access and could download and test the game with a free trial. It’s not even worth the space on my 3 TB hard drive. Madden 20, Oops I mean Madden 21 has literally not changed anything except adding a few extra bugs and “stories” that no one wanted. Franchise updates are quite literally a roster update, as expected. Should you pay $60 for the exact same game as last year?Luckily I have EA access and could download and test the game with a free trial. It’s not even worth the space on my 3 TB hard drive. Madden 20, Oops I mean Madden 21 has literally not changed anything except adding a few extra bugs and “stories” that no one wanted. Franchise updates are quite literally a roster update, as expected. Should you pay $60 for the exact same game as last year? Go to your local video game resell store and grab a copy of madden 18, 19, or 20 for under $5 and you’ll get pretty much the exact same product. Re-releasing the same game two years in a row (and arguably more) deserves a 0 rating out of 10.… Expand
  71. Kabam
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    2 changes, a roster update. Infinite glitches. Ship it for 60$!

    They can do this because morons spend 1000$ a day on packs to start on MUT.

    I mean my god, there's a glitch where Squads isn't even playable, if you hike in shortun the game glitches and anothe rplaywr takes control randomly.
  72. DrZeus
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    All the effort is in MUT. They just want to rape you with perennial micro-transactions.
  73. SupremeTaco
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Face of the a Franchise SUCKS, Franchise mode SUCKS, gameplay....ASS, MUT just wants my money, The yard...good but needs more
  74. chargerrich
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This game certainly does not deserve a zero score... but make no mistake this year's release is a sloppy, greedy and unpassionate ARCADE product that is all about microtransaction dollars. Franchise was LITERALLY not touched and "The Yard" is just an attempt at a pre-emptive strike from a superior sports gaming company (2K).
  75. DaniOfDoom
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Same game they’ve released every year recently, absolute no change to franchise mode and very little change overall. Pathetic
  76. MKomertz8
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    The game is terrible. Even little details missing such as name spelling and proper team logos being assigned to the right team, I.E the Titans and Vikings having the Vikings logo. Single play substitutions also not available to be altered in franchise mode. Games terrible. NFL should be embarrassed to deliver such a orofuctm.
  77. LilSarge
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This is Madden NFL 20 with new paint. Nothing new in franchise mode and more bugs than last years game. The Yard is a new game mode for the casual arcade fans but isn't really worth anyone's time. It is boring a stale at best.
  78. billy2383
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Same game as 2015. Madden only cares about Ultimate Team so they can keep selling you coins and packs. As if $60 plus tax isn't enough. This should be a free game because the micro transactions
  79. Cosdiaz
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Wouldn’t even pay $20 for this horrible game. EA has ruined Star Wars, battlefield, Madden, UFC.. and much more.
  80. BleedCr1mson
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Save your money! Glitchy, misprints, trouble with EA server connection. Don’t waste $60 on an undeveloped game that just wants you to give them more money once you turn it on! Absolute trash! Tecmo Bowl on the NES has 3x more value than this “NFL” game. Overall, it is a fumble just like the cover athlete is good at, so I guess they have one thing right!
  81. PhoenixKing
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    It's no different than the last 10 games, except more glitches! Do not buy!! It's a cash grab scam!!!
  82. Iamthedevil321
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Same madden as the last several years.. re skinned, franchise mode neglect, stripped down presentation and immersion, lack of basic and realistic football concept, recycled control schemes, no mouthpieces or refs that they claim technical limitations but ea ufc has both, exclusive rights to simulation football but when 2k got permission for fantasy football threw together a backyard mode… Expand
  83. Elimax
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Exact same game as last year but worse with more mistakes. (Misspelled names, graphics, bugs etc.) EA truly shows that they DO NOT CARE about the fans of the game. It’s also unbelievable that in a world where the most popular games are free (Warzone, Fortnite, Apex) and those games make you only pay for cosmetics, that EA will charge you $60 for a game, just to make you have to pay EVENExact same game as last year but worse with more mistakes. (Misspelled names, graphics, bugs etc.) EA truly shows that they DO NOT CARE about the fans of the game. It’s also unbelievable that in a world where the most popular games are free (Warzone, Fortnite, Apex) and those games make you only pay for cosmetics, that EA will charge you $60 for a game, just to make you have to pay EVEN MORE to win in ultimate team. Atrocious.… Expand
  84. Rhoads81
    Aug 30, 2020
    4
    It’s a shame this game was released in its current state. I have never seen a game this buggy before, period. The showstopper bugs are obvious and everywhere, yet they rushed it out instead of delaying the game to fix these egregious defects. Entire teams disappearing from the field. Crashes left and right. Just play training mode or the yard for 10 mins and you will run into major obviousIt’s a shame this game was released in its current state. I have never seen a game this buggy before, period. The showstopper bugs are obvious and everywhere, yet they rushed it out instead of delaying the game to fix these egregious defects. Entire teams disappearing from the field. Crashes left and right. Just play training mode or the yard for 10 mins and you will run into major obvious bugs that detract from the experience. Shame on EA’s management!!! I feel sorry for the team working on this because you know they wouldn’t have wanted to release it like this.… Expand
  85. MaDKmAn
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    this game is absolutely the most ridiculous thing ever. We've been spoon fed the same trash every year since 2015. I'd rather play ncaa 14, a game that is 7 years older with not even close as good of graphics simply for the variability in how you can play the game. EA sports has been copy pasting madden for years and enough is enough. The NFL needs to do better!
  86. WmEsco81
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Don't waste your money contributing to the B.S. EA is shoveling out. The only way to get the attention of this greedy company is to boycott this year's Madden. When the money isn't coming in they'll listen to the many voices who have been demanding they fix franchise mode. Don't listen to to the people who claim the game is great, it's not. The same **** as last year game trend is full ofDon't waste your money contributing to the B.S. EA is shoveling out. The only way to get the attention of this greedy company is to boycott this year's Madden. When the money isn't coming in they'll listen to the many voices who have been demanding they fix franchise mode. Don't listen to to the people who claim the game is great, it's not. The same **** as last year game trend is full of **** and so are the others. I've been a Madden fan from the beginning, when it was still an arcade game. Some of the reviews on here blow my mind and I wonder if they're getting money from EA to post a blatant lie. The only new thing is a gimmicky mode called the yard...womp,womp,womp.… Expand
  87. Rmath872
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Didn’t think it could possibly get worse than previous years but this is the worst madden I have ever played in my life. EA should be ashamed to have released this game, hence why #NFLdropEA is trending on twitter. Nothing has changed feature wise at all since madden 20, however the amount of bugs in this game currently make it completely unplayable despite being the same game. EA shouldDidn’t think it could possibly get worse than previous years but this is the worst madden I have ever played in my life. EA should be ashamed to have released this game, hence why #NFLdropEA is trending on twitter. Nothing has changed feature wise at all since madden 20, however the amount of bugs in this game currently make it completely unplayable despite being the same game. EA should be ashamed… Expand
  88. Adunb13
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Worst game ever! Same thing as 20. EA really needs to learn a lesson. Take the NFL license away !
  89. JoshAllenShorts
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This game is a culmination of 5 years of no effort, no customer consideration, and no quality. The only thing that matters to them is clearly profit. Franchise Mode has remained untouched AGAIN, after 5 years of stagnation. The Frostbite engine returns and it is as buggy of a mess as I have ever seen. The gameplay is marginally better, but due to the engine's limitation, pre-cannedThis game is a culmination of 5 years of no effort, no customer consideration, and no quality. The only thing that matters to them is clearly profit. Franchise Mode has remained untouched AGAIN, after 5 years of stagnation. The Frostbite engine returns and it is as buggy of a mess as I have ever seen. The gameplay is marginally better, but due to the engine's limitation, pre-canned animations rule the game. The Yard is the furthest thing I have seen from the simulation football that Madden falls under (albeit, I like the idea of the mode, but in a sim game, it should not be there). The customization in the game, outside of the Yard, is bare-bones as ever and it is very evident that EA simply does not care for its consumers. EA constantly does little to nothing every year, yet of course, Madden's Ultimate Team is pushed to the forefront, waiting for underage kids to gamble all their money away. This game is a disgrace and is not worth $1, much less $60, or even $100 at the most expensive version of the game. #NFLdropEA… Expand
  90. RichardMcDowell
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    I can’t believe how bad this game is. This game doesn’t EA does NOT care about the consumer. By continuing to buy this trash game everyone allows EA ‘s devs, bosses & stakeholders to ensure nothing changes. As a whole community, we must stop the purchase of this game entirely. The NFL has to break their breached contract and open the competition up in the gaming community. The game is fullI can’t believe how bad this game is. This game doesn’t EA does NOT care about the consumer. By continuing to buy this trash game everyone allows EA ‘s devs, bosses & stakeholders to ensure nothing changes. As a whole community, we must stop the purchase of this game entirely. The NFL has to break their breached contract and open the competition up in the gaming community. The game is full of bugs and glitches. It’s unplayable, not fun and full of microtra(SH)actions, as per usual. The time has come. Put an end to Madden and the exclusivity rights. Enough is enough. They, as a company, don’t care, so we SHOULD care enough to demand change. End the inferior product. Hit them where it’ll hurt longterm: their pockets. Worst. Game. Ever.… Expand
  91. AlixSZN
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Not only is the a copy and paste from the last 2 maddens but I was playing online and wasted the time off the clock of the forth quarter, when I made the other team fumble the ball and we spent 4 mins trying to pick it up...
  92. StigmaDikner
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This game is an embarrassment to the NFL. They need to terminate their exclusive contract with EA, because they’ve had 30 games to figure things out and this is the worst one to date.
  93. Scottwescobar
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    I have never really criticized Madden in genral. This game is literally what people always say, exactly the same. Franchise mode is untouched. It's not acceptable. The gamrplay I think is good enough.
  94. Jaysin1034
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This franchise is getting to be so tiring. The complaints with this series have been documented for years and years, yet we see no change. Their needs to be competition, and we are long past the time where the NFL license needs to be non exclusive again.
  95. JustinJones
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Significant performance issues causing frame rates to decrease or skip, no significant improvements to franchise, horrible storyline in face of franchise that is an embarrassing attempt to hide the limitations of playing a max of 2 games in high school or college. Need more physics based interactions vs all pre canned animations.
  96. Kingyancy
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Save your money the game is horrible all they care about is mut and making money… Expand
  97. Sams411
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Copy and paste from the last 10 years and as a “fan” I feel insulted that every year I get a piss poor excuse of a game thats been the same for over a decade I’m tired of hoping that the EA team could feel some form of inspiration and actually try to be innovative but that’s just heavy wishing
  98. NorrinRadd12
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This is a real score from someone who has been playing this game since 1993. For them to release the game a month later than last year, abandon M20 months early and release an unfinished product is thievery. Defense is broken, nothing works. The new pass rush mechanics and resistance is a decent idea with terrible implementation that has resulted in broken pass rush. You need a telescopeThis is a real score from someone who has been playing this game since 1993. For them to release the game a month later than last year, abandon M20 months early and release an unfinished product is thievery. Defense is broken, nothing works. The new pass rush mechanics and resistance is a decent idea with terrible implementation that has resulted in broken pass rush. You need a telescope to read your cards from your couch. If you aren’t going to do it right then why pursue the exclusive license other than greed. Shame on EA and the NFL.… Expand
  99. Koconn
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Come on most players play either franchise or Ultimate team, if you play ultimate I can’t really speak but I’m pretty sure it’s just a game of micro transactions and money grabs. For franchise we’ve been starved of any update in what feels like my whole lifetime as a 20 year old whose been playing for years. Even after getting #fixmaddenfranchise going to the point where they acknowledgedCome on most players play either franchise or Ultimate team, if you play ultimate I can’t really speak but I’m pretty sure it’s just a game of micro transactions and money grabs. For franchise we’ve been starved of any update in what feels like my whole lifetime as a 20 year old whose been playing for years. Even after getting #fixmaddenfranchise going to the point where they acknowledged it nothing changed they gave us the yard but it sucks and the hint was we don’t want new garbage we want improvements in the modes we used to like so never buying EA madden again… Expand
  100. Snow407
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    Too many bugs and its basically the exact same game. When will EA actually put any effort into this franchise. Face Of The Franchise is boring and doesn't add anything to the game and franchise mode is still a joke.
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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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