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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. maxschuster
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    Horrible game. These critics on this site are not real, they haven't played, this game sucks. Nothing good about it. Bunch of glitches.
  2. TVJunkie93
    Aug 27, 2020
    5
    Why a 5? I agree with essentially every single complaint against this year's release. Chief among them, the lack of care about Franchise mode, which spent decades as the anchor for this franchise before MUT and micro-transactions became EA's top priority.

    However, to EA's credit, the gameplay is smooth and the graphics are impressive. That's about it. It's not literally the worst game    Why a 5? I agree with essentially every single complaint against this year's release. Chief among them, the lack of care about Franchise mode, which spent decades as the anchor for this franchise before MUT and micro-transactions became EA's top priority.

    However, to EA's credit, the gameplay is smooth and the graphics are impressive. That's about it. It's not literally the worst game of all time. But it is the most disappointing Madden release of all time. It's the bare minimum of competency.

    Beyond the lack of Franchise improvements, the new mobile-style presentation package is annoying. Celebration controls popping up after every big play breaks the immersion. The presentation is stale, with the halftime show untouched for the 4th year, and a new unrealistic, drawn out pre-game introduction that's somehow a step down from another year of Coachman would have been.

    The Yard? Give me a break. EA creating such a vast player customization engine for that mode, even including mouth-guards, but not implementing any of that into Franchise is a massive middle finger to long time fans of the franchise.

    If you have a PC capable of running Madden 20 (doesn't need to be a gaming rig), I would highly encourage you to use Madden 20 with updated community rosters. There's even a mod for Franchise mode that will let you start this upcoming season, with all of last season's stats added in, all roster adjustments made, it even has COVID opt-out players properly designated as such, which Madden 21 doesn't even feature (at this moment).

    #FixFranchiseMode    … Expand
  3. BigMike681
    Aug 28, 2020
    7
    The only problems for me is that they didn’t really update franchise or MUT. Presentation is very nice. The new game mode “The Yard” is really fun and seems great to play with friends. Face of the Franchise was ok. The gameplay is fun and feels good, there are some glitiches/bugs, nothing that can’t be fixed in some updates. Overall good game, could’ve been better. #FixMaddenFranchise
  4. 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
  5. FiliusAurorae
    Aug 31, 2020
    9
    love the new rushing mechanism, but could use some refreshers, but overall I'm enjoying the game.
  6. JackR
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    I have no idea what everyone is talking about. The game is great. Unless you didn't like Franchise last year, it's perfect. Superstar KO had many bugs and lag fixed. The Yard is so much fun, you could play hours with your friends. Face of the Franchise added more storyline so it got better. MUT got updated a bit. Gameplay is better with deadleg and jurdle. Plus more realotci animations.I have no idea what everyone is talking about. The game is great. Unless you didn't like Franchise last year, it's perfect. Superstar KO had many bugs and lag fixed. The Yard is so much fun, you could play hours with your friends. Face of the Franchise added more storyline so it got better. MUT got updated a bit. Gameplay is better with deadleg and jurdle. Plus more realotci animations. Ppl just complain just because they have a fixed mindset of EA being bad. 10/10… Expand
  7. 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
  8. Mpinter9
    Aug 28, 2020
    9
    As a pro Madden player, yes go look me up my name is D3liveranc3, we are often the most critical of Madden. I will say that this year is probably the best this game has been at launch in awhile. Sure there may be some visual bugs or small details to iron out, but the actual gameplay feels great this year and that is what people should be focusing on. New intelligent features like zoneAs a pro Madden player, yes go look me up my name is D3liveranc3, we are often the most critical of Madden. I will say that this year is probably the best this game has been at launch in awhile. Sure there may be some visual bugs or small details to iron out, but the actual gameplay feels great this year and that is what people should be focusing on. New intelligent features like zone drops to help show your ability to out think your opponent is an amazing addition to the game. Superstar abilities have been tuned to provide more realism and more skill gap into the game. Madden 21 has the potential to be one of the best in franchise history. Definitely give the game a try before you write it off, the rating score on metacritic does this game no justice.… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. Evil_D
    Sep 3, 2020
    8
    Dont listen to the user reviews, a lot of people with too much time on their hands. It has flaws, but nothing that we havent seen before with Madden at launch. User interface is laggy as hell at times, the defensive backs still teleport, but otherwise its the same game with better graphics.
  11. CinnamonFury
    Aug 27, 2020
    10
    With the most innovative graphics in all of internet gaming, EA proves once again that the Madden franchise is one of, if not the highest quality series you can trust to come out with masterpiece after masterpiece.

    I personally love the Ultimate Team gamemode, where I can open cool, and totally tubular packs of cards to unlock my favorite players. Don't even get me started on the    With the most innovative graphics in all of internet gaming, EA proves once again that the Madden franchise is one of, if not the highest quality series you can trust to come out with masterpiece after masterpiece.

    I personally love the Ultimate Team gamemode, where I can open cool, and totally tubular packs of cards to unlock my favorite players.

    Don't even get me started on the MyCareer gamemode, it takes me back to my days dominating the high school football scene! Not to mention, the graphics are so realistic, it really made me feel like I was slinging the old pigskin!

    Now, lets get onto the more negative part of the review. Just kidding! This game is an absolute masterpiece, and to be honest, I don't think it needs a single change. It doesn't surprise me that a developer as reliable as EA would release another gem like this. Personally, I can't wait for Madden 22! =D    … Expand
  12. MinePlay512
    Sep 3, 2020
    8
    Madden NFL 21 is good. I'm sorry if I upset you earlier. I know you are upset about Franchise Mode not being improved I understand. The Yard is a solid game mode that will bring in fun. Face of the Franchise mode is a 6/10. The mode soft-locks the game and it doesn't give the right stuff for your player, gameplay wise, it's solid. I understand your anger. I don't support EA. I don't workMadden NFL 21 is good. I'm sorry if I upset you earlier. I know you are upset about Franchise Mode not being improved I understand. The Yard is a solid game mode that will bring in fun. Face of the Franchise mode is a 6/10. The mode soft-locks the game and it doesn't give the right stuff for your player, gameplay wise, it's solid. I understand your anger. I don't support EA. I don't work for EA. But please, I just want to give you fun.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. sg5261
    Oct 21, 2020
    10
    great game the yard is super fun i love the game why is there so much hate its better than madden 19 and madden 19 has a better score
  15. 206John
    Oct 5, 2020
    0
    It’s the same game. It’s the same exact game. EA is making the same game every year and profiting off of it; this shouldn’t even be legal to be honest
  16. 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!
  17. countyourmacros
    May 20, 2021
    0
    I have been playing Madden every year since 2003. This is the first time I've waited for a game to become dirt cheap to purchase.

    Each of the last 5 years the pass rush has gotten worse and worse, so how can they make defence even more unbearable this year? Oh yeah, let's nerf user LB by adding in a change of direction stat (what is agility for then???). Pretty much any player under 88    I have been playing Madden every year since 2003. This is the first time I've waited for a game to become dirt cheap to purchase.

    Each of the last 5 years the pass rush has gotten worse and worse, so how can they make defence even more unbearable this year? Oh yeah, let's nerf user LB by adding in a change of direction stat (what is agility for then???). Pretty much any player under 88 COD is like running around on ice (by the way that's almost all LBs and most safeties). Corners either seem to get crazy interceptions or won't fight for the ball. Pass rushing is a joke to the point where you can't even play well if you user a pass rusher even if you have perfect snap jump timing. Run defence is not completely terrible, but the rest of the defence is unusable, and this is from someone who manages around 60-65% win percentage primarily based on good defence. Playing good defence on M21 is mostly luck.

    Offence is even worse this year. For the 9th straight year, screen passes will glitch out at such a high rate they become a risk to use. Your RB will get stuck behind a defender or an OL causing a sack or fumble or incompletion. WR screens rarely work. Counter plays rarely work. There are just so many plays in every playbook that are unusable. It's the same garbage every year. The plays should be able to function properly. I'm also annoyed that one slight wrong angle juking and my guy will run backwards 15 yards. 50/50 balls are more likely 90/10 for the defender because a lot of the time your receiver won't even try and jump, even with coach adjustment. Also, why are we even stuck using coach adjustment on obvious plays? Obviously I want my receiver to jump to catch a 50/50. Why is this even an option or default to do otherwise.

    Franchise mode is a joke. You used to be able to hire your own DC and OC, you used to be able to front load and backload contracts, and still none of that.

    How about instead of releasing a brand new trash game, EA commits to creating one really good football game, and then selling a subscription. Forcing MUT onto me will never work. MUT sucks and is tedious to get started without money.    … Expand
  18. NRGFLO
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Read the 566 other reviews & you’ll understand why this game deserves a 0.
  19. MonkiReviews
    Apr 24, 2021
    8
    Actually like this game, and recommend it. The franchise mode wasn’t updated much, but it is very fun to play through a season, get free agents, draft, and trade. Online is updated with rosters, but it lags sometimes. Ultimate Team is still good, but feels harder to win if a player doesn’t buy stuff. The story is good too, and playing at the start of a players football journey is cool to see.
  20. salinb04
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    Absolute waste of money and time. Play an older Madden when the devs actually put effort into these games.
  21. 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
  22. themtgdude486
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    Awful game. NFL drop EA. How can a game that comes out in 2020 be this awful. The glitches are crazy.
  23. Naught
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    These games are getting worse and worse lately. EA doesn't care about anything other than money.
  24. 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!
  25. 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
  26. wch4383
    Sep 8, 2020
    1
    Animations and movement are the improvements this year. the Yard is fun with friends for about two days. Otherwise, the game still has major clipping issues on WR/TE routes. Face of Franchise is a bug filled mess, including with the actual football gameplay aspects. AI doesn’t react to qb scrambles until they are 7 yds up field. Franchise is the same old same old boring franchise, with aAnimations and movement are the improvements this year. the Yard is fun with friends for about two days. Otherwise, the game still has major clipping issues on WR/TE routes. Face of Franchise is a bug filled mess, including with the actual football gameplay aspects. AI doesn’t react to qb scrambles until they are 7 yds up field. Franchise is the same old same old boring franchise, with a few new bugs. Ratings are not based is reality to last football season. It is a disappointment because with next gen coming, players want more than just graphics… Expand
  27. Sharkman
    Sep 8, 2020
    0
    Just don’t even buy it. The micro transactions are overwhelming. Please, just end this people, stop, we want a quality game and they’ll never deliver us one as long as people keep feeding into it. EA, please put your focus on deepening the Franchise mode and other modes that don’t involve me throwing $$$ into a simulated sports game just to be relevant in a matchup.
  28. thegooblop
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    They probably spent less than $60 creating this title, given they didn't even replace the assets that are 2 years old now. Branding of "2019" should not appear in a game labelled "2021".
  29. 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
  30. racecaraz
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Fortunately I tried the trial first because it's horrible. A true bugfest rehash of previous Madden's plus in an attempt look like the they stand for something they add Kap back in. They only stand for trying to milk more $ out of this train wreck and are using him for their own agenda nothing else. Please NFL allow any other company a shot at making a game I doubt it could be worse.
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »