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. Massis
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Fix franchise mode. Worst madden game of all time. Time for 2k to step in. Embarrassing
  2. tgun34
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    This is genuinely the worst madden I've ever played. I know we all joke about the "glorified roster update" but this is it. They rushed to make a game mode that isn't even remotely interesting, they made a bland cliche story line where literally nothing you say or do matters, and they neglected the fan favorite franchise mode. I'm wondering if they even listen to their fans in theThis is genuinely the worst madden I've ever played. I know we all joke about the "glorified roster update" but this is it. They rushed to make a game mode that isn't even remotely interesting, they made a bland cliche story line where literally nothing you say or do matters, and they neglected the fan favorite franchise mode. I'm wondering if they even listen to their fans in the slightest. Don't believe me? Go look at the Instagram comments. Absolutely insane. After playing at a friends house I will be buying 2k21 instead. Thanks for nothing, EA.… Expand
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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...
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Adunb13
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Worst game ever! Same thing as 20. EA really needs to learn a lesson. Take the NFL license away !
  17. 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
  18. 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!
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. kylej23long
    Sep 4, 2020
    0
    Same old game. They need to open up the licence so other NFL games can be made. The lack of competition has clearly destroyed the quality of Madden.
  23. 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
  24. 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!!!
  25. 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!
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. GamingBolt
    Nov 1, 2020
    70
    Madden NFL 21 is as fun and realistic as every Madden game, especially in its new “The Yard” mode and its increased focus on superstars, but its stagnation in gameplay innovation and established modes makes it sometimes difficult to distinguish its improvements over previous games.
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  2. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 14, 2020
    60
    Madden 21 has the components to be a solid, if utterly by-the-numbers entry in the franchise. However, a raft of bugs and glitches serve to undo the game’s atmosphere at every turn.
    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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