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. Patmoamagaman11
    Mar 1, 2022
    1
    Devs have suck to new lows with this trash. Buggier and glitchier than all hell. This series has been on a serious decline for the last ten years. I didn't care too much about buying a new one every year when it was some solid gameplay, but the devs are so lazy and clearly don't care at all anymore. They just want to milk us fans. Thanks Obama!
  2. plutoisaplanet7
    Aug 23, 2021
    0
    Despite the game being out for over a year now, there are still so many major bugs. I was playing franchise today, and it just kept loading in the game. I waited for well over ten minutes just to load into a game and I finally had to close it out. A game that's been out for this long should not have these type of bugs remaining. There are plenty of other bugs that are still encounteredDespite the game being out for over a year now, there are still so many major bugs. I was playing franchise today, and it just kept loading in the game. I waited for well over ten minutes just to load into a game and I finally had to close it out. A game that's been out for this long should not have these type of bugs remaining. There are plenty of other bugs that are still encountered even though it's a fully released, year-old game.
    The qb sneak doesn't gain any yards 9/10 times. And most of the time it loses yards! It's a simple play. But this game only has the qb fall down, not dive over the pile like every qb sneak I've ever seen.    … Expand
  3. Scipii
    Aug 14, 2021
    0
    Why buy a new game when you have so many other options from years past that are the exact same? Roster Update=60$
  4. Rhino676
    Jul 21, 2021
    0
    This is the WORST Madden of all time, which really is saying a lot. I'm not someone who blindly hates a game before hating it, I may hate the company, but sometimes they still can come out with a descent game. I actually thought that Madden 20 wasn't that bad, at least comparing to other Maddens, as Madden 20 had descent user control and blocking, and less predetermined animations overall.This is the WORST Madden of all time, which really is saying a lot. I'm not someone who blindly hates a game before hating it, I may hate the company, but sometimes they still can come out with a descent game. I actually thought that Madden 20 wasn't that bad, at least comparing to other Maddens, as Madden 20 had descent user control and blocking, and less predetermined animations overall. While the game play had its issues, like running the ball becoming almost unstoppable, I assumed Madden 21 would fix the issues that plagued Madden 20, and build off of the foundations of abilities that Madden 20 introduced, that of which I thought were a good implementation and made players feel more different. But I was certainly mistaken as Madden 21 did not fix the issues of running the ball until mid in its life-cycle. Madden 21 also introduced many glitches that either took a while to get patched, or never were patched at all; such as receivers randomly stopping in the middle of running a route leading to an interception, or the constant "through out of sack animation" that almost ended in an interception once the quarterback threw the ball. The blocking mechanics in this game is the worst in any football simulation game, and I would go as far to say that the Roblox version of Madden has better blocking, and sadly I am not joking. These issues I just mentioned are in almost every play of every game in Madden 21. Franchise mode got left to die, other than a few small features that were already in Maddens ten years before it. For these reasons Madden 21 has dethroned Madden 19 as the worst Madden of all time, and arguabley the worst mainstream licensed sports games of all time.… Expand
  5. EASUCKSSOMUCH
    Jul 11, 2021
    0
    I don’t understand why EA refuses to address fundamental issues with their games, issues present for years. Sloppy, lazy development, and it’s not just this game, it’s every single one. Year in and year out. Please stop buying, please unsubscribe from EA Play.
  6. E-D-W-I-N
    Jun 21, 2021
    10
    This is still better than Warcraft III: Reforged. Bring Warcraft 3 refunded back to the last place.
  7. Phillipcar
    Jun 14, 2021
    0
    Months after the game being released there are still many bugs. Some make certain modes unplayable. I spent a long time building up my favorite team in franchise mode just to get to the playoffs, play a game, destroy the other team, and then finish the game. I then go to advance to the next week and it says I lost the game 17-0. This happens every time I play a game and win now. The scoreMonths after the game being released there are still many bugs. Some make certain modes unplayable. I spent a long time building up my favorite team in franchise mode just to get to the playoffs, play a game, destroy the other team, and then finish the game. I then go to advance to the next week and it says I lost the game 17-0. This happens every time I play a game and win now. The score is always 17-0 with me loosing even if I win the game while playing it. Very frustrating that I spent so much time in this game just to have the game glitch and make my franchise file unplayable. This has been a known glitch in the game for many years as there are posts from 2018 talking about it and EA has done nothing to fix it. There are also many game play glitches but a huge company like EA doesn’t seem to care to fix it. The only reason I started playing madden again is because it was free with game pass on Xbox but I can confidently say I will never play another madden game even if it’s free ever again.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. Justin1170
    May 15, 2021
    0
    This game **** sucks who ever thought it would be a good idea to release this game should die
  10. 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.
  11. Mtrash
    Apr 7, 2021
    0
    Same game it’s been for the past like 5 years and if you need reasons watch softdrinktv
  12. Yysguy
    Apr 4, 2021
    0
    Trash game. Abilities ruined madden big time, they were supposed to give you “uniqueness” to your team but eveyone does the same abilities with the same defence and offence. I’ve played madden since 2012 and it’s never been worse
  13. Jlilly113
    Mar 18, 2021
    1
    I’ve been playing madden since 93 on sega and this is by far the worst game ever made. Waste of money and download space. Y’all dropped the ball for real on this one. Going back to 2k.
  14. DamnLemons101
    Mar 15, 2021
    0
    Nothing more needs to be said, that hasn't already been mentioned here, I'm just throwing in my review in agreement.
  15. belajacjr
    Mar 10, 2021
    0
    Football has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. So, when it comes to an NFL game, I'm usually all in, especially when EA forces my hand and kills off all competition. I've attempted to play this game year after year and I'm always left disappointed. I miss the competition of the old days. I remember when we had multiple options (2K, Blitz, Gameday, Street, etc.) and itFootball has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. So, when it comes to an NFL game, I'm usually all in, especially when EA forces my hand and kills off all competition. I've attempted to play this game year after year and I'm always left disappointed. I miss the competition of the old days. I remember when we had multiple options (2K, Blitz, Gameday, Street, etc.) and it forced companies to bring their best to the market. But, that's just not the case anymore and it heavily shows in what EA delivers to us. So long to the days of innovation and taking risks on new features or game modes. This game has become all about MUT microtransactions and attempting to force online gameplay. I am never going to be online competitive. I've never enjoyed online play in any of the games I own. There is barely options for players like myself and it's extremely upsetting when NFL games are favored. I will never play Madden again after this year. Not only was current-gen extremely disappointing but "next-gen" takes the cake. Not only is this game a literal joke for next-generation gaming but it was somehow worse than the current-gen version, so much so that I ended up going back to current-gen within a week of owning my new console.

    Check on youtubers like RyanMoody21 if you believe this is a good game. Go watch comparison videos to old 2K games and even old versions of Madden like Madden 05. Look how much they've stripped this game down, look at the faces that look nothing like the players, look at the bugs and glitches that are everywhere in this game. It's a joke and EA couldn't care less. Instead of owning up to their mistakes, they call the Madden community toxic for noticing their flaws. Nothing will ever change if we keep handing stacks of cash to EA. If you truly hate the product EA puts out, stop buying it, stop promoting it and start uninstalling it.    … Expand
  16. Owequkes
    Mar 9, 2021
    0
    This game is so bland. It’s glitchy and has the dumbest problems for a game with as much funding as it does. People go through stadium walls, through each other, and physics are horrible. 2k 5 has better physics. Nothing new has been added, and franchise mode gets old immediately. There is no content. And don’t get me started on Face of the Franchise. No matter what options you choose orThis game is so bland. It’s glitchy and has the dumbest problems for a game with as much funding as it does. People go through stadium walls, through each other, and physics are horrible. 2k 5 has better physics. Nothing new has been added, and franchise mode gets old immediately. There is no content. And don’t get me started on Face of the Franchise. No matter what options you choose or how well you do, dialogue and the storyline stays the same. Really, I scored 80 points in a college game and I wasn’t good enough to start, so says the game. Aside from a new skin and minor in-game adjustments, you should save your money and get an older madden, it’s cheaper and is basically the same. I would recommend investing in a different football game next year, Madden isn’t worth it.… Expand
  17. Grammy89
    Feb 12, 2021
    2
    Same as the year before but worse mut rewards. EA doing everything they can to pump more $$$ out of users.
  18. Ajwinnington
    Jan 20, 2021
    0
    Bruh just make ultimate team a separate game or something because this ain't it. Yall have enough money to make madden good while still getting UT micromoney like there's no need for this.

    I dropped it 5 years ago (madden 16) for the same reasons everyone else hates it and it's still the same game. 5 years of the same madden. Bought the game as a gift for my friends and even they think    Bruh just make ultimate team a separate game or something because this ain't it. Yall have enough money to make madden good while still getting UT micromoney like there's no need for this.

    I dropped it 5 years ago (madden 16) for the same reasons everyone else hates it and it's still the same game. 5 years of the same madden. Bought the game as a gift for my friends and even they think it sucks. They got the game for free and they don't like it! And I don't blame them lol    … Expand
  19. hokrog1355
    Jan 14, 2021
    0
    No game comes even remotely close to how terrible this game is. It should not be legal to release a product this far from being finished. Every person who had anything to do with the production of this game should be ashamed. Hopefully there is a class action lawsuit brought against EA to give every person who bought this their money back. They really should have to pay out thousands toNo game comes even remotely close to how terrible this game is. It should not be legal to release a product this far from being finished. Every person who had anything to do with the production of this game should be ashamed. Hopefully there is a class action lawsuit brought against EA to give every person who bought this their money back. They really should have to pay out thousands to every person who bought it for personal damages.… Expand
  20. NotEgbert
    Jan 4, 2021
    0
    Game sucks, pass rush is insanely overpowered, corners can’t stop the wind, tackling still doesn’t work, running the ball is insanely inconsistent. If you run a 4-3 you get raped by the run but can stop any pass play, if you run a 3-4 you demolish the run but pass plays rip you a new **** Passing is insanely stupid, animations are worse than 2k, if you play the game enough, you can pick upGame sucks, pass rush is insanely overpowered, corners can’t stop the wind, tackling still doesn’t work, running the ball is insanely inconsistent. If you run a 4-3 you get raped by the run but can stop any pass play, if you run a 3-4 you demolish the run but pass plays rip you a new **** Passing is insanely stupid, animations are worse than 2k, if you play the game enough, you can pick up on if your going to catch it by the way the DB and Wr move. Man coverage occasionally works, there are no good zone plays, the pass plays either work way to well, or they get blown up by a 65 overall left end or a **** safety jumps the route from 75 kilometers away.

    I usually play fantasy draft leagues with my friends which is insanely fun however all you need is a decent running game and good pass rush and a fast linebacker and you’ll win every time. That is if your playing a real person. If you are playing the ai on the only playable difficulty, All Madden, you can’t juke **** or run over anyone. They never do anything risky like hit stick so you can hurdle juke or truck. They just conservative tackle you into oblivion. You get about 4 to 5 yards every play but often you can’t take risks either. If you even try to do a pass 20 yards down the field, on a man to man play mind you, the coverage will miraculously switch to zone and 3 other DBs will ride the Wide outs dick and pick the ball or force and incompletion.

    Due to all of this madden has become nothing but a heaping pile of stinky **** and the department of Ea who made this needs to be shut down and be sued for fraud. This game is a farce and no one should even think about buying it and if you do, don’t say this thread didn’t warn you.    … Expand
  21. yakattaq
    Dec 31, 2020
    0
    It just sucks, the gameplay is nothing like real life. Franchise is a content desert
  22. Adam100707
    Dec 31, 2020
    2
    Always get sucked sideways into animations that bull me in opposite direction I'm going and keep me from getting to the ball carrier. Controlled player rarely attempts to catch the ball when I press catch button. Hit stick only works half the time. Everything is delayed. I have to juke 5 to 10 yards before he actually attempts it. This is not even in multi-player mode. This game sucks
  23. Brybry78
    Dec 26, 2020
    0
    Worst game I have ever played of the Madden series. Absolutely the worst and I’ve been playing for 20+ years. Even the worst years I can find something I like but not with 21. I wish I never would have asked for it. Horrible.
  24. simplepez
    Dec 23, 2020
    0
    I could just copy and paste a review from last years game. Since that's all E.A. does with this game........
  25. DSooHoo
    Dec 20, 2020
    5
    This game is the mostly unchanged in Franchise mode, which has not been updated since Madden 13 and in Regular Play
  26. slam4
    Dec 13, 2020
    0
    EA does not deserve the license to make NFL games anymore. If you purchase this game, you are contributing to the problem
  27. V1k1ng
    Dec 9, 2020
    0
    I signed up for an account here just to share absurdity. #NFLdropEA

    I have seen people compare this years Madden to last years. Last copy of Madden I have is 19 and MY concerns are there are bugs from Madden 19 present in this years Madden! Here is my first experience with Madden this year in Franchise that LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME & FEELS EXACTLY THE SAME as 19 FYI. Week 1 training    I signed up for an account here just to share absurdity. #NFLdropEA

    I have seen people compare this years Madden to last years. Last copy of Madden I have is 19 and MY concerns are there are bugs from Madden 19 present in this years Madden!

    Here is my first experience with Madden this year in Franchise that LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME & FEELS EXACTLY THE SAME as 19 FYI. Week 1 training had me doing Ball Carrier Move drills using controls from last years game I'm assuming. LEFT TRIGGER IS CELEBRATE NOW EA NOT PRECISION MODE!!! I'm surprised it takes a user to tell you that. I couldn't finish that drill with better than a bronze because I couldn't complete any of the moves (the way they wanted). Just that drill? Nope. Here is a throw-back from Madden 19 as well, game hanging randomly at some point during weekly training leaving you with restarting your console being the only option to resume.

    I will tell you one thing. I started buying Madden games every-other-year BECAUSE of this garbage. So I don't think I'm sticking around this time to see how this one ends. Keep up the good fight and put your money where your mouth is. Rather leave your money in your pocket where it belongs regarding this title!    … Expand
  28. alexrmorris03
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This is joke. Why does EA keep getting away with this? At what point are we gonna start boycotting this garbage and force EA to make bigger strides?
  29. Tjwhosyourmamma
    Dec 1, 2020
    0
    Please save your money. This is a copy and paste from last year. Some of the stadium graphics even say "Madden 20" or "Madden 19" on them. In every game I play there is a new bug that presents itself. Many gameplay/franchise features which were present back in Madden 05 still not have come back. The sad truth is that we won't get a meaningful Madden game until EA loses their monopolyPlease save your money. This is a copy and paste from last year. Some of the stadium graphics even say "Madden 20" or "Madden 19" on them. In every game I play there is a new bug that presents itself. Many gameplay/franchise features which were present back in Madden 05 still not have come back. The sad truth is that we won't get a meaningful Madden game until EA loses their monopoly on NFL video games.… Expand
  30. bball2525
    Oct 1, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worst game I have purchased in 20 years. Pre-determined outcomes based on animations, freezes and lags during field goal kicking, copy and past game development from previous 2 years (even accidentally left Madden 19 banners in the game), there is a lack of user control of players, defensive backs catch better than WR's, glitches during trick play, the list goes on and on. It is almost as though EA didn't test their game before releasing it. Please do not buy. We need to boycott EA so that the NFL will drop them. We need competition from other game developers to have a good football game in the future. I will not be buying Madden until they lose their sole rights to make NFL games.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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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