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. p0zer85
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Madden has been getting worse for years. Totally unacceptable. Make a good game and the money will follow. Stop trying to milk money from the cash cows while frustrating and infuriating the majority of your customer base.
  2. A1k
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Absolutely Horrible it’s the same game as last year. DO NOT BUY THIS WASTE OF 60+ DOLLARS!
  3. Saiyaman
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Aweful. not waisting $60 on madden NFL copy paist 21. Played the early access from EA play Franchise is exactly the same with no changes, gameplay is the same, face of the franchise is a joke, the yard is cool but doesnt save the game. #fedupwithEA #fixmaddenfranchise
  4. Flashaguiniga
    Aug 27, 2020
    3
    Pretty much same game as last year. As a franchise player I am deeply disappointed with literally no improvements to this game mode other than a different color scheme and the audacity to just label it as "classic franchise". That title alone makes it feel like they knew backlash was gonna come from that decision. I've been a MADDEN supporter since 96. I think this is the last year I buy it.
  5. thewrench01
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The game sucks. 0, just like my rating, changes made to Franchise. Actually, I should give it a negative integer because they removed a relocation team. The Face Of The Franchise gamemode is just garbage. They had the entire franchise dev team on it and it still seems like a kick to the groin to all Madden fans. The story sucks, the characters suck, the logic is abysmal, there is noThe game sucks. 0, just like my rating, changes made to Franchise. Actually, I should give it a negative integer because they removed a relocation team. The Face Of The Franchise gamemode is just garbage. They had the entire franchise dev team on it and it still seems like a kick to the groin to all Madden fans. The story sucks, the characters suck, the logic is abysmal, there is no challenge, and the acting is **** Glitches galore, no branching story paths (if you lose ALL of your high school games, there are no consequences), and no originality. the logos for your high school team are all just recycled and renamed, and there is no limit to what you can name your high school. They don't use many settings for the cutscenes, and you are still limited in which colleges you can choose, doesn't matter though, cause the terrible write in character is forced to go with you. Why? Terrible writing. The guy had a heart problem and yet he still gets scholarships from the same 10 D-1 colleges as the main character? Then, on top of all of that, and wining (carrying your team to) a national championship, the coach comes and tells you that the guy who had to be carted to an ER got the starting job over you. SURE. That's not even mentioning that the abilities you choose are meaningless, the combine's 40-yard dash is actually a slow quick-time event of three button presses, and the franchise part of it all is scripted and bugged to all hell.

    Now let's talk about the legal issues this game will have. The Yard is just a terribly made, animation-based, backyard football gamemode. No one asked for it, literally no one. The game has microtransactions and allows you to buy different cosmetics that, guess what, aren't accessible elsewhere! That cool mouthpiece you just bought? You can't even put those on ANY player in ANY other gamemode. EA makes designs that are exclusive to gamemodes that earn them money, and NOTHING ELSE. Franchise is riddled with bugs that have been in the game for literal years, guys in their 30's are winning rookie of the year, fields are becoming blanked out, and the game is still not even realistic. Superstar abilities have ruined any form of simulation this "NFL Simulation" game has.

    If anyone takes the time to read this, buy a former Madden game, and realize that EA does not give two craps about what you think.

    We got #FixMaddenFranchise to be one of the top trends on Twitter in the midst of a global pandemic and economic crisis. If that's how outraged your fans are, that they are more pissed off about how terrible your game is than a pandemic and their livelihoods going to waste, and you still **** them over, then I will be glad to see your license revoked within the next ten years, and out of making football games entirely EA.

    **** YOU EA SPORTS    … Expand
  6. TLANDAETA
    Aug 27, 2020
    1
    This game only gets a 1 for the yard everything else in this game is complete **** Face of the Franchise is terrible, I was to watch Netflix and score 80 plus points running hurry up offense in every college game (On all Madden). Game is super glichy and franchise mode actually lost features , yes EA didn't add anything to Franchise mode and decided to take out some relocation teams thatThis game only gets a 1 for the yard everything else in this game is complete **** Face of the Franchise is terrible, I was to watch Netflix and score 80 plus points running hurry up offense in every college game (On all Madden). Game is super glichy and franchise mode actually lost features , yes EA didn't add anything to Franchise mode and decided to take out some relocation teams that have been in Madden since 25. Do not buy this piece of **** game.… Expand
  7. twentyeightzero
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    You should go and buy madden 09 instead. You would get better features, replay-ability, and physics instead of animation based gameplay. Do yourself a favor, stay away from this trainwreck.
  8. LilSunnyAdrian
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    You’re better off just saving your money. Same game as last year just with a new paint job. EA only cares about your money so don’t give it to them and maybe they’ll make some changes to this series.
  9. SteelersMathew
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    I didnt even have to play it and know it suck ass a;This looks like an unfinished product," YouTuber Ryan Moody said in his Madden 21 review. "This isn't what a customer should get when they open a box for a new game."
  10. Gazoland
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    RIP franchise.
    RIP simulation football.
    EA is just a disgrace to football (or any sports) fan.
    Same terrible unrealistic game for the past 6 years.
  11. User00001989
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Just bad, can I go below a zero? No innovation! It seems like EA on cares about money! Let 2k! Even though they are bad with the NBA series and money hungry too.... let there be competition at least and then we can have good simulation sports games.
  12. lariluck
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    i was sold a flaming bag of poo with this one. clint needs to be fired. top down house cleaning.
  13. Mgs1313
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Somehow this game got worse from last year. Bug after bug. Left out features that were included last year such as 5th year options. The new mode isn’t even fun. The FOTF story is so absurdly bad, unrealistic, and just plain stupid. Choices don’t even matter. Game is flat out broken and a 2K game from FIFTEEN YEARS AGO is still somehow a better product. Embarrassing they would be okSomehow this game got worse from last year. Bug after bug. Left out features that were included last year such as 5th year options. The new mode isn’t even fun. The FOTF story is so absurdly bad, unrealistic, and just plain stupid. Choices don’t even matter. Game is flat out broken and a 2K game from FIFTEEN YEARS AGO is still somehow a better product. Embarrassing they would be ok releasing this… Expand
  14. imtheoreo
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 is the equivalent of a 16 year olds aborted baby, it's sad and useless. Once again EA Sports has released a football game that disappoints, the new back of the box feature is The Yard, a repetitive and buggy 6v6 backyard mode which highlights the gameplay flaws this franchise has had for years, not to mention The Yard also features micro transactions so your character can lookMadden 21 is the equivalent of a 16 year olds aborted baby, it's sad and useless. Once again EA Sports has released a football game that disappoints, the new back of the box feature is The Yard, a repetitive and buggy 6v6 backyard mode which highlights the gameplay flaws this franchise has had for years, not to mention The Yard also features micro transactions so your character can look "sleek" with new arm sleeves. Franchise Mode is still the worst of any current sports game on the market. It is copy and paste from Madden 20 besides different font and the head coaches now wear a new hat. The trade logic is equivalent to a autistic 4th graders IQ with it still being possible to trade for most players by using a 4th round pick, and it being near impossible to trade for players like C.J Mosley. It is also still impossible to sign free agents to multi year deals after the official free agency period has ended. Superstar KO is back and features a lot of changes such as, new font, new sound effects, new icons for rarity and most importantly a new background color. Face of the Franchise also returns and now features a in-depth High School creation suite using Madden 25 relocation teams. This mode is also completely scripted by telling the user they will get injured and drafting them to the Bears 100% of the time. MUT is back and better than ever with new card art and slow menus. Overall Madden 21 is in the realm of Xbox 360 Madden 06 and Madden 19 bad. 0/10… Expand
  15. FixMadden
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. It's a joke. I can't believe this game is advertised as a replication of NFL football. Face of the Franchise is extremely stale, the plot is cheesy and your actions on and off the field literally do not matter, you always follow the same basic plotline which doesn't make the mode feel personal. The Yard is the most buggy, amorphous, pointless mode that is supposed toDO NOT BUY THIS GAME. It's a joke. I can't believe this game is advertised as a replication of NFL football. Face of the Franchise is extremely stale, the plot is cheesy and your actions on and off the field literally do not matter, you always follow the same basic plotline which doesn't make the mode feel personal. The Yard is the most buggy, amorphous, pointless mode that is supposed to emulate backyard football, missing a key fact that people don't wear pads and helmets when playing backyard football. Superstar KO is a copy and paste, nothing changed in this mode. Franchise mode is also a copy and paste except for two things: players ask for slightly more realistic contracts and regression was toned down. As for gameplay, tackling and usering are more realistic however there are many issues that prevent Madden from feeling like real NFL football. One, zone coverage is COMPLETELY BROKEN; two, blocking schemes are COMPLETELY BROKEN; and three, player ratings are not as important as whatever X-factors and superstar abilities they have. Home-field advantage, something very important in the NFL, does not exist. Make no mistake, this is an arcade game. Thanks a lot EA!… Expand
  16. UofMac
    Aug 28, 2020
    1
    This game is awful, they haven’t even gotten the rules of the game right. In my two days of playing I’ve seen two egregious errors (among many many other minor issues). 1. Kicking an onside kick off out of bounds moves the ball forward for a re-kick to the opponents 40 yard line. 2. Intercepting a pass in the end zone taking the ball out of the end zone and back into the end zone andThis game is awful, they haven’t even gotten the rules of the game right. In my two days of playing I’ve seen two egregious errors (among many many other minor issues). 1. Kicking an onside kick off out of bounds moves the ball forward for a re-kick to the opponents 40 yard line. 2. Intercepting a pass in the end zone taking the ball out of the end zone and back into the end zone and getting tackled there (should result in a safety for the defensive team) results in the ball being placed on the opponents 1 yard line (99 plus yards from where the play took place). Fix this garbage EA.… Expand
  17. GreyDaGAWD
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    This’ll be the first year I skip out on Madden in I don’t know how long. Getting sick and tired of the complacency. Thank goodness for the EA Access 10 hour trial. Saved me $60.
  18. Maniacmanos
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Absolute year in and year out copy&paste dumpster fire. Please save your money and play a previous version!
  19. Colonial
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    With only very minuscule, albeit positive, gameplay changes from Madden 20, EA continues to release the same game year after year with none of the career modes fleshed out. NBA 2K and MLB The Show blow Madden out of the water in every conceivable way in terms of a career/dynasty experience. Even some of EA's own games like NHL are vastly superior. EA Tiburon has absolutely no desire toWith only very minuscule, albeit positive, gameplay changes from Madden 20, EA continues to release the same game year after year with none of the career modes fleshed out. NBA 2K and MLB The Show blow Madden out of the water in every conceivable way in terms of a career/dynasty experience. Even some of EA's own games like NHL are vastly superior. EA Tiburon has absolutely no desire to create anything but a cash cow.… Expand
  20. iKhaozz
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Copy paste of last years game with more bugs, and worse gameplay. Inexcusable for EA to charge money for this garbage.
  21. Skurvysteve
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Fix franchise mode, ya liars. “Franchise has come back to being a big focus on the game and it will continue to be,” Young says. “We just want to add this rich depth and immersion to it...”-madden NFL creative director, April 2019
  22. ShadowReaperS92
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    The game is just a copy from the last few years with a few new features don't waste your money
  23. Chuckz213
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is another disappointment in this series. EA is content to put out arcade modes instead of actually building up franchise and simulation football. This game is glitchy, has tons of bugs, and really feels incomplete. It also feels like three or four different games shoved into one game, making the whole thing disjointed and half assed. Nothing feels polished, except the microtransactions process.… Expand
  24. crlemaire97
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Literally just a bunch of patch notes bundled into a $60 game. EA, you are patheticly disrespectful and arrogant to your customers.
  25. AmusedAirplane
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    My opinion is pretty much what everybody else is saying. I grew up with the older Madden's like '08 and I could not be more disappointed with where the Madden franchise has gone. They gave up on their single player fan base. Ya know, the one that gave them so much success in the beginning! I'm done... done thinking "this is the year". I feel like a pre-2016 Cubs fan.
  26. Reggy11
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    EA, it's not about what the consumer wants, it's all about the profits. They just don't give a **** anymore. EA can go suck every single dick out there and I hope they choke and die in debts. The Franchise mode is untouched again and it will be untouched for the next 6 years or so. They will focus on MUT coz why not? It makes them billions of dollars.
  27. RiccsHUN
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Lolololololol what a dissapointment bruh ea is literally doing nothing to innovate
  28. Briankbl
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Same game as the last 4 Madden releases, but with more technical issue, arcade modes, and a terrible story/career mode. Franchise mode hasn't been touched in years. Basically Madden 15 with updated rosters...
  29. Botoni
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Worst madden in years and that's saying something. This is worse than last year...$60 to downgrade your experience.
  30. AlexTheAwesome
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    An abomination of modern gaming. Don't even consider a purchase. Stay far away.
  31. xxxA3xxx
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    It’s the same game as last year, hopefully we see improvements on next gen but as I have it on PC i don’t expect that because PC would have the improvements already, only dope new mechanic is the ballcarriers reaching the ball out for the goal line, first now or pylons
  32. EAAreEvil1
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Awful, awful awful. Immoral cash grabs, encouraging children to gamble for profit.

    No updates to franchise. Boycott EA at all costs
  33. Zekester2097
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Not worth it at all. Just the same copy-pasted game EA has been putting out for years. Spend your money somewhere else.
  34. Patriot173
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Garbage game by a garbage company. The only changes from last year are:

    1. An overly simplistic children's game mode that's full of predatory microtransactions.
    2. A new color scheme for the menus, which now have a 15 second lag after every button press.
  35. Mikeboss
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The scores speak for themselves. And honestly metascore critics, even while giving it the lowest score a Madden has ever gotten, are bailing EA out on this. A completely recycled (including recycled bugs/issues), painfully un-immersive, and unplayable piece of gaming deserves a score less than 0. How can a AAA gaming company be so daft and negligent to the point where they believe a copy and paste game with a roster update and yet another micro transaction driven mode is deserving of their consumers money. Do not buy this game , it will feed into the greedy hole of a company that is EA. And parents, no matter how your 8 year old cries and begs to use your credit card to buy MUT packs or a stupid visor/mouthpiece in the yard. DO NOT DO IT !… Expand
  36. DazeX1
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    The same recycled garbage that they pull every year. Nothing has changed since Madden 13 for the 360, all the extra modes are just half-baked distractions with microtransactions riddled throughout.
  37. CaseyC
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Altogether this game is almost the exact same as the one prior. In terms of franchise; every single problem that was with it is still present; only with a slightly different “coat of shiny paint”. Very disappointed that this is the only simulation football game that can be on the market for years to come.
  38. UnbuckledFiber2
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Just god awful. Same thing as Madden 20, no changes to its lacking franchise mode and their new focal points (FOTF and Yard) are broken and buggy to say the least. I paid $60 for a game and barely even got a finished product. Absolute embarrassment for EA, this is my last year buying Madden.
  39. Brandon223
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    The fact that Clint Oldenburg is ok with a 2/10 for Madden is all you need know as to why he got cut from the Patriots by the third week of training camp, complete and utter laziness by EA.
  40. Jojo15
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This game is ass. It is incredible how inept EA is at making a sports game on the current generation on consoles. You could say this game is Madden 17 and I would believe it. It’s obvious that we need change.
  41. JG645
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Man I wish I could be as lazy at my job as EA is in theirs. Literally the same broken gameplay just copied and pasted from 5 years ago. But hey two new awful game modes were added. Thanks NFL for resigning with EA to gives us more “simulation” football you’re just as bad as this awful gaming company.
  42. SirKaos2020
    Aug 26, 2020
    0
    They Seriously screwed up big time and yet all they damn care about is money yet alone they haven’t even done anything great for franchise in a long time
  43. MVDAVISJR
    Aug 27, 2020
    2
    The only reason the game isn't a 0 is because it functions as the developer intended. Madden has all but taken out skill gap and actively dissuades users from learning actual football. Animations are the name of the game . NOT PHYSICS. Which leads to horribly scripted games. From a football standpoint this game is terrible. Formations do not matter unless you are like in a bear againstThe only reason the game isn't a 0 is because it functions as the developer intended. Madden has all but taken out skill gap and actively dissuades users from learning actual football. Animations are the name of the game . NOT PHYSICS. Which leads to horribly scripted games. From a football standpoint this game is terrible. Formations do not matter unless you are like in a bear against a 5 man spread. Other than that. Its about dumping money into MUT packs inorder to BUY your wins. If you don't spend money you are constantly facing GOD TIER teams who cheese and spam the same plays as they know they have a better overall player.

    This concept goes against how football works in real life. The better team doesn't always win, in fact very rarely does the odds on Vegas favorite ever win the super bowl outside of the cheating patriots.

    There was a day when my uncles and dad could jump on and play with me and do well in all madden because their football knowledge was far superior to mine. and even though they had feet for thumbs they were more than competitive. Those days are long gone and probably will never return. Please do not buy this game or support this company    … Expand
  44. Quinn123
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    FIX. MADDEN. FRANCHISE!!! **** YOU EA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (caps lock)
  45. Boltz20
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Same game but worse. Same problems from years past, new terrible single player career mode. They offer new gear for the yard for money but don't offer it in the regular game for free. Mut is the exact same every year no improvements to franchise their really isn't much to enjoy in the game without paying money I'm done.
  46. Canothegreat
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    So many glitches this year, players morph into other players. Not real football. I have Madden 20 I will continue playing that until they release an actual game as I refuse to pay for a beta game.
  47. Backbone55
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    This i by far the worst Madden ever made. The animation take over and ruin the gameplay and make it unrealistic. AI still has a lower football iq then pop Warner kids. It is also extremely glitchey. This shouldn't even be considered "simulation football" because its not and its not even close.
  48. HomieQ56
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Madden 21 is literally an exact copy of Madden 20 with a new font and "The Yard". Even despite this, somehow Madden 21 has more spelling errors, graphical errors, missing textures, incorrect player names and pictures than previous versions; thus cementing the complete lack of effort put into the game. The game runs poorly on current generation consoles taking upwards of a minute to getMadden 21 is literally an exact copy of Madden 20 with a new font and "The Yard". Even despite this, somehow Madden 21 has more spelling errors, graphical errors, missing textures, incorrect player names and pictures than previous versions; thus cementing the complete lack of effort put into the game. The game runs poorly on current generation consoles taking upwards of a minute to get from one menu to another, confirming that EA Sports is just phoning in their final current gen game.… Expand
  49. 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?
  50. ALMOSTHUMAN12
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    The decline in quality in this game over the past 15 years is absolutely disgusting. There are seemingly no words to describe how poor this series is today, because any adjectives I could use seem weak. It's not only inexcusable but also depressing that a Madden game from 2004 is better than Madden today in every conceivable area except graphics. With their monopoly on the NFL simulationThe decline in quality in this game over the past 15 years is absolutely disgusting. There are seemingly no words to describe how poor this series is today, because any adjectives I could use seem weak. It's not only inexcusable but also depressing that a Madden game from 2004 is better than Madden today in every conceivable area except graphics. With their monopoly on the NFL simulation market, who knows how long this will last. EA never does console jumps well in recent memory (dating back to the PS3/Xbox 360 jump), but as customers of this series for years (I've owned every one since Madden 2002) we DESERVE a quality product, just regarding to gameplay. Even without an abundance of features, I wouldn't give this a 0 rating if the gameplay wasn't so animation dependent and so riddled with bugs. Looks like I'll be playing 2k5 and Madden 05 for yet another year on the original xbox. Such a sad state and such a disgrace.… Expand
  51. SadJagsFan
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Went into this with an open mind not expecting much due to the circumstances. Even not expecting much I was disappointed to have paid for what seems to be a glitchy and faulty incomplete rerelease of Madden 20. I love football and have purchased Madden every year since 2002 on nintendo 64. This will be my last pre-order. From now on I will be waiting for reviews by people who are reliableWent into this with an open mind not expecting much due to the circumstances. Even not expecting much I was disappointed to have paid for what seems to be a glitchy and faulty incomplete rerelease of Madden 20. I love football and have purchased Madden every year since 2002 on nintendo 64. This will be my last pre-order. From now on I will be waiting for reviews by people who are reliable before I waste money on a game that has regressed seemingly yearly since coming to this gen console. Very disheartened by all the crashes and freezing and just plain out unplayable glitching of players. If franchise mode is going to be ignored atleast make a proper game where my friends and I can simulate actual football. I personally dont care for all of the other modes that have been added and I wanted to like the yard as a big fan of NFL Street. Disappointed. Uninstalled.… Expand
  52. AdrianMD
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Admittedly, I'm usually lenient when it comes to the lack of changes in Madden year-to-year. I was willing to carry the same mentality into Madden 21 given its a next-generation year, but the sheer lack of care and new content is too egregious to ignore.

    I could go on and on about how the Ultimate Team mode has ruined this game, but that is evident to all that have experience with the    Admittedly, I'm usually lenient when it comes to the lack of changes in Madden year-to-year. I was willing to carry the same mentality into Madden 21 given its a next-generation year, but the sheer lack of care and new content is too egregious to ignore.

    I could go on and on about how the Ultimate Team mode has ruined this game, but that is evident to all that have experience with the franchise in the last decade. What I will say is that Electronic Arts, a company with a net worth of $40.68 billion, which is larger than 45% of countries on Earth, has the resources to make a great game.

    Unfortunately, they've chosen to make this game as a symbol of their own greed and laziness. A game plagued by fundamental mechanical issues, arcade-style game mechanics to compensate for the shortcomings of the Frostbite engine, and an absolute lack of innovation.

    One can only hope that the public backlash of #FIXMADDENFRANCHISE is enough to get mouth guards added to next year's installment.    … Expand
  53. AjAshford
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    I can't review a broken game. Can't get through a online match at all. 10 losses in a row now from straight disconnects. EA sold us a beta. Just like that debacle Anthem. EA needs to refund it's customers their money back. So disappointing, I love Madden but this year I just can't let things slide. They really should be ashamed.
  54. inoise
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    Remember, this is the only game that is licensed to make an NFL Football SIMULATION game and they completely disregard the one game mode that is meant to simulate the NFL. EA is laughing to the bank with your money and they do not care one bit, their work speaks for itself.
  55. Jakeywakey911
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Having grown up playing most of the NCAA series and Madden series, it’s sad to see how bad Madden and EA have gotten each and every year. Madden 21 is no better, this game is a straight copy and paste from Madden 20, madden 19 and madden 18 and so on.... and the greed instilled in this company is a joke. Gambling and looting microtransactions used to lure kids into buying useless cardHaving grown up playing most of the NCAA series and Madden series, it’s sad to see how bad Madden and EA have gotten each and every year. Madden 21 is no better, this game is a straight copy and paste from Madden 20, madden 19 and madden 18 and so on.... and the greed instilled in this company is a joke. Gambling and looting microtransactions used to lure kids into buying useless card packs, gameplay bugged down by animations and it physics based gameplay, and the same legacy issues we’ve dealt with in gameplay since the Xbox 360 and PS3 days of madden. These developers don’t care, they make fun of their consumers and call them “clowns”, they laugh at the score on this site and they continue to ignore the changes and requests of what the consumers haves asked for, for the last 10+ years. It needs to change. The game is terrible, the gameplay is atrocious, the lack of attention to detail is a joke... EA and Madden have become an embarrassment. Do not support this company and do not buy this game or any EA game for that matter. They don’t care... spend your hard-earned cash elsewhere on a company that listens to it customers and fan base, like maximum football.… Expand
  56. Koala886
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Trash ass game. Buggy as hell. ......................................................
  57. Wellis8032
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Same game since like Madden 17. Clearly they only care about Ultimate Team (which isn’t that good, it’s a micro-transaction nightmare). Franchise mode hasn’t improved in forever. Play NBA 2K MyLeague once and try to incorporate some of the things they do there, the blueprint exists, stop sucking at your job.
  58. JackRH
    Aug 30, 2020
    4
    The game has been the same for years now and as a football fan and a fan of sports games it sucks how similar the games are all the time. It really shows how little EA puts into it but they still make millions from updating rosters in Madden and NBA 2K but Madden especially. The NFL shouldn't drop EA yet because I'd rather have something then nothing but they should make EA actually work.The game has been the same for years now and as a football fan and a fan of sports games it sucks how similar the games are all the time. It really shows how little EA puts into it but they still make millions from updating rosters in Madden and NBA 2K but Madden especially. The NFL shouldn't drop EA yet because I'd rather have something then nothing but they should make EA actually work. I really hope the game is better next year and if it isn't I'm not wasting my money on it .… Expand
  59. Massis
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Fix franchise mode. Worst madden game of all time. Time for 2k to step in. Embarrassing
  60. 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
  61. 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
  62. 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
  63. DrZeus
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    All the effort is in MUT. They just want to rape you with perennial micro-transactions.
  64. 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.
  65. 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
  66. 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.
  67. 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!
  68. 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
  69. marvelousmcgee
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Absolutely atrocious excuse for a game in 2020. I beg you not to buy this game.
  70. rwsnider
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    The number of ridiculous bugs and overall IDGAF mentality towards franchise =the worst installment of Madden EVER
  71. onewaysushi
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    absolute garbage, how is this even legal ? 100% waste of money.. its crazy how EA is allowed to represent the NFL with this trash
  72. RaphaP3
    Sep 8, 2020
    0
    this game is not good, it's full of bugs, casino-worthy micro-transactions, and is the same thing as Madden NFL 20, bad game, bad money, bad all.
  73. 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
  74. Boxies
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This game is simply unfinished, and a reskin of last year. Their team that develops this must only be 10 people I assume, because we get absolutely nothing from them year on year.
  75. 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).
  76. 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.
  77. praisethesun11
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Awful game series that is hell-bent on milking their fan base for every dollar they have year after year. Do not support this.
  78. gthobbes
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    So many bugs. Same stale gameplay, presentation has gotten even worse. Why are there no refs on the field? This is 2020 and I’ve seen what great sports games are like (NBA 2K, MLB The Show, PGA 2K, Pro Evo).
  79. StrangeGuy
    Sep 1, 2020
    0
    Release the NFL license. Focus more on the game and less on MTX. Bring back NFL Street
  80. johnnysmith
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    I'm sick of Madden & EA Sports. EA is the most despicable gaming company in the industry. They don't give a **** about consumers. Just greedy pigs and the NFL should be done with them. EA's entire executive staff should be fired. Top to bottom.
  81. 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
  82. bradysknee
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    Mildly entertaining, bug-ridden and full of inconsistencies. The football gets knocked around like a volleyball. It's just not a good game.
  83. tyson23p
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Not worth $60....this should be free to play actually!! I literally have 5 hours left on the Demo and its just unbearable to continue on with this product.
  84. 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.
  85. 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.
  86. 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.
  87. 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.
  88. kncruz
    Sep 2, 2020
    0
    Physics? A disaster. Franchise mode? Untouched. Glitches? Everywhere. Gameplay? Horrendous. Simulation football? Not even close. PLEASE. DO. NOT. BUY. THIS. GAME....PERIOD.
  89. 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
  90. 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
  91. 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
  92. BeefSkittles
    Aug 30, 2020
    0
    Game is absolute garbage, writing a review on a all versions to make our voice heard #NFLDropEA
  93. Rickytron
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Just playing 1 hour in the free 10 hour play if you have the EA app, made me so bored. I don't play MUT cause it sucks and don't care for my career or the new backyard play mode cause i'm sure it'll suck. Every NFL fan plays madden for the franchise mode which is what i play but Madden isn't made for the fans anymore its made for casual players. The only thing that has improved in theseJust playing 1 hour in the free 10 hour play if you have the EA app, made me so bored. I don't play MUT cause it sucks and don't care for my career or the new backyard play mode cause i'm sure it'll suck. Every NFL fan plays madden for the franchise mode which is what i play but Madden isn't made for the fans anymore its made for casual players. The only thing that has improved in these games since 2010, 10 years! is the graphics and not by much, the gameplay on offense is the most improved but when there are so many things wrong with the game it's just pointless. the presentation sucks! that new intro before you play the actual game shows a simulation gameplay cut of the game you're about to play....what? why? and it's the same one in every game, if they really put at least 50% of effort into presentation in all aspects of the game they could get away with all the other stuff but its like they just stuck their finger into a jelly jar and rubbed it on the bread and they said "there's your presentation" The players on the sidelines look like ps2 models, all the cut scenes are the same and boring the play by play commentators have the audacity to say "Ok i guess we're skipping the halftime show OK" like what the F are we missing? it sucks! its annoying that they add that audio comment in there, . this game is only fun playing while you're listening to the 2002-2009 madden sound track and remembering the better times. cause even the soundtrack sucks now, i guess they can't afford to get another genre of music in there besides rap or mumble rap whatever it is, the music sucks too! use the nfl films music??? dont you have the effing license?… Expand
  94. 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
  95. ZENJUTSU
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    mais uma merda incrível lançada pelo pior empresa de jogos de todos os tempos
  96. dhilipmaco00
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    Same engine
    Same AI
    Same UI
    Same pay to mechanism
    Same face model
    Same worst Port for xbox
  97. mexicanjoker22
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    If I had access to Madden 20’s files, I probably could have pumped this game out in half a week (with the exclusion of the yard). EA has put zero effort into any features that matter. Utter garbage for a company like EA
  98. Dmartino7
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    I’d give it a negative rating if I could. It’s absolutely disgusting EA dismisses their EXCLUSIVE SIMULATION LICENSE every year and constantly Churns out some Half assed cross of a mobile game and some arcade BS. ZERO attention to detail. The worst career mode I’ve ever played through, not a single ounce of real life game day atmosphere. I’m tired of it. EA, somebody, just give us a decentI’d give it a negative rating if I could. It’s absolutely disgusting EA dismisses their EXCLUSIVE SIMULATION LICENSE every year and constantly Churns out some Half assed cross of a mobile game and some arcade BS. ZERO attention to detail. The worst career mode I’ve ever played through, not a single ounce of real life game day atmosphere. I’m tired of it. EA, somebody, just give us a decent football game please.… Expand
  99. Wdranda
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    This game is straight up unplayable, somehow to an even greater degree than the previous few Madden titles. There is still no user control of your players; they get pulled into animations depending on which predetermined outcome the game has scripted. Players still don't know football fundamentals, like how to run a route, cover, or block. In fairness, it's hard to learn footballThis game is straight up unplayable, somehow to an even greater degree than the previous few Madden titles. There is still no user control of your players; they get pulled into animations depending on which predetermined outcome the game has scripted. Players still don't know football fundamentals, like how to run a route, cover, or block. In fairness, it's hard to learn football fundamentals when the laws of physics in your universe aren't even respected, and players routinely shift and warp through each other. There are more egregious and game-breaking glitches than ever before, but maybe a prospective buyer can overlook the awful and broken gameplay now that there are also more microtransactions than ever before. EA is no longer even trying anymore to hide its contempt for its customers.… Expand
  100. Faadogg
    Aug 29, 2020
    0
    EA, your not going to fool me this year. Same game over and over. I miss the days when 2K use to make amazing football games.
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
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