Madden NFL 23

 Xbox Series X
User Score
2.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 105
  3. Negative: 85 out of 105
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  1. BryanHarsin
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    End EA exclusivity! Do your part to stop EA microtransactions and poor gameplay! End this cash grab! Stop buying this game!
  2. StuntZero
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    Ah **** Here we go again. Same game as it's been for the last few years with slightly better paintjob. The gameplay is still horrible, I will admit I've had a little more fun on it then I have over the last 5 or so years, but still not good. Servers still kick you off all the time for no reason. Franchise mode still doesn't have realistic contracts in there (was slightly improved, but theAh **** Here we go again. Same game as it's been for the last few years with slightly better paintjob. The gameplay is still horrible, I will admit I've had a little more fun on it then I have over the last 5 or so years, but still not good. Servers still kick you off all the time for no reason. Franchise mode still doesn't have realistic contracts in there (was slightly improved, but the existing ones still aren't realistic.) Just... Don't buy it. Wait for God of War and play that instead.… Expand
  3. Lasto
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Just another roster update on a 10 year old game with loads of microtransactions. Please make us a NEW game!
  4. roland265
    Aug 21, 2022
    2
    If you like ultimate football this is the game for you, if you search for a different experience from last year probably not, tha game itself nowadays seems more oriented to get peoples int ultimate football mode than any other modes, you will find probably tons of pack worth 500 dollars or more in the store any time, the other mode are more or less the same as last year, the new controlIf you like ultimate football this is the game for you, if you search for a different experience from last year probably not, tha game itself nowadays seems more oriented to get peoples int ultimate football mode than any other modes, you will find probably tons of pack worth 500 dollars or more in the store any time, the other mode are more or less the same as last year, the new control mode probably improve a little the experience but at the same time it's not certain that you will like it, it's the only football game official so here is the problem, if you want to play a football game you are stuck with this, willing or not willing, your choice.… Expand
  5. MakeMaddengr8
    Aug 23, 2022
    0
    Bro, this is literally the same **** as the year before and the year before that and also the year before that one as well I didn’t buy Madden23 I played a 10 hour trial version of it and flat out felt bored as usual.
  6. Mechanix82
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Ea please fix this game. The horrible menu stutter. I win the toss in overtime for the game to black screen. Load back in lose the toss and lose the game. Then I beat the falcons in a great game just for the game to send me back to the week prior. What a terrible experience. Not ro mention I started a season 2 weeks in for the file to just disappear. Did you guys not think about the quickEa please fix this game. The horrible menu stutter. I win the toss in overtime for the game to black screen. Load back in lose the toss and lose the game. Then I beat the falcons in a great game just for the game to send me back to the week prior. What a terrible experience. Not ro mention I started a season 2 weeks in for the file to just disappear. Did you guys not think about the quick resume because your game runs like **** everything I turn my Xbox off. Releases completely broken again… Expand
  7. RomanDB
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    God-awful. the same exact game. and on PC, for the 3rd year, no next-gen. people really need to stop buying this garbage. it is a true shame that the NFL could care less because so many purchase this game strictly for FUT. that's it. when FIFA beats you going to next-gen, you need to get off your tail and do the same. horrible gameplay, defense can be beaten with a 3 set plays, offense nowGod-awful. the same exact game. and on PC, for the 3rd year, no next-gen. people really need to stop buying this garbage. it is a true shame that the NFL could care less because so many purchase this game strictly for FUT. that's it. when FIFA beats you going to next-gen, you need to get off your tail and do the same. horrible gameplay, defense can be beaten with a 3 set plays, offense now seems move nowhere and the QB is throwing AI controlled INTs. and polished??? this game is as broken as last years. pass on it, but if you buy it....blame yourself.… Expand
  8. ImAHaynes34
    Aug 23, 2022
    0
    Just another disappointing, glitchy, jumbled up mess of random animations pre-scripted to force an already determined outcome. Playing as a HB is mildly better but that's the only upside. Another trash game, just this time they used the late, great Coach Madden as a marketing pawn. Way to go EA. You've done it again. NFL. PLEASE. Let 2k make a simulation football game.
  9. Nickzzz
    Sep 20, 2022
    4
    Well, it's better than Madden 23. There's a lot about this game that can be critiqued, same issues and complaints are still to go unignored by EA. With new animations added and the new "field sense" advertised as "hit everything" we are yet met again with mostly a re-skin of a game with outdated code. The new animations are seen repeated only after a few games of playing with the "hitWell, it's better than Madden 23. There's a lot about this game that can be critiqued, same issues and complaints are still to go unignored by EA. With new animations added and the new "field sense" advertised as "hit everything" we are yet met again with mostly a re-skin of a game with outdated code. The new animations are seen repeated only after a few games of playing with the "hit everything" feature seeming to be more and more animated based tackling that just includes a more variables to which the animation triggers. Franchise mode is the same lick every year, the new Off-Season being a slight improvement. I do like that roster building is somewhat harder and more logical than in the past, and the implement of player tags are good for the user and as far as I have seen the CPU. Gameplay difficulty has always been a big critique of mine. All-Madden is so inconsistent that it is almost mind numbing at times. You can get absolutely crushed by the worst team in the league one week, and blowout the best team in the league the next. Game by game the difficulty does not translate, understandably it should never be so concrete however it is drastically inconsistent that it doesn't hold any realism. The new passing system has made a good improvement but once again doesn't seem to overwhelmingly change the overall Madden gameplay we've come to hate. Lastly, somehow the presentation has gotten worse. A basic non-copyright generic song that bears no resemblance to real TV anthems or reflect the nature of the game are ear bleeding. The generic music mixed with some shots of players warming up to next-gen stats is all we see. Apart from a quick cut of a flyover and an American flag the presentation has no immersion nor passion put into it like always. Overall, it's just better than last years edition.… Expand
  10. ImLivid
    Aug 23, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Still the same retextured game with slightly more animations, and offensive line blocking is TERRIBLE!… Expand
  11. weefops
    Aug 23, 2022
    3
    Not well built, log me out after a couple of games. I have to quit the game on the home screen and start it up again. The linemen just jam on the short yardage run. No power running. Just an arcade-like passing game with a linebacker running 40 yards covering receivers. If you want a realistic game this ain't it. Gameplay was better about 15 years ago, this is just something that aNot well built, log me out after a couple of games. I have to quit the game on the home screen and start it up again. The linemen just jam on the short yardage run. No power running. Just an arcade-like passing game with a linebacker running 40 yards covering receivers. If you want a realistic game this ain't it. Gameplay was better about 15 years ago, this is just something that a 12-year-old would play with a joystick.Had enough interceptions with linebackers 30 yards downfield on a third wide receiver.… Expand
  12. hellagnarly
    Aug 29, 2022
    4
    I let myself fall for EA's BS. I ignored my gut and bought this on 8/25/22...I just got a refund on XboxLive 4 days later.

    In terms of the game itself, it's not the worst thing I've ever played. The problem is that it's literally the same exact thing as the last couple of games. GRAPHICS In terms of quality, it does look a little better compared to the last few seasons. The problem    I let myself fall for EA's BS. I ignored my gut and bought this on 8/25/22...I just got a refund on XboxLive 4 days later.

    In terms of the game itself, it's not the worst thing I've ever played. The problem is that it's literally the same exact thing as the last couple of games.

    GRAPHICS
    In terms of quality, it does look a little better compared to the last few seasons. The problem is that a lot of the player models (especially linemen) look very bad. Outside of a few players, most of them look like short-armed / pear-shaped mutants.

    Coaches look like weird hunchbacks. Crowds are generic. Some of the more prolific players look pretty good but the dropoff to the next tier of notable players is hilarious. Sidelines are still PS3 level. No refs on the field during gameplay, they only show up on screen to call a penalty.

    SOUND

    The commentary is still atrocious and hilariously out of place. First play from scrimmage I run the ball and they talk about how successful I've been all game long. Stadium atmosphere is average and stale.

    Certain sounds are just spammed over and over again and are tied to certain catches etc. This is especially noticeable in practice modes

    GAMEPLAY

    It's still quite evident that all EA cares about is feeding the cash pigs splashing $ for MUT. Fieldsense literally has minimal effect on gameplay so much so that it feels exactly the same as the last few games. If anything, the new "mechanic" lends itself to more weird player interactions and collisions since the engine is still bugged out.

    Franchise is still ignored and disgracefully bare bones. I'm sure the ridiculous amounts of interceptions and terrible blocking can be addressed with custom sliders/patches but that putting lipstick on this pig of an engine. Madden will never be good until EA spends the time and money on developing a new one.

    Bottom line: if you go into this not expecting anything, you should enjoy it. If you let yourself fall for EA's marketing (the most polished version/Fieldsense etc) then you...like me, will be disappointed. You're essentially paying for a roster update that looks a little better.

    MUT cash pigs and Youtubers continue to destroy Madden for the rest of us. I personally only devoted about 2 hours into Franchise before I requested the refund. I'm sure my gripes would be way more if I played more.

    I will personally never give another cent to an EA-backed football game.    … Expand
  13. Huntergibson79
    Aug 18, 2022
    0
    Same Madden as the last 8. Anybody that has played the last 8 will know what I’m talking about. All they did was put Madden the cover. This franchise is a disgrace to Madden himself
  14. Bobert2024
    Aug 18, 2022
    0
    It’s the same thing over and over again a game that gets a little bit better each year, but is still miles from where it should be. If EA would just put some effort into this game it could be great like it once was, but until then we are left with this underwhelming game.
  15. Dreww12
    Aug 18, 2022
    0
    Wouldn’t recommend.. same game as it has been, false advertisement is EA sports game.. don’t waste your money.
  16. Mattyice
    Aug 18, 2022
    2
    Madden 23 is an improvement over Madden 22, although that's not really saying much. Gameplay is slightly better, although it still doesn't play quite like real football should and bugs are still aplenty. Franchise Mode's new features (namely the overhauled FA system and CPU requested trades) are solid, but there are still major aspects missing (any form of customizability, contractMadden 23 is an improvement over Madden 22, although that's not really saying much. Gameplay is slightly better, although it still doesn't play quite like real football should and bugs are still aplenty. Franchise Mode's new features (namely the overhauled FA system and CPU requested trades) are solid, but there are still major aspects missing (any form of customizability, contract holdouts, etc.). Presentation is a bit better, but still absolutely sucks relative to other sports titles and still features the drab and groan-inducing Brandon Gauden and Charles Davis. For the love of god EA needs to dump them for a real commentary crew and also dump that vomit green color wave that they're plastering all over the presentation package. However, there is still the embarrassment that is Face of the Franchise, which needs to be completely destroyed in favor of a true career mode that's half competent. Madden 23 is an improvement over the games that came before and a step in the right direction, but not all that much of one.… Expand
  17. sald
    Aug 19, 2022
    0
    You still can't even create your own team for franchise mode. Franchise is a lazy mess overall, and the game as a whole is clunky and overly scripted. They really only care about visuals and exploiting the exclusive license to make simulation NFL games. However, visually, other modern sports games such as nba 2k are years, maybe a decade ahead now. There isn't a lot of love and care putYou still can't even create your own team for franchise mode. Franchise is a lazy mess overall, and the game as a whole is clunky and overly scripted. They really only care about visuals and exploiting the exclusive license to make simulation NFL games. However, visually, other modern sports games such as nba 2k are years, maybe a decade ahead now. There isn't a lot of love and care put into this series any longer, if any. This is just a patch of last years game.… Expand
  18. Jad4571
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    Same game as the past 10 years. Better nfl games on the ps2. Try NFL2k8 or an older madden before madden 2013. The game is way better then.
  19. Kck394
    Aug 19, 2022
    0
    Wants me to reset password before I can login to EA servers to be able to play any game modes, after a dozen resets... I requested a refund instead. Goodbye, EA.
  20. Tcpurdie
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    Garbage!!! They got it right with the simulation gameplay because you have absolutely no control of players which makes it seem like you're better off simulating all your games. EA needs to put some time into releasing a game for once.
  21. badnewz323
    Aug 17, 2022
    0
    some EA guy just told nfl.com that they read feedback on various websites (LMAO)
    there is a decade long list of bugs and issues that are still present in the so called "game"
    go read all the feedback we as gamers left for you mr. incompetence mentioning the false advertisement of this product is not even worth my time can't wait for the day they get prosecuted for this atrocity    some EA guy just told nfl.com that they read feedback on various websites (LMAO)
    there is a decade long list of bugs and issues that are still present in the so called "game"
    go read all the feedback we as gamers left for you mr. incompetence

    mentioning the false advertisement of this product is not even worth my time
    can't wait for the day they get prosecuted for this atrocity (including DDA or whatever you wanna call it as it's even more ridiculous this time)

    would not recommend, sincerely a madden 22 legend division player (if it means anything to anyone) after 50 games of H2H in madden 22.1 (yeah it sucks that bad)    … Expand
  22. Brakestopo
    Aug 24, 2022
    8
    This by far the best madden franchise mode I’ve played in over 20 years. The animations are good I have experienced any glitches. I don’t know it it’s the XBSX hardware or what but if the opposing quarterback is staring down a Receiver you’ve a a great shot of picking it off or breaking it up. Tackling looks way better than previous games. If there is one thing I wish they would do is fixThis by far the best madden franchise mode I’ve played in over 20 years. The animations are good I have experienced any glitches. I don’t know it it’s the XBSX hardware or what but if the opposing quarterback is staring down a Receiver you’ve a a great shot of picking it off or breaking it up. Tackling looks way better than previous games. If there is one thing I wish they would do is fix the AI for the simmed games for one there’s no way in hell the dolphins would start 0-8 with all the talent they have with no injuries. Also Watson should be but isn’t suspended in the game but Calvin Ridley is. Oh and for the love of god updated the halftime and announcers. Hell madden 95 on the snes had a better halftime show. I would say it’s a buy for me and could be for you.… Expand
  23. SergyTert28
    Aug 17, 2022
    8
    Personally I think this plays like the best madden in at least 3 years which, in all honesty, is a pretty low bar. That being said, I didn’t get the same level of disappointment I usually get when playing a new madden. I feel like the defensive coverages react better to the ball and actually play the receiver rather than just cover grass. The tackling animations seem much improved as well.Personally I think this plays like the best madden in at least 3 years which, in all honesty, is a pretty low bar. That being said, I didn’t get the same level of disappointment I usually get when playing a new madden. I feel like the defensive coverages react better to the ball and actually play the receiver rather than just cover grass. The tackling animations seem much improved as well. In previous maddens, the running back would routinely fall forward for 5-6 yards when getting tackled or a 2nd defender would come in and trigger a new tackle animation. I have not seen these animations present in this madden. All in all I think it’s a good step in the right direction and while it is still far from a perfect game and there are dozens of features that should be added, (features that were available in previous maddens none the less) I think this madden is a decent game this year. This may be subject to change as I play the game more but these are my initial thoughts.… Expand
  24. Shanebligheg
    Aug 18, 2022
    9
    Crisper. Faster. Running the ball is actually fun. The only complaint I have is that play selection on Offense is more complicated and therefore more time consuming. You really have to watch the play clock. Especially in a tight game. Otherwise, I'm enjoying it.
  25. Blyman1989
    Aug 18, 2022
    8
    I feel like this madden is a great next step towards what we are all hoping for. As someone who has played every Madden since 2005, I have definitely ridden the highs and lows. While modern madden doesn’t yet quite compare, the addition of some physics based influence and reduction in animations is promising. With enough tweaking of franchise sliders I can get the game to feel fairlyI feel like this madden is a great next step towards what we are all hoping for. As someone who has played every Madden since 2005, I have definitely ridden the highs and lows. While modern madden doesn’t yet quite compare, the addition of some physics based influence and reduction in animations is promising. With enough tweaking of franchise sliders I can get the game to feel fairly realistic compared to my skill, and franchise mode (especially changes to scouting implemented last years, salary negotiations, and trades) feels pretty dang good! I have no problems with the money I payed this year to buy, and will be looking forward to playing / next years madden as well.… Expand
  26. Jeff2432
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    You can tell the majority of peele in here have never played the game and have no intention of doing so. The whole "same game, no changes," I'd old and simply isn't true this year. Madden 23 is a great game and the gameplay is crazy good. Sure it still has problems that's played the game for a while now but EA is definitely making strides to making a better football game.
  27. iandizion713
    Aug 19, 2022
    10
    Let’s go Jaguars! The best team to ever live in the history of our eternal universe. Can you dig it?
  28. Supernaught
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    If you're one of the characters that can't resist buying a new Madden every year, because EA is coercing you somehow, I guess? Then this Madden will seem like a marginal improvement over recent years entries. If you haven't bought it in a few years, and got it for a current gen system like I did, you're likely to be wowed by the insane amount of realistic animations, super smooth gameplay,If you're one of the characters that can't resist buying a new Madden every year, because EA is coercing you somehow, I guess? Then this Madden will seem like a marginal improvement over recent years entries. If you haven't bought it in a few years, and got it for a current gen system like I did, you're likely to be wowed by the insane amount of realistic animations, super smooth gameplay, and EA Tiburon's attention to hyper detailed environments and the overall NFL experience. Franchise mode is all you could expect, bugs are as few as any game that isn't under the scrutiny of a legion of zealots with expectations beyond the reality of the situation with game development in 2022. I do wish they had time to incorporate more of John Madden's personality, commentary and style into the game, but what's here is good. Buy it on current gen, The XSX version is the real deal.… Expand
  29. MinePlay512
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    I believe Madden 23 is a very good step forward but there's more room for improvement. While I like the new features for Franchise and Gameplay, but I feel bitter that X-Factors returned.
  30. james388
    Aug 19, 2022
    6
    Updated controls provide a fresh feel, and skill based passing is definitely an upgrade. Players feel like they actually interact with each other physically rather than through animations, however this does lead to players occasionally getting caught on each other leading to big plays by the other team, due to breakdowns in coverage. Hopefully this is patched soon, and my rating willUpdated controls provide a fresh feel, and skill based passing is definitely an upgrade. Players feel like they actually interact with each other physically rather than through animations, however this does lead to players occasionally getting caught on each other leading to big plays by the other team, due to breakdowns in coverage. Hopefully this is patched soon, and my rating will adjust accordingly. This is the first Madden in a while that feels new.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2022
21
#21 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. Xbox Tavern
    Sep 26, 2022
    30
    Madden 23 is a rehash of all the previous Madden‘s in the series. Bits and pieces were taken from those games and labelled as new. Even though FieldSENSE was refurbished I still strongly believe that it gave Madden 23 its shine. What good is that shine however when the game is covered with bugs and laziness? I’m not saying this game had to be perfect. Other sports simulation titles have their own share of problems. What separates Madden from them however is EA decides to mix the old problems with the new ones. Instead of fixing it, they go and do the same thing next year.
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  2. Telegraph
    Sep 23, 2022
    60
    It feels that EA Tiburon have a conundrum here as there is both too much and not enough when it comes to Madden’s modes. Persevering with stuff like The Yard and Face of the Franchise to keep the options broad is all very well, but when no aspect of the game is given full attention, everything feels undercooked.
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  3. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 20, 2022
    70
    Madden 23 is still Madden, but little more. If you’ve been wanting an NFL game that offers something wholly new, or one that can match the NBA 2K series for production values, then this isn’t the place to find it. However, there’s some key incremental improvements happening here which make Madden 23 a tighter, more engaging experience for fans, and one which will happily see you through this year’s NFL season.
    Read full review
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