Madden NFL 21

Madden NFL 21 is a solid product. It excels in several areas, like the presentation and Ultimate Team. The core gameplay is as fun and smooth as it’s ever been, and I’ve been playing since Madden NFL 2005. But the new jewels in the crown are flawed and need to be polished a bit more. Face Of The Franchise and The Yard both have tons of potential, but they aren’t realized here. Content updates may ...

Each year, every team must take a look at what it currently has and compare that with what it needs in order to achieve its goals. This year, EA Tiburon used its offseason to fine-tune gameplay, add a new arcade-style experience, and upgrade its career mode. But much like a middling football team, Madden NFL 21 isn’t quite ready to make a run at postseason glory.

So, it comes down to this: did you buy Madden NFL 20? If the answer is yes, then think long and hard before parting with your cash for Madden NFL 21. Chances are you’ll be better off making do with what you’ve got and waiting for next year’s release, which will hopefully have some more substantial improvements and changes. If you didn’t buy Madden NFL 20, however, than you’ll probably really like ...

Madden NFL 21 finds itself in a particularly peculiar position this year. The football simulation’s launching less than three months prior to the PlayStation 5, and while there will be a free upgrade to the next-gen console, it really shows. Despite bundling in a potential series cornerstone in the Yard, this is a relatively low-effort attempt that barely builds upon its predecessor.

But in-depth stories and fleshed-out characters aren't why sports fans play Madden. The gameplay, the graphics, and the shot at leading your team to victory keeps players coming back year after year. Sadly, Madden 21 under-delivers in many of its bread-and-butter departments, making it a game I’ll turn on the play with friends or check in on when updates are announced. But it won’t be one that I’l...

The mighty football franchise’s latest iteration lacks polish, with additions that are better in concept than execution.

A stale series stuck in its own Groundhog Day almost redeems itself with The Yard and will entertain casual football fans, but mediocrity seeps into almost every mode in another backwards step for the franchise.

That being said, unless you’re a hardcore MUT player or have a group who really wants to get into The Yard, I’d steer clear of Madden NFL 21. Outside of those two player bases, there really aren’t any reasons to upgrade this year. If you’re jonesing for some football, just pick up Madden NFL 20 on sale. The blocking will be just as atrocious.