I know not everyone will agree, and that’s OK. But in my opinion, Madden 21 is a new low for the once great football series. My review will not be lengthy because the game doesn’t deserve much of my time… or yours for that matter.

This year’s annual release boasts the record-setting Lamar Jackson on the cover as a follow up to last year’s strong outing from the league’s MVP. It also drops at the tail end of a console generation, where releases should be at their apex before new systems launch.

Madden NFL 21 on the next generation doesn’t do much to differentiate itself from the previous generation. The inclusion of Next Gen stats and the occasional new replay that implements these stats provide a boost. These replays aren’t all that frequent and there’s still an overall lack of stat overlays during games. The visuals on next-gen consoles do receive a bump, but nothing substantial. Player faces are more detailed and jerseys flex more. EA has done a better job at creating different player models, but it isn’t anything major. There are more cutscenes and all of this is apparent in those. Crowds are better and you can even celebrate in the crowd. You’ll notice better animations and gang tackling in the field. What you won’t notice is a variety of these changes when playing the game besides a receiver taking a different approach to his route thanks to the Next Gen stats.

Fans worldwide have rejoiced the reintroduction of the franchise’s solo career mode. The name still remains the same as in Madden 20. Face of the Franchise. But it isn’t a continuation of the career mode from from the previous installment. Instead, the game mode with the tag line ‘Rise to Fame’, starts off with the player as a young high school QB rising through the ranks. After the school days are over one moves on to College and ultimately the big ticket to the NFL. The draft Combine. Another aspect of the game that comes as a welcome inclusion is the ability to switch to WR or RB. Given the nod to a more offense-packed style of action.

Graphics and Presentation
Fluidity was a big part of what made Madden 20’s presentation and broadcast-style so good. Player proportions got fixed, faster players got to the line quicker and monstrous guys bulldozed their way through lines.

Gameplay modes
The Yard is the other big addition to the game in terms of gameplay modes. EA has wanted to implement a backyard-style football mode with a focus on arcade action.

New skillset system
Madden 21 introduces a new ‘Skill Stick ball-carrier system’ which allows for more customized options when it comes to offensive play. New moves such as the dead leg and slide-huddles are also a part of the latest installment of the games. All of these upgrades offer the player a whole new dimension to add to their offense. The mastery of the right skill stick is a crucial skill needed to master the art of NFL Madden 21.

While the gameplay boasts simulation-based tweaks, the big-ticket new features largely center on the arcade formula. It doesn’t really earn that “something for everyone” classification again when one of the franchise’s core original modes again goes largely ignored.

While bigger leaps to solo-oriented experiences like franchise would’ve been nice to see at the end of a console generation, the sheer quality of gameplay hints at strong things for the future of the series on next-gen consoles. For more information about madden 21, please visit z2u.com, it will give you more useful tips.