Madden NFL 21

Worth PlayingRedmond Carolipio

7.8/10

Go All Out in Madden NFL 21 with innovative gameplay mechanics that offer advanced levels of control and inspire creativity on both sides of the ball.

GamingBoltMatt Bianucci

7/10

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.

Game RantJonathan Ammerman

7/10

Madden NFL 21 is an imperfect game, with some modes like Franchise and MUT lacking any meaningful upgrades. Fans of those modes will still have fun, but they will have to wait for next year's Madden to see where the major evolutions take place. Meanwhile, Face of the Franchise is awkward from a story perspective and lacks player agency. But the core gameplay experience feels better than ever, with things like the new Skill Stick controls allowing for creatively on the field. Lastly, The Yard is so good it could be its own stand-alone game.

GameSpewRichard Seagrave

7/10

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. You’ll enjoy making your way through Face of the Franchise, and maybe get a kick out of Superstar KO. Try The Yard, too; you might like it more than me. Madden NFL 21 isn’t a bad game. ...

Jump Dash RollJesse Gregoire

6/10

A killer soundtrack and inclusive accessibility settings don’t make up for the lack of innovation and gameplay fumbles of this just-another-Madden experience.

GameSpotSteven Petite

6/10

Madden NFL 21 has an excellent new game mode that's great for short spurts, but the series staples don't move the needle.

Push SquareSammy Barker

6/10

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.

Playstation LifestyleBlake Grundman

6/10

With the continual mess that is the current health pandemic in the United States, it’s hard to predict if we will even end up having a complete NFL season this year. Thankfully, the folks over at EA Sports aren’t going to let a little thing like a global health crisis get in the way of raking in those sweet, sweet, Ultimate Team bucks. Madden NFL 21 is back again with vengeance after last year’s middling performance, but can they manage to finish off the console generation in style or are we looking at another season of increasingly diminishing returns?

InverseDanny Paez

6/10

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’ll be itching to play all year. 6/10.

Metro GameCentralJay Jaffa

5/10

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.

Den of GeekScott Fontana

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

DualShockersDS Staff

4.5/10

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.