Dec 2020
Madden NFL 21 graced the console trenches in late 2020, inheriting the crown of America's favorite football simulation series. Once again, players have the chance to channel their inner football coach while yelling at pixelated athletes who can’t seem to grasp a simple pass or a run play. With its flashy cover athlete, the Baltimore Ravens’ own Lamar Jackson, and a slew of anticipated features, this installment promised to be everything but mundane. But did it deliver, or did it fumble straight into the end zone of disappointment? Let's dive in!
The gameplay mechanics introduced in Madden NFL 21 were supposed to set a new precedent. The game boasted features like a new ball-carrier system designed for creativity and fluidity on the field. Unfortunately, what actually transpired on the gridiron often felt like your uncle trying to dance at a wedding: awkward, confusing, and leaving everyone wondering if the DJ could just play the 'Macarena' one more time to salvage the situation. Tackling mechanics and user-controlled celebrations were implemented with the same finesse as a toddler with a crayon; they looked impressive on paper but resulted in more scribbles than any real artistic expression. And let's not forget 'The Yard', a new backyard-style mode that felt like the game designers' last-ditch attempt to incorporate a bit of casual fun into an otherwise serious football universe. If you’ve ever wondered how to throw a football while jumping over a pool, you’re in for a treat. But if you’re looking for depth in gameplay, the Yard might feel a bit like a kiddie pool instead.
As for the graphics, while it was shiny and sparkled like a new penny, it still suffered from the same visual problems seen in previous installments. EA Tiburon used the infamous Frostbite engine, capable of wonderful visuals, yet the game still performed like it had stage fright. Frame drops during high-intensity moments and players glitching around like confused toddlers certainly took the shine off the pretty visuals. And if we’re being honest, the accompanying commentary from Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis was often about as engaging as a room full of accountants discussing tax returns.
In summary, Madden NFL 21 tried to take strides forward while still looking back over its shoulder into the deep abyss known as Franchise mode. While there were some fun moments to be had on the field, a load of technical hiccups and player frustrations held the game back from being the star player everyone wanted it to be. With user reviews going all in by hilariously labeling it as a glorified roster update, it’s clear that Madden NFL 21 will go down in the franchise’s history—not as a champion, but as more of a ‘what went wrong here?’ scenario. So unless you're already optimistic that next year's iteration will be the one we’ve all wanted, maybe take a season off from moolah-spending before diving into this muddled lineup.
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