EA sport’s new title, Madden NFL 21, brings to life what we can refer to as the closest thing to real football. The game launched with massive expectations from fans worldwide but met an equal amount of criticism in its wake. As a form of appeasing enthusiasts from across the globe, last season’s MVP Lamar graced the cover as a befitting reward for his enviable streak. On the good side, the new release, which is available on PlayStation and Xbox, features some impressive gameplay tricks and new game modes to stamp its feet among elite football titles. The latest version also boasts updates and new scenes not available in the last iteration. 

What the game looks like

The game is fundamental American football with a standard-looking field and players holding different positions. All you have to do is keep calling plays and work as a team to come out victorious. If you played last year’s version, you would agree with me that the gameplay is a bit slower than what we’re used to, but the feel is impressive. The line play is better, too, and brings some fresh, immersive stint onto the field. An essential addition that I wondered why it wasn’t in the game for so long is the skill stick. The feature allows you to move with freedom when carrying the ball or wish to rush a pass without leaving the analog control. The fluidity is something you should try as it improves my games tremendously. If you are the type that likes to bust through defenders, the feel on the control stick is better and will give you lots of competitive advantage as you play. 

As we know that sometimes, the best form of attack is defense, the game does create a good feeling when you make a good move off the edge on the opponent’s attack line. This move might feel too much on lower difficulty levels, but it’s a good addition overall. Most other aspects of the gameplay are nothing that creates imbalance or cumbersomeness. In addition to the natural throwing movement, the new version now allows quarterbacks to pass during sacks. In addition, EA Tiburon went out of their way in realism when I noticed that player fatigue now plays more role than ever. Undoubtedly, this move will make players more strategic when it comes to player selection. Furthermore, players also can help themselves defensively. All you have to do is keep the style and tackle location well balanced. Computer-controlled defenders also react better when someone comes close to them with the ball. They also now try to excuse themselves from group tackles. 

Another significant development in this year’s iteration is that the game allows opponents to react when things are getting repetitive. You will notice this, especially on higher levels. The players’ movement around the field and the way they celebrate now has more realistic inputs. I also saw that they stretch their hands for first downs and move like real players. By far, this title is the most engaging of the madden games till now despite the heavy backlash from enthusiasts. The real-world superstars are outstanding in the game, but they are not overly pumped. The meaning is that the player ratings, though influential, cannot solely determine a game’s outcome. Rather, the handler’s tactics and strategy play a considerable role. 

The significant positives from the game

The game was released on the back of a new console generation, and the developers ensured that players get a feel of what they bought. The most crucial positive in the title is the palpable fluidity of the control and gameplay. Player size plays a huge role now as big players can rough their way through many attackers, and fast players blazed the lines quickly. The extended rating frame in the formation screen also gives the handler a more subjective approach to picking players.

The graphics are excellent as the jerseys and helmets make perfect reflections on the field. If you look around, the cheering noise and chants of realistic-looking fans are enough to spur you to victory. I couldn’t help but notice the improved sound package as the commentaries now come off better than previous iterations. 

The loopholes and glitches I couldn’t overlook

Many football fans expected much from EA, especially as the game comes off an impressive predecessor. Indeed, not much has been added and more game modes can’t replace the noticeable glitches. First of all, the player avatars to create a player are still weird. I couldn’t help but notice the funny head sizes. Also, I can’t transfer players from the face of the franchise to a regular team play. Furthermore, quarterbacks are still incapacitated in their throwing motions. All these are far from what I expect from a franchise that claims to be the next best thing in the football world. 

I’ll like to describe this version as something to keep you busy rather than engaged as the developers added more game modes instead of improved technicalities. A perfect example is the Yard. The mode’s execution is nothing but awful. The game also has a below-average loading and transition time, something you don’t expect from a game of its caliber.

Verdict

This groundbreaking title is a stellar football game despite its apparent setbacks and redundancies. It seems the developers have ignored the game’s true philosophy of having a good time no matter the player’s level. Either way, the balanced gameplay, and mouth-watering realistic features still live much to be admired about the title. Anyone expecting something that will leave them speechless will get a fill of the game for some while only to notice the apparent absence of tactical inputs. There’s obvious room for improvement in this game that once had millions of players hooked. The lackluster stories need to be polished and the glitches resolved. In essence, it will take the developers a tiny step in the right direction to get fans the real standout sports game they desire.