

"Those looking for a huge step forward in the EA Sports' football franchise won’t find it with Madden NFL 21. The Yard still has room to improve, but, personally, I'm excited to see where the game mode goes and how its long-term placement in the game (and competitive esports scene) plays out." - Sam Watanuki Game Informer - 7.75/10 Madden traditionalists will enjoy familiar game modes (which are all par for the course in their own right) with improved control mechanics, while The Yard adds an exciting element for those looking for something new. "Last year's Madden release was one of the best in recent memory, so-at least in my eyes-Madden 21 had a lot to live up to. I appreciate the tweaks to the core gameplay and the chaotic novelty of The Yard, but that isn't enough to make me want to sing its praises." David Jagneaux There is no excuse for Madden's stagnation.

In a world where its contemporary sports games continually evolve with innovative new game modes like NBA 2K20's Neighborhood, deep franchise options like M圜areer, MyTeam, and MyLeague in the NBA 2K series, or even the cinematic story mode from EA's own Fight Night Champion-a boxing game from 2011-Madden’s lack of innovation has reached a tipping point. Without a comparable NFL experience on the market, EA has allowed its marquee sports franchise to fall behind in almost every significant way. "Madden NFL 21 is a great example of why competition breeding innovation is a good thing.
MADDEN NFL 21 MYCAREER UPGRADE
With the free upgrade to the next generation version and the promise of treating Franchise like a live service as the season goes on, Madden 21 is likely still going to be well worth the purchase in the long run, even if you may be left a little dissatisfied at this point." - Dean James IGN - 6/10 "Madden 21 as a whole may feel like a bit of a letdown compared to the past few years in some areas, but The Yard definitely helps to make it worth it for players that are interested in trying something a little different.
MADDEN NFL 21 MYCAREER UPDATE
With far more technical issues than normal and large chunks of recycled content, Madden NFL 21 feels more like an update than a brand-new game." - Steven Petite Attack of the Fanboy - 4/5 One side of the road is freshly paved and inspired thanks to the shenanigans featured in The Yard, while the other is beaten down and filled with potholes. "As the PS5 and Xbox Series X loom-PS4 and Xbox One editions come with free upgrades to next-gen-Madden has reached a crossroads.
