Madden 21 released right before the kickoff of the 2020 NFL season and fans dove in headfirst. Despite plenty of criticisms about the game and plenty of lackluster reviews, the 2020 entry is seeing all-time sales success.
This means that there are likely thousands of newcomers entering the Madden franchise for the first time. Before diving into the NFL’s only simulation video game series, there are some things you should know. Sometimes knowing is half the battle, so here’s a primer on things you should know before starting Madden 21.
10 Customizing The Experience
When you first startup Madden 21 for the first time you’re greeted with a host of options. In addition to the typical selection of your favorite team, there’s a secondary set of preferences you shouldn’t overlook. On top of the difficulty options ranging from Rookie to All-Madden, there’s a game style you must select. The options available are arcade, simulation, and competitive. Each of them have their pros and cons, so take the time to figure out which style of Madden gameplay fits what you’d most enjoy.
9 Mobile Connection
Over the years the integration of Madden Mobile into the mainline franchise has grown stronger and stronger. In 2020, players could experience the new The Yard mode in the mobile version, and their experience transferred over to the full version upon purchase. Mobile games aren’t for everyone, and fans would argue they should fix the main games before updating Madden Mobile, but at least it’s doing something neat. Cross-play and cross-progression seem to be the future of the gaming industry and Madden is following the path.
8 Short Development Cycle
Every year it seems the same part of the Madden fan base is disappointed about the lack of real change between annual releases. The reason for this is that the developers have a 9-month development cycle to get the new game done and ready for release. Electronic Arts as the publisher doesn’t mind because the games sell very well and make tons of money. Despite the chances of it happening, fans have suggested a Call of Duty franchise approach where multiple development teams cycle the annual releases, which gives them years, as opposed to months, to iterate.
7 Updated Throughout Season
Players are usually used to the rosters on Madden changing throughout the season as some players turn into superstars, and others fade into mediocrity. This year’s a bit different as the game will also be receiving updates to The Yard that add new content and introduce new “seasons” that have their own themes. The gaming industry has seen this trend turn into how multiplayer games function, where new content is added post-launch to keep the audience entertained and invested in your game months after release.
6 Solo vs. Multiplayer
Sports titles, despite their annualized nature, bring a lot of good with them whenever they release. The NFL is the most popular sports league in the United States and it continues to grow year after year. When it comes to video games some people love a solo experience that lets them play at their own pace and unwind.
Others have a competitive spirit that can only be satiated through online events and head to head modes. Madden offers both of those things with almost all of their modes giving players the option to decide.
5 You Don’t Have To Spend Money
You’ll often hear on social media that Madden Ultimate Team is only enjoyable if you spend money. The mode is indeed centered on predatory microtransactions that are focused on manipulating the user into spending money, but it can be enjoyed without spending a single dollar. The tradeoff is your time, which will be used grinding challenges or online multiplayer, but it is possible. Just understand that you don’t have to spend any more money than you did to get the game to have a good time.
4 Cross-Gen Expectations
Most Madden players understand that the console transition titles are often the entries with the least amount of additions and innovations. The next-gen version of Madden 21 will certainly look and run better, but whenever new gaming consoles release, Madden tends to be one of the franchise hurt most by it. Sports games are also almost always guaranteed to be there on the new console’s first day, so that’s the trade-off players have to deal with. Could this new generation of consoles mean an evolution for the series?
3 Game Modes
Madden is a series that requires quite a bit of investment if you’re looking to get the most out of it. The biggest modes in the game are its cash cow known as Madden Ultimate Team, Franchise Mode, and The Yard. Madden Ultimate Team sees users acquiring player cards as they try and build their dream NFL roster.
Franchise mode lets users select teams or players and play through multiple seasons. The Yard is a new arcade mode that sees fast-paced 6 vs. 6 football action. There’s also a singleplayer story mode called Face of the Franchise.
2 Free Upgrade
With next-generation consoles set to release, many publishers and developers have announced how their titles and player ownership will transfer over. After an initial announcement that was received poorly, Electronic Arts changed how next-gen Madden 21 ownership will roll out. As long as you purchase Madden 21 on current generation systems and upgrade it before Madden 22 releases, you’ll get the next-gen upgrade completely free of charge. So if you were thinking of holding off, there’s no reason to.
1 It’s All Connected
With the introduction of the new The Yard mode, it seems that all of Madden is connected truly for the first time. As you start the game you create your avatar, which in turn has its own level. Not only can you level it up through The Yard mode itself, but you’ll quickly find that everything you do in Franchise mode and Madden Ultimate Team contributes to your level progression. It’s passable, but there are plenty of ways that the series can better implement it to feel more seamless and connected throughout.
