Madden NFL 21 cover art

Madden NFL 21

2020EA OrlandoGoogle Stadia, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One

Go all out in Madden NFL 21 where a fearless new generation of rising NFL stars is poised to change the game. Packed with fresh new features and innovative gameplay enhancements, Madden NFL 21 delivers new levels of ingenuity and control developed to inspire creativity on and off the field.

What it feels like

The simulation aims for authentic, unironic representation of professional football.

Earnest50%

What it's about

American football competition is the fundamental subject and setting of the entire game.

Sports95%

How it plays

Building and customizing rosters, playbooks, and team strategies is a core progression system. Pre-snap audibles, play selection, and real-time in-game adjustments constitute a strategic decision layer. Play calling and audible selection allow strategic pausing and planning within real-time football action.

Character Builds70%
Grid Tactics Combat68%
Real-Time with Pause65%
Loadout Customization55%
Party Management50%
Leveling & Grind45%

How it looks and sounds

Stadium camera angles following the action from behind or above the field are standard. Modern sports simulation with realistic player likenesses and on-field visuals.

Third-Person70%
Photorealistic62%

How it's structured

Online and local PvP competition against other players is a core feature and major draw. Campaign and single-player modes are present alongside multiplayer, supporting solo play. Managing and commanding 11-player teams with distinct roles is fundamental to the sport simulation.

Competitive PvP78%
Single-Player60%
Team-Based60%
Meta-Progression58%
Live Service40%
Split-Screen35%
FIFA 2279% match

Shares Sports, Competitive PvP, Third-Person, Grid Tactics Combat.

Both lean into Sports, Competitive PvP, Third-Person, Grid Tactics Combat.

Sports95%Competitive PvP85%Third-Person80%Grid Tactics Combat75%
NBA 2K2170% match

Shares Sports, Third-Person, Competitive PvP, Team-Based.

Both lean into Sports, Third-Person, Competitive PvP, Team-Based.

Sports100%Third-Person85%Competitive PvP75%Team-Based80%

Shares Sports, Competitive PvP, Photorealistic, Team-Based.

Both lean into Sports, Competitive PvP, Photorealistic, Team-Based.

Sports95%Competitive PvP90%Photorealistic75%Team-Based75%

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Competitive PvP80%Grid Tactics Combat85%Character Builds75%Loadout Customization70%

A lesser-known kindred — Sports, Grid Tactics Combat, Party Management, Competitive PvP. 87% positive across 4,324 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Sports, Grid Tactics Combat, Single-Player, Party Management.

Sports90%Grid Tactics Combat90%Single-Player80%Party Management80%
F1 201640% match

A lesser-known kindred — Sports, Competitive PvP, Meta-Progression, Earnest. 86% positive across 4,517 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Sports, Competitive PvP, Single-Player, Meta-Progression.

Sports95%Competitive PvP70%Single-Player75%Meta-Progression60%
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