As the ‘new normal’ continues into September, the new NFL season will be one of the strangest. Thankfully though, Madden NFL 21 has your back if you need a full stadium of fans for that true football experience. Albeit, in digital form, as Madden releases today on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
The latest instalment in the American Football simulator, Madden NFL 21 features all the same modes you’ve come to love including Franchise and Madden Ultimate Team. Also making a return is Face of the Franchise, this time featuring Tye Sheridan. Taking players through high school, an expanded college experience, to the NFL Draft and beyond in an all new story campaign.
A brand-new mode though is The Yard: 6-vs-6 football, the kind you used to play on the playground where players play both attack and defence. And usually in quick succession. The mode contains unique gear for your avatar, specially designed stadia, and the ability to link to Madden NFL 21 Mobile. And with Madden 21 being a live game, expect more gear and arenas to drop throughout the year.
New features added this year include a new Skill Stick giving you better control over your jukes when carrying the ball. This carries over to the defence also with enhanced pass rush moves and combos. Tackling has also been improved with the usual animations, but there are also AI improvements to prevent extra yardage.
A new player avoidance system is in place in between downs to make sure your players don’t casually bump into each other, making sure the presentation is as authentic as possible.
Releasing today, the Deluxe and MVP editions of Madden 21 come with some extra goodies. As well as three day early access on both, the Deluxe edition contains seven MUT Gold Team Fantasy Packs for £79.99. The MVP edition features items related to cover star Lamar Jackson: three-day early access, 12 MUT Gold Team Fantasy Packs, one large Quicksell Training Pack, MCS Ultimate Champion Pack, Lamar Jackson Elite Item and a Power-up for it. This comes in at £89.99.
Also worth noting is that buying Madden NFL 21 grants you a copy of the game on Xbox Series X for free when it launches in November. This will transfer all your data over from the Xbox One also, meaning those Ultimate Teams you’ve spent so long cultivating aren’t left behind.
Which version will you be getting, or are you one of the more patient types who can wait a few more days for the launch of the Standard Edition on the 28th September for £59.99? As always, let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for our review very soon!
Game description:Rise To Fame in Madden NFL 21. A new generation is leaving its mark in the NFL. Will you rise to the occasion? Change the game and take control of your own legacy. Madden NFL 21 delivers new features and modes including: •Face Of The Franchise: Rise To Fame: Rise to fame and become immortalized in Madden NFL 21 as you transcend NFL history and shape your own path to greatness. •Take Control: Master innovative running enhancements and live playbooks to run up the score in Madden NFL 21. •X-Factor 2.0: New X-Factor abilities fresh out of the lab designed to elevate the stars of a new generation in Madden NFL 21. Entitle for MADDEN NFL 21 Xbox One before the release of MADDEN NFL 22, and upgrade to MADDEN NFL 21 Xbox Series X at no additional cost. Visit easports.com/nextlevel for more information. Conditions and restrictions apply. See https://www.easports.com/madden-nfl/game-disclaimers for details.
