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Jul 30, 2019 · The Superstar X-Factors bring that element to every single game of Madden 20. The players with Zone abilities have to progress to that level by attaining specific benchmarks.
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By Robert Kollars
Updated: Jul 31, 2020 5:18 pm
Posted: Jul 30, 2019 11:41 pm
With every new Madden comes a new set of upgrades and disappointments, but Madden NFL 20’s balance is a bit more favorable than usual. Among the new features are a couple of key changes that underscore the difference between a typical player and a true NFL superstar in meaningful and exciting ways, making the moment-to-moment gameplay as strong as it’s been since the switch to Xbox One and PlayStation 4. On the other hand, it leaves Franchise mode without significant new features and microtransactions continue to be an issue with Madden Ultimate Team. So EA’s ongoing quest to satisfy the entire spectrum of casual, competitive, and sim fans is only partially successful, though more so than usual.
As we approach the end of the current console generation developers are learning to fully harness the real power of each system, and it shows in Madden 20. The new lighting system creates a softer, more natural look to the players and fans. Add that to the improved fluidity of the on-field player movement, and Madden 20’s overall experience has taken a solid step forward that looks and plays even more like what we see on a TV broadcast.
Of course, it is easy to say that the Madden 20 looks and plays better because Madden does that to some degree almost every year, but in this case, it’s true in some very important areas that make it a worthy upgrade. The biggest one that changes virtually everything you do on the field for the better is a revision to how players are controlled. In Madden 19, there were some real issues with the running game, as the foot planting and movement felt awkward and disjointed at times. These issues really were prevalent when running between the tackles and trying to execute a quick cut to hit a small opening to run through. While I enjoyed the intuitiveness of that running system, there were many times that I felt frustrated with the result of my efforts.
If I am a real NFL quarterback (I’m not – trust me) and looking across at the likes of, say, a Kahlil Mack, Von Miller, Aaron Donald, or Dee Ford I am going to be forced to mentally acknowledge their presence and account for the threat they pose. Madden 20 gives me that exact same feeling: when I see someone with an orange X underneath them I know to throw or run to the opposite side of them or call an audible to change my approach. Meanwhile, playing as an X-Factor player is the stuff dreams are made of: as Mack, I was able to swim, power, or finesse my way through the offensive linemen almost instantly, and have a direct and forceful impact on the current play. That kind of empowering fantasy wish-fulfillment is something I and many others have been waiting for. It gives you a small glimpse into what it feels like to be a dominant force in an NFL game, even if that moment is a fleeting one.
Playing as an X-Factor player is the stuff dreams are made of.
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I’d initially worried about the implementation of the superstar X-Factors being too overpowered and exploitable, but in my experience thus far, at least, they bring a solid layer of enhancement to Madden and have a truly positive impact. It’s true that not every team has the same amount of star players and not every player has the same traits or X-Factor abilities – but the same is true of real-life football. Additionally, there are ways to counteract X-Factors both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, and depending on how many star players a specific team has the effect these player-specific traits can have on each individual game can vary greatly. Being able to negate the ability of each player is what helps keep a realistic balance throughout a game, while still allowing someone to take over “moments” in the game.
And We’re Back!Commentators Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis are back in Madden 20 with mostly the same batch of voiceovers, but this year we get to hear them also call the NCAA playoffs as well as the NFL games. While that is definitely a nice addition, the commentary doesn’t sound much different than it did in Madden NFL 19. The pair still usually does a solid job of calling a game in regards to situational emotions and references to teams’ and players’ previous performances, which adds to the overall flow.
It’s a shame EA didn’t take this opportunity to add more diversity to their assortment of canned chatter, though – I’m already hearing repeated lines, and occasionally commentary that flat-out made no sense, like crediting a player with scoring his third touchdown of the day when it was clearly his first of the game.
In addition to the usual incremental graphics upgrade and respectable new story campaign, Madden NFL 20 meaningfully improves on a lot of the issues that plagued the previous iteration(s). The running game is noticeably smoother and X-Factor traits make superstar players actually feel like a force to be reckoned with on the field, and while there a...
Review scoring
great
Madden NFL 20's new superstar players and control refinements make its moment-to-moment gameplay the best the series has seen this console generation, but areas like Franchise have been left behind.
Robert Kollars
Jul 30, 2019 · Madden NFL 20 maintains important elements of previous deliveries, but it is still an experience of contrasts with successes and specific errors that may change in the future. Despite this, it is a good football game that will keep fans entertained throughout the season.
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Jul 29, 2019 · After spending time with Madden NFL 20, which releases for all major platforms on Aug. 2, I can again say that EA is getting pretty good at making tangible improvements that go beyond a simple ...
Touting a new career mode, game-changing player abilities, sharper gameplay, and more, EA Sports is hoping that Madden 20 avoids the dud list and brings the series back into the good graces of football fans everywhere. But is Madden 20 the game fans have been waiting for, or is it another three and out? Best in Show
Sep 16, 2019 · Madden NFL 20 review: Get ready to run. “Madden NFL 20’s Ultimate Team and Franchise modes are superb, but the career mode misses the mark.”. In some ways, Madden NFL 20 is the best entry in ...
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Aug 7, 2019 · "Madden NFL 20" is open to play now through a 10-hour trial with an EA Access subscription on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. The game officially releases July 30 (Superstar Edition for $80) and ...
