Madden 23 review: "This series is stuck, and in dire need of revisiting its origins" (2024)

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Some fun improvements make this playable – yet Madden still features too much carryover. Not just from last year, but the last decade.

Pros

  • +

    Small if satisfying tribute to John Madden himself

  • +

    Positive tweaks to the run game

  • +

    Excellent additions to free agency negotiations

Cons

  • -

    Staid presentation

  • -

    New passing difficult to master

  • -

    At its heart it’s the same game

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When approached to license his name to the first John Madden Football, the legendary coach and commentator initially refused. The story goes he saw seven-on-seven on football, found that inadequate, and demanded eleven-on-eleven before handing over his likeness. Madden 23’s marketable changes, under the banner of “FieldSense,” only marginally pay tribute to the big man’s push toward realism.

Madden 23 review: "This series is stuck, and in dire need of revisiting its origins" (1)

Part of Madden’s struggles this generation come from the increasing video game-ness. Things like X-Factors – player-specific special skills – dilute the simulated reality. Meters, on-screen buttons, and ever-deepening decision-making cause visual clotting, making Madden resemble less a broadcast than a showy and busy telestrator that never turns off.

FieldSense and sensibility?

FieldSense, a widely encapsulating term that includes alterations to physics and control tweaks, does reformat the game’s mechanics. Upon booting, the immediate choice is the passing method. More than tapping or holding the button, throws can be led ahead of a receiver, behind them, above or below their chest.

In conception, this is a logical advancement, certainly beyond the nonsense from prior years like Vision Cone passing. Yet in execution, it’s a convoluted, difficult-to-master sequence of the left trigger/left thumbstick inputs, done within seconds as linemen rush the QB, plus further clogging the screen with indicators. A circle appears under the receiver, plus a target to indicate the pass’ precision location.

Madden 23 review: "This series is stuck, and in dire need of revisiting its origins" (2)

New physics make a greater difference on the digital turf. EA’s capsule marketing notes the variance in tackle animations (less canned, notably more impact based), while the running game takes a step forward. Jukes remain as they have for years on the right stick, but the left trigger allows for hard cuts, dodging defenders and finding holes where previously, the needed turns would ruin the opportunity. Plus it’s not a game-breaking change. It’s sensible, real, and satisfying when it works, yet easily countered by defenders with high reaction times – as should be the case.

The man who was

Madden 23 pays homage to the man whose name turned into an annual video game franchise. After his passing in December, the development team pays tribute with the Madden all-star game. It’s a one-off, but a colorful celebration of the coach, involving two historical teams filled with Madden’s personal favorite players. During the game, Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis recount Madden’s career, and then at halftime, a short video tribute plays. It’s something, if seemingly small considering what Madden did for this franchise for over nearly 30 years.

Madden 23 review: "This series is stuck, and in dire need of revisiting its origins" (3)

What matters more is the on-field play. It’s still stale, trying to find any way to break out and feel fresh. Yes, the running game makes strides. Yes, the passing game (ineffective as it is) has progressed. But this is still Madden as it was last year, the year before, and so on. Just as stale are the jokes about EA releasing the same game every year with new rosters. That wasn’t truthful for two decades – otherwise, Madden would still be 2D pixels on scaling fields. Lately though, it’s challenging to argue for Madden.

The presentation remains static and wildly imprecise. Odd camera glitches don’t follow the action on replays, even as Gaudin makes an exciting call. This assumes Gaudin makes the RIGHT call in the first place, since the commentary endures hiccups that fail to match the on-screen activity. A few shots pan the crowd, mostly repetitive, and the same goes for views on the bench or of coaches. Impressive aerials of the stadiums look spectacular, the most “next gen” Madden 23 will look, but again, recycle themselves throughout. Given John Madden’s own broadcasting pedigree, the game with his name is disappointingly dull in this regard.

Stepping off the field

Face of the Franchise makes notable changes. No longer does this thin career mode follow a rookie, but a veteran still looking for their star-making spot. Does this change a significant portion of Madden 23’s routine? A little, insofar as the custom star has a single year contract to make their name known. However, this isn’t much for storylines and key moments happen in menus, deciding on dialog trees or text threads. In a matter of weeks, selecting when to work out, what side activities to do, and what team events to attend turns into a dull slog.

Madden 23 review: "This series is stuck, and in dire need of revisiting its origins" (4)

Traditional franchise mode looks identical, yet under the surface, free agency tweaks invite clever (if brand-safe) strategy. Some players won’t want to move from home, others like tax haven states, which means luring those stars requires bumping up the perks. That might mean straining budgets and losing out on other players, potentially, to score the best roster changes. It’s clever, but Madden isn’t going to end up in a Deshaun Watson scenario, where a player’s gross off-field crimes impact the team. For the NFL, that’s too real.

Maybe EA drops the Madden name next year. If the branding is reinvented, so be it. What’s clear is, no matter what the package says, this series is stuck, and in dire need of revisiting the reasons for its origins. If the death of its cover star can’t ignite that spark, if two console generation change overs can’t, nothing likely will in the near term. This isn’t fun to write year after year either. Consider the pandemic, the rush to pay homage to John Madden, all while trying to revitalize the pass/run systems; empathy for the developers runs high. But it’s the same game. It really seems that way.

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Madden 23 review: "This series is stuck, and in dire need of revisiting its origins" (2024)

FAQs

What is the ultimate error in Madden 23? ›

Fixing the “Ultimate Team not working” error in Madden NFL 23. According to players from the community, the “Ultimate Team not working” error usually occurs when the game's servers are not running optimally, or if there is a problem with the player's internet connection.

Why does Madden 23 lag so much? ›

The game server, your ISP, your modem, or automatically updating software on a PC or laptop could all be to blame for the higher ping, in addition to issues with those devices.

Why is Madden 23 crashing? ›

Check for network issues: A slow or unstable internet connection can cause Madden 23 to crash. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the game: This can resolve corrupted game files.

What is wrong with Madden 23 franchise mode? ›

Madden 23 franchise error, explained: Why EA Sports won't be able to recover corrupted CFM saves. EA's "most polished" Madden, Madden 23, suffered what the company is calling a "data storage issue" that resulted in 60 percent of the franchise modes logged in during a specific timeframe to be permanently corrupted.

How to fix Madden 23 not launching Steam? ›

Re: [PC] Madden 23 Won't Launch
  1. Run the System File Checker tool then Check for Windows and GPU updates.
  2. Troubleshooting Graphics issues.
  3. Scan your device for possible Viruses or Malware.
  4. Check data/time are correct.

How to stop Madden from crashing? ›

Re: Madden 24 Keeps Crashing
  1. Quit the game and other running apps from Quick Resume (For Series X|S consoles)
  2. Remove any connected device, or additional USB's from the console then restart the Xbox and check.
  3. Check for updates.
  4. Try the steps in our Connection and Advance Connection Guides.
  5. Open you're Xbox NAT Type.

Why is my Xbox telling me I don't own a game? ›

To verify the account that was used to purchase the game, you must check your Xbox purchase history. Sign in to your Microsoft account. You may be prompted to enter a security code. At the top, select Payment & billing > Order history.

Why is my Xbox glitching? ›

If you've noticed your Xbox keeps freezing no matter which game you play, a software glitch could be to blame. Updating your system's software is the best way to help your console get over that issue. Follow these steps to update your Xbox One: Make sure your Xbox is connected to the internet.

Why is the Ultimate Team not working? ›

Maybe delete corrupt files in EA SPORTS FC™ 24 by following this link, if only possible. Additionally, try to use the UT web app or companion app to create a brand new squad with different players and set it as your main squad before testing the game again.

How to fix Madden 23 login error? ›

Re: Unknown login error occurred (Madden 23) - every two games
  1. Quit the game and other running apps from Quick Resume (For Series X|S consoles)
  2. Remove any connected device, or additional USB's from the console then restart the Xbox and check.
  3. Check for updates.
  4. Try the steps in our Connection and Advance Connection Guides.

Why can't I play Ultimate Team on Madden? ›

This indicates your account received an action and the mode has been restricted access. More information on suspensions and bans can be found here.

What is Ultimate Team in Madden 23? ›

WHAT IS ULTIMATE TEAM. Build your dream team by playing games and earning new players. Every NFL player gets a player item with a skill rating (OVR) but upgraded items are released all season. Play solo or online games and complete Challenges, Sets, and Missions to earn Coins and Packs.

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