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August is a tough time for sports fans. It's the absolute dead zone for the NBA. The NFL is back, but it's really just a tease until September. We all need something to fill the gap, and thankfully, EA Sports delivered their best Madden game in years. Yes, you read that correctly. Madden NFL 20 is great. It seems like they took all the complaints about the game from the past few years and addressed the longstanding issues. The gameplay is is crisp. The new features are amazing. The rankings in the game seem right.
This is by no means a perfect video game, but how often do we see that happen these days, especially for an annual release? This is easily the best Madden release in years and a game I'll be playing for months, especially this month with nothing else going on. To celebrate the release of the game, the Complex Sports team gathered together five reasons why this is the best Madden game in years and absolutely worth your time and investment.
Face of the Franchise
Madden FINALLY has a worthy story mode that rivals the likes of NBA 2k. "Face of the Franchise" is an absolute blast, where you go from the College Football Playoff to the NFL Draft and land on a team while trying to earn the spot as the starting QB. What I love about this new feature is that there are so many scenarios and how they can play out. Really just an awesome time.
Gameplay
Above all else, the gameplay is really what makes or breaks a video game franchise. For Madden, this seems to be a hit and miss thing over the years, but something they absolutely nailed for Madden NFL 20. The mechanics of the game are smooth, the animations are on point, and the gameplay is realistic, while also fluid. In the past there were situations where the game felt bulky, but that's really not the case this year. They really nailed the gameplay.
Ratings System
Last month, we talked to a Madden ratings adjuster who explained to us the thought process behind the ratings this year. In my opinion, they got the system right. They're fluid and fit well inside the game. Yes, they tend to dip a bit lower than past years, but they did a nice job of balancing the superstars in the game. Nobody feels too good this year.
Superstar X-Factor
The "Superstar X-Factor" feature this year is really dope. Basically it's Madden's version of "catching fire," and it's really cool. It's an added layer to the gameplay that doesn't go over the top, but recognizes that superstar players get into zones and absolutely wreck havoc. What's really nice to see is that they don't make it that easy for a superstar to get in the zone. They make it feel like a special and unique type thing. I appreciate that.
You Get to Play With NCAA Teams
If you know me, then you know I've been missing EA Sports' NCAA Football franchise for years. It's been a big void in my life that is now somewhat filled in Madden NFL 20. While it's not a full NCAA Football game, the fact that you get to play with college teams in the playoff is so much fun. Hopefully this means that the NCAA Football franchise might actually be coming back sometime soon.