Though a few things have been changed from years past, Madden 23 is still not where I would like it to be. I have fun playing it still, but I feel like it is only because I like to see progression of players in franchise mode. I will admit, there have been fewer bugs this time around, but the game still doesn't feel like it has the amount of energy put into it as many other sports games like NBA 2k or even FIFA. I understand that those games have their own problems, but that is besides the point. Hardly any players have face scans unless they are superstars or first round picks. There is still some crashing issues. The additional animations are cool but it leads to many frustrating, seemingly predetermined, moments in the game, which is especially infuriating in a simulation style franchise mode. I will continue to play this game due to the fact that it is currently the only football game to play. I hope that either the game takes a step forward once the development is focused solely on current gen consoles, rather than having to make sure that those on past gen are appeased as well. That may sound a little selfish, however, that's something that I feel may help in the future.

I'll put as much effort into this review as EA put into their sports games which is not a lot. Sooo anyway:

Pros:
- Looks nice
- Playable enough mainly because there isn't an alternative

Cons:
- The game is very exploitable and lacking realism. More of an arcadey sports game than a sim. Sliders were needed to be played with constantly after every update because more issues would be created rather than issues resolved
- Pretty much the same game as last year
- Still hugely lacking in immersion
- Even by EAs standards, the live service aspect of the game was ridiculously half-assed. Live fixtures which were one of the more enjoyable aspects previously was non-existent this year

I refuse to play MUT so can't comment on anything online. Overall, it's Madden. I played the hell out of it but I don't exactly feel great about it

What a disgrace to the legend that is John Madden. Truly rock bottom for the franchise. I’ve been a yearly player since Madden 2004. It truly didn’t get any worse than this one right here. It’s featured the same physics since at least Madden 20 and no major gameplay changes since Madden 16. Focus is on the $ (MUT) and the Face of the Franchise mode is terrible. Don’t get me started on what hell I endured playing hundreds of games to get the Platinum trophy. I will NOT be buying Madden unless it’s in the bargain bin next year.

unfortunately as a football fan I have played over 130 hours or something of this disgusting excuse for a video game. Someone needs to make a football game BADLY. I do not care if they cannot get the rights.

There are aspects that are improved, such as free agency (kind of) and presentation in franchise mode. But it ends there. Everything else... IS WORSE. Ultimate team is more pay to win and boring as ever. Online gameplay is miserable. Franchise is still MISERABLE, especially in comparison to other franchise modes. Player models, animations, graphics are embarrassing for next gen. ITS THE MOST BROKEN GAME I HAVE EVER TOUCHED. Game breaking bugs left and right. I could go on forever.

This game is a step in the wrong direction (as usual)

Had the morbid curiosity to check out the latest incarnation of this accursed franchise after seeing this title on gamepass. Got 11 games into a season when Daniel Jones get strip sacked. Literally EVERY PLAYER on my team is locked into a blocking animation and can't move. I am helpless as Demarcus Lawrence (who is somehow the next incarnation of Reggie White every fucking game) returns it for a touchdown.

Next drive. I throw a 50/50 jump ball to Isaiah Hodgins, who is one-on-one with a shorter CB. The ball TELEPORTS THROUGH THE WIDEOUT right into the corner's hands. Interception. I spike my controller into my bed, ragequit, uninstall, and curse EA and the Dallas Cowboys with my exasperated, dying breath.