Madden 20: Successfully Offering More of the Same

If last week the article was critical of Madden's Franchise flaws, and EA's unwillingness to improve their game over a decade and a half, this article will affirm that Madden is good at what it does, simulate football. Madden 20 plays well and looks good doing it. The movements on the field look fantastic, with realistic and diverse interactions between characters. Characters bump into each other with realistic reactions, and the contact between the players varies depending on the specifics. The gameplay remains largely the same as previous Madden games. This is both a criticism, because EA hasn't drastically improved their game, but also a compliment, since the gameplay has always been excellent.

Madden 20 includes a host of settings to personalize a game style. One setting effects the reality of game-play. The options of Arcade, Simulation, and Competition, allow for over the top action to a realistic recreation of NFL football. The difficulty setting alters the skill of the AI controlled characters. The specific differences between Rookie, Pro, All-Pro, and All-Madden aren't explained, but the effect is obvious. Though I haven't played Madden in over a decade, the difficulty levels of Rookie and Pro were too easy. Only the most difficult teams in All-Pro offer a challenge, while the weaker teams are easily shoved aside. Anecdotal evidence from the internet says there's a massive difference between All-Pro and All-Madden. Many players on Reddit compare the All-Madden AI to a cheater.

In addition to the realistic and difficulty settings, Madden 20 allows the player to alter character performance with sliders. One set of sliders adjust the skills of the player's team, like QB accuracy and fumbles. Another slider does the same for the computer's team. Sliders can be adjusted to make any aspect of the game easier or more difficult. In four seasons I only used two. When I first started playing it seemed like Wide Receivers drop the ball too often. Even my star wide receiver, with a 99 rating in Catch, Catch in Traffic, and Spectacular Catch regularly dropped passes on Pro difficulty (N'Keal Harry from Tom Brady). On the other side of the ball, the computer controlled characters intercept throws like superstars. With an All-Pro difficulty, AI controlled CBs with a 85 rating regularly intercept throws from my 89 rated QB to my 98 rated WR in one on one coverage. Some interceptions are my fault, but not most of them. The time when the opposing cornerback reached through my WR's torso to make the interception is not my fault. Nor are the dozens of interceptions the AI retrieved off tipped balls that my highly skilled WRs had failed to catch. For two seasons I adjusted the slider to allow my team to catch balls easier, but eventually set it back to normal. I turned down the ability of the computer to intercept passes.
One of the largest weaknesses of the computer is its inability to run the ball. The computer doesn't perform poorly, but not at all. My team regularly holds RBs rated in the 90s to less than 10 yards per game. while I rush for a 100 yards. After 14 games in my current season (All-Pro, Simulation) my team has only allowed 417 rushing yards. The the next best rushing defense surrendered 1112 yards. I don't mention this to imply that I am good, because I'm not, but to marvel at this broken aspect. My passing defense is number one too. The disparity isn't as large, 2643 yards, to the next best of 2997 yards. It's possible part of the problem is a disparity in team strength (my team is rated 88, and most opposing teams are 82) This hypothesis is difficult to confirm, as Madden 20 restricts the player's access to league data. The player can't check the rating of teams in Franchise mode, except for their upcoming opponent.

In addition to the larger successes and failures of gameplay, Madden 20 includes a number of small issues and features worth a brief mention.

Though the two sportscasters who comment on the match do repeat themselves, they are as engaging as such a system can reasonably be. Players can mute them if they find them irritating. They provide live stats for each game, but if the player saves mid-game, Charles and Brandon are very confused when they return. They'll quote outrageous mistakes like “This Quarterback has gone 7 for 7”, even when he's attempted six throws, and only completed two.
If I remember correctly, and I could be wrong, I remember the interfaces and menus for Madden 06 being faster, easier to use, and more efficient. I also think there was more information available in stats and whatnot, but again, can't confirm, as I no longer have access to the old game.

In scouting, it seems like Madden 20 offers too many points for scouting in Franchise mode. The player can scout every character that matters. With all the points available the player can review at least the top ten players for every position.

Madden 20 is missing a number of features. The game doesn't allow the player to save a copy of their franchise team to play with in exhibition mode. This feature in Madden 06 allowed the player snapshot their team each season, and play it against other versions of their team. Nor does Madden 20 offer the ability to create a new character in Franchise mode. It does allow the player to edit any existing character.
It seems like Madden 20 dislikes power running backs. In Madden 06 strong running backs overwhelmed defenders with the hit stick (also called truck stick). Madden 20 favors Agile RBs with the juke and spin abilities more effective than breaking tackles. Madden 06 had these as well, but seemed a better balanced running game.

In conclusion, for those who have enjoyed Madden in the past, and no longer have a console to play it on, it's a relief that it is finally back on the PC (It was actually Madden 19 which returned to computers, but I didn't know that at the time). Older gamers will find the experience nearly identical, but with better graphics, less easily stats, and new skills, like Super Star abilities. The modes are the same, as is the general game. But this is also a devastating critique. EA has used its monopoly to sell the same game year after year, for over a decade in a half. The differences between 06 and 20 are insignificant. The only real changes are visual. For those not interested in hero worshiping professional athletes Madden 20 will serve as a good football game for the next half decade, at least.

I'll check back in a decade for Madden 30.

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