Madden NFL 20 is an American football game, developed by EA Tiburon and published by Electronic Arts. The game is based on the license of National Football League (NFL) and features teams appearing in the NFL matches. Madden 20 introduces several changes to the gameplay, including the “Face of the Franchise: QB1” mode where the player takes a rookie collegiate football player to the national league stardom.

Gridiron gameplay mechanics

Madden NFL 20 follows the gameplay mechanics of the previous installments of the series. The game is still faithful simulator of the American football matches, where the player has to lead their team to victory by securing yards and scoring touchdowns.However, Madden 20 introduces several new features to the gameplay. Each team’s playbook will now be more diverse, which means more variety on the field. An on-field trainer feature will introduce new players to the rules of the game, helping them learn the ropes of gameplay. There’s also the superstar-driven play calling, where plays are designed around the teams’ MVPs. Said superstars are now less powerful, having their X-factor largely debuffed, which makes for more realistic and even gameplay. 

Story of a rookie

Madden NFL 20introduces the “Face of the Franchise: QB1” mode. Similar to the Superstar Mode from Madden 06, in Face of the Franchise the player creates their custom quarterback character and leads them through all the branches of NFL career, starting with the collegiate football associations. There are 10 teams the player can choose from divided between 4 associations. The mode features a Scenario Engine, which will present the player with customized events and challenges, on their way to becoming the best player in the league.  

Madden legacy

Another interesting feature of Madden NFL 20 is Franchise mode. It works similarly to the Face of the Franchise, having player climb the ladder of the National Football League. However, Franchise mode offers many more options. Instead of playing only as the quarterback, Franchise lets the player be a coach or the owner of a football team. The game can be played in single and multiplayer, pitting the player against 32 other teams. Franchise mode allows competing for the Superbowl cup as well as an annual Pro Bowl award and other, seasonal trophies.

Ultimate multiplayer

Ultimate Team mode in Madden NFL 20 allows the player to create their own dream-team of American football superstars and take them online to compete against other players in ranked matches. The player can unlock even better players through climbing up the ranking and incorporate them into their team to create an ultimate squad ready to take on any opposition.

Reception

Madden received many positive initial reviews. Critics praised the gameplay mechanics improvements over the previous installments as well as the new “Face of the Franchise” mode. Other strong points noted by the reviews were the complex and expanded Franchise mode and the Ultimate Team mode, allowing the player to create their custom-made squad.

Key features:

• Experience the essence of national American football league matches
• “Face of the Franchise: QB1” mode allows the player to create their own character and lead them through the NFL career ladder
• Franchise mode, where the player can lead their team as a player, coach or team owner, to ultimate league victory
• Ultimate Team mode – build your dream team from the NFL superstars and take them to the top of the online ranking board
• Diverse playbooks, debuffed Superstar X-factor and other improved gameplay mechanics