No offense to the competition in the sports world, which does include EA’s NHL and FIFA franchises - but there’s truly no bigger sports game year in and year out than Madden. Point. Blank. Period. But with the iconic powerhouse feeling the pressure to deliver in bigger ways than ever before for an audience yearning for a hit of something good-good, the geniuses at EA’s Madden came through in epic fashion taking your next generation PlayStation and Xbox to all-new heights with Madden 23 and of course there’s 7 key reasons why it’s the best sports game - 10 out of 10 - you’ll tap into this year.

1. The competition is none

Let’s just keep it 100 - there’s no one messing with the Madden franchise. We’re not going to take those silly Apple Arcade titles serious or any PC-created arena football game, either. R.I.P. to NFL Blitz though - such a legendary arcade title we all still miss. But over the past 20-plus years, the Madden franchise has remained atop of the food chain and even it’s ‘worst’ year is any other brand’s best performing year. It’s just simple facts.

Madden continues to deliver on a yearly basis and it’s like someone complaining about Coca-Cola not being what it was ‘back in the day’ - a few calories might have shifted and some productions might taste a little sweeter than others but the recipe remains the same. Non-stop fun and gaming goals are always achieved whenever you load up a Madden game and the same is true in 2022.

2. Your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S deserve this

I won’t lie - having such a great team at EA Sports and notably the Madden division, they’re determined to make sure reviewers and gamers get an equal opportunity - so having the blessing to test out Madden 23 on both the PlayStation 5 AND (big caps) Xbox Series X - my goodness, I was in love. There are certain games which just cater to a particular system but Madden gives you the same good-good on both consoles.

Let’s keep it authentic, as much as I ride or die for my PlayStation 5, there’s just something about Call of Duty games feeling better on Xbox Series X, even NBA 2K just has a more fun overall vibe and touch on the Microsoft gem. But look at titles like MLB The Show - which finally made its way to Xbox with MLB The Show 21 after years of exclusivity with Sony PlayStation - and NHL, and they feel as if they were ‘only’ made for the PlayStation 5.

The debate is over and I am proud to say I equally found myself loving Madden literally the same on both systems. Neither - in a good way - had an edge over the other and the same amount of jam-packed fun and joystick-pushing and button-smashing action lives on both consoles. The 4K resolution, the graphics and cut scenes plus everything in-between is made for next generation experiences and are properly delivered on both systems.

3. The Franchise mode comes through with some major improvements

I won’t lie - I used to only lock in on the multi-player modes but when you want to zone out and enjoy the gaming goals, sometimes there’s nothing better than tapping into franchise experiences. Madden heads have been in their feelings - myself at times too - for years and the executives have come correct. Introducing the decked-out free agency mode? Oh yes.

Signing players during free agency is now broken out into three different stages during which teams can contact a specific number of players to negotiate with. This creates more tension during the process. A new negotiation and Free Agency Hub screen also help players in the process. To create a sense of pressure within Madden NFL 23, we are introducing the Active Negotiations feature.

During the first stage of free agency, each team will only be able to offer up to 5 players a contract during each Eval Period. This will help ensure that a few teams can’t just come in and sign all the top free agents right away. It’s also now no longer just all about the money - but we will get into that later. In the first stage of free agency, you will need to be calculated on whom you make offers to as you won’t be able to go after everybody you want. In Stage two of free agency, you can offer up to 10 players in each Eval period and then in Stage 3, you can make an unlimited amount of offers to the remaining Free Agents.

While this is more limiting in early stages, it is compensated for by the second feature, Evaluations. Within every week of Free Agency, 3 Eval Offers can be made; when triggered all offers are run allowing players to accept/decline contracts or not make a final decision without the need for the week to be advanced. 

This will give each team more opportunity to go back and forth with a player during negotiations and/or possibly allow you to change direction if you get feedback that the player is not interested in signing with you. You will need to pay close attention to all of the factors that go into how a player decides on where he will sign. With the added information, improved flows, and the mix of limitation and opportunity, we hope to bring a more strategic and rewarding experience to one of the most impactful aspects of the offseason.

So if you’re serious about running your operations and want to build a serious contender, the Free Agency experience will take you to a place you’ve never quite experienced before.

4. The graphics are intentionally championship level

The graphics for Madden games have never been bad. Honestly. Never. But just like the reality of 8K quality existing while we all live in a 4K world, Madden made sure to push forward to continue bringing the most accurate and realistic graphics you can imagine. The same is true with Madden 23 having such an epic new player and game day presentation thanks to fresh scans of players.

As mentioned above, to really get blown away, your next generation experience is needed on the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. From the body types and coach likelinesses, you’ll feel like it’s Sunday afternoon every time you load up Madden 23 this summer, fall and heck, all the way to the Super Bowl in February.

5. FieldSENSE is such a game-changer

With 48 hours of gaming goals nearly reached before letting loose this non-stop write-up on Madden 23, it’s safe to say I did not fully get the chance to go all-in on every aspect of the FieldSENSE but needless to say, this factor alone is reason enough to laugh at the competition’s small updates and enhancements.

This year’s title is stacked with a new foundation for ultra-realistic gameplay making authenticity seem as regular as breathing. In other words? This game hits different and has you covered in all regards. In an effort not to nerd out too much, I’ll allow the Madden PR team break down this feature a little better than I can.

FieldSENSE sets a new foundation for consistent, ultra-realistic gameplay that makes Madden NFL 23 more authentic, bringing more variety and realistic, physics-driven outcomes. FieldSENSE manifests itself through a suite of new mechanics: Hit Everything, Skill-Based Passing, 360° Cuts, and WR vs. DB Battles.

• Hit Everything: Designed to make sure that hits and tackles do not feel pre-determined, Hit Everything encompasses:

  • Hit the Pile: Delivers more dynamic, physics-based outcomes for multi-defender tackles.

  • Stand-Up Tackles: A new 1v1 mechanic that enables you to fight to stay on your feet if you're the ball carrier, or bring the opposition down when you are on defense, Stand-Up tackles gives you more control to risk fighting for extra yards or choose to protect the ball from being knocked out by the defense.

  • Hitting Blocks: As a defender, use the hit stick when in range to run into a block and blow it up, fight through traffic, or knock a teammate free.

  • Mid-Air Knockouts: Defenders have more control in how they attempt to break up the play and get off the field. There's less of a need to risk it all and go for the INT, now you can knock the ball out with a well-timed mid-air hit or attack the ball at the point of the catch to break up the pass.

  • Add-On Blocks: Running backs and tight ends can add onto and leave blocks freely in protection or as they execute their routes.

  • Branching and Physics Tech: All the above features are made possible by the use of Branching Tech and Physics Information with FieldSENSE to inform how the interactions in the game should play out realistically, with variety, and while preserving momentum.

6. Those Hail Mary passes won’t be so predictable anymore

The one thing I always cringed at playing Madden is the yay/nay factor of passing. Either it’s going to be a completion or interception. We’ve all watched enough real-life football games to know there are so many new elements involved.

What I was most blown away by in Madden 23 in regard to the passing experience is just how many different outcomes there are now. It feels like a pass is no longer just a completion/incompletion or interception - there are jumbles, there are bouncing around before making the completion and even swatting the ball away on defense into a teammates hands all make these experiences even better. But you can largely credit the amount of attention Madden put into the passing for why this is such an advanced perk.

A robust set of all-new customizable options that puts ultimate control of passing in your hands that allows quarterbacks to place the ball exactly where they want to, leading receivers away from pressure, fitting the ball into a tight gap, or putting the ball where only your receiver has a chance to make a play. While you press the button to choose the receiver to throw the ball to, you can move the left analog stick to aim the pass and lead the receiver into space. More layers to Skill-Based Passing include:

• Target Area and Target Reticle: Aim the reticle within the target area with just the left stick. This gives you more control while keeping your throw within an area that your receiver should be able to make a catch.

• Free-Form Passing: Gives you the ability to pinpoint your throw to your receiver both within and outside of the target area. Hold down the L2/LT to activate then move the left stick in the direction you want to throw. You have additional control within Gameplay settings to decide how fast or slow you want this retical to move noted below.

• Passing Meters: You have two choices depending on what feels best: Power Meter and Accuracy Meter.

• Skill-Based Passing Settings:

  • Passing Type: Select between the Power Lead & Accuracy or Power Lead mechanic to use Skill-Based Passing. You can take advantage of the new Skill-Based Passing and all that it offers, but you can also select the classic passing type to use legacy passing mechanics.

  • Passing Slowdown: We’ve added an offline only slowdown feature for Skill-Based Passing. When beginning your throw, the game will slow down so you can have more time to place the ball exactly where you want to. We also allow you to tune the speed at which the slowdown occurs so you can find the setting that works best for you. We recommend that everyone starts with the maximum slowed down setting on in offline games to gain an understanding of the controls. Once you’ve mastered the mechanics ideally in practice mode, ramp the speed back up to full game speed so that you’re ready to compete online.

  • Passing Free-Form Max Distance: You’ll have the option to select the maximum distance you want to pass lead outside of the target area when using Free-Form. This setting ranges from keeping your reticle just outside the target area for safer pass leads to allowing you to pass lead the ball anywhere on the field.

  • Passing Free-Form Speed: This setting will allow you to tune how fast you want your reticle to move when using the Free-Form mechanic. We recommend hopping into practice mode to really dial in the sensitivity that feels best.

  • Reticle Visibility: Allows you to turn on/off the visuals for the reticle when leading a pass.

  • Meter Visibility: Allows you to turn on/off the visuals for either passing meter.

A bit blown away yet? The amount of detail for how you can complete a pass, or at the very least attempt one… Daniel Jones … is insane and makes you channel your inner two-time winning Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning with razor sharp precision to Plaxico and Manningham-type players, of course.

7. It’s all about the Motivation

Just like you need motivation to load up your Madden title, the same is true for players. Are you trying to kill time before heading out? Did you want to perfect your skills before a long night of gaming goals? Whatever your motivation is for playing, it’s true for the in-game players. The Motivations factor is nuts and gets very precise into what’s truly fueling your player into wanting to sign on the dotted line when you’re playing Franchise mode.

Motivations: In previous years, players simply signed with the teams offering the most money. Now, every player has three Motivations describing the type of team they want to play for. These conditions can range from location, coach prestige, team composition and more. All players will begin with a set of 3 Motivations but with every year a player continues with a Franchise, these may update to better align with their current situation.

Super Bowl Chase - Evaluated throughout the season, the teams in position to contend for the Super Bowl will be the prime destination for these players. Ex. Von Miller, Buffalo Bills.

Historic Championships - A priority toward Franchises with a winning culture that have shown their ability to bring home the Lombardi trophy over time.

Head Coach Historic Record - Top tier coaches that have proven their contribution to winning games will better recruit players to come on board.

Scheme Fit - Players will look to match the team’s offensive or defensive Scheme to best showcase their talent on the field.

Top the Depth Chart - These players are looking to be starters at their position, plain and simple.

Team Has Franchise QB - Taking the field with an elite Quarterback is a dream to many. If your QB has the “Franchise QB” Player Tag, they’ll be helping you bring these players into the mix. Ex. Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mentor at Position - Developing players can look to find their mentor to help them break through to the next level. They want to see a player on your team at their position with the “Mentor” Player Tag.

Close to Home - Does your city bring a player close to his family? The distance between your stadium and a player’s Home state can be a big draw. Ex. Jarvis Landry, New Orleans Saints.

Big Market - Opportunities off the field can be as appealing as those on. Big Market players are looking to showcase themselves in the largest cities in the world.

Tax Free State - Paydays aren’t always the same when taxes are involved. Teams in states with no income tax provide an extra incentive for some.

Warm Weather State - Sun and fun. States that stay warm throughout the winter will be welcoming to these players.

Highest Offer -Sometimes it is all about the money. Players will think less of how you fit their interests and are simply looking for the biggest deal.

How your team aligns with the motivation of a player sets their overall Interest in your team. This Interest factors heavily in contract negotiations. A player with no Interest in your team would require massive financial compensation to consider signing, while a player who perfectly aligns with your Franchise may take a pay cut to guarantee you bring them aboard.

Just a couple days in and I’m completely in love with Madden 23. I know the EA team would probably prefer me to keep things politically correct and just give an honest rating but without a doubt this is the ‘best’ sports game of the year. From lackluster updates from some other titles and the NFL season looking more promising than ever with the launch of NFL+ and some insane Week 1 face-offs - Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams, anyone - Madden 23 arrives at a perfect time to keep the NFL excitement pumping through your veins from pre-season through post-season.

Attack The Culture score: 10/10