Madden NFL 22

A small yet valiant leap forward, PS5 Madden remains a snazzy if still somewhat flawed gridiron offering.

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Madden NFL 22 is an American football video game offering enhanced realism with revamped player movements and an improved franchise mode. Experience the Next Gen Stats Star-Driven AI for more realistic gameplay and strategic decisions. Build and manage your dynasty with staff management, player development, and talent acquisition in the revamped franchise mode. Note: I obtained this information from the official Steam page of Madden NFL 22 on April 4, 2023.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

53%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,806 reviews

graphics60 positive mentions

stability326 negative mentions

stability
329 mentions
1 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
99 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and a plethora of bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players express frustration over the game's inability to run smoothly, often experiencing issues even on high-spec systems. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with many recommending against purchasing it until substantial fixes are implemented.
- “It runs great on the Steam Deck, with the only annoying issue being the online-only DRM.”
- “It's the best; it has good graphics, no lagging, and no glitches.”
- “The game is good when it's not being buggy and unfair.”
- “The game constantly freezes and crashes.”
- “Game crashes constantly, after each match (if I am lucky, also during a match) I have to reboot Madden, as always with EA just a money grab, looks flashy but it is buggy as hell.”
- “This game is a buggy, unresponsive shit show and a shell of its former self.”
gameplay
320 mentions
11 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the latest Madden installment has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users noting that it feels stale and largely unchanged from previous years, often likening it to a simple roster update rather than a new game. Players have reported numerous bugs, glitches, and clunky mechanics that detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration with both single-player and multiplayer modes. While some users appreciate minor improvements in graphics and certain mechanics, the consensus is that the gameplay lacks depth and innovation, making it a disappointing entry in the franchise.
- “The gameplay is smoother, the animations are better, the staff tree is cool, the throwing animations look how the person actually looks when they're throwing the ball. On next gen, the animations are so satisfying to look at; that's a main reason I wanted the new console.”
- “Gameplay is pretty smooth overall.”
- “The gameplay is actually more fluid than 21.”
- “The gameplay has also stagnated for a long time and is pretty glitchy.”
- “The gameplay is literally the same as it was in 2015 with some very minor differences in a few animations.”
- “The actual gameplay is still glitchy and broken, more so than years past I would argue, not to mention the money grab that is MUT.”
graphics
251 mentions
24 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The graphics in the latest Madden installment have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they feel outdated and similar to previous versions, often likening them to graphics from as far back as 2005. While some users appreciate the visual improvements and find the graphics decent, others criticize the lack of significant advancements, especially on PC, where many feel they are receiving a last-gen experience. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the graphics may be visually appealing to some, they do not meet the expectations for a modern AAA title, particularly in terms of innovation and performance.
- “Great graphics and of course updated rosters.”
- “The graphics are incredible.”
- “Awesome game, super fun to play, the new roster is sick and graphics are insane.”
- “The graphics are honestly from 2005.”
- “Graphics are terrible for a game this price.”
- “The graphics look like total crap on the PC, it's 2021 and your game looks the same from years and years ago!!!”
music
118 mentions
10 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing it as the worst soundtrack in the series' history, dominated by poorly chosen rap tracks that detract from the overall experience. Players express frustration over the lack of variety and quality, often opting to mute the game entirely to avoid the "offensive" and "annoying" tunes. Overall, the consensus is that the music significantly undermines the game's appeal, with calls for a return to previous soundtracks that featured a more diverse selection.
- “This game is just amazing and also has great music; I've had my fair share of glitches, but they always end up good.”
- “It's a really good game and the music is fire.”
- “Great soundtrack.”
- “The soundtrack is made up of probably the worst music humankind has ever made and annoys the hell out of me.”
- “It's the exact same game as the previous one, but with a worse soundtrack, and worse performance.”
- “The music is terrible -- like it almost seems like gamers are being punked with deliberately bad music.. disable this asap.”
story
95 mentions
14 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The story mode in the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing it as poorly written, filled with cringe-worthy dialogue, and lacking engaging content. Players express frustration over unskippable cutscenes, pointless side stories, and a lack of meaningful choices, leading to a feeling of monotony and disappointment. Overall, the narrative experience is seen as a significant downgrade from previous iterations, with many calling for a return to more immersive and interactive storytelling elements.
- “Great graphics and I love the face of the franchise storyline.”
- “The deep storytelling of this game makes every other game go to shame.”
- “The story mode is absolutely horrific, and if you expect to do anything but just sim games or play with the AI, then just let the disappointment seep in smoothly.”
- “It's the most uninteresting, canned story with insanely terrible dialogue and many scenes where there's not even voice acting, just you reading captions for no reason.”
- “Way too much talking, too many useless and boring cut-scenes, and the story is pure swill.”
monetization
47 mentions
6 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
77 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with rampant microtransactions and excessive advertisements detracting from the overall experience. Many reviewers express frustration over the focus on profit-driven modes like Ultimate Team, which are seen as predatory and lacking in genuine gameplay innovation. Overall, players feel that the game prioritizes monetization over quality, leading to a disappointing and soulless experience.
- “Despite the predatory microtransactions, if you like football, I recommend it.”
- “Other games with this many microtransactions are free.”
- “I wish I could say I was surprised, but EA has once again confirmed that they are only interested in finishing the modes that will make them money through in-game purchases.”
- “This is a pathetic cash grab from a billion dollar company that does not care if the product is any good because of their chokehold over the NFL license and simulation football games.”
- “It's a soulless cash grab that has little effort put into it.”
- “This game is just a pay-to-win cash grab from EA; stay away unless you're stupid about football.”
optimization
39 mentions
10 % positive mentions
28 % neutral mentions
62 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, particularly for its poor performance on PC, with many users reporting significant bugs, stuttering, and crashes. Despite being released over a year ago, it remains unoptimized and feels like a downgrade from previous versions, especially for PC players. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess" with minimal improvements and a lack of attention to performance issues.
- “In 22', there are very little graphical issues, performance issues, in and out of menus and playbook menu-to-game play has been completely smoothed out.”
- “Enough content to keep you playing and PC runs smoothly.”
- “The performance is outrageous.”
- “This game is a piece of unoptimized garbage, and it's been out for over a year.”
- “Fast forward a few years later to me buying Madden 22 on PC just to find out not only is it the exact same game, the optimization is arguably worse on PC.”
- “The gameplay and graphics haven't been updated in the slightest, and yet somehow it runs incredibly terribly, constantly stuttering.”
humor
20 mentions
95 % positive mentions
-10 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its numerous glitches and absurdities, with players finding amusement in the game's unrealistic mechanics and comedic moments, such as bizarre animations and AI behavior. While some users appreciate the unintentional humor, others feel that the game's issues detract from the overall experience, leading to a mix of laughter and frustration. Overall, the humor is seen as a double-edged sword, providing entertainment for some while being a source of annoyance for others.
- “I find it hilarious that Brady is on the cover of this game, and proceeds to retire the same year.”
- “Honestly, this game is so far from realistic, it's literally funny.”
- “This game is almost like it's in an alpha state with how hilariously bad most of the 'cutscenes' are in Face of the Franchise.”
- “It is an unfunny joke.”
- “The humor falls flat and feels forced.”
- “I found the jokes to be cringeworthy and lacking originality.”
grinding
16 mentions
6 % positive mentions
13 % neutral mentions
81 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and time-consuming, often feeling like a cash grab due to the overwhelming reliance on microtransactions for better rewards. Players report significant frustration with losing progress, facing opponents with superior teams despite their own extensive grinding, and experiencing technical issues that further detract from the experience. While some players find enjoyment in the grind, many feel it is ultimately unfulfilling and overly demanding.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “I've tried strategies, new playbooks, newer, better players, hours of grinding for the auction house, and nothing helps.”
- “The MUT has progressed into a complete microtransaction mess, to the point the rewards you get for grinding are absolute trash, which incentivizes you to buy the packs that are extremely overpriced for what you actually get.”
- “Each game is like an hour, and it's just an hour of you getting destroyed by people who spent money. The only way for you to get better stuff is if you sit and play for hours grinding the stupid challenges that, with your crappy team they give you, are nearly impossible to do.”
atmosphere
5 mentions
40 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its amazing quality, significantly enhancing the overall experience with exciting gameday elements and improved on-pitch dynamics. Players appreciate the next-gen graphics and star-driven AI, which contribute to a more immersive and engaging environment. However, some users express frustration over the game's pricing relative to perceived content quality.
- “If there's anything this game has going for itself, it's the overall atmosphere: it is amazing and can often invoke pure excitement while playing or when following/analyzing a game.”
- “+ the atmosphere on the pitch improved significantly.”
- “Gameday atmosphere is the only real new thing in this game, outside of whatever 40 GB scouting update, which hopefully is alright. They want to charge full price for an inferior version of the game; I want my money back, EA.”
- “What I am getting at is next-gen graphics, star-driven AI, and game day atmospheres.”
replayability
3 mentions
67 % positive mentions
-67 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game offers solid replayability, particularly through its franchise mode and fantasy draft features, earning a score of 7/10. While some issues persist, players believe that future updates from the developers will enhance the overall experience.
- “Replayability - 7/10”
- “If you're patient with the devs, eventually they'll fix that problem and make it a bit more playable, but so far the game is great in my opinion.”
- “There's a lot of replayability, especially in franchise mode and fantasy draft.”
- “Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
- “The lack of diverse outcomes makes replaying the game feel tedious.”
emotional
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by users expressing feelings of hurt and vulnerability, suggesting a deep connection to the characters and narrative. However, some players feel that the gameplay mechanics detract from this emotional experience, leading to a sense of detachment and dissatisfaction.