The Madden NFL franchise has faced criticism in recent years for its perceived stagnation and lack of meaningful improvements. While sales remained strong, fans yearned for a more refined and enjoyable experience. Madden NFL 23, while not groundbreaking, addresses these concerns by focusing on simplicity and refining key gameplay elements, resulting in the most enjoyable Madden title in years.
One of the first noticeable improvements in Madden NFL 23 is the streamlined main menu. Gone are the cluttered screens and confusing navigation of previous installments. Instead, players are greeted with a clean, easily navigable interface that puts the focus squarely on the game modes. This emphasis on simplicity carries over into the gameplay itself.
Previous Madden games were often plagued by erratic on-field action, with hitches in player movement contributing to an unrealistic and disjointed feel. Madden NFL 23 significantly smooths out the gameplay, creating a more fluid and responsive experience. The difference compared to Madden NFL 22 is immediately apparent, particularly when opting for the “smooth gameplay” setting upon initial startup. While this prioritizes performance over visual fidelity, the impact on graphics is negligible.
madden-nfl-23-menu.jpgFurther enhancing the on-field experience is the new optional passing system. This system allows for unprecedented precision, enabling players to place the ball in specific locations around receivers and choose the type of pass thrown. This adds a layer of realism and significantly reduces the frustrating passing glitches that plagued previous iterations.
Simplicity is a core tenet of Madden 23. While the new passing controls require practice, they are intuitive and easy to grasp. The streamlined menus contribute to a more focused experience, emphasizing the core gameplay over superfluous features. This philosophy is particularly evident in the Face of the Franchise mode.
Instead of a convoluted storyline, Madden NFL 23’s Face of the Franchise mode drops players into the action a few years into their career. Playing as a backup seeking a starting role, players navigate free agency, choosing teams based on salary and playing time opportunities. This allows for a more personalized and engaging experience, letting players shape their career path from the outset. This simplified approach effectively immerses players in the game while providing meaningful choices.
While Madden NFL 23 doesn’t revolutionize the sports gaming genre, it represents a welcome return to form for the franchise. The focus on simplicity across all aspects of the game creates a more enjoyable and less frustrating experience, laying the groundwork for future improvements.
The game culminates in a more enjoyable experience than Madden entries of recent years. This return to simplicity throughout the game provides a foundation for future installments to build upon.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Madden NFL 23 is available now for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This review was conducted on a PlayStation 5 using a digital review code provided by the publisher.
