Similarly powerful X-Factor abilities are available for defenders as well, and that helps balance things out. For example, the Gambler X-Factor ability-which only Aaron Rodgers has-makes it impossible for AI defenders to intercept his passes. The new X-Factor abilities are truly game-changers, and they further emphasize the distinction between the average NFL player and elite athletes. X-Factor abilities are unlocked when you meet the qualifications to get "in the zone"-for some QBs, it's throwing for 5 or more yards in the air multiple times without making a mistake-while Superstar abilities are passive traits tied to your player that are always active. 50 of the league's best players have been given these super abilities, and they revamp the fundamentals of Madden playmaking. Perhaps the biggest and most exciting change for Madden 20 are the new X-Factor and Superstar abilities. However, Franchise mode overall doesn't get any other significant or meaningful updates this year, which might be a bummer for seasoned players wanting more. Like with QB1, having weekly objectives that you decide on is a compelling way to keep you interested and engaged in a 16+ week season that can otherwise get monotonous and repetitive. Its implementation of the new Scenario Engine, which lets you interact with players and coaches through the aforementioned text-message system, is the best new feature for Franchise. Madden 20's standard Franchise mode, which is separate from the QB1 mode, gets a welcome update this year. The system is dynamic and responsive to what happens on the field week-to-week, and this is a nice touch that provides a further level of connection to your character and their status in the league. You can complete these to earn XP, which you can then invest into your character in an RPG-lite-like system where you choose which aspects of your game you want to develop.Īs an example, I responded with some trash talk against one of the league's best cornerbacks, Richard Sherman, and my Game Day Goal, as it's called, was to achieve 400 yards or more of offense and a 60-yard pass-not an easy task with Sherman in the backfield. The text message system, while not the best avenue for full conversation, is better utilized in delivering week-to-week objectives and challenges. The story overall feels barebones and incomplete, with the entirety of the QB1 mode feeling like a half-baked idea in the end.ĭespite the lackluster story and the way it's delivered, QB1 succeeds in connecting you to your on-field performance and inspiring you to improve or play differently each week once you've made it to the NFL. Not only that, but the story that QB1 does tell is hokey and clumsily unraveled. In general, QB1 moves at such a fast pace that it doesn't allow for thoughtful character development. That's too bad, because this character, in the limited screen time he gets, is far more interesting than the cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill one you create. Without giving too much away, another major storyline in QB1 involves your college teammate and friend, and it ends abruptly, with the strong suggestion that the story will continue in Madden NFL 21. ![]() There is one storyline in particular involving a sick child rooting for you that falls flat it tries too hard to tug on your heartstrings, moody piano pieces and all, without earning any payoff. This delivery method makes conversations awkward and ultimately forgettable. ![]() At that point, the narrative beats play out through text messages you receive from fans and other players from around the league. In part, that's because QB1's cinematic cutscenes and Telltale-style choices end once you get to the NFL. That's the idea, at least in practice, it leaves much to be desired. After making it to the NFL, the game then disappointingly becomes the standard Franchise mode, except your character has more backstory that acts as fuel to drive you to succeed on the field. ![]() There are some genuinely funny moments here with your aloof agent Les Moore, and interactions with him are some of the best character moments in the story mode. It's a treat to see fully licensed college football teams, complete with true-to-life jerseys, logos, stadiums, and marching band songs, but the gameplay experience in reality is limited to two games in the College Football Playoffs-and you can't play the college teams in quickplay later on.Īfter winning the National Championship against all odds, you're off to the NFL Combine where your performance in front of scouts and GMs determines how high you go in the draft. You select a school from 10 options, including heavyweights like Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and Clemson. However, the college football elements within Madden 20 are not anything significant. QB1's story picks up as you decide which college to attend and play for.
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