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MADDEN

Madden 23 Review

Madden 23 Review

Madden 23 is not groundbreaking, but a clear step in the right direction.

Coming off two disappointing years in a row, Madden 23 developers focused on refining the game-play. Visually, Madden 23 did not take a big step forward but improvements to animations and defensive AI make it feel more polished, more enjoyable than the last few years. A respectable step forward for the series.

Game-play Improvements

Madden 23 is filled with advancements that are felt in the games play rather than seen.

A few of the improvements on offense offer a higher degree of control over your players, which in turn make things feel more smooth. On the other side of the ball, the defense is significantly smarter than before, making the experience more realistic.

Perhaps the biggest addition is Madden 23’s refined passing controls, which combine with an accuracy meter to offer more control when putting the ball in tight windows. Those offensive changes are balanced by a pass rush that shows more purpose and tighter zone coverage.

What About the Bugs?

Madden 23 is noticeably less buggy then its predecessors, at least on the field. The developers have stated that they felt Madden 23 was the most polished in recent memory.

Final Verdict

Madden fans will tell you that it hasn’t been a great few years for EA’s football simulation. Madden NFL 23 provides a glimpse of a light with a few smart enhancements to animations, AI, and passing mechanics that make meaningful improvements to the on field experience. It’s not greatness, but Madden 23 takes a meaningful step forward.

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Madden 23 First Impressions

Madden 23 First Impressions

Madden 23 is finally out, here are our first impressions.

There are Noticeable Visual Improvements

Madden 23 doesn’t take a huge leap in visuals when compared to Madden 22, but it does take a noticeable one.

Zone Defense Works Much Better

Being able to trust your A.I. in a coverage you called seems like a given in a football game, that has not been the case in previous iterations of Madden. The defense in Madden 23 makes more sense and in turn, the game is simply more fun.

The New Passing Mechanics Will Benefit the More Skilled Players

The biggest offensive change in Madden 23 is the new passing mechanics. You can still use classic passing, but if you can master the new mechanics it will add another layer to your game. The system is intuitive and adds depth to the experience.

Point of Contact Has Improved

You will notice more animations and more physics-based movement in the new approach EA has chosen. It’s not perfect, there are still issues, however it feels more like real football than previous versions.

Franchise Mode is Significantly Improved

The biggest improvement appears to be to the franchise mode, in line with our observation when beta was released. It is clear EA made the  mode a priority this year.

 

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MADDEN

Madden 23 X-Factors And Superstars

Madden 23 X-Factors And Superstars List

There’s a new group of Superstars and X-Factors in Madden 23, here’s everything we know about them.

X-Factors and Superstars are back in Madden 23. The abilities have been a popular feature since the X-Factor and Superstar systems were introduced in Madden 20.

For the newbies to the franchise, an X-Factor is a player that has a special ability that can be activated during a game while Superstars are given different passive skills to boost their overall stats. Both are valuable and can make the difference between winning and losing a game.

Below, fans can see the full lists of every X-Factor player and their ability along with all Superstars that we know of so far.

Madden 23 X-Factors

The list of X-Factors in Madden 23 is currently based on what was visible in the beta, so things may change before the official release on August 19.

Team Player Position Ability Ability Description
Bills Stefon Diggs WR Rac ‘Em Up Higher chance of winning a RAC catch vs. single coverage
Bills Tre’Davious White CB Shutdown Gets tighter in coverage + has a higher chance of securing an INT on contested balls
Bills Von Miller DE Fearmonger Higher chance of pressuring the QB while getting blocked
Bills Josh Allen QB Bazooka Maximum throw distance is increased
Broncos Russell Wilson QB Blitz Radar Able to identify blitzers at the line of scrimmage
Browns Nick Chubb RB Wrecking Ball Can pull off trucks and stiff arms with greater success
Browns Myles Garrett DE Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Buccaneers Tom Brady QB Pro Reads Highlights the first open receiver and negates pressure
Buccaneers Mike Evans WR Double Me Higher chance of winning aggressive catches vs. single coverage
Buccaneers Lavonte David MLB Run Stuffer Can block shed more effectively against rushing plays
Cardinals Kyler Murray QB Escape Artist Evades pressure more effectively by increasing sprint speed while out of the pocket
Cardinals DeAndre Hopkins WR Double Me Higher chance of winning aggressive catches vs. single coverage
Chargers Keenan Allen WR Max Security Higher chance of winning possession catches
Chargers Khalil Mack OLB Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Chargers Joey Bosa OLB Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Chargers Derwin James Jr. SS Reinforcement Increased chance of causing a pass break-up and performing run blocks
Chiefs Patrick Mahomes QB Bazooka Maximum throw distance is increased
Chiefs Travis Kelce TE Double Me Higher chance of winning aggressive catches vs. single coverage
Chiefs Chris Jones DT Momentum Shift The player wipes all zone progress away from on-field opponents or knocks them out of the zone
Colts DeForest Buckner DT Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Colts Jonathan Taylor HB Freight Train Higher chance to break the player’s next available tackle
Colts Stephon Gilmore CB Shutdown Gets tighter in coverage + has a higher chance of securing an INT on contested balls
Commanders Terry McLaurin WR Ankle Breaker Higher chance to dodge an opponent’s tackle when performing a skill move after the catch
Cowboys Dak Prescott QB Blitz Radar Able to identify blitzers at the line of scrimmage
Cowboys Micah Parsons OLB Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Dolphins Tyreek Hill WR Rac ‘Em Up Higher chance of winning a RAC catch vs. single coverage
49ers George Kittle TE Yac ‘Em Up Higher chance to break the first after-catch tackle
49ers Fred Warner MLB Zone Hawk Higher chance to make an INT in zone coverage
49ers Nick Bosa DE Relentless Pass rush skill moves don’t require points
Packers Aaron Rodgers QB Dots Allows for a perfect pass on any throw
Packers Jaire Alexander CB Shutdown Gets tighter in coverage + has a higher chance of securing an INT on contested balls
Panthers Christian McCaffrey HB Ankle Breaker Higher chance to dodge an opponent’s tackle when performing a skill move after the catch
Raiders Davante Adams WR Double Me Higher chance of winning aggressive catches vs. single coverage
Raiders Darren Waller TE Yac ‘Em Up Higher chance to break the first after-catch tackle
Raiders Chandler Jones OLB Fearmonger Higher chance of pressuring the QB while getting blocked
Rams Cooper Kupp WR Rac ‘Em Up Higher chance of winning a RAC catch vs. single coverage
Rams Aaron Donald DE Blitz Blockers have their resistance bars wiped away
Rams Jalen Ramsey CB Bottleneck Higher chance at winning press attempts in man coverage
Rams Bobby Wagner MLB Avalanche Hit-sticks while running downhill cause forced fumbles
Ravens Lamar Jackson QB Truzz Tackling doesn’t cause a fumble
Saints Alvin Kamara HB Satellite Higher chance to win RAC possession catches vs. coverage
Saints Cameron Jordan DE Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Saints Tyrann Mathieu SS Reinforcement Increased chance of causing a pass break-up and performing run blocks
Seahawks D.K. Metcalf WR Double Me Higher chance of winning aggressive catches vs. single coverage
Steelers T.J. Watt OLB Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Steelers Cameron Heyward DE Fearmonger Higher chance of pressuring the QB while getting blocked
Titans Derrick Henry HB Freight Train Higher chance to break the player’s next available tackle
Vikings Dalvin Cook HB First One Free Increased fakeout rate on a juke, hurdle, or spin when entering the zone
Vikings Justin Jefferson WR Double Me Higher chance of winning aggressive catches vs. single coverage
Vikings Danielle Hunter OLB Unstoppable Force Winning a pass rush engagement yields a quicker block shed
Madden 23 Superstars

As of the time of writing, we don’t know each Superstar’s ability, but we do have an idea of the players that will be Superstars in Madden 23. We’ll update the list when the abilities are officially released.

Team Player Position
Bengals Joe Mixon HB
Bengals Ja’Marr Chase WR
Bengals Jessie Bates III FS
Bills Micah Hyde FS
Bills Jordan Poyer SS
Browns Amari Cooper WR
Browns Wyatt Teller RG
Buccaneers Tristan Wirfs RT
Buccaneers Ryan Jensen C
Buccaneers Vita Vea DT
Buccaneers Shaquil Barrett OLB
Cardinals Rodney Hudson C
Cardinals J.J. Watt DE
Cardinals Budda Baker SS
Chargers J.C. Jackson CB
Chargers Austin Ekeler HB
Chargers Justin Herbet QB
Chargers Mike Williams WR
Colts Quenton Nelson LG
Colts Shaquille Leonard OLB
Commanders Jonathan Allen DT
Commanders Chase Young DE
Cowboys Ekeziel Elliot HB
Cowboys Tyron Smith LT
Cowboys Zack Martin RG
Cowboys Trevon Diggs CB
Dolphins Terron Armstead RT
Dolphins Xavien Howard CB
Eagles Jason Kelce C
Eagles Lane Johnson RT
Eagles Darius Slay Jr. CB
Eagles Fletcher Cox DT
Falcons Kyle Pitts TE
Falcons Cordarelle Patterson HB
49ers Deebo Samuel WR
49ers Trent Williams LT
Jaguars Brandon Scherff RG
Jets Mekhi Becton RT
Packers David Bakhtiari LT
Packers Kenny Clark DT
Panthers D.J. Moore WR
Panthers Brian Burns DE
Patriots Matt Judon OLB
Patriots Devin McCourty FS
Ravens Ronnie Stanley LT
Ravens Mark Andrews TE
Ravens Marlon Humphrey CB
Ravens Calais Campbell DE
Saints Michael Thomas WR
Saints Ryan Ramczyk RT
Saints Marshon Lattimore CB
Saints DeMario Davis MLB
Seahawks Jamal Adams SS
Steelers Diontae Johnson WR
Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick FS
Steelers Myles Jack MLB
Titans Jeffrey Simmons DE
Titans Kevin Byard FS
Vikings Adam Thielen WR
Vikings Eric Kendricks MLB
Vikings Za’Darius Smith OLB
Vikings Harrison Smith SS

 

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EA Charging Big Fee to Upgrade Madden 23 on PS5 and Xbox Series X

Madden Upgrade

The standard edition of Madden NFL 23 won’t include a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S upgrade.

If you purchase the standard version of Madden 23 on PS4 or Xbox One, for $59.99, you won’t be able to upgrade to its PS5 or Xbox Series X/S version later.

Only those who buy the Madden NFL 23 All Madden Edition, which will run you $99.99, will qualify for a next-gen upgrade.

This matches what we saw last year with the release of FIFA 22. Those who bought the standard edition of EA’s flagship sports game weren’t able to upgrade to next-gen consoles, and instead had to buy the FIFA 22 Ultimate Edition to play across both generations.

In an industry seemingly trying to squeeze every penny out of players, this actually strays from the norm among video game publishers. Most next-gen upgrades are given away for free or sold at a small fee. Few publishers make players buy an entirely fresh copy of a game they already own, just to move between console generations.

Looks like you will have to pay up to play across all gens in Madden 23.

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Is Madden 23 Crossplay?

Madden 23 Cross Play

A lot of people want to know if Madden NFL 23 is going to have crossplay.

In 2023, not only are the console wars going, but the war between current and previous generation consoles is ongoing. There are six different platforms you can play Madden 23 between PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X/S.

Does Madden NFL 23 have crossplay multiplayer?

Madden NFL 23 will not have cross-platform multiplayer or crossplay in any form.

The Madden NFL series has never had crossplay and EA Sports has made no zero mention of this changing with Madden NFL 23. With the game’s release approaching, it’s unlikely that EA Sports would have kept a change secret for this long when it would be a selling point for the game.

Madden NFL 23 crossplay is not available in any form. PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players are all segregated from one another, cross-generation play won’t be included either. This means that PlayStation 4 and 5 players, as well as Xbox One and Series X/S players, will all be prevented from playing with each other.

The deluxe editions do include “dual entitlement,” which gives players access to the game on two console generations. PS5 and Xbox Series X/S owners can have both versions of Madden NFL 23 installed on their consoles, allowing them to play multiplayer across both generations. This option unfortunately comes with a higher price tag and eats up your console’s storage.

 

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Madden 23 Fixes One Of Franchise Mode’s Biggest Issues

Madden 23 Franchise Mode Fix

This year’s Franchise mode finally resolved one of the series long running issues.

Earlier this month EA released details on it’s extremely popular Franchise mode and it looks to be much improved thanks to smarter scouting logic, deeper draft classes, and several other key changes. The biggest change revolving around free agency bidding looks to completely change the Franchise mode landscape.

In previous years, because free agency is broken into several phases in Madden, the league advances as a collective from one phase to the next. This allows free agents to pick their new teams based on the contract offers that are most favorable. For any well ran league, this would occur at a scheduled time of day so that all players know what to expect. But having that information also presents a huge, previously unavoidable flaw for everyone involved: If you know when a bidding war is set to end, you can treat Madden like eBay and bid as the window closes.

If you played in a franchise league prior to Madden 23 you likely have been on both sides of the problem. There hasn’t been anyone from stopping anyone from just waiting until the final few seconds to jump ahead with a better deal.

To address this you would need to take the entire free agency process out of the game and into a silent auction.

Madden 23 FINALLY resolves this problem with one long-awaited adjustment. In Madden 23’s free agency period, you can’t see other players bids, nor where yours lands in comparison. As now those who really want a player will need to offer a contract without the intel of knowing exactly what other offers are on the table. This should help Madden players recognize the value of a dollar more than ever before.

Players will still be able to know if their offer is in the range of something appealing to the player. New player motivations will provide insight into what a free agent is looking for in a team–great QB, starting spot, or even an income tax-free state have been mentioned as some examples. All authentic to the sport and, more importantly, create a much better user experience.

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EA Sports Aims to Release College Football Game in July 2023

NCAA Football 23

After teasing the release of a new college football video game last February, EA Sports has reportedly targeted a July 2023 release date for the reboot of the franchise.

According to a Jan. 2021 proposal, EA Sports along with the Collegiate Licensing Corporation informed schools they intend to release a college football game sometime in July 2023. CLC management later sent a follow-up proposal to multiple D-I schools in February of this year with an update confirming “game development is in full swing” and the “launch goal is still summer of 2023.”

While nothing released includes a specific date, EA Sports noted in last year’s proposal the target timeframe will allow for the “two-year game development window necessary for collecting game assets and developing game play to meet the current market demands for a unique college football game while following NCAA guidelines.”

The report also includes an update in regard to compensating players for the use of their likeness, the issue that led to the lawsuit that stopped production of NCAA Football in 2013. With the NCAA no longer allowed to govern student-athlete compensation, there’s hope that EA Sports will be able to use the players in the game, and would still launch the title if they are unable to use likenesses.

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Madden 23 Player Ratings

Madden 23 QB and OL RatingsFollowing the death of Hall of Fame coach John Madden, and EA Sports’ decision to put Madden on the cover, there seems to be an added feeling of legacy around the game this year. The player rating reveal has become part of that legacy, and EA has recently released the Madden 23 player ratings.

As the game has grown so has the attention that comes with player ratings. Ratings matter to players, they complain on social media about their rating, the Madden staff has an entire crew dedicated to adjusting ratings throughout the year. It’s a thing.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the Madden 23 launch ratings.

Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady, Buccaneers: 97

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: 96

3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: 95

4. Josh Allen, Bills: 92

5. Joe Burrow, Bengals: 90

6. Dak Prescott, Cowboys: 89

7. Justin Herbert, Charges: 88

T-8. Lamar Jackson, Ravens: 87

T-8. Russell Wilson, Broncos: 87

10. Matthew Stafford, Rams: 85

Offensive line

1. Trent Williams, OT, 49ers: 99

2. Zack Martin, G, Cowboys: 98

T-3. Tyron Smith, OT, Cowboys: 95

T-3. Quenton Nelson, G, Colts: 95

5. David Bakhtiari, OT, Packers: 94

6. Terron Armstead, OT, Dolphins: 93

7. Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles: 92

T-8. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Buccaneers: 91

T-8. Corey Linsley, C, Chargers: 91

10. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Ravens: 90

Running backs

1. Derrick Henry, Titans: 97

T-2. Nick Chubb, Browns: 96

T-2. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers: 96

4. Jonathan Taylor, Colts: 95

5. Dalvin Cook, Vikings: 94

6. Joe Mixon, Bengals: 93

7. Alvin Kamara, Saints: 90

8. Aaron Jones, Packers: 89

T-9. Austin Ekeler, Chargers: 88

T-9. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys: 88

Wide receivers

1. Davante Adams, Raiders: 99

2. Cooper Kupp, Rams: 98

3. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins: 97

4. DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals: 96

5. Stefon Diggs, Bills: 95

6. Justin Jefferson, Vikings: 93

7. Mike Evans, Buccaneer: 92

T-8. Terry McLaurin, Commanders: 91

T-8. Keenan Allen, Chargers: 91

10. Amari Cooper, Browns: 90

Tight ends

1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs: 98

2. George Kittle, 49ers: 97

3. Mark Andrews, Ravens: 93

4. Darren Waller, Raiders: 91

5. T.J. Hockenson, Lions (89

6. Kyle Pitts, Falcons: 87

7. Mike Gesicki, Dolphins: 86

8. Dallas Goedert, Eagles: 85

T-9. Zach Ertz, Cardinals: 84

T-9. Hunter Henry, Patriots: 84

1. Justin Tucker, Ravens: 90

2. Harrison Butker, Chiefs: 84

3. Evan McPherson, Bengals: 83

T-4. Chris Boswell, Steelers: 82

T-4. Younghoe Koo, Falcons: 82

T-6. Graham Gano, Giants: 81

T-6. Daniel Carlson, Raiders: 81

8. Robbie Gould, 49ers: 80

9. Matt Gay, Rams: 79

10. Nick Folk, Patriots: 78

1. Myles Garrett, Browns: 99

2. T.J. Watt, Steelers: 96

3. Nick Bosa, 49ers: 94

T-4. Von Miller, Bills: 92

T-4. Khalil Mack, Chargers: 92

T-6. Joey Bosa, Chargers: 91

T-6. Cameron Jordan, Saints: 91

T-8. DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys: 90

T-8. Chandler Jones, Raiders: 90

10. Rashan Gary, Packers: 89

1. Aaron Donald, Rams: 99

T-2. Cameron Heyward, Steelers: 93

T-2. Vita Vea, Buccaneers: 93

4. Jonathan Allen, Commanders: 92

5. Chris Jones, Chiefs: 91

6. DeForest Buckner, Colts: 90

7. Kenny Clark, Packers: 89

T-8. Jeffery Simmons, Titans: 88

T-8. Michael Pierce, Ravens: 88

10. Fletcher Cox, Eagles: 88

1. Fred Warner, 49ers: 94

2. Demario Davis, Saints: 93

3. Lavonte David, Buccaneers: 92

4. Bobby Wagner, Rams: 91

5. Darius Leonard, Colts: 90

6. Roquan Smith, Bears: 89

T-7. Micah Parsons, Cowboys: 88

T-7. Eric Kendricks, Vikings: 88

9. De’Vondre Campbell, Packers: 87

10. Devin White, Buccaneers: 85

1. Jalen Ramsey, Rams: 98

2. Jaire Alexander, Packers: 94

3. Tre’Davious White, Bills: 93

T-4. Darius Slay, Eagles: 92

T-4. Denzel Ward, Browns: 92

T-6. Marshon Lattimore, Saints: 91

T-6. Stephon Gilmore, Panthers: 91

T-8. J.C. Jackson, Chargers: 90

T-8. Marlon Humphrey, Ravens: 90

10. A.J. Terrell, Falcons: 89

1. Tyrann Mathieu, Saints: 94

2. Derwin James Jr., Chargers: 93

T-3. Budda Baker, Cardinals: 92

T-3. Kevin Byard, Titans: 92

T-5. Micah Hyde, Bills: 91

T-5. Justin Simmons, Broncos: 91

T-7. Jessie Bates III, Bengals: 90

T-7. Jordan Poyer, Bills: 90

T-7. Harrison Smith, Vikings: 90

T-7. Jamal Adams, Seahawks: 90

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Madden NFL 23 Reveals New Changes to Franchise Mode

Madden 23 Franchise Mode

Prior to its release in August, EA has revealed new information about changes that will be coming to Madden NFL 23’s Franchise mode.

Franchise mode is one of the most popular game modes on Madden every season, so a lot of us want to know what is being done to improve it. This time around, it seems like EA is looking to address many of the biggest complaints that players have had over the last few years.

Broken down in a newly released video, EA highlighted a number of the changes that will be implemented in Franchise mode.

Franchise Mode Changes

EA has overhauled the entire process involved with free agency, which means that moves in each offseason will have be be thought out a bit more.

Not only is the Free Agency hub getting a visual remodel, but the game will also implement new systems related to player motivations. There will now be a vast number of these motivations that players will take into account when looking to sign with a team. As such, signing a player will be more complex compared to past games where you would simply offer a high amount of money to get a player on your roster.

In addition, Franchise mode is going to implement a larger number of other updates. Scouting is getting refined, we will also see draft and trade logic getting overhauled. As far as cap space management, Madden 23 is also now implementing the rollover cap, which will give you more flexibility when it comes to constructing your roster.

If you’d like to learn more about all of the changes happening with Franchise this year, you can check it out on EA’s website.

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Madden 23: Trent Williams Joins The 99 Club

Trent Williams 99 Club

Madden 23’s released its first 99 Club member, and 49ers OT Trent Williams is the man.

Williams was revealed as the first 99-rated player in Madden 23 on Twitter via Adrian Peterson, who welcomed him to the club.

The San Francisco 49ers Offensive Tackle is the first-ever Offensive lineman in Madden history to be added to the exclusive club.

Madden 23 99 Club

Last year Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Ramsey, Travis Kelce, Aaron Donald, and Davante Adams made the cut.

Mahomes should be back in the club this year, Kelce may miss out.

Rams pair Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald seem like a good bet to be on the club this year, having dominated last season.

Steelers LB TJ Watt and Browns’ DE Myles Garrett are also rumored to be joining list in Madden 23.

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