EA Sports is surely launching the beautiful Hail Mary to revamp its Madden franchise for the next generation. Madden 21 seems like the start of a new era for the way we see franchise modes. Although the game is set up for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, it is the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One editions that will receive the same mode changes. So, before a virtual ball player gets overwhelmed, even the most hardcore, here's a full list of what's freshly packed in Madden 21 franchise modes.
Presentation of "Face of the Franchise: Rise to Fame"
via EA SportsWhile the name doesn't say much about what this year's Face of the Franchise mode brings compared to past stories, you'll finally be creating a protagonist who will truly evolve with age. From high school ball to pigskin in college, then competing in the National Football League, Face of the Franchise will allow players to truly develop a sincere, yet generous player. Here's what you can expect from your trip to be better than Tom Brady:
- High school football is now the starting point for Face of the Franchise. As you build your future Hall of Fame for this RPG-inspired experience, you'll also be able to create and play at the high school where you begin your journey:
- During the prologue, you'll be the replacement for fictional star quarterback Tommy Matthews, who is dealing with an injury he's holding back from coaches.
- EA Sports has dispelled that you have to decide whether your protagonist will notify the coaching staff of the injury to propel you into that coveted star role.
- While the NCAA Football series remains dormant, the collegiate part of Rise to Fame is finally a fulfilling replacement:
- There are now ten universities to choose from for your college career: Michigan State, Florida, Nebraska, LSU, Oklahoma, Clemson, Oregon, Miami, Texas, and USC.
- Perhaps the most requested feature for Madden 21 now exists: Players can now play multiple seasons in the NCAA, while still being able to compete in the College Football Championship.
- All things considered, the protagonist will still be evaluated after every game by the NFL teams, as he will mark where you get drafted.
- When you finally reach the NFL, there won't be too many noticeable changes other than the layout and storyline:
- Award-winning NFL analyst Rich Eisen jumps into the game for a few cutscenes, as he interviews you before being drafted. It's not yet clear whether your answers will affect which NFL team you write up, but they usually do.
- Legendary NWA rapper Snoop Dogg also plays like him later in the game (because why not), but in a role that has yet to be announced.
- NFL Honors is also making its debut, as you can finally be invited to the awards show if your performance is at MVP level.
- Finally, in terms of Face of the Franchise, you'll be walking through a plethora of stories that will have a significant effect on how teammates and rivals view your character. Interestingly enough, EA has hinted that the turbulence you face depends on where you are written. So, you will have to play multiple games to see each story wrapped in the game.
Classic franchise mode gets a rebuff
via EA SportsOne of the biggest questions plaguing Madden 21 was whether EA Sports would include the new NFL playoff format that the actual league incorporated. Thankfully, the team behind the game have added that to this installment, along with other technical changes that play a huge role off the field.
- There are now 3 Wild Card Playoff games for NFC and AFC.
- Franchise mode becomes slightly more difficult with players now able to reach their second power once they hit an 85 overall.
- In Madden 20, it was easier to acquire a player's second boost, as they would only have to reach a total of 80.
- The skill trees for offensive linemen are much larger than in previous games.
- The passed skill tree has been removed, in favor of three different trees which vary depending on whether your lineman is an offensive tackle, offensive guard, or cross.
- Madden's rookie contracts are getting a lot more realistic. You need to keep an eye on their spending, especially before signing a big name first or second round pick as their contracts will cost you millions.
- Madden 21 will also introduce more X factors to the game for newbies and rising stars.
As Madden 21 remains EA's premier soccer simulator, these modes could certainly witness a slew of new updates and features bundled together throughout the year, and we'll be sure to keep you posted. Meanwhile, for fans of other sports games, like NBA 2K21, we have more information that you will probably find useful.
