Sports games have always had a tenuous relationship with their players. While they are an accessible and enjoyable way to become immersed in a professional sport, their yearly release structure makes it difficult for developers to apply meaningful changes with each new entry. One of the biggest culprits of this trend tends to be theMadden NFLfranchise, and fans have not been shy to voice theirdispleasure at lacklusterMaddengamesin the past. Now,Madden NFL 22is on the horizon with the promise of another year of football action.
While some fans may be quick to dismissMadden NFL 22because of EA’s recent track record, it should be said that this year’s game seems to be making worthwhile changes to theMaddenformula. Many of them seem to be in the name of furthering immersion, and letting players feel like they are in more control of their favorite players or teams. It remains to be seen how these changes will actually affect gameplay whenMadden NFL 22releases, but EA certainly seems to be making an effort at showing players that this year’sMaddenis worth playing.
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Madden NFL 22’s Gameplay Changes
The past fewMaddengames have done what they can to make dynamic adjustments, butMadden NFL 22looks to make some serious changesthat should make it unique. The most significant addition is known as Gameday Momentum. Through this feature, teams will gain momentum off of certain plays they execute just like real NFL teams.
With each great play a momentum bar is filled, subsequently giving players access toMadden 22’s new perk system, M-factors. These perks vary depending on the team and stadium that each game is played in, but they offer a deeper layer of nuance thatMaddenhas rarely seen before.
Madden NFL 22’s New Franchise Features
Madden’s Franchise modehas routinely given players the chance to live out the dream of managing an NFL team and bringing them all the way to the Super Bowl. SomeMaddengames haven’t shown a lot of care toward this fan-favorite mode, butMadden NFL 22looks to change that trend.
Madden 22is giving playersan unprecedented amount of control in Franchise, allowing them to manage everything from front office staff to what the team’s plan will be going into each week. This should allow players to really feel in control of their team from the ground up, and give Franchise a serious depth compared to previous years.
Madden NFL 22’s New Ultimate Team Features
Madden’s Ultimate Team mode is one of the most popular and controversial that the franchise has ever had. While it’s ushered in the idea for other sports games to give players the option to put together fantasy teams with their favorite players, it’s also cultivatedaggressive microtransaction strategiesthat much of the industry has replicated.
Madden NFL 22isn’t dialing back on this strategy, but it is making some changes to Ultimate Team that should help players strategize without making the mode asdependent on pay-to-win mechanics. One of the most significant changes isMadden 22’s halftime adjustments, which will allow players to change their x-factor abilities in the middle of the game to get an edge. It may seem like a small change, but it could help keep games from feeling too one-sided if a player makes the right decision at halftime.
This year, it seems that EA has really listened to players that wantMaddento make some serious changes.Madden NFL 22is directly responding to some of those requests with its Franchise features, and it’s brought some pleasant surprise with its Gameday Momentum that should help make each game dynamic. The game has a lot to prove with it being the firstMaddenon next-gen consoles, so hopefullyMadden NFL 22will manage to show players it’s worth picking up this year, and for more years to come.
Madden NFL 22releases August 20 on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
