Madden 20 Review Roundup -- Here's What The Critics Are Saying

It is officially Madden season, as Madden NFL 20 launches today for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game was already available on EA Access and through premium versions, but the game's official release date is August 2, seemingly timed with the first NFL pre-season game between the Falcons and Broncos on August 1.

To help you get an idea for if Madden NFL 20 is worth your time and money, we're collecting review scores and excerpts from a variety of outlets to give you an at-a-glance idea if you want to pick it up or not.

Here at GameSpot, I scored Madden NFL 20 an 8/10. The new QB1 story mode generally felt like a disappointment to me, while I particularly enjoyed the new X-Factor and Superstar abilities that shake up the franchise's familiar formula in new and exciting ways.

You can see a roundup of review scores and excerpts from other publications across the internet below. You can also visit GameSpot sister site Metacritic to see a wider look at the critical reaction to Madden NFL 20.

Madden NFL 20

• Game: Madden NFL 20
• Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
• Developer: EA Sports
• Release date: August 2
• Price: $60 / £60 / $100 AUD

GameSpot -- 8/10

"When it comes to the on-the-field action ... the new X-Factor and Superstar abilities shake up the familiar gameplay formula to give seasoned players and newcomers alike a fresh way to scheme plays and orchestrate strategy on both sides of the ball." -- Eddie Makuch [Full review]

Shacknews -- 4/10

"Once the crown jewel of the EA Sports catalog, Madden NFL 20 seemingly revels in its reputation as recycled garbage and belongs in a bin." -- Chris Jarrard [Full review]

IGN -- 8.1/10

"In addition to the usual incremental graphics upgrade and respectable new story campaign, Madden NFL 20 meaningfully improves on a lot of the issues that plagued the previous iteration(s). The running game is noticeably smoother and X-Factor traits make superstar players actually feel like a force to be reckoned with on the field, and while there are still problems that linger with animations, it’s safe to say that EA Tiburon is making large strides in the right direction." -- Robert Kollars [Full review]

GamesRadar -- 4/5

"Collectively, it feels like Madden is in the early stages of re-building a perennial contender. Like drafting a left tackle with the first overall pick, the changes to Madden 20 aren't flashy, but they feel like the right moves to make in order to compete for years to come." -- Mark Delaney [Full review]

SportingNews -- 4/5

"Whether it's the X-Factors, new Face of the Franchise mode, or even signature player animations, 'Madden NFL 20' feels more true to life than ever before. The lack of advancement in core areas such as presentation and Franchise Mode, however, hold this edition back from being the complete package." -- Bryan Wiedey [Full review]

GameRevolution -- 3/5

"The new Face of the Franchise mode is totally underwhelming and fails to tell a meaningful story and the X-Factor abilities are helpful for newcomers but don’t really change how a solid player would play the game any. These changes are all a positive for long-term but it lacks any selling point and has launched in a frustrating state that undermines the solid football mechanics that EA has refined over the past several decades." -- Tyler Treese [Full review]

Metro Game Central -- 7/10

"The casual fan will find plenty to enjoy but diehards will see Madden 20 as just another facelift to a franchise that knows how to succeed but struggles to innovate." -- Jay Jaffa [Full review]