Madden NFL 20 might just be the series' best outing to date. Between a less-oppressive Ultimate Team Mode, an excellent player career mode, and more exciting on-the-pitch plays it offers a whole lot of excellent content. Minor tweaks aside, Franchise mode could do with some love next year, but it isn't enough to dull these Friday Night Lights (sorry).

Madden NFL 20 have improved almost in every aspect. The core gameplay is still very good and challenging, maybe even too much so.

The new QB1 career mode--which includes a barebones NCAA football experience--overall feels like a half-baked idea that doesn't deliver anything meaningful or interesting. When it comes to the on-the-field action, however, 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.

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.

Madden 20 is back. As every summer, football fans have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport in a virtual way. In this case, EA brings us an iteration which has enough new additions to keep us playing for several hours. On the down side, we will miss important modes such as Longhorn and more news in franchise mode.

Madden NFL 20 is light on marquee features but builds a solid foundation for the future. [Issue#182, p.81]

If EA wanted to do something revolutionary with the series, it would have offered Madden NFL 20 as a roster and feature update to Madden NFL 19. Not because there isn’t an enjoyable, playable game here, but because Madden NFL 20 is just more of the same when the series should be making strides toward true greatness.