Electronic Arts revealed a first look atMadden NFL 21ahead of the publisher’s planned summer EA Play presentation on June 17. As part of the first look, EA droppedMadden NFL 21’s updated release date, a reveal trailer giving insight into the game’s new gameplay controls, and the game’s cover. The prestigious spot onMadden NFL 21’s cover this year has been earned by Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson.Madden NFL 21will launch on August 28.
Jackson had an incredible season in 2019-2020. He became the second NFL player ever record two games with a perfect passer rating in the same season. He became the second quarterback to run for 1,000 yards in a season. And he passed Michael Vick to set a record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback. The AP awarded Jackson with the Most Valuable Player of the Year award and he was named to the All-Pro First Team. Jackson is the second-youngest player to ever earn theNFL’s MVPaward for the regular season.
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As part of the announcement, Jackson provided a statement, saying that he, “grew up playing Madden and owned every copy I could get my hands on.” He saidadorning the cover of this year’sMaddenis a dream come true and that he thinks everyone will love the new features.
What Jackson is referring to in terms ofnew gameplay featuresinclude improved “ball-carrier mechanics” that specifically improve controls for the running back and receiver positions. D-Line mechanics are also improved, so that pass rush rushing is “more responsive and fun to play.” Other areas of improvement include Realistic Open-Field Tackling, as well as player-controlled celebrations after every single play.
There are more improvements from there inMadden NFL 21, of course. Another area that will see improvements in this year’s football game is on-field camera shots.EAsays chances are being made to improve the “overall authenticity and presentation” of the game with these camera angles. Not only will they improve the look of the game, but they will also improve player awareness of their players' positioning.
The NFL is in an interesting position compared to other sports organizations in 2020. The NFL wrapped up its latest season early this year ahead of theCOVID-19 pandemicgetting out of control. And the 2020 season of the NFL could potentially begin as planned as soon as September 10. If everything goes perfectly from here and COVID-19 begins to shirk,Madden NFL 21could launch right ahead of this year’s season starting just like normal. A rare opportunity for normalcy in the sporting world.
Madden NFL 21releases August 28 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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