It has long been rumored since early spring, but yesterday morning, NFL and Madden fans finally got the confirmation that 2019 NFL 1st team All-Pro, Pro Bowl MVP, Offensive MVP, and NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson will be the cover athlete for the Standard, Deluxe, and MVP Edition of the game.
The first thing fans will notice about this year’s covers is the change in art direction that EA went with this year. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, EA had to improvise as they weren’t able to book Lamar for the traditional cover shoot. Instead, EA Sports reached out to the Baltimore Ravens team photographer, Shawn Hubbard for photos to make collage covers with.
Madden NFL 21 will mark the end of an era for this generation of consoles when it releases on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles later this summer. However, EA Sports confirmed that fans that purchased Madden NFL 21 on the PS4 and Xbox One console will get a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X holiday console releases up until the Madden NFL 22 console releases. When fans upgrade to the new consoles, they will have access to features not available on the current-gen PlayStation 4 and Xbox One console versions.
But if you’re unable to immediately upgrade to the next generation of consoles, EA still has you covered for some exciting new features and gameplay mechanics for this current-gen hardware.
Here is what you can expect on current-gen consoles when Madden NFL 21 release courtesy of Gridiron Notes.
Face of the Franchise: Rise to Fame
Face of the Franchise returns! Create yourself and begin your career as a quarterback in high school where you’ll attempt to lead your team to a State Championship. We should mention while your career starts in high school, that doesn’t mean you’ll be the starting quarterback. Don’t worry, no story spoilers here.
Next, you’ll start your college career on National Signing Day where you’ll pick between ten Division 1 schools. You’ll be able to play two seasons of the College Football Playoffs where you’ll attempt to win not one, but two NCAA Championships. While in college you’ll have the chance to stay as a quarterback or switch positions to a running back or wide receiver.
After your college career, you’ll be attending the NFL Combine where you’ll have the chance to test your skills and run the iconic 40-yard dash.
When you finally enter the NFL, your career doesn’t stop. You’ll have the chance to experience different storylines, each season as you make your case for the Hall of Fame.
New Gameplay Features
Skill Stick
You’ll be able to combo together all your evasive moves on the right analog stick, including Juke, Spin, Hurdle, and Dead Leg. The Skill Stick brings more fluid, athletic movement to the field and gives you more control over the moves you want to perform.
Pass Rush Moves
All your pass rush moves and block-sheds for Madden NFL 21 will now be on the right analog stick. You’ll have full control to choose the exact rush-move you want and when you want to do it. Be sure to use your rush moves strategically though, as each pass rusher has a limited amo›unt of available moves per play, and blockers will start to build resistance against repeated moves. This will give you more control and it adds a layer of strategy to one of the most important aspects of defense.
Location-Based Tackles
These are tackles where both the ball carrier and defender are aware of the first-down marker, end zone, and pylon. What this means is you’ll see ball carriers reach out with the ball while getting tackled to score a crucial touchdown or clutch up a first-down. You’ll also see the tackling defender struggle, but successfully deny the ball carrier these reaches-out moments.
Go all out in #Madden21
Pre-order now 🏈 https://t.co/2eaUgOqGk7 pic.twitter.com/jtUM1zNJ8i
— Madden NFL 21 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 16, 2020
Madden NFL 21 is out worldwide on August 28. Pre-order the Madden NFL 21 Deluxe or MVP Edition and play 3 days early
