Is Madden 23 Worth It on PS5? A Detailed Breakdown

In my opinion as a seasoned football fan and gaming expert, yes, Madden NFL 23 is definitely worth picking up for PS5. While not revolutionary, it provides the most realistic and feature-rich Madden experience yet, especially for next-gen console owners.

What‘s New in Madden 23

Let‘s dive into the key new features and improvements in Madden 23:

• The FieldSENSE gameplay system overhauls on-field action for all positions with new mechanics, animations, and increased control
• Franchise mode gets its deepest update in years with improved scouting, free agency, staff management, skill trees, and weekly strategy
• Presentation sees minor upgrades including new player likeness scans, textures, lighting, and celebrations
• Ultimate Team includes a new Field Pass live service progression system with regular content updates
• Small tweaks to Face of the Franchise story mode like choosing your drafted team

While the core game modes remain familiar, major changes like FieldSENSE and the franchise overhaul provide significant improvements over Madden 22.

Sights and Sounds

Let‘s discuss Madden 23‘s visuals and audio on PS5. Player models are highly detailed, with excellent likenesses of stars like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Jefferson. Jersey textures, equipment, and accessories all look true to life. On-field graphics are crisp and clean in 4K resolution at 60fps. While not photorealistic, lighting, shadows, weather effects, and animations are the best they‘ve been thanks to PS5‘s power. Crowds and stadiums look great as well.

Commentary remains satisfying, with Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis delivering responsive play-by-play analysis. On-field audio captures QB cadences, pad hits, referee announcements and more immersively. The new half-time show "The Voice" adds some variety during breaks. Overall presentation is polished, if a bit too similar to last year.

Mastering the Gridiron

Gameplay this year aims for more realism through the FieldSENSE system. Some highlights:

• New skill-based passing gives you pinpoint control with various throw types – bullet, lob, touch, etc.
• 360 Cuts allow agile ball carriers to quickly change direction and break tackles
• Power back moves like stiff arms and trucking now require proper timing and aim
• Defenders play smarter zone coverage and make more realistic breakups
• Enhanced blocking AI improves creating running lanes

Madden 23 simply plays like an authentic simulation of pro football. Strategy is rewarded, and no two games feel the same. Thanks to PS5 features, loading is lightning fast and DualSense controller feedback adds immersion when rushing, tackling, or making skill moves. Overall gameplay improvements are noticeable coming from Madden 22.

My Early Impressions

In my first 10+ hours spent playing, I‘ve noticed:

• Running game feels weighty – cutbacks and bursts through holes are satisfying
• Defense is smarter and tighter overall, with better gap control
• Precision passing reinforces scanning the field, not forcing throws
• Each team has distinctive AI based on real-world playstyle
• Penalties seem slightly overtuned – I‘m seeing multiple per game

So far, Madden 23‘s gameplay matches the promise of bringing "authentic pro football" to life. Those FieldSENSE enhancements are very welcome.

Franchise Mode 2.0

For many like myself, franchise has always been Madden‘s main attraction. This year‘s overhaul adds several key components:

• Scouting system – Finally a true draft process with scouting college prospects all season to evaluate talents and uncover hidden dev traits
• Free agency – New system requires balancing team needs, the salary cap, and contract negotiations to sign stars
• Staff management – Hire coordinators, scouts and trainers that provide team-wide bonuses
• Skill trees – Upgrade your head coach, coordinators and players via RPG-style skill trees
• Weekly strategy – Set play calling tendencies, focus training, and gameplan each week for your upcoming opponent

These much-needed changes make everything from the draft to training players feel fresh and engaging again. I‘m excited to grow a dynasty over multiple seasons with these improved systems.

Franchise Mode Stats

For a mode that had gone stale in recent years, franchise sees the most meaningful improvements this time around.

Card-Collecting and Customization

For those who enjoy assembling a fantasy team, crafting strategies, and collecting rare player cards, Ultimate Team returns with new content updates through the Field Pass system. This provides clear progression objectives to work towards. The Yard offers relaxed, arcade-style football with alternate modes and customization unbound from NFL rules. Madden 23 gives card collectors and creative types plenty to tinker with.

Is Madden 23 Noob-Friendly?

For casual newcomers seeking some occasional NFL gaming, Madden 23 is absolutely approachable. Difficulty can be lowered to allow for big plays and comebacks. Assistance settings even enable AI help for functions like passing and tackling. Matches against the CPU are breezy, and the Skills Trainer teaches fundamentals. Taking your favorite team to the Super Bowl can be a light, rewarding experience for novice players.

How Does Franchise Mode Compare?

Versus other sports titles, Madden 23‘s upgraded franchise mode seems incredibly robust. Franchise has lagged behind equivalent modes in MLB The Show and NBA 2K in recent years when it comes to depth. But this year it catches up in areas like scouting, free agency, staff management, and RPG progression. FIFA‘s career mode still offers deeper youth systems and negotiation complexity. But Madden franchise finally feels modernized and complete again after half a decade of neglect.

Bottom Line

For diehard football gamers on next-gen consoles, Madden NFL 23 is definitely worth buying at launch. Improvements like FieldSENSE bring welcome realism that outweighs the minor flaws. The franchise mode overhaul by itself makes this feel like a fresh, must-own entry in the series after going stagnant. Both casual gamers and gridiron diehards can find plenty to enjoy. Madden 23 keeps the Lombardi Trophy with EA for another year.