Hi friend! As someone who has analyzed gaming trends and data for over a decade, you‘ve come to the right place to get the full scoop on whether Madden 23 is worth an upgrade from Madden 22. In my thorough guide, I‘ll compare the key differences between the two and offer my expert take on if the changes truly make Madden 23 a must-buy. Let‘s dive in!
The Short Answer: Madden 23 Brings Noticeable Improvements, Especially on Next-Gen Consoles
To cut to the chase: yes, I‘d say Madden 23 is a worthwhile upgrade overall, particularly if you game on newer consoles. The main draw is the new FieldSense gameplay engine that makes on-field action more lifelike and dynamic. From tackling to blocking to QB pocket movement, FieldSense adds a new layer of realism missing in Madden 22. Plus, franchise mode gets some solid enhancements that address long-standing fan gripes. Now let me explain further why I give Madden 23 a moderate thumbs up.
FieldSense Gameplay is a Quantum Leap Forward on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
Easily the crown jewel of Madden 23 is the next-gen exclusive FieldSense gameplay system. It aims to replicate the authentic sights, sounds, and feelings of real NFL football through four key pillars:
360° Cuts Add Explosiveness to Ball Carriers
The new 360° Cut move gives running backs far more control and precision when pulling off cuts and jukes. This small tweak makes players like Derrick Henry feel every bit like their bruising real-life counterparts. No longer do you feel locked into canned animations. Defenders now have a much tougher task reacting to your moves.
Pass Rush Moves Are Based on Player Ratings and Styles
In prior Madden editions, pass rushers all used the same canned moves to beat blockers. Now with FieldSense, abilities like spin moves, swim moves, and bull rushes are tied directly to a defender‘s attributes. So someone like Myles Garrett has a deadly arsenal of moves that matches his real life skillset. Going against linemen feels like a true match-up based battle.
360° Digital Pocket Helps QBs Maneuver Under Pressure
FieldSense gives quarterbacks more control to step up, side step, or back pedal within a pocket using the right analog stick. Subtle movements in tight spaces help you evade pressure and buy extra time to throw. Passing on the run also gets an accuracy boost based on QB abilities. Aaron Rodgers‘ limber scrambling skills stand out here.
Hit Everything Delivers More Impactful, Realistic Tackles
My favorite FieldSense enhancement is the Hit Everything tackle system. Defenders can now make contact with the ball carrier from any angle using different hit types – bars, wraps, straps, grabs, etc. The variety and physicality of tackles looks light years smoother than rigid Madden 22 takedowns. Bone-jarring hit reactions truly match broadcast quality.
Adding it all up, FieldSense injects much-needed dynamism into Madden 23‘s gameplay. The fluidity of motion brings you closer than ever to the unmatched intensity of NFL Sundays. These changes alone make the upgrade worthwhile for PS5 and Series X gamers.
Presentation Channels the Energy of Real NFL Broadcasts
Complementing the on-field improvements, Madden 23 also steps up its presentation:
- New pre-game and halftime shows built from NFL Films archive footage
- Expanded 3-man commentary team featuring Tony Romo and Charles Davis
- Enhanced stadium atmosphere, crowd chants, mascots
- 4K capable player character models on next-gen consoles
The shift to replicated NFL broadcast elements helps capture the big game aura missing in prior titles. Pregame build-up now has a cinematic flair thanks to NFL Films quality shots and production. Halftime recaps also channel an authentic ESPN-style rundown. And the booth trio of Charles Davis, Brandon Gaudin, and Tony Romo already sounds livelier than last year‘s duo.
From mascot antics to stadium exteriors to fan cheers rising after big plays, the presentation overhaul helps submerge you in NFL Sunday energy. It‘s a big step towards matching the TV viewing experience.
Franchise Mode Enhancements Are Very Welcome
Let‘s move away from the field and talk modes. Madden‘s classic franchise gets several nice touches:
- Staff Management – More options for hiring/firing/contract extensions, previous experience shown
- Free Agency – Improved hub shows player personalities, goals
- Scouting – Streamlined process focuses on position drills/combines
- Contracts – Motivations like money, playing time, team Chemistry shown
On their own, none of these changes are huge. But together they provide welcome depth for franchise builders. I especially like seeing free agent personalities and having a clearer picture of what draftees excel at. It fixes legacy franchise grievances without overhauling things. This feels like a nice tune-up addressing fan wish list items.
The Bottom Line: Franchise Fans Have Reason for Optimism
While not perfect, the franchise updates indicate Madden developers are listening to community feedback. As an avid single-player franchise gamer myself, I‘m excited to try these fan-friendly changes. They show a commitment to improving the deepest modes year-over-year.
On PS4 and Xbox One, Upgrades Are Less Dramatic
Now for the downside. If you‘re still gaming on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, you won‘t get access to the big FieldSense enhancements, since they‘re exclusive to new consoles. And other changes to gameplay, graphics, presentations, etc. are more modest.
Retro gen owners will likely see this as a glorified roster update. Even the franchise upgrades feel pared back. So while I recommend current-gen players try the 10-hour EA Play trial, I‘d caution against buying at full $60-70 price until you get a next-gen console. The improvements just aren‘t big enough otherwise.
Key Gameplay Elements Get Helpful Tuning
Looking broadly at on-field play, Madden 23 does apply beneficial tuning and balance tweaks:
- Smoother pass trajectories with fewer wild throws
- Run blocking improvements make ground game more consistent
- Play action upgrades counter aggressive defenses
- New pass rush mechanics expand defensive movesets
These changes combine to deliver a more polished, true-to-life brand of football:
"Gameplay has a more authentic simulation football tempo this year. You can really focus on the strategic battle of play calling."
Don‘t expect revolutionary differences versus Madden 22. But the gameplay continues trending in an incremental, yet positive direction. Fewer exploits and cheap plays means relying more on smart schemes and stick skills.
The Big Picture: Gameplay Feels More Balanced and Simulated
To sum up – the passing, running, blocking, tackling, and defensive improvements all work together to create a smoother and deeper on-field experience. Casual fans may not notice dramatic shifts. But for hardcore competitive players, the tuned-up gameplay is very welcome.
The Bills Overtake the Bucs for Top Team Rating
Looking at team ratings, the Buffalo Bills take the crown as the best squad in Madden 23 with an overall 89 rating. The Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams sit right behind at 88. Previously top-ranked Tampa Bay falls to 3rd at 87, largely due to Tom Brady‘s un-retirement.
| 1 | Buffalo Bills | 89 |
| 2 | Los Angeles Rams | 88 |
| 3 | Tampa Bay Bucs | 87 |
| 4 | Green Bay Packers | 86 |
| 5 | Dallas Cowboys | 86 |
The Bills moving to #1 shows respect for their stacked roster. But overall the ratings remain similar with no major shakeups. Teams like the Eagles, Ravens, and Bengals see small bumps in line with their real-world rise.
Key Player Rating Adjustments
Some notable player rankings:
- Josh Allen takes top QB spot with 97 rating (+1 vs. Madden 22)
- Cooper Kupp #1 WR with 99 rating (+2 vs. Madden 22)
- Myles Garrett ties for top EDGE at 99 (+2 vs. Madden 22)
- Aaron Donald holds #1 DL rank with 98 rating (unchanged)
Again we see incremental shifts rather than overhauls. Young stars like Justin Herbert and CeeDee Lamb see deserved ratings bumps. But the cream of the crop remains similar, indicating relative NFL status quo.
Strong Early Sales Project Another Madden Chart-Topper
Let‘s wrap up the comparison by looking at some key commercial data points:
- Madden 23 topped PS5 and Xbox Series X/S sales charts for August 2022
- Outsold Madden 22 in first 2 weeks by approx. 10%
- On pace to be the #1 highest grossing game of August 2022
- Strong reviews from critics and influencers are fueling purchases
The sales figures show fans still have a fervent appetite for the annual new Madden release. It continues dominating as a commercial juggernaut.
While critics agree more innovation is needed, consumers trust the Madden brand to deliver a fresh NFL gaming fix each season. Given the improved critical reception, I expect sales momentum to continue outpacing the previous entry.
The Verdict: Sales and Sentiment Point to Another Big Madden Hit
In the end, the market demand remains highly bullish on Madden. Fans hungry for updated rosters and incremental upgrades are turning out in droves, as seen by strong early adoption. While not a revolutionary entry, Madden 23 looks poised to succeed commercially thanks to polished on-field play and trusted brand appeal.
The Bottom Line: Madden 23 Delivers Meaningful Improvements over Madden 22
To summarize my insider take: Madden 23 represents a clear step forward from Madden 22, introducing several fan-friendly enhancements:
- FieldSense engine on next-gen consoles
- Upgraded franchise mode depth
- Smoother core gameplay tuning
- Enhanced presentation elements
While not every change is monumental, the total package of upgrades provides a noticeably improved experience, especially for PS5 and Series X/S gamers. The sales trends also speak to another commercial hit.
So while further innovation is still needed, I can comfortably recommend Madden 23 to football fans seeking a refined on-field product. Next year‘s entry will hopefully build upon this foundation with expanded online franchises, retooled Superstar mode, and broader gameplay leaps. But for now, Madden 23 moves the needle forward in a year with few other sports gaming contenders. It stays a must-buy for diehard NFL aficionados.
Let me know if this gives you the complete lowdown you needed, my friend! I‘m happy to offer any other insights from my decade analyzing virtual gridiron gameplay. Enjoy the improved pigskin action in Madden 23!
