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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsMadden NFL 23 is a mixed, platform-dependent upgrade: its biggest step forward is on-field play on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, where EA introduced FieldSENSE. Critics saw improvements to passing and player control, but reviews also reported bugs, defensive coverage problems, and modes that changed little. Metacritic’s snapshot accessed October 8, 2026, was 69/100 from 30 critic reviews (“Mixed or Average”) and 1.7/10 from 263 user ratings (“Overwhelming Dislike”).
What the reviews say
The strongest case for Madden NFL 23 is that football feels more responsive in key moments. Selected reviews highlighted improved gameplay and greater passing control, and some saw the new mechanics as a useful foundation. The criticism is that those gains do not make the whole game consistently polished: reviews also cited glitches, technical problems, slow loading, and defensive coverage issues.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Madden NFL 23 – PlayStation 5 | $7.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Madden NFL 23 Standard Edition PS5 | VideoGame | English | $7.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Madden NFL 22 - PlayStation 5 | $6.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Damani MADDEN NFL 23 for PS5 Playstation 5 DVD | $7.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Metacritic’s page, accessed October 8, 2026, listed a critic Metascore of 69/100 from 30 reviews, labeled “Mixed or Average.” Those reviews broke down as 10 positive, 19 mixed, and one negative. Its user score was 1.7/10 from 263 ratings, labeled “Overwhelming Dislike”; 216 ratings were negative, 26 mixed, and 21 positive. These are separate groups of submissions on one site, not a poll of every owner, and the page’s scores can change.
What changed on the field—and which editions get it
EA described FieldSENSE as the game’s new gameplay foundation. It is available only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S; do not assume the PS4, Xbox One, or PC versions include the same features. EA announced Madden NFL 23 for those platforms as well as PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a worldwide launch on August 19, 2022. EA’s announcement identifies EA Tiburon as developer.
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#1 Best Overall
- Break off more big plays - New 360° Cuts give you the freedom and fluidity as the ball-carrier to hit the gaps you want to, plant-and-go, and elude defenders.
- Drop dimes all over the field - Lead your receivers open, drop back-shoulder throws into tight windows, and place every pass where only your receiver can catch it.
- Wreak hit-stick havoc - Redefining defensive pursuit, new Hit Everything mechanics let you be more disruptive on defense.
- Win the battle off the line - A suite of new wide receiver release moves and defensive back counter press mechanics make for some fancy footwork and 1-v-1 battles.
- Hit Everything: EA says the system branches physical interactions and tackles.
- 360 Cuts: lets ball carriers change direction with more control.
- Skill-Based Passing: gives players tools to adjust pass placement and power.
These are EA’s feature descriptions, not independent measurements of performance. The review evidence supports a qualified takeaway: some critics liked the added control, while others found FieldSENSE overcomplicated or noted that coverage issues and glitches could undercut the improvements.
Franchise and other modes: targeted updates, not a full rebuild
EA announced improvements to Franchise free agency, contracts, scouting, the hub, and trade logic. It also introduced Face of the Franchise: The League, with five skill positions and cornerback newly selectable, and described team-building changes for Madden Ultimate Team. These are announced features; reviews suggest the overall depth of change was uneven.
Rank #2
- Pre-order the Standard Edition and receive: Choice of 2 Elite Players (1 Offensive & 1 Defensive), All Madden Gear, Madden Strategy Item. (CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY)
- NEW GAMEPLAY MECHANICS: Only on Playstation5 and Xbox Series X|S in Madden NFL 23, an all-new suite of user-friendly gameplay control mechanics lets you affect every play no matter where you are on the field in ways never before possible
- 360° Cuts: Break off more big plays. Whether you're a running back, wide receiver after the catch, or returning a kick, new 360° Cuts give you the freedom and fluidity as the ball-carrier to hit the gaps you want to, plant-and-go, and elude defenders using Left Trigger/L2 and a well-timed flick of your stick
- Skill-Based Passing: Drop dimes all over the field. Lead your receivers open, drop back-shoulder throws into tight windows, and place every pass where only your receiver can catch it with surgical accuracy thanks to this all-new way to pass. Skill-based passing introduces a new accuracy reticle and passing meter
- Hit Everything: Wreak hit-stick havoc. Redefining defensive pursuit, new Hit Everything mechanics let you be more disruptive on defense. New animation branching technology in Madden NFL 23 enables next-gen Hit-Stick physics so you can perform mid-air knockouts, hit the pile to assist in tackles already in progress, blow up blocks, and force turnovers with stand up tackles
A Metacritic review excerpt said scouting and offseason changes should appeal to Franchise players, but the in-season experience remained largely unchanged. Reviews also described limited changes to Face of the Franchise and The Yard. If your main reason to play is a substantial overhaul of these modes, Madden NFL 23’s feature list should not be mistaken for one.
Who is likely to enjoy Madden NFL 23?
- Consider it if you want to play NFL football and value changes to tackling, cuts, and passing—especially on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
- Be more cautious if you prioritize consistently polished play, defensive reliability, or a major redesign of Franchise and other modes. Reviewers reported issues in those areas.
- Check the platform before buying if FieldSENSE is a deciding factor: EA lists it only for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, not PS4, Xbox One, or PC.
The available evidence is review commentary rather than a systematic bug audit or firsthand test, so it cannot establish how often a particular player will encounter the reported problems.
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Rank #3
- Madden NFL 22 is where gameday happens.
- All-new features in Franchise include staff management, an enhanced seasons engine, and weekly strategy.
- Share avatar progress and player class between Face of The Franchise and The Yard.
- For the first time ever in Ultimate Team, adjust Superstar X-Factors at halftime
Rating and online-purchase information
The ESRB rates Madden NFL 23 E for Everyone, with Mild Lyrics. Its descriptors include Users Interact and In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items). The ESRB rating information identifies the game as a football simulation with NFL rosters, playbooks, play creation, skill improvement, and franchise management. The online-interaction and random-item purchase descriptors may matter to families deciding whether the game is appropriate.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
