Madden NFL 11

Features

Madden NFL 11 marketed itself as a simpler, quicker, and deeper experience than its predecessors. Its biggest new feature was GameFlow, a play-calling system that builds a game plan based on the current down and distance, which was said to cut total game time by up to half. Another fresh mode, Online Team Play, lets six players compete in 3-on-3 cooperative matches.

Players could also scout their opponents before online head-to-head matches to get an edge. Other updates included a revamped kick meter, a new audible system, and better locomotion animation. The game also brought lighting improvements, tweaks to run blocking, new quarterback ratings, and an Old Spice Swagger rating.

Gus Johnson took over play-by-play duties from Tom Hammond, while Cris Collinsworth stayed on as color commentator. The Wii version lost its superstar mode. A downloadable mode, Madden Ultimate Team, arrived on January 7, 2011, letting players build a squad by buying player packs with coins earned from playing or with real money through PlayStation Network or Xbox Live.

Reception

Madden NFL 11 received positive reception across platforms. GameRankings and Metacritic scores included 85.71% and 84 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 version; 85.40% and 83 out of 100 for the PlayStation 3 version; 79% and 78 out of 100 for the iPhone version; 77 out of 100 for the iPad version; and 76.50% and 75 out of 100 for the Wii version. GamePro gave the Xbox 360 version four-and-a-half stars out of five, noting that hardcore players may not appreciate all the changes but casual fans have a lot to like. The same site gave the iPhone version four stars out of five, praising the visuals and stating it did not feel like a compromised football experience.

The Escapist awarded the Xbox 360 version five stars, with a reviewer who entered as a skeptic and left a believer. The A.V. Club gave the same version a B+, calling it a refreshing change of pace and a fine entry point for newcomers while allowing veterans to peel away layers. The Daily Telegraph gave the Xbox 360 version eight out of ten, saying it provided a new appreciation for the sport. Ultimate Team received negative feedback regarding Player Contracts attached to each player card; cards have a ten-game contract that decreases each game (including disconnections), and contracts must be replenished with contract cards purchased with coins, making it difficult to maintain a good team without spending real money.

Did You Know?

• For the first time in the series, fans voted for the cover athlete; the choices were Alex Smith, Drew Brees, Jared Allen, and Reggie Wayne.
• Drew Brees won the fan vote and became the cover athlete.