Superstar X-Factors

Make stars feel bigger than ever with abilities that change the game.

Madden NFL 20 introduced X-Factor players as a major gameplay addition, allowing star athletes to perform extraordinary feats that shift momentum during matches. According to Game Revolution, these additions made stars feel "bigger than ever," creating highlight-reel moments when activated. While the game received mixed reviews for its Franchise mode, critics like IGN praised these new superstar players and control refinements as making the moment-to-moment gameplay the best seen in the series on consoles.

Lore & Background

The introduction of X-Factor players was a defining element of Madden NFL 20's roster updates. Game Revolution noted that this addition helped "properly initiate the rebuilding phase" for the franchise, clearing out stale mechanics to focus on these dynamic stars. This mechanic was central to the game's identity, even as reviewers like Game Informer pointed out that new features could only do so much for a series needing work in multiple areas. Reviewers welcomed the new X-Factor players; Game Revolution said stars felt "bigger than ever".

Reader's Guide

To utilize X-Factor players effectively in Madden NFL 20, users must identify when their elite athletes are available to perform signature moves. Game Revolution highlighted that stars feel "bigger than ever" with this system, implying that timing is crucial for maximum impact. Game Informer gave the game 7.5/10, saying new features can only do so much for a series that needs work in several areas.

Did You Know?

Madden NFL 20 included a soundtrack with licensed songs, and earlier Madden games had original soundtracks, but this was not the first to feature 22 original tracks written specifically for the game.
Patrick Mahomes won Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season, but his Madden NFL 20 cover released before that season, so the cover season and Super Bowl win were not in the same NFL season.
The QB 1 career mode features ten licensed college teams including Clemson, LSU, and Texas Tech.
Superstar KO mode was introduced in Madden NFL 21, not at launch of Madden NFL 20, and head coaches like DJ Khaled and Lil Yachty were part of that mode in Madden NFL 21.