Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X | S: Madden NFL 21 gets a massive update

EA Sports has big plans for Madden NFL 21, the new offshoot of the long-running American football series: For the update for Xbox Series X | S and Playstation 5, the makers have now announced some adjustments - and they have it all. Madden NFL 21 could gain a lot of realism if the developers can deliver what they've promised. The next-gen update will be available from December 4th, owners of the original version will receive the upgrade free of charge.

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Who previously believed Madden NFL 21 (here's our Test) is an ultra-realistic sports game, which is absolutely correct from a "last-gen" point of view. Now EA Sports could take the game to the next level: When the next generation of Madden NFL 4 is heralded on December 21th, effects and animations will ensure that a realistic Madden NFL becomes an ultra-realistic Madden NFL - at least if the developers can implement what they have announced for the upgrade.

Madden NFL 21: Improved light and shadow effects

"Deferred Lighting" is one of the gadgets that Madden NFL 21 Next-Gen aims to bring to the field: the improved lighting system aims to make the environments look even more realistic and authentic, both in terms of the stadiums and the players themselves. The Rendering quality will be increased so much more detail should be visible on December 4th.

"Players have never looked better, even in more challenging scenarios like night, diffuse weather types, and dome stadiums," the developers promise in a blog post. Essential is "Pyro VFX" and thus a focus on dynamic shadows. In addition, more light sources should be able to be displayed, which should further increase the level of detail.

Even more realistic movements

The most visible improvement is likely to be noticed in the player animations. In doing so - and in terms of the appearance of the players themselves - EA relies on a higher level of detail. The athleticism of the NFL professionals is reproduced realistically, this applies to their physical appearance, but also to details such as facial structures or hair. The plus in computing power brings the virtual athletes closer to their real role models.

The secondary adjustments that affect the rendering skeleton of the players also sound impressive: body movements and muscle deformations should appear much more realistic.

In any case, Madden NFL 21 should feel more interactive and lively with the December upgrade. There is more hustle and bustle on the sidelines, teammates and supervisors act more authentically - and also look like it. For example, players on the sidelines could avoid an approaching ball. That belongs in the "detail" category, but sounds like a mighty upgrade to liven up the once-stiff bench.

And soon you can celebrate with the fans in the following stadiums:

• Paul Brown Stadium - Cincinnati Bengals
• Empower Field at Mile High - Denver Broncos
• FirstEnergy Stadium - Cleveland Browns
• Raymond James Stadium - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City Chiefs
• MetLife Stadium - New York Giants and New York Jets
• TIAA Bank Field - Jacksonville Jaguars (one endzone)
• Lambeau Field - Green Bay Packers
• Pro Bowl (one end zone)
• Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas Raiders (one endzone)
• Mercedes-Benz Superdome - New Orleans Saints
• NRG Stadium - Houston Texans
• Nissan Stadium - Tennessee Titans

The weather effects are also being revised, which should provide more flait, especially in all open-air stadiums: Rain-soaked coaches on the sidelines or snow-covered playing fields ensure more realism. The next game in Green Bay can come. How detailed the developers go to work is shown by an example: On the Xbox Series X | S and Playstation 5 can render around ten times more particles, so raindrops impacts on helmets and jerseys should also look more authentic.

In terms of sound technology, Madden NFL 21 is also broader with the December upgrade: audio effects should be more spatially perceptible. This increases the fan atmosphere in the stadiums, but also the sound on the pitch, for example when the quarterback commands a huddle. And because the crowd roars even nicer, louder and more purposeful, it's best to play on the side of the Seahawks.

Another upgrade concerns the PS5 faction, which can look forward to improved haptics for controller feedback. The upgrade to Madden NFL 21 will be released on December 4th.

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Last updated on 26.05.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX / Affiliate Links / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API. * = Affiliate links. Images from Amazon PA API