HIGH FieldSense passing is a precision QB’s dream.
LOW Learning the advanced controls is beyond difficult.
WTF The graphical glitches are simply unforgivable in 2022.
Author: Brad Bortone
PREVIEW: Madden NFL 23 Closed Beta
The friendly folks at EA Sports were kind enough to invite GameCritics to a closed beta of the hotly anticipated Madden NFL 23. Obviously, I jumped at the chance to spend a few hours with it, as this latest Madden is expected to represent actual forward progress into the current generation of consoles, and not just a cross-generation juke step.
NHL 22 Review
A Sign Of Silliness To Come?
HIGH Next-gen polish brings new life to a tried-and-true formula.
LOW X-Factors feel meaningless in the heat of gameplay.
WTF The single-Be a Pro mode has become a complete afterthought
NBA 2K22 Review
Welcome To The Next level
HIGH The on-court presentation is stunning
LOW MyCareer mode is boring. The City is an interminable grind.
WTF Slowdown, clipping and crashing? On the Series X?
Madden NFL ’22 Review
For Those Left Behind
HIGH It’s more than a roster update…
LOW …but not by much.
WTF Madden Ultimate Team is the ultimate wallet drain.
NHL 21 Review
The Chill Of Victory. The Agony Of Cold Feet.
HIGH The upgraded Be a Pro is a huge improvement.
LOW Player models are showing their age.
WTF The announcing in NHL Threes should be abandoned immediately.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Review
Everything Old Is Rad Again
HIGH The levels look modern without losing the classic vibe.
LOW Timed fetchquests are still annoying.
WTF Some of these guys haven’t aged well.
NBA 2K21 Review
In Search Of Next-Gen Writers
HIGH The on-court mechanics are more player-controlled than ever
LOW Microtransactions are necessary to succeed, even on Rookie.
WTF The finale of “Dawson’s Creek” had more emotional depth
Skater XL Review
Skateboarding Is Not A Crime (Or A Complete Game)
HIGH The dual-stick controls are tough, but rewarding.
LOW No actual modes.
WTF How did a curb cause catastrophic bone loss?
Madden NFL 21 Review
It’s Time To Talk Next Generation
HIGH The Skill Stick controls are much improved on defense.
LOW The graphics are really showing their age.
WTF Bad acting is forgivable. Unnecessary game modes are not.