Madden NFL has become a staple in the world of gaming. The simulator is about as close as it gets to an NFL football game. But while game modes like MUT have expanded with fantasy football fun, there may have been a gap in terms of a more social and laidback vibe. That where The Yard come comes in, designed with playground football in mind, with added flare and fun.
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The Yard has locations all over the world to play in, as American football continues to expand its reach. Players can take on the CPU or jump online for 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 enjoyment all with rules and gameplay that Madden has never seen before. While not quite as arcadey as games like Blitz, as the standard physics of Madden are still in place, The Yard totally altered the dynamics of gameplay. So those who want to succeed will need to change the way they play in The Yard with all-new tips and tricks.
Players create their own Avatar and take on the competition wearing all-new original gear designed to stand out. Prototypes, like cover athlete Lamar Jackson, are used to progress through the game, as the player continues to use the Avatar whether playing QB, MLB, WR, or any position on the field. No matter the position, any player can take over the game with double passes, laterals, and even direct snaps to positions outside of the QB.
Game Rant was able to preview The Yard and the experience is truly unlike any Madden game before it. Creating an Avatar, leveling up with prototypes, and catching game-winning interceptions with a player that is decked out in stylish gear is an amazing feeling.
The Yard has the opportunity to stick around for the long haul, as even though it isn’t totally replacing Superstar KO, it is sort of a spiritual successor to it and has the legs to become one of the pillars of Madden, alongside Franchise mode and MUT. The Yard seems to have taken inspiration from the likes of Destiny and Fortnite, as it is a social experience designed to be played with friends, all while showing off awesome gear that has been unlocked and earned. Additionally, the game is set to have new content added over time, making it something that players will want to come back to over and over.
The Yard has the chance to help Madden NFL 21 be one of the best Madden games. While the core game gets small improvements each year, a genuinely new and fun mode like The Yard can be the change that fans are asking for.
Madden NFL 21 releases on August 28, 2020 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One with future releases planned for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
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