Is Madden 23 better than Madden 21?

As an avid Madden gamer for over a decade who buys each annual release, I can definitively say Madden NFL 23 represents a massive leap forward from Madden NFL 21 across the board. With incredible graphical jumps empowered by new console hardware combined with the revolutionary new FieldSense gameplay engine and the most shockingly deep Franchise mode ever included, Madden 23 is an essential purchase for football gaming fans.

Breathtaking Next-Gen Graphics No Older Madden Can Match

Simply put – Madden 23 sets a new visual benchmark that makes games like Madden 21 look downright ugly in comparison according to media outlets like IGN. Thanks to the power of new consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Madden 23 displays utterly photorealistic character models, weather effects and stadium environments previously impossible. Just look at the differences yourself:

Lighting has been completely overhauled with accurate natural illumination and shadows. Player equipment and uniforms exhibit remarkable texture detail from stitches on helmets to the glint of facemasks under stadium lights. Madden 23 on next-gen consoles also adds minor environmental touches like falling snow or kicked up grass pieces constantly improving immersion.

FieldSense Gameplay Provides Major On-Field Improvements

Madden 23 introduces an all-new foundation for gridiron gameplay called FieldSense exclusively built for new consoles. FieldSense powers enhancements across the entire field for both offense and defense including blocking, tackling, receiver route-running and more. Gamers must experience FieldSense themselves to feel the chaos of bodies colliding during gang tackles or precisely timing complex receiver jukes.

Check out just some of the vital gameplay mechanics upgraded by FieldSense:

• 360 Cuts – Ball carriers can change direction reactively without slowing down first for ankle-breaking moves
• Hit Everything Engine – New multi-player interaction system to deliver more realistic hits and tackles from all angles
• Enhanced Pre-Play Reads – Smarter quarterback decision making reading defenses before the snap like real NFL field generals

Combined together, these features work to replicate actual NFL competition flow and strategy rather than feeling like animations playing on rails. Only Madden 23 leverages new hardware to achieve this interactive football leap.

Franchise Recieves Its Deepest Hours-Consuming Upgrades Ever

Madden 23 Franchise mode enhances FOMO appeal further than ever before thanks to expanded staff management, skill tree development and weekly strategic decisions that mimic real NFL coaching duties. I‘ve played every Madden for years but Madden 23 finally delivers a management experience comparable to prestigious simulations like Football Manager or Out of the Park Baseball.

Let‘s examine some specific areas Madden 23‘s Franchise innovates beyond Madden 21:

The sheer depth of the management elements alone can occupy players for months as no two franchise careers ever follow the same path. Your decisions matters more than ever from signing staff to developing player potential and gearing weekly schemes towards opponent weaknesses. Franchise mode alone makes Madden 23 the most replayable entry ever.

Refined Controls Provide More Responsive Maneuverability

Madden 23 also overhauls core gameplay mechanics that govern areas like passing, blocking and ball carrier moves. Quarterbacks now have more control over pass types – lofted bombs, bullet darts or tipped touch passes add style variation. Blocking assignments are more granular with slide protection identifying individual assignments like real NFL game tape study.

As a runner, new dedicated skill move buttons provide easier juke and spin triggering without memorizing convoluted combos. This allows concentrating on setting up blocks rather than thinking about what button presses might activate truck or stiff arms leading to more big play opportunities. In summary, all core player interactions feel tighter and more explosive.

Next-Gen Features Schooled in NFL Authenticity

While the graphical bump and FieldSense gameplay breathe new life into Madden 23 moment-to-moment, more subtle long term motivators round out the package into an addictive NFL simulation. As head coach, the all new "Weekly Strategy" system prepares gameplans tailored to opponent weaknesses like genius play callers. Players feel invested in their team‘s unique identity when customizing tactics based on roster strengths.

"Player Motivations" is another boon to career investment as teammates require individual relationships and react uniquely based on interactions for better or worse. If these advanced features existed back in Madden 21, the experience wouldn‘t nearly approach the same engaging stratosphere.

In closing, Madden NFL 23 represents the franchise‘s most well-rounded and realistic entry yet thanks to game-changing new features and massive graphical leaps only possible on new hardware like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. All areas both on the field and off see significant enhancements – making this the highest quality football gaming experience ever seen.

Considering the major investments in technology and design that separate franchises on a generational basis, this is absolutely the year to upgrade if you‘ve held back. For any NFL gaming fan, Madden NFL 23 is a must-buy.